The sixth record, as if it were the first encounter

This province enjoys a prosperous corner, although it is a bustling place with myriad sights and experiences, it does not attract the attention of military strategists. Fang Jiqiao adheres to the moderate path of self-preservation, having risen from the position of governor in the late Qing Dynasty to that of provincial governor in the Republic, he has lived comfortably in his post for many years, coordinating with the Xue family both inside and out. On the surface, he appears to be a fence-sitter, not involving himself in factional disputes, and the new cabinet's rise to power has not brought him any misfortune. However, in recent years, the Xue family has secretly reaped considerable benefits from the Japanese, clearly acting as pro-Japanese factions under the guise of neutrality. The sudden arrival of Huo Zhongheng at this time is, for both the Xue and Fang families, undoubtedly not a good thing.

"Are you referring to ... ... ?" The long-robed scholar's expression darkened as he lowered his voice, "The south?"

"Oh, the Governor Huo has been quite prominent lately," Xue Jinming chuckled. "All the newspapers in the city are talking about him. Director He was busy preparing a ceremony to welcome him into the city, hardly having a moment to spare. But yesterday, a message came through, saying to cancel the formalities, as Governor Huo did not wish to disturb the people... It is a pity that Director He's efforts have gone to waste." He regarded it as a joke, yet he noticed Governor Fang's expression darken—right under his nose, his subordinates were wholeheartedly trying to please others, truly showing no respect for the Governor's authority... It is a pity that Director He's efforts have gone to waste." He regarded it as a joke, yet he noticed Governor Fang's expression darken—right under his nose, his subordinates were wholeheartedly trying to please others, truly showing no respect for the Governor's authority.

The person who had remained silent coldly laughed, "What kind of situation can arise in the south? A scholar's rebellion, three years without success"

He seemed to say that he wanted the nurse to accompany him... Yun Yi hesitated before speaking and repeated it in English.

"Amei?" Yunyi was taken aback, "Isn't her name Azheng?"

Fang Jijiao let out a sound, "Which hospital has such long arms and legs?"

As she passed through the medical area and was about to circumvent the isolation ward, a woman's scream suddenly pierced the air, followed by the sound of shattering glass. From the makeshift isolation room came the startled exclamations of the nuns. Yun Yi was momentarily taken aback, hearing the chaotic footsteps behind her. Just as she was about to step aside, she heard the American doctor urgently calling to her in halting Chinese: "Come help!"

Fang Jijiao's expression was serious, "Yes, the advance garrison has already set out and will arrive tomorrow. Huo Zhongheng will follow shortly after."

Since the split of the northern and southern governments, the northern cabinet has gained the upper hand, leading to the emergence of two major factions within it. One faction is supported by the Japanese, while the other is under the protection of the British and Americans. Over the course of two years, they have fought fiercely against each other. In this year's presidential election, the pro-Japanese faction found itself at a disadvantage, prompting them to take advantage of Japanese support to launch an early military campaign, claiming to unify the nation by force. At this time, Huo Zhongheng, a general with a strong military presence and originally a trusted commander of the Japanese faction, received a secret order from the Prime Minister of the cabinet to advance northward. Upon reaching Zhili, Huo Zhongheng suddenly turned against his orders, executing a surprise attack from behind, coordinating both internal and external forces. The situation on the battlefield shifted dramatically, leading to the pro-Japanese faction's collapse, and the Prime Minister resigned in disgrace, allowing a new cabinet led by the British and American faction to take power. The defeated Japanese generals each retained their troops and declared their separation from the government. Huo Zhongheng was appointed by the new cabinet as the military governor of the three provinces, overseeing the military efforts to quell the rebellion. Over the course of more than half a year, he fought in four cities, and by September, his troops were poised at the neighboring province, engaging in fierce battles with the rebel forces for two months, ultimately achieving victory. The remaining two rebel factions fled to the southern government, and should Huo Zhongheng's forces move southward, it would inevitably provoke a war between the north and the south.

Amei stumbled over and was supported by two nuns, immediately fainting.

Yun Yi gazed into the distance with tears in her eyes, her throat slightly choked, and began to sing: "The rivers and mountains of past and present have no fixed record, amidst the sound of the horn, the herdsmen come and go frequently. Who can speak of the desolation that fills the eyes? The west wind ages the red maple trees." She had only sung half of the previous person's "Butterfly Lovers"; the melody was not yet finished, but tears had already fallen.

Before Yun Yi could respond, she heard a short-haired nurse nearby cry out, "Don't hurt Ah Mei!"

Pei Wupi smiled with his lips but not with his eyes, "Isn't there still the banquet? You must keep a close watch on Xue Shao's side."

pedantic

With a sound like a bell, the pearl earrings were casually tossed onto the dressing table by Yun Yi. She turned to the side and sneered, "What is this, Wang Yun presenting a sable to Diao Chan?"

Qianweizhai has always been frequented by esteemed guests, yet this kind of spectacle still leaves one astonished and alarmed

"Save Amei!" The short-haired nurse began to sob, looking at the person in the crowd, then glancing at the doctor

Church hospital? Are you sure?

A soldier with his head wrapped in bandages is leaning against the wall under the window, holding a petite nurse hostage, with a sharp piece of glass pressed against her neck. The window behind him has been shattered, leaving a floor covered in shards of glass. Some fragments have splattered on him and the nurse, blood seeping through the bandages on his head, his face marred by blood. The nurse is in a state of utter terror, continuously screaming and trembling, with her neck already marked by cuts from the glass.

Perhaps, it can only provide him with a slight consolation

The man turned his head, his face no longer youthful, with thick temples harboring barely noticeable silver strands. The youthful handsomeness, having weathered the trials of life, had forged a restrained brilliance, and his bronze skin added to the sense of time's passage. He smiled, and a faint scar on his thick brows became increasingly prominent, etching this face deeply into her mind

The soldier turned his head in a daze, gazing at the singing nun, and the glass fell from his hand to the ground

Amei could only cry out, on the verge of collapse, while the soldier's face was pale, his eyes bloodshot, and his mind was already in chaos. He frantically grabbed Amei, repeatedly shouting the same sentence at her—his words came out quickly and urgently. Yunyi knew that this sentence was extremely important, yet she could not understand its meaning at all

"Oh God, what on earth does he want to do!" an elderly nun kept making the sign of the cross on her chest

Xu Huifu picked up a chopstick of lily and celery shreds, lowered her head and chuckled softly. Although the three of them appeared relaxed on the surface, each of them was actually wary.

Yun Yi hesitated for a moment, pulled down her headscarf, allowing her long hair to cascade down, her face now fully exposed—unfortunately, the young man could no longer see it, as a layer of dead ash had settled over his deeply sunken eyes

That person spoke in a low voice, "I should be the one to thank you, Sister"

"Why did the atmosphere turn cold as soon as I arrived? Weren't you all having an interesting conversation just now?" Xue Jinming said with a relaxed smile as he leaned back in his chair

Several nuns approached, reciting the name of the Lord, silently drawing a cross upon their chests, seeking the Lord's forgiveness for sinners

Itinerary cancellation

Xue Jinming sat down beside Li Mengyuan, the hem of his sleeve faintly carrying the scent of wine, subtly mixed with the fragrance of powder. Li Mengyuan glanced at him without revealing any emotion, already aware in his heart that this dashing young master was not busy with official duties, but had clearly returned from mingling with women. In the past two days, he had secretly come for this official business, yet upon arrival, he had already heard the rumors about the fourth young master’s romantic escapades. The tabloids described them in vivid detail, recounting how he had become infatuated with an unparalleled beauty, how he had spent lavishly, and how he had competed for her favor.

Yun Yi approached the soldier, knelt down, took his hand, wiped the blood from his face, and finally saw his features—he was still so young, perhaps not older than Nian Qiao. At this moment, he quietly closed his eyes, resembling a refined young man from the countryside of Jiangnan. His closed eyes suddenly opened again, his pupils gradually becoming unfocused, yet he still tried hard to widen his eyes, wanting to see Yun Yi's face clearly

Yun Yi, in a state of urgency, rushed forward and grabbed the man's arm, saying, "Don't kill him!"

