1978: A Literary Giant Who Began His Military Service

Chapter 65 Guangzong Yaozu

Shortly after the notification of the martyrdom and the awarding of various medals, the armed forces department received a call from the front lines.

"Hello?"

"Zhou Xu from the xxth Division is from your county. He was awarded a first-class merit. The unit has finished its commendation meeting. Your county should discuss how to commend his family."

"As for Zhou Youcai of the xxth Division, he also comes from your county. The martyr's notice and first-class merit have been issued. Your county should also discuss how to comfort his family."

After Zhou Youcai sacrificed his life, he applied to higher authorities for a posthumous first-class merit award, which was awarded a month later.

Zhou Xu's commendation was approved in a timely manner, so the General Political Department sent two commendation notices to his hometown and the command post. After the commendation meeting, his first-class merit commendation notice naturally also reached the county's armed forces department.

Wang Hairui, the head of the armed forces department, looked at the two commendation reports delivered from the front lines.

Looking at their addresses, they were all from Yujiang Commune, and even from the same Changshun Brigade. He couldn't help but facepalm.

Two first-class merits are indeed a great thing for the county's armed forces department, and they will also be more appealing for recruitment propaganda. However, one of them sacrificed his life and the other is alive. We must not only comfort the family of the sacrificed man, but also celebrate the family of the recipient.

"No matter what, every first-class merit award should be awarded in a grand and glorious manner!!!" Wang Hairui took a puff of his cigarette, looking at the two first-class merit awards, feeling proud.

The armed forces department went out to make purchases.

Two hundred catties of flour, two hundred catties of rice, forty catties of cooking oil, and seven hundred yuan. This is the pension for Zhou Youcai, and also a bonus for Zhou Xu's family.

"Xiao Zhang, remember to prepare two plaques: one for 'Family of Heroes' and one for 'Family of Glory.' They must be made of the best material. Also, inform the county magistrate... no, I'll inform the county magistrate myself. Go and prepare what I'm telling you."

Wang Hairui prepared extremely quickly. He was already surprised by the third-class merit last time, but he didn't expect to get another first-class merit this time. This Zhou Xu is truly a king of soldiers.

Of course, Comrade Zhou Youcai was also very moved and impressed! Not all martyrs who sacrificed their lives received the First-Class Merit Award; only those who made contributions during their sacrifice received it.

"County Magistrate? The good news from the front has arrived. Two comrades from our county have been awarded the First Class Merit."

The county magistrate was slightly taken aback when he heard this. Awarding a first-class merit does not necessarily mean that the county magistrate will personally go to offer his congratulations. Of course, if there are two first-class merits...

The county magistrate felt that it was perfectly fine for him to go and offer his condolences: "Make preparations this afternoon, and I'll go down with you."

Wang Hairui nodded: "That's what I meant when I informed you."

in the afternoon.

The comrades from the Armed Forces Department prepared the plaques: one read "Family of Glory," and the other two read "Family of First-Class Meritorious Service Recipients."

At the entrance, Wang Hairui and the county head inspected the newly erected plaques. They were painted with a red base and the characters were written in gold, giving them a grand and imposing appearance!

"Great! This plaque is so good! Who wouldn't give it a thumbs up if they saw it in the family's home?" Looking at the plaque, Wang Hairui also gave a thumbs up.

The county magistrate asked, "Is the team I just arranged ready?"

"Alright, alright! Everything's bought."

"Let's go then!!!"

……

Once everyone was ready, three senior county leaders were dispatched: the county head, the deputy county head, and the head of the armed forces department. They were all seated in the military jeep at the front.

A large red flower hung on the front of the vehicle, and a banner was tied to the side: "Congratulations to Comrade Zhou Youcai and Comrade Zhou Xu of Yujiang Commune for being awarded the First-Class Merit!!!"

The car started from the armed forces department and headed straight for the bustling city street.

Wang Hairui used a loudspeaker to announce: "In the counterattack against Vietnam, our county's soldiers achieved outstanding results, among which Comrades Zhou Youcai and Zhou Xu were awarded first-class merits! We are celebrating and publicizing this achievement throughout the county!!" This scene drew everyone's attention to the car. With such publicity, who wouldn't know about the meritorious Zhou Xu and Zhou Youcai?

For a soldier, receiving a first-class merit is the most honorable thing to boast about in their hometown!
"Two First-Class Merits! These two comrades are truly the pride of Lichuan County!!"

"Comrades Zhou Xu and Zhou Youcai are truly remarkable! They displayed their prowess in battle!!!"

Congratulations! Great news!

"..."

The car drove around the bustling city streets, and on this day, everyone in the county remembered the names of the two heroes.

Those who didn't join the army envied this moment of honor, while those who did join were even more envious. As for the family members of those in the military, they felt a little jealous of such a glorious scene.

Half an hour.

The car had just left the county town and was heading towards Yujiang Commune.

They arrived at the entrance of the threshing ground of Zhou Xu's brigade.

The jeep stopped.

At the county magistrate's command, the soldiers took out firecrackers—the kind that are round and long, and can roll a meter or two at a time.

He suddenly fell from the threshing ground to the roadside.

After it was lit, it crackled and popped. Not only that, Wang Hairui immediately ordered the soldiers from the armed forces department to come out together.

All eyes were on this side as Wang Hairui from the Armed Forces Department and the county magistrate stepped out of the car together. A group of people put down their farm work and came over to watch this scene.

The convoy of jeeps remained parked outside and did not follow them inside.

The county head and Wang Hairui walked ahead, with Wang Hairui saying as they went, "Comrades Zhou Youcai and Zhou Xu from your brigade have been awarded first-class merits. The county head and I have come here specifically to express our condolences to the families of both families!"

They had several soldiers carry plaques recognizing first-class merits and banners following behind them.

The soldiers were at the very back; they didn't stop and followed Wang Hairui toward the two families' homes.

Ding-dong!

The excitement and high spirits caught everyone in the brigade off guard. Soon, someone shouted, "Captain! Zhou Xu has been awarded a first-class merit!"

Then someone else shouted, "Secretary, even someone as talented as him deserves a first-class merit!!!"

"This is incredible! Our brigade has produced two outstanding soldiers this year, both with first-class merit awards!!!"

"Zhou Youcai and Zhou Xu are both promising young men! They have brought honor to our brigade!"

A group of villagers surrounded the procession offering blessings and hurried toward the two families. The lively atmosphere also influenced the entire village!

Forget about farm work, I don't even have the energy to eat!

Again!
Envy had become tangible; they stared intently at the banner behind them that read "Awarded First-Class Merit," envying the children's moment of triumph!
After a while, the celebrating procession finally arrived at Zhou Xu's doorstep.

The county magistrate stepped forward and straightened his Zhongshan suit.

Minister Wang Hairui straightened his clothes, saluted, and said, "Comrade Zhou Guoping, father of Zhou Xu, we meet again. Congratulations! Your son Zhou Xu has been awarded a first-class merit!"

(End of this chapter)