HBWnovel Chapter 5 Young China
Chapter 5 Young China
"This is my youngest son, Zhaozhong. He has never left his mother's side. This time, I plan to send him out so that he can exercise!"
"Father, really? It's so kind of you to let me go out to study! Let me just say, what can I do if I stay at home all the time! You always favor Zhan Zhao, what..."
Ding Wenju glared at Ding Zhaozhong, making him swallow the grievances he hadn't had time to finish, and dared not answer any more.
"He is the youngest and not very sensible, so you can laugh at him. Yutang and Zhaozhong are the same age, both 16 years old." Ding Wenju smiled when he said this,
"Yingci, I have two daughters, one is Yuehua, who is the same age as Yutang, and the other is Yueying, who is only 13 years old. Yuehua happened to be learning female red from the embroidery master today, and she hasn't come back yet. Yueying is too young, so I won’t let you get to know each other, but if there is a chance, young people can chat together!”
He took a sip of the tea prepared by his servants, pointed to the three young men and said to his sons,
"These three children are the children of several friends and colleagues of mine in Beijing. They can be regarded as my nephews. They may get along together in the future. I hope you can help and support each other. This is Ji Yingci, and his grandfather is late A famous official in the Qing Dynasty, once served as the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi. In his father's generation, they all studied abroad. His grandmother loved him the most, so he was raised in China. These two are cousins, elder brother Ouyang Chun, The younger brother, Yan Chasan, is the son of the vice-minister of the Ministry of Education of the Beijing government."
Several young people waited for him to finish the introduction, and then nodded to each other as greetings.Among these people, Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang are particularly conspicuous in appearance and temperament, while the stable and mature Ding Zhaolan brothers are very dominant. It's completely different, like Lian Jiazi who has practiced kung fu, with a dark face, he looks like a bold and righteous person.
After Ding Wenju greeted everyone, he clapped his hands. Uncle Hong, who had been standing outside the door for a while, came in with Da Bao and Er Bao carrying four chessboards, placed them on four small tables, arranged the chess pieces, and respectfully He exited the door respectfully and was still waiting outside.Ding Zhaohui and the others didn't understand why the chessboard was suddenly set up. Ding Wenju said with a smile,
"Let's play a game first. You don't have to worry too much. I will time the time and record the time for the side that wins first."
Seeing a few young people still looking at him in confusion, he smiled again,
"Don't be nervous, as long as you go all out, I have my own intentions."
Therefore, Ding Zhaolan and Ji Yingci were in a team, Ding Zhaohui and Bai Yutang were in a team, Zhan Zhao and Yan Chasan were in a team, Ouyang Chun and Ding Zhaozhong were in a team, and Ding Wenju timed them simultaneously, and the game began.The fastest team was Zhan Zhao and Yan Chasan, Zhan Zhao won first, he nodded politely, Yan Chasan humbly asked for some moves, then Bai Yutang narrowly beat Ding Zhaohui, Ouyang Chun was not good at chess, but still Ding Zhaozhong, who was even worse, was quickly defeated, and he felt a little proud of himself. Ding Zhaolan and Ji Yingci's team stalemate for a while, but it also ended with Ji Yingci's victory.
Soon, everyone changed seats, and Zhan Zhao changed to a team with Ding Zhaozhong, Yan Chasan faced Bai Yutang, Ding Zhaohui faced Ji Yingci, Ding Zhaolan faced Ouyang Chun, time was counted again. The boss Ding Zhaozhong was not happy, and then Bai Yutang solved Yan Chasan, and Ji Yingci and Ding Zhaolan won the opponent at the same time. meaning, but became interested in fighting chess.Afterwards, they changed their opponents a few more times, and Zhan Zhao really had the upper hand. After several times, he won first and kept the fastest record all the time.Bai Yutang followed closely behind, and he was sure to win and not lose, but the timing was a little slower.
Ding Wenju finally asked his servants to remove the chessboard and asked,
"Zhaolan, Zhaohui, what do you think of Xiao Zhao playing chess?"
The two brothers nodded, expressing their admiration. Ding Wenju looked at Ji Yingci and the other three, and asked,
"What do you think?"
Ji Yingci also nodded, and after playing a game with Zhan Zhao, he felt that Zhan Zhao's reaction and adaptability were very strong, which can be seen on the chessboard. He is a very thoughtful person. , I saw the third move early.Yan Chasan also nodded and said,
"When it comes to chess skills, Zhan Zhao has a superior plan, but if you have more time to think regardless of timing, it's not impossible to beat him."
"Okay, Zhan Zhao's fastest record just now is 10 minutes, beating Zhaozhong, Yutang's record is 15 minutes beating Zhaozhong, Xiaoyan's record is 20 minutes beating Zhaozhong,"
"Father, I'm not good at chess. If I change to other sports, my son may have a chance to beat them."
"No rules, I haven't finished speaking yet, where is your turn to speak?!"
Ding Zhaozhong was so frightened that he lowered his head, not daring to interrupt Ding Wenju again.Ding Wenju went on to say,
"Yutang, Xiao Zhao will give you a few minutes, are you convinced, but are you willing to challenge his record?"
Bai Yutang glanced sideways at Zhan Zhao, smiled suddenly, and in a good mood, turned to Ding Wenju and replied,
"Shibo, Mao... Zhan Zhao is certainly a smart person, but Bai Yutang is not bad either. I believe he can break his record."
Ding Wenju nodded with a smile, Zhan Zhao was not annoyed, and looked at Bai Yutang with a smile, which made Bai Yutang feel more at ease.
I heard Ding Wenju continue to ask,
"Zhaolan, how many records are about to be broken in front of you, are you confident?"
Several young people nodded, eager to try.Ding Wenju was very happy and continued to ask,
"Zhaolan, tell me whose record you plan to break?"
Ding Zhaolan thought for a while and said,
"Father, if you fix your opponent, I think you can break Xiao Zhao's record."
His implication is that if everyone competes with Zhaozhong, they have a chance to win faster than Zhan Zhao.But he didn't want to make Zhaozhong look bad, so he didn't name him.Everyone was nodding, but Zhan Zhao remained silent. He was thinking about what Ding Wenju was going to tell them. !
"Okay!" Ding Wenju laughed loudly.
"That's right, Zhaolan has figured out the crux of the problem! Yingci frowned just now, did she have any thoughts?"
Ji Yingci was a little embarrassed when Ding Wenju called his name, and said,
"Ding Shibo, Yingci doesn't have any objections, just thinking about what Shibo's purpose is for us to take turns playing?"
"Oh? What did you see? Tell me." Ding Wenju was even happier.
"Then I'll make a mistake!" Ji Yingci was a little apprehensive, but after all, he came from everyone, and soon began to talk freely,
"Shibo, you see, Zhan Zhao's chess skills are really superior. I am convinced, but the crux of the problem lies in your game rules and records. Although we also have rotation opponents, we have not completely rotated. , which caused a certain degree of unfairness, so that record was not absolutely fair, and in a certain sense was an invalid record. I don’t know what the opinions of the others are?”
Ding Wenju looked at the other people, Ouyang Chun laughed and said,
"Don't care about the rotation, I really can't play chess, since we play badly, it doesn't matter if it's fair or not!"
Yan Chasan is also a person who is diligent in thinking. After thinking about it, he seemed to think that Ji Yingci's words made sense, and said,
"Zhan Zhao won the game within 10 minutes. It is really rare, but it is not impossible to challenge. I think Yutang's chess skills are also very good. I believe that if he competes again, he is very likely to break the record of 10 minutes."
Hearing his compliment, Bai Yutang not only didn't like it, but frowned. He felt disgusted at Yan Chasan calling him Yutang without authorization, but since everyone was watching here, it was difficult for him to get angry.Zhan Zhao turned his head and saw Bai Yutang sitting next to him. Although he didn't know the reason, he picked up the tea and handed it to Bai Yutang, whispering,
"Try this tea, it's very good!"
Bai Yutang took the tea and smiled at Xiang Zhanzhao, meaning to praise him for his understanding.Zhan Zhao smiled, turned his face and continued to listen to Ding Wenju, feeling puzzled.
"Okay! Everyone has said the same thing, so let me tell you why I let you play chess!"
Ding Wenju stood up and looked at the young people sitting around. Everyone's face was full of youthful demeanor, and he couldn't help thinking of when he was young, but looking at the current situation, it made people laugh no matter what. stand up,
"You guys are all descendants of aristocratic families. Whether you are studying in Beijing or Shanghai, you should have some understanding of the state!" Several people nodded, and sure enough, the bright smiles gradually faded away. It is infinite melancholy.
Ding Wenju went on to say,
"Just now you played chess, I want you to break the record, I want to ask you all want to break Xiao Zhao's record, but who set this record?"
A few young people didn't understand what they meant, Zhao Hui said,
"Isn't this what you ordered?"
"Me?" Ding Wenju shook his head,
"I haven't set a 10-minute record!"
"That's what Zhan Zhaoding said!" Ding Zhaozhong seemed to understand something, and rushed to answer.
"Well, that's right, not all!" Ding Wenju looked at them, and suddenly pointed at Zhan Zhao,
"Xiao Zhao didn't speak for a long time, what do you think?"
Zhan Zhao was stunned for a moment. Seeing that everyone turned to him suddenly, he coughed lightly and said,
"Father, I think that although the rules of the game are fixed, the one who really guides the game, or sets the record for others to follow, is the winner. So in other words, if you want to participate in the game, you must start from the very beginning. Following in the footsteps of others, the current record is 10 minutes, but if it is 8 minutes, you have to work hard in the direction of 8 minutes. However, if the chess skills are not satisfactory, you will always be the one who follows, and the future direction is controlled by the winner .Father, I think this is just like our country. China is a huge country, and its 5000-year-old culture is not to be underestimated. However, since the Industrial Revolution, European powers have been progressing at an incredible speed. The whole world is a big game board , there is almost no place for our Chinese nation to stand! Then, the rules of the game must be formulated by the Western powers. Back then, the Wanqing government closed the country, refused to open the country, and refused to participate. The result in exchange was forcibly dragged into the Game, if you don’t want to play, you have to play! Foreigners’ strong ships and guns opened the country’s doors, forcing us to accept various treaties, cede land and pay compensation, humiliate the country and lose power. Well, we will revolutionize, overthrow the monarchy, and establish a democratic country, but there are The warlords are in chaos, the foreign powers are watching, the people are in dire straits, and Yuan Shikai and his like take the opportunity to restore the monarchy. Our country is like a sick man who is seriously ill. How can we have the strength to talk about fairness with others?! Talk about equality! Waiting to be slaughtered!" Just now Zhan Zhao secretly speculated about his father's intentions, and suddenly thought of his melancholy just now, he felt suddenly enlightened, so he said this discussion out of emotion.
"That's right! What the cat said makes sense," Bai Yutang felt excited when he heard Zhan Zhao's generous words, and called out the cat casually.
"Let's not talk about the past, let's talk about the present. The Beijing government joined the Allied Powers and declared war on Germany. We provided food and a lot of labor. That is to say, now we should be victorious countries with Japan, but the result is that Germany is in Shandong. Not only did we not take back the rights and interests of Japan, but they were expanded by Japan. These big powers violated international morality, and for their own benefit, they even took the lead in sending Jiaodong Bay to Japan without authorization. This is simply an act of robbers! What are the rules of the game? There are no rules at all. Rules, only power politics! If my elder brother didn't stop me, I would have gone to Beijing to participate in the protest march!"
Several young people were very indignant when they said this. Ding Zhaohui was with his father in Beijing in May and witnessed the huge parade. At this time, he said very excitedly,
"Well, my eldest brother and I were both in Beijing at the time, only Xiao Zhao was left in school by the old gentlemen of his school because of his young age. We brought a few buddies to support the students, didn't you see that In the scene, although the country has been greatly harmed by Cao and Zhang Zhiliu, seeing the patriotic enthusiasm of the young students still makes people feel excited and feel that there is still hope for this country."
Ji Yingci and the others also nodded, and Ouyang Chun said loudly,
"If Zhang Zongxiang and these traitors fall into my hands one day, I will definitely beat his parents to the point of not recognizing him, and save him from embarrassing his ancestors!"
Ding Zhaozhong has been staying in Dingjia Village. At this time, he felt that he had missed so much excitement, and he was even more depressed. Seeing the impassioned speeches of the people, he also interjected,
"It turns out that there are still such lively things in big cities. If I am there, I don't care whether he is a gentleman or not. This kind of thing happens once in a hundred years, how can I let it go!"
Zhan Zhao could hear that Ding Zhaozhong was accusing Sang Huai of saying that he didn't go to the parade, he just ignored it and didn't respond, but Bai Yutang heard Ding Zhaozhong's provocation and was a little bit aggrieved. Picking up the tea in front of him, smiling and handing it over, Bai Yutang whispered to him,
"Smelly cat, you are the only one who can bear it!" After finishing speaking, he stopped talking.
Yan Chasan also heard the implication, and immediately retorted,
"Brother Zhaozhong, you can't say that! This matter is a matter of the rise and fall of the country, how can it be described as lively?! Even if it is rare in a hundred years, we should look at the problem from the standpoint of everyone's responsibility, not by watching the excitement The state of mind is measured!"
Ding Zhaozhong was even more unhappy. He wanted to join their discussion, but he was choked back when he opened his mouth. He said quickly,
"We are only 16,7 or [-] years old, what kind of responsibility can we have? Isn't our father and brothers responsible for the big things? I want to take care of it!"
Bai Yutang was annoyed by his cowardly attitude, ignored Zhan Zhao's winks, stood up and said,
"It's ridiculous, how can a man shirk his responsibility like this! You..."
"Yutang, sit down!" Seeing Bai Yutang's agitation, Zhan Zhao was afraid that he would say something more violent and unpleasant, so he hurriedly interrupted him, pressed his shoulders, and told him to sit down.Bai Yutang was taken aback when he heard his name being called, looked at Zhan Zhao, and forgot what he wanted to say for a moment.
Zhan Zhao is already elegant, even if he looks serious at the moment, he is not annoying, he said to Ding Zhaozhong,
"Zhaozhong said, 'Everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the world'. Regardless of men, women, old or young, they are equal in the matter of defending the country. Although we are young, we are the hope of the future of this country. We have fathers and brothers, but if Everyone relies on their fathers and brothers and shirks their own responsibilities. When will the country grow stronger? When will it be able to get rid of this situation of being slaughtered and beaten backward? Mr. Ren Zeng said, "The one who makes China the boss of today will make China old. It is also the karma of injustice. It is the responsibility of the Chinese youth to create the future young China.'”
"Good!" Ding Wenju was extremely happy when he heard this, and couldn't help applauding.
"What a young Chinese boy! Yes, if the young are wise, the country will be wise; if the young are rich, the country will be rich; if the young are strong, the country will be strong; when the young are independent, the country will be independent; if the young are free, the country will be free; In Europe, the youth is more powerful than the earth, and the country is more powerful than the earth. Mr. Liang’s words are very meaningful! I see that you all have a country in your heart, have responsibilities, and are like good Chinese men. It’s not in vain The painstaking efforts we have cultivated over the years! Our country has a thousand-year civilization, but time has passed, and today, it has become a stumbling block for us. When I studied in the United States, I went to Europe to continue my studies. What I saw was the leap in civilization. Want to return to China to serve the country, but found that there is no way to serve the country! Some old stubborn people say that overseas education is useless because we refuse to kowtow to the court officials and those rankings, and it is the "democracy" that brought us back. The ethos of "equality" is regarded as a fierce tiger! It is extremely ridiculous, how can they imagine that once the wind of democracy blows into the land of China, how can they, feudal old men, be able to stop it! But it is a pity that Mr. Warlord disputes have taken the road of democracy away from the original track. For their own interests, various factions have left behind the righteousness of the country and the nation, which has also resulted in today's situation. European powers have taken advantage of this opportunity to support themselves in China. agent, in order to get a piece of the action!"
He was a little melancholy after he finished speaking, but quickly cheered up, and continued,
"I took advantage of the old lady's birthday to gather you here today, and I asked you to play chess first, just to tell you that only by becoming strong can you not be restrained by others, and China's future hope lies in For you young people. I discussed with Yingci and Ouyang’s father that after the Spring Festival next year, all of you will go abroad to study. You can choose what major you want to study, and we will never force you. But, After you finish your studies, you must come back and bring your knowledge, abilities, and advanced ideas back to China. I believe you will have great achievements in the future!"
When the boys heard that they were going to be sent abroad to study, they were very excited. Everyone was talking about which country is better, or what they are interested in.Bai Yutang touched Zhan Zhao's hand and whispered,
"Cat, what do you think?"
"How about what?" Zhan Zhao asked him back.
"Of course it's studying abroad! What else can you be, you stupid cat! I'm asking where do you want to go?" Bai Yutang laughed seeing his momentary bewilderment.
"Oh, I had a priest friend earlier, who was an American. He often said that there are several American universities that are very good. Earlier, he also said that he could write some letters of recommendation for me, and he also said that he could introduce his friends from the church there to me. I know him, so I want to go to America to study first."
Bai Yutang thought for a while, nodded and said,
"Well, my elder brother also said that the United States is different from Europe. It is an emerging country, and the style of democracy and freedom is more powerful. If you like it, then go to the United States!"
"Well, what about you? Do you have any ideas?" Zhan Zhao was very happy to hear that Bai Yutang also thought America was good, and wanted to know Bai Yutang's choice.
"Me? Didn't I just say that if you are going to the United States, then I will go to the United States too!"
Zhan Zhao saw him taking it for granted, smiled and said,
"How is this possible? It's not a child's play, you have to think about it! At that time, it will take at least three to five years to finish a university. If you don't really like it, wouldn't it be like a year."
"I'm serious, how could it be a joke!" Bai Yutang said with a little displeasure, frowning slightly,
"Why, don't you want me to go to America with you?"
"No, Bai Yutang, you know that's not what I mean!" Zhan Zhao saw that he was about to get angry, and felt unreasonable.Just about to explain again, I heard Yan Chasan asking Bai Yutang,
"Brother Bai Xian, brother Zhan Xian, where have you two decided to go?" Yan Chasan had just finished discussing with his cousin, and now he turned his head and looked at Zhan Bai and the two of them and asked.
"Oh, we are also discussing it. I wonder what advice you guys have, brother Yan?" Zhan Zhao replied politely.
"Well, my cousin is very interested in military science and technology. At the time of Li Hongzhang, China had cooperated with the German Army Academy for studying abroad, so he wanted to go to Germany. As for me, I am very interested in the British industrial revolution. I am very yearning for a series of industrial progress, so I may go to England first. Where is Brother Zhanxian?"
"You're welcome, just call me Zhan Zhao. I want to go to the United States, because when I was in Shuntian Academy, I liked physics and mathematics very much, so I also want to further study in this field. As for Bai Yutang..." Zhan Zhao paused, "He might go too..."
Seeing his hesitation, Bai Yutang suddenly became angry, and said bluntly,
"I haven't figured it out yet! Why, do you want to decide for me?"
Zhan Zhao was robbed by Bai Yutang for no reason, and suddenly he felt bad, but it didn't show on his face, and he said calmly,
"Well, that's fine, if you think about it carefully, it's not something to worry about!"
Hearing what he said, Bai Yutang became even angrier, and simply turned around, ignored him, and went to chat with Brother Ding Zhaolan.
Yan Chasan also felt that the atmosphere between the two was not right, and said with a resentful smile,
"This Bai Xiandi's temper is really...hehehe, he is a man of temperament!"
Zhan Zhao smiled awkwardly, then said,
"It's nothing, I'm used to it!" After finishing speaking, I also felt it was funny, I only got along with Bai Yutang for more than ten days, so how can I call it a habit!