Commander, that is an infected area!" The adjutant hurriedly intervened.

The far left is the isolation area, where all the infected patients are located, while the general injured patients are in the right area, and the medical area is in the middle. The adjutant followed closely behind him, directing him to the right passage. He casually removed his cloak and draped it over his arm, yet he walked towards the left area

The person beside him silently sneered, yet did not speak. The square-faced man displayed an arrogant expression, exuding an extraordinary presence

The soldier, with his hand grasping the glass, has been cut to the point of bleeding profusely. Most terrifying, however, is his right leg, which has completely rotted away, exposing the white bone beneath. He is propped against the wall, roaring to keep others at bay

Pei nodded and said, "Without a doubt, Huo Zhongheng will first go there to visit the injured patients, and then he will enter the city"

In a moment of urgency, the American doctor shouted a series of English phrases at the man, who responded with a frantic roar in a barely comprehensible dialect, leaving everyone puzzled about what he was saying. Yun Yi was initially taken aback, feeling that the dialect sounded very familiar; upon listening closely, she surprisingly understood about seventy to eighty percent of it.

A dying soldier's final wish is simply to hear the woman he loves sing the folk song of his hometown one last time ... Yun Yi felt a pang in her heart, her throat tightened, and she finally understood his words, yet she was powerless to fulfill his wish

Yun Yi fell silent for a moment and said indifferently, "Is this the only opportunity?"

Xue Jinming smiled, "Naturally, it is the church hospital of the Americans"

The three exchanged smiles, but suddenly they heard hurried footsteps approaching from the corridor. Just as the guard announced, "Young Master Xue has arrived," the door was abruptly pushed open. Xue Jinming seemed to be in a rush, his face showing signs of fatigue, lacking the vibrant spirit he usually possessed.

That person remained indifferent, and his voice, cold and hard, revealed a deep pain, "He is a soldier; even in death, he must die with dignity"

She is the nightingale of the emperor, singing under the brilliance of gold and jade, using her voice and beauty to seek favor from the powerful; they pursue her, regarding her song as heavenly music, her smile as a treasure, yet she has never found joy in this... Until today, singing for a dying soldier, she finally realizes that her voice can indeed bring comfort and pleasure to others

Li Mengyuan smiled and said, "There is nothing interesting, but I would like to talk about Huo Zhongheng."

Li Mengyuan sneered, "He has always been adept at winning the hearts of the military"

An ordinary military jeep drove in alongside a large vehicle and quietly stopped at the entrance. The medical staff were busy attending to the wounded and had no time to pay attention to this. The gatekeeper, accustomed to military vehicles, immediately allowed the jeep to pass and turned to help carry the stretcher. The jeep slowly entered, and the originally spacious warehouse courtyard became crowded and cramped. One side had a temporary tent set up, while the other was used to hang out hospital bed sheets, with the prominent red cross symbol on the bright white fabric resembling blood drawn on it.

Another vehicle full of injured patients arrived at the temporary medical station. Medical staff hurriedly ran out from the hospital to arrange stretchers for the critically injured and immediately isolate patients suffering from typhoid, cholera, and other infectious diseases. The continuous influx of injured patients over the past two days had overwhelmed the medical personnel, leading to a severe shortage of staff. A slender, blonde American doctor was directing the staff while urging his assistant to gather medicines from the city.

There should be none. Another older nurse hesitated and replied, He fractured his right leg and was supposed to undergo amputation today, but Dr. Luo came to see him in the morning and found that it was already too late...

Yun Yi felt anxious in her heart, holding the medicine box and walking quickly with her head down. When she encountered other nuns, she smiled and greeted them, pretending to be in a hurry and not noticing them. Everyone was busy, and no one noticed the presence of an unfamiliar nun.

