"Young master, let's go home, please!" Dong Sanshao pleaded behind Dong Yaoting's buttocks, "If you don't go back home again, the boss will scold me!" On noon of June 3, 1938, Dong Sanshao received the command from the boss Dong Xuan's book and went to Wuchang to pick up the second young master Dong Yaoting, and go home.

Dong Yaoting became impatient and didn't turn his body, but he pretended to kick Dong Sanshao with his foot and cursed, "Damn it, you're my dad's dog, so obedient?"

Dong Sanshao said obediently, "Young master, are you the master and I the servant? Am I listening to your father or to you?"

Dong Yaoting has a slender figure, a handsome face, and a pair of thick eyebrows and big eyes that look majestic. Originally a jade tree facing the wind, he looked a bit heavy due to wearing a long shirt and jacket, which is not in line with his 18 year old academic age.

Dong Sanshao has been playing with him at home since childhood, secretly learning how to swim, go up the mountain to hunt rabbits, use stones to beat chickens or birds flying in the sky, steal cucumbers and sweet potatoes from the vegetable field, and so on

Both of them have worked closely before, except when they were in school, one went to work with their father, a long-term worker, and the other went to a private school to study.

18 years ago, the daughter-in-law of Changgong Dong Da gave birth, and the wife of his employer Dong Xuanshu also gave birth. After about three hours of turmoil, Dong Sanshao and Dong Yaoting emerged from their mother's womb, one with a tiger head and one with a tiger brain, and the other with a pair of tiger eyes, their two eyes shining like black pearls. Dong Sanshao is the one with a tiger head and a tiger brain, and the purpose of a pair of tigers is naturally Dong Yaoting. Although they come from different mothers, Dong Yaoting's mother lacks milk, while Dong Sanshao's mother is full of milk. The two little ones lie in Dong Sanshao's mother's arms, feeding on each side.

For this reason, Dong Xuanshu authorized Dong to halve his annual rent. As his two children grew up, Dong Yaoting naturally had to go to a private school to study. Dong Da also wanted his son to read a few characters, but this boy was not suitable for studying. He had a strong personality and went through the wind and rain. After eighteen years, Dong Yaoting went to the provincial capital to attend National Wuhan University, which is located in Luojia Mountain, Wuchang.

After listening to Dong Sanshao's answer, Dong Yaoting cursed again, "You are just an obedient dog. Don't you know how to resist? You can do whatever my father asks you to do. If I let you eat shit, will you eat it or not?"

Dong Sanshao smiled and said, "Second Young Master, only dogs can eat that thing. Only dogs that eat shit can guard their homes. This is what the boss said!"

Dong Yaoting's eyes widened and he turned around to look at him with a righteous tone, saying, "Dong San Shao, you're not my slave, let alone my dog. Are you still my mother? You're just so cheap, aren't you?"

Upon hearing these words, Dong Sanshao's face turned a bit uneasy and he said in a muffled voice, "Second Young Master, I didn't have your life, did I? My land is still rented from your house, and without this land, I'm afraid I would have starved to death early on with my mother and me!"

Dong Yaoting glanced at the white clouds floating in the sky, his gaze drifting towards the distance. After a while, he said, "Little Japan has already hit our doorstep. Our country is no longer home, and we can't continue reading this book. Third Young Master, why don't we join the army together?"

Dong Sanshao shook his neck and stared at him with his head tilted. "Second Young Master, if you don't read a book that is so lively, which sect of soldiers should you be? This matter is quite big, we need to discuss it with our boss!"

Dong Yaoting angrily kicked on his lap and cursed, "Fool cannot be taught. I'm telling you this is just casting pearls before swine! You go back and tell my dad that our school is moving to Sichuan, and the Japanese invaders are coming. I can't even read this book anymore. Didn't he want me to honor my ancestors? I'll go into the army!"

Dong Sanshao's mind was a bit unresponsive. He remembered the seriousness on Dong Xuanshu's face and felt a little scared. Suddenly, he hugged Dong Yaoting's waist and didn't let go, saying, "No, joining the army and fighting will result in death. It's better to go home and listen to the boss's words about such a big matter!"

Dong Yaoting struggled hard, but couldn't shake off Dong Sanshao. He had to curse, "Let go, you donkey. I'm angry if you don't let go anymore!"

Dong Sanshao chuckled and said, "Second Young Master, I can't say anything about you, but you can't control your strength. If you listen, follow me home obediently. As long as the boss speaks, I won't stop you anymore!"

When the two were fighting, a soldier walked over, with a muscular figure and a straight military uniform. Dong Sanshao didn't look at him, just tightly hugged Dong Yaoting's waist with both hands.

The soldier watched as the two of them were making a fuss, and after a while, he said, "I see you two are quite old now. Are you still making such a fuss? Didn't you see those men the same age as you competing to sign up for the army?"

Dong Yaoting's blood surged on his head as he heard these words. He shouted, "Isn't it that I want to register? This is my long-term worker, and my father asked him to come and hinder me from joining the army!"

Dong Sanshao looked at the soldier and smiled, "Soldier, I have to go home and explain to my boss. If my second young master just leaves with you like this, I won't be able to go home." The soldier looked coldly at the commotion between them and said, "I said you, a student, can't handle your long-term worker. I think you're also a useless person!"

Dong Sanshao felt a little uncomfortable as he listened and whispered in Dong Yaoting's ear, "Second Young Master, you should try to shake me off now and not let him look down on you!"

Upon hearing this, Dong Yaoting's heart immediately became happy, and he suddenly stood still. His shoulders shook left and right, and Dong Sanshao rolled out loudly, then lay on the ground, moaning loudly.

A surprised expression appeared in the soldier's eyes. Dong Yaoting walked over with a chuckle and pulled up Dong Sanