Sharpening the Blade Against the Red Wall: From Hong Kong to Handong

In the spring of 2003, Kyoto sunlight streamed through the hospital room window, illuminating two tiny figures in the incubator. Zhou Jin stood beside them, gazing at the rosy-cheeked twins in their swaddling clothes, his fingertips trembling slightly—his son's features resembled his own, handsome and dashing; his daughter's dimples were identical to Chen Panpan's, charming and adorable. The nurse softly announced the good news: "Mr. Zhou, Ms. Chen, the boy weighs 6.2 pounds, the girl 5.8 pounds, mother and children are safe and sound."

Outside the ward, Zhou Jianguo and Su Tian, ​​leaning on their canes, insisted on coming in to see their great-grandchild, ignoring the medical staff's attempts to dissuade them. The two octogenarians, their hair already snow-white, were now as joyful as children, their cloudy eyes sparkling with an unprecedented light. Zhou Jianguo trembled as he reached out and gently stroked the baby's cheek, his eyes instantly reddening. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke solemnly, yet with barely concealed joy: "The boy will be named Zhou Shouzheng, meaning to uphold one's original aspirations and follow the right path; the girl will be named Zhou Nianqi, remembering the ancestral motto of 'upholding righteousness and achieving extraordinary results,' and also remembering the perseverance of those years in Hong Kong."

Su Tian nodded repeatedly, clapping his hands and laughing, "Good names! Good names! Shouzheng Nianqi, these two children will surely have a bright future!" When the nurse placed Zhou Shouzheng in Zhou Jianguo's arms, the old man carefully held him, his movements clumsy yet full of affection. Suddenly, tears streamed down his face, and he choked out, "Xiao Jin, in my whole life, I've worked hard for the country, watched you get married and start a career, and now we have Shouzheng and Nianqi, I... I can die in peace!"

These words struck Zhou Jin like a hammer blow. He remembered his grandfather's early years dedicated to politics, his continued concern for national financial security even after retiring, his grandfather's silent support during the Hong Kong financial crisis, and his earnest words of advice at their wedding. Tears welled up instantly. He grasped his grandfather's withered hand, his voice choked with emotion: "Grandpa, may you live to be a hundred, watch Shouzheng and Nianqi grow up, and see them establish their own families and careers!"

Chen Panpan's parents were also waiting outside the ward. Chen Dashan, looking at his daughter and granddaughter, had tears in his eyes. He was already a division commander in 1993, and within ten years, based on his military achievements and political accomplishments, he was promoted to deputy commander of the Dongyue Military Region, with the rank of lieutenant general. Zhou Jin's maternal uncle, Su Weidong, was promoted from division commander to deputy commander of the Jingzhou Military Region at the same time, also with the rank of lieutenant general. Both were backbone members of the military. Zhou Jin's father, Zhou Chengbang, was over fifty years old. Based on his solid work experience and professional abilities, he gradually rose from the local development and reform commission to the current vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (vice-ministerial level), mainly responsible for industrial planning and regional coordination. His work also overlapped with Zhou Jin's.

The promotions of the three elders are not only a recognition of their own abilities, but also in line with the reasonable path of promotion within the system. Now, seeing the birth of the fourth generation, I am filled with joy and emotion.

However, the natural cycle of birth, aging, illness, and death is ultimately inescapable. Perhaps it was because he had fulfilled his greatest wish in life, or perhaps it was due to his advanced age, but in the latter half of 2003, misfortune struck one after another.

In early autumn, Zhou Jianguo suffered a sudden heart attack and could not be saved despite all efforts to save him. On his deathbed, the old man held Zhou Jin's hand and repeatedly told her: "Uphold righteousness... Be resourceful... Serve the country..." He passed away before he could finish speaking.

Zhou Jianguo's funeral was solemn and grand. His portrait hung in the center of the mourning hall, flanked by wreaths from the State Council, the Central Advisory Commission, and other organizations. Several retired senior leaders came to pay their respects, and current State Council leaders also sent condolence messages. Zhou Jin, dressed in black mourning clothes, held the young Zhou Shouzhen in her arms, while Chen Panpan held Zhou Nianqi. They knelt before the coffin, tears streaming silently down their faces.

Just one month later, Su Tian passed away peacefully in the hospital due to late-stage lung cancer. At Su Tian's funeral, a military band played mournful music, and soldiers in uniform stood in salute to bid farewell to this veteran general who had dedicated his life to the military. Su Weidong and Chen Dashan, dressed in military uniforms, solemnly kept vigil for their former commander, acting as both juniors and subordinates.

As if things weren't going to go wrong, at the end of the year, Chen Panpan's grandfather also passed away peacefully due to old age and declining health. At the Chen family's funeral hall, relatives and friends came in an endless stream, remembering the old man's lifelong kindness and gentleness.

In just six months, three close relatives passed away one after another, plunging Zhou Jin and Chen Panpan into immense grief. Zhou Jin had to manage the affairs of three funerals, comfort his grieving family, and juggle his work in Hong Kong with his infant child. He quickly became much more haggard, the bloodshot eyes lingering in his gaze. Chen Panpan, suppressing her own grief, silently supported the family, cared for the child, and stayed by Zhou Jin's side, becoming his strongest support.

At Zhou Jianguo's funeral, a senior official from the State Council went to Zhou Jin's side, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a heavy heart and concern, "Comrade Zhou Jin, please accept my deepest condolences. Your grandfather was a national hero who dedicated his life to the country and its people, and deserves everyone's respect." Looking at his haggard appearance, the official added, "You must also take good care of your health. The country needs talented people like you who understand finance and have a sense of responsibility to safeguard Hong Kong's financial defenses and contribute to the financial stability of the entire nation. You bear a heavy burden; you cannot afford to fall."

Zhou Jin straightened her back and solemnly saluted the leader, her voice hoarse but firm: "Please rest assured, leader, I will definitely live up to the organization's trust and my grandfather's entrustment, and shoulder the responsibilities on my shoulders."

Zhou Chengbang stood behind his son, watching his resolute back, his eyes reddening. He stepped forward, patted Zhou Jin on the back, and without saying much, conveyed all his support and strength as a father with a hug.

On the last day of 2003, a light snow fell in Kyoto. Zhou Jin held Zhou Shouzheng, and Chen Panpan held Zhou Nianqi, standing by the window watching the snow fall. The children slept peacefully in their arms, their innocent faces serene. Zhou Jin gripped Chen Panpan's hand tightly, her voice low but firm: "Panpan, we must live well, raise Shouzheng and Nianqi, teach them integrity and innovation, teach them responsibility to their family and country, and live up to the expectations of our elders."

Chen Panpan nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks: "Yes, let's work together to help our children grow into upright and honorable people like their grandfathers."

The snow outside the window fell heavier and heavier, covering the city's hustle and bustle, and seemingly washing away the sorrow in his heart. 2003 was the most turbulent year of Zhou Jin's life, filled with the joy of a new life, the grief of losing a loved one, the increased weight of family responsibilities, and personal growth and reflection. He knew that in the future, he would carry the entrustment of his elders, protect his family, shoulder the heavy responsibilities of his work, and forge ahead with determination.