I apologize, I apologize, I was caught up in official duties and arrived late. I hope Uncle Fang and Uncle Xu can forgive me. He bowed slightly to the two seated gentlemen and smiled at the man with the square face, saying, "Brother-in-law, you came early and didn't call me."

Another person furrowed his brow in contemplation, "The strategy behind this arrow is likely aimed at the three eagles"

I am Huo Zhongheng

Yun Yi could no longer sing, yet the dying soldier struggled to twitch his lips, finally releasing A Mei and weakly raising his hand towards Yun Yi

Fang Jijiao once had a friendship with Old Master Xue, and the two families could be considered as family friends, but the Fang family's status is clearly inferior to that of the Xue family. Now, although Xue Jinming is his subordinate, once he completes his training and is transferred back to Beiping, he is bound to rise rapidly; Li Mengyuan is even more of a wealthy benefactor that cannot be offended. Therefore, these two must be handled with care, especially since Fang Jijiao is also contemplating another layer of intention.

Two nuns hurriedly caught up from behind, one turned back and called to her, "Hurry up, something has happened over there"

Xue Jinming spoke lightly, merely brushing over the matter with a few words, and then cheerfully began to discuss the dishes of Qianwei Restaurant. However, Xu Huifu, who was seated at the end of the table, secretly wiped away a cold sweat, alarmed by the bloodless methods of Young Master Xue. Director He had once offended Xue Jinming over a trivial matter, and thereafter, he, feeling senior in age, looked down upon bowing to the younger generation. Xue Jinming had a proud temperament, yet his actions were insidious; he often smiled while killing, without shedding blood, and his colleagues all kept a respectful distance from him.

At the main seat of the table, a man dressed in an ochre long robe, resembling a Confucian merchant, lifted his tea cup and mockingly remarked: "Nowadays, General Huo has achieved two goals with one arrow, having both annexed territory and pledged loyalty to the new cabinet; this is truly a man of insight and capability."

Just at that moment, the soldier anxiously repeated his words once more, and this time they were finally heard clearly

The three individuals at the table are all dressed like ordinary wealthy merchants, their demeanor and conduct unassuming. However, outside the private room, more than ten burly men in plain clothes are stationed, blocking half of the corridor and preventing any unauthorized personnel from approaching. The servers bringing in the dishes are closely monitored, not daring to breathe loudly. Observant eyes notice that each of these strong men has a noticeable bulge at their waist, clearly concealing firearms.

Her mother is from the Wu region, and her accent is vaguely similar to that of this person, yet not entirely the same

Yun Yi suddenly raised her head, and everything before her became a blur; it was only then that she realized her face was streaming with tears

The number of injured soldiers is too high, exceeding initial estimates, and the manpower and medical supplies at the church hospital are very tight. The caregivers are primarily volunteer nuns, and the original nurses are already insufficient. In the back seat of the car, the adjutant quietly reported the details of the hospital. The man in the back seat leaned against the chair back, slightly closed his eyes, revealing only the proud outline of his profile. The adjutant lowered his voice and said, "The other three hospitals in the city refuse to send personnel, fearing that someone is pulling strings behind the scenes." The man remained silent with his eyes closed, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Huo Zhongheng's counterattack is truly vicious

At this vegetarian banquet, Xu Huifu found the food tasteless. The three others continued to chat and laugh, shifting the conversation from vegetarian dishes to financial markets, then from financial markets to renowned Kunqu performers, and ultimately returning to the topic of Huo Zhongheng.

Duan Gong had the full support of the Japanese, and the original plan was meticulously arranged. Had it not been for the betrayal from behind by this person, how could he have suffered such a disastrous defeat and ended up in a state of disgraceful retirement

The person hesitated slightly, yet still did not lower the gun

In the Tianzihao private room of Qianweizhai, separated by a brocade screen, the lights shine brightly. On the round table, there are a few simple and light vegetarian dishes, which, although particularly exquisite, are not extraordinary. Only connoisseurs know that Qianweizhai is renowned for its vegetarian cuisine, and the head chef is a former imperial chef. The most unassuming dish, "White Fur Floating on Green Water," is merely tofu carved into thin slices and served in a clear broth, yet it requires a meticulous twelve-step process.

