1978: A Literary Giant Who Began His Military Service

Chapter 66 Condolences
Upon hearing this, Zhou's mother instantly shed a tear, and Zhou Guoping was stunned for a moment, feeling as if he could hardly breathe.

After all... in wartime, the majority of those awarded the First-Class Merit Citation were wounded or killed soldiers, because the difficulty and contribution required to earn it are self-evident.

To survive is lucky, let alone to survive safely and without major damage? That truly makes one a god of war.

Upon learning of the first-class merit, Zhang Qiutian was immediately worried and tightly gripped Zhou Guoping's sleeve.

Zhou Guoping was stunned for a while. He only received a second-class merit when he fought against the US and aided China. He knew even more how difficult it was to receive a first-class merit. In addition to pride and excitement, he also had worries.

He gritted his teeth and asked, "...How is Zhou Xu doing now!?"

The minister immediately came over and shook hands tightly with the two families of the heroes! He said with a smile, "Comrade Zhou Xu is in good condition, you don't need to worry. The front-line hospital sent good news, saying that he is now out of danger."

Zhang Qiutian took a deep breath, and tears welled up in her eyes. Whether it was excitement, surprise, or other emotions, they all turned into hot tears that rolled down her cheeks.

The child she was most worried about thankfully survived: "That's good..."

Zhou Guoping nodded: "...Yes."

The county magistrate immediately shouted, "Comrade Zhou Xu killed twenty-five enemy soldiers on the front line, earning him a first-class merit and the title of 'First-Class Combat Hero'!!"

Everyone watched as two soldiers walked over carrying a plaque that read "Family of First-Class Heroes".

"Zhou Xu's parents, shall we take a photo together?"

“Okay!” Zhou Guoping wiped away his tears and stood next to the county magistrate with Zhang Qiutian, while the reporters took pictures.

The minister then handed over the red envelope in his hand: "This is Comrade Zhou Xu's bonus, a total of fifty yuan!"

Zhou Xu did not receive any pension, but the bonus was issued by the county government. The amount varied from place to place, ranging from tens of yuan to hundreds of yuan. Zhou Xu's government issued him fifty yuan, which was quite normal, considering that they lived in a mountainous area.

Zhou Guoping took the money and placed it in Zhang Qiutian's hand.

Now everyone in the brigade is focused on the money; the first-class merit award not only brings fame but also a substantial bonus.

"Thank you for raising such outstanding children. Congratulations to Comrade Zhou Xu on receiving a first-class merit! Bring over the rice and flour. Oh, and please hang up the 'Family of First-Class Merit' plaque while you're at it."

The county head and ministers were busy delivering warmth and care, and even hung up a plaque at their home that read "Family of a First-Class Hero".

"We won't bother you any longer today. We'll go over and deliver the plaque to the village secretary later."

A group of people looked at the "House of Glory" on the other side.

Previously, the county government had also bestowed the title of "Family of Honor" upon a martyr in the county, which was specifically given to the families of martyrs... Therefore, they all understood that if this plaque was not given to Zhou Xu's family, then it must have been given to the second family.

Although Zhou Youcai was mischievous, everyone is now observing a minute's silence for Zhou Youcai's family.

Upon arriving at Zhou Youcai's house, the atmosphere was much quieter and more somber compared to the previous lively scene, and the two leaders were even more somber, showing their deep respect for the martyr.

At Zhou Youcai's doorstep, Secretary Zhou, Youcai's mother, and his younger brother were all waiting...

At this moment, Youcai's mother was already crying her eyes out... She sat in her seat, trembling with each breath.

Zhang Qiutian understood the feelings of talented mothers today. When she saw the plaque for the first-class merit award, she knew what it meant. She felt excited and proud, but even more so, she felt regret... Her child died in battle, and it would be a lie to say she didn't regret it.

She walked over and gently supported the back of Youcai's mother.

The county magistrate continued, "Comrade Zhou Youcai achieved outstanding results on the front lines. He killed five enemy soldiers and, to cover his company, scouted ahead, even triggering a landmine before escaping! His sacrifice was glorious!! This is the military department's compensation!!!"

Compared to Zhou Xu's bonus, this bag of money was a thick wad of cash, and of course, even someone with ulterior motives wouldn't dare take it. The one-time compensation standard for martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the 79 Sino-Vietnamese War was 800 yuan for division-level officers, 650 yuan for regimental-level officers, 600 yuan for battalion-level officers, 550 yuan for company and platoon-level officers, and 450 yuan for soldiers.

In addition, the surviving family members of martyrs who have been awarded a first-class merit can receive an additional one-time pension of 25% from the veterans affairs department of the county-level people's government, on top of the one-time pension they are entitled to.

Therefore, the total one-time compensation is 562.5 yuan.

The standard for subsequent regular pensions is 6 yuan per person per month in rural areas.

In other words, Zhou Youcai received a total of 560 yuan in compensation after his sacrifice... In 1979, when meat cost 50 cents a pound, 560 yuan was enough for the martyr's family to live a relatively comfortable life for a while.

At least the phrase "not letting down the families of martyrs" has truly been put into practice, and the country's efforts cannot be erased with extreme examples. Even in the 21st century, the families of martyrs receive tens of thousands of yuan in compensation every year.

The talented mother took the money, but had no interest in opening the envelope; she burst into tears.

Secretary Zhou wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes. The Minister of Armed Forces came over and shook hands with him, holding his hands tightly, and said, "Comrade Zhou Youcai passed away with great honor! He was the pride of our county. The county head and I have discussed it, and the deeds of the two soldiers will be displayed in the county history museum so that everyone will remember them."

Secretary Zhou nodded silently: "Yes... thank you."

"Uncle!!" The county magistrate gently patted Secretary Zhou's back, a single tear rolling down his cheek...

The remaining soldiers were all deeply moved and cried buckets of tears.

"Take the two plaques inside the house for Uncle!" the county magistrate shouted.

The soldiers began to move swiftly and efficiently.

They carried the plaques inside; one plaque hung in the main hall, and the other on the left. The remaining soldiers carried rice, oil, and flour into the house.

The county magistrate pulled a piece of paper from his pocket: "My contact information is on this. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can contact me!"

Compared to when he visited Zhou Xu's family, the county magistrate was more sorrowful and showed more concern for the two elderly parents.

Secretary Zhou took it, nodded silently, his mind already preoccupied with the memory of Zhou Youcai's sacrifice.

Zhou Xiaodi, bewildered, couldn't help but shed a few tears.

The talented mother hugged her youngest son tightly, crying even harder. It was a stroke of luck amidst misfortune; at least one child remained in the family…

The county head held Secretary Zhou's hand tightly: "The comrades at the front called and said that Comrade Zhou Youcai's First-Class Merit Medal will be issued in Guangxi. If you are willing to go... the county will reimburse your travel and meal expenses."

The martyrs' cemetery is located on the border, so most of the time, family members are reimbursed for travel expenses to visit it, and it is rare for them to be brought back to their hometowns.

“If you don’t want to go, we’ll contact them to send you the First-Class Merit Medal,” the county magistrate said, observing their condition.

"I must go see him, how can I not go!?"

"Alright, I'll buy you tickets and fill out the forms in a few days!" the county magistrate said.

Zhou Guoping sighed softly and came over to pat Secretary Zhou on the shoulder.

evening!

A group of people had a meal at the brigade's threshing ground. The county magistrate and the minister specially brought out two bottles of Moutai and drank with Secretary Zhou until they were completely satisfied.

(End of this chapter)