Chapter 44: Chapter 044 Brothers with Wine Walk through Life Together
If Tang Zelin didnât understand Grandpa Pengâs temperament, he might have taken his words as idle chatter over tea and leftovers. But he knew all too well that the stubborn old man despised all things frivolous and superficial. Since the issue gave Grandpa Peng such trouble, even if it sounded a bit superstitious, Tang Zelin didnât think it was nonsense.
Where he served, next to vast forests rarefied with human presence, those ancient woods held many unsolved mysteries. Not every legend had an answer, otherwise, they wouldnât be called secrets.
Grandpa Peng said Xiaojun had come back to see him and had even issued a warning of imminent danger. It was difficult to say whether it was right or wrong. What he was more curious about was what catalyst could have caused all the village elders to dream of their deceased loved ones simultaneously?
Just this event alone was bizarre enough. Peng Mountain Village, remote and lost amongst the surrounding mountains, was quaint and serene, truly a wondrous place.
Grandpa Peng didnât necessarily want Tang Zelin to offer any opinions. He just felt that talking to this younger man was like talking to his own grandson. In letters Xiaojun sent back in those days, he respected and admired him as his captain. Now Tang Zelin was a group captain, but in Grandpa Pengâs eyes, he was still his grandsonâs old captain.
After chatting with Grandpa Peng for a bit, a villager came over to ask Grandpa Peng for help. Grandpa Peng instructed, âChunlai, take good care of things. Iâll be right back.â
âDonât you worry, Grandpa. Iâll be right here,â Peng Chunlai said with a smile.
Yuan Xiao and Peng Chunlai were having a spirited conversation, so there naturally wasnât any issue. In the middle of it, Tang Zelin interjected, âIâll go check on Xiaojun.â
So, seizing the moment while Grandpa Peng was away, he carried a bottle of liquor and walked towards the back mountain.
Xiaojunâs grave was not far from the foot of the mountain, yet it was buried in the best feng shui spot in Peng Village. The people of Peng Village believed that those who sacrificed themselves for the country and the public were great. The naive young Peng Xiaojun deserved to rest in the finest spot in Peng Village.
Using his teeth, Tang Zelin pried off the bottle cap, poured two full glasses of liquor, placed one in front of Xiaojunâs gravestone, and threw back the other.
âMy good brother, brother is late this time. Donât blame me.â
Midway up the mountain, a gentle breeze carried a lingering chill.
He sat cross-legged in front of his comrade, drinking and talking to himself, sharing some heartfelt thoughts. Looking down from midway up the mountain, the entire Peng Village unfolded before his eyes. In the evening, smoke curled from each household, the sunset glowed like fire, the tired sun had already settled down, and the moon eagerly awaited the new day.
Gazing at the peaceful and beautiful little village before him, he took a sip of liquor and suddenly gave a faint smile.
âYou little rascal, not bothering us with dreams to chat with your grandpa, but instead, scaring him. Peng Village is so much better than the polluted cities. If such a good place faces difficulties, how can other places survive? Brother came to see you today, Iâll be staying at your house tonight, sleeping in your bed, eating your food. If you miss your brother, come see me tonight just like you visit Grandpa. Hear me? Otherwise, itâll be a waste of the booze I brought for you.â
He didnât care if anyone behind him heard his words. There was scenery, there was liquor, there were friends.
Isnât this just what Tang Zelin loved the most?
Through wind, through rain, through barrages of bullets, whatâs it all for?
Heh, for nothing at all!
As long as he could see a peaceful and serene scenery like the one before him every time he returned on leave, he felt that no hardship or weariness mattered!
Even if standing guard with a rifle for a lifetime was his fate, he felt it was damn well worth it!