Xue Jinming lowered his head and took a sip of soup, and said lightly: "I have heard that the advance team is only escorting injured and sick soldiers, and has already made preparations with the hospital in advance, requisitioning warehouses on the outskirts of the city to serve as temporary care areas, receiving many injured and sick personnel"

Yun Yi was momentarily stunned, suddenly recalling her current identity. She hurriedly turned her head to wipe away her tears, avoiding his gaze

The black, polished leather shoes stepped out of the car, and a corner of the dark long overcoat was lifted by the wind, revealing the deep gray patterned suit underneath. The young and handsome adjutant was already considered tall and outstanding, yet standing next to this man, he was immediately overshadowed.

He said, "A-Zhen, sing that song for me again!" Yun Yi was taken aback, her thoughts racing, and she suddenly understood.

The American doctor suddenly turned around, his eyes wide open, "Is he going to die with her?"

"What is there to be afraid of?" His voice was calm, naturally exuding authority. "Brothers who have been through life and death together, never shunned even in a pile of corpses, what is there to fear about illness?" The adjutant felt somewhat awkward but still whispered a complaint, "You originally said to cancel the schedule, yet you suddenly found time to come over. Had I known earlier, I would have informed the hospital to disinfect in advance."

Once there were countless grievances, iron horses and golden spears, the path to the green tomb at dusk. How deep is the love that goes on, the evening glow in the deep mountains and the autumn rain. The caregiver stepped forward to carry away the soldier's body, and although he could no longer hear, she still wanted to finish singing this song for him

"Just take a look." He did not turn his head, walking at a brisk pace. Although he was only dressed in ordinary civilian clothes, his every gesture still exuded a military demeanor. The adjutant hesitated to advise, "The infectious disease area has already been quarantined, it is not advisable..."

"Do not shoot!" Yun Yi exclaimed in shock.

The slender woman dressed as a nurse handed her a box of medicine and, taking advantage of the absence of others, lowered her voice to say: "I just received news that the itinerary has been canceled at the last minute, and the person will not be coming. The car is waiting at the back gate, and you can see it by going around the quarantine area."

I once thought that religion only provides a numbing comfort, yet your good deeds embody true compassion. His voice was like a magnet, revealing sincerity within its authority, as he slowly said to her, "I am grateful to you for my soldiers"

The person finally spoke, their voice low and tinged with weariness, "There is no need to disturb."

Yun Yi paused her hand, only taking off half of an earring, and looked back in the mirror at the tall, thin man in a gray shirt behind her

He regarded Amei as another woman, only wishing to hear her sing once more before he died, not intending to kill her. Yunyi spoke urgently, her heart trembling. The soldier, already on the brink of death, was struggling with his last breath. At this moment, his face was pale and ashen, his body convulsing, gradually collapsing against the wall, yet he clung tightly to Amei. Although the glass was pressed against her neck, his face was filled with a look of deep sorrow. The soldier, already on the brink of death, was struggling with his last breath. At this moment, his face was pale and ashen, his body convulsing, gradually collapsing against the wall, yet he clung tightly to Amei. Although the glass was pressed against her neck, his face was filled with a look of deep sorrow.

Suddenly, with a soft sound, the people on both sides exclaimed in surprise and quickly moved aside. Yun Yi looked up and saw a tall figure passing over the crowd, holding a gleaming German-made pistol that was already loaded.

Before the nurse could respond, the doctor interjected, "Does this patient have any mental health issues?"

The nearby nuns exclaimed in unison, invoking God, and repeatedly made the sign of the cross on their chests

Indeed, I am old and foolish, old and foolish! Fang Jiao repeatedly smiled apologetically. As a provincial governor, he is considered a high-ranking official, yet he appears extremely humble in front of Xue and Li. The Xue family is prominent; the old man was a senior cabinet member during two dynasties. His eldest son passed away early, the second son holds a senior advisory position in the presidential office, the third son is a major general in the army, the eldest daughter is married to Li Mengyuan, the deputy minister of finance, and the youngest son, Xue Jinming, at a young age, graduated from the Japanese Army Officer School and returned to take up a key position as the head of the provincial garrison.

Huo Zhongheng is a notable figure—born into a prestigious family and a descendant of a famous general. He had already risen to a high-ranking military official during the reign of the Qing Emperor. Subsequently, he experienced the Republican era, restoration, and civil war, witnessing the changes of dynasties and the shifting of flags. Many prominent figures have hastily appeared and disappeared, but few have managed to remain steadfast. Huo Zhongheng, however, has forged ahead through numerous challenges, serving as the Inspector of the Western Route, then as the Governor of a province, promoted to the rank of General of the Army, and later appointed as the General of the Garrison, overseeing the military affairs of three provinces.

He stood up, slightly bowed to her, and turned to leave with large strides

Fang Ji hurriedly smiled and said: "It's my fault for not considering thoroughly. This afternoon, I met with Deputy Director Li and representatives from the Japanese trading company, and then came directly here. I thought you must be busy with affairs on your side, so I didn't call you." Li Mengyuan, with a square face, smiled and said: "You are being overly formal, Uncle. There is no need to mention these titles in private. You are an elder to Mengyuan, and the titles of provincial governor and deputy director actually confuse the hierarchy."

A snow-white linen handkerchief was presented before my eyes

The adjutant glanced at his watch and said, "There are still two hours left. Should we notify the hospital?"

The melody is mournful, the singing voice is sorrowful; to the ears of the crowd, it seems as if snowmelt has soaked through the heart's door, leaving all in a state of desolate silence

Yun Yi stood behind the door, her view obstructed by others. She noticed that the crowd involuntarily parted, but she could not see who had asked the question, assuming it must be another doctor. The nurse displayed a hint of compassion, stating, "The infection has led to sepsis, and severe toxic blood phenomena have already appeared. It is too late for amputation; even if surgery is performed, the patient will not survive."

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Yun Yi had no choice but to follow, running into the ward with them. From a distance, she saw a group of people gathered at the entrance, and the sound of a woman's screams echoed from within. An American doctor struggled to push through the crowd, and upon seeing the scene, he was immediately taken aback, exclaiming, "NO!"

Yun Yi was startled and instinctively adjusted her headscarf, which was a straightened white linen cloth that covered most of her face, leaving only her pair of eyes visible. The black nun's robe accentuated her slender figure, while the ebony prayer beads and silver chain cross hung at her chest, giving her the appearance of a nun

Yun Yi finally came to her senses from the shock and blurted out in astonishment, "Who are you?"

Yun Yi focused her mind and listened intently, intermittently hearing him say, "A Zhen, stay with me... for me... one last time..."

"What does it mean to be too late?" A deep male voice came from outside the crowd

"Yes, Commander." The adjutant got out of the car and respectfully opened the rear door.

Everyone fell silent, and that person finally lowered their hands and slowly put down the gun

Yun Yi held his blood-stained hand, her mind in a daze, unable to let go for a long time

Seeing her in a daze without any reaction, the man took hold of her hand and personally wiped away the bloodstains with a handkerchief. Yun Yi hurriedly withdrew her hand, her eyes filled with tears, not even glancing at the man, and simply lowered her head to express her gratitude.

The new cabinet predominantly consists of resolute hawks, repeatedly urging the front lines to advance southward. However, He Zhongheng chose this moment to remain inactive, claiming that the troops were fatigued, supplies were insufficient, and there was an urgent need for rest and reorganization. He openly redeployed the troops, encompassing the neighboring three provinces along with the territories controlled by his former subordinates, thereby consolidating them all within his sphere of influence

"Is it said that we will enter the city in three days?" Li Mengyuan asked with a furrowed brow

Yun Yi was stunned, and upon hearing this, everyone felt a deep sorrow, falling silent for a moment, only to hear the kidnapped nurse still crying out for help

At a standstill, everyone was at a loss, and Yun Yi broke out in a cold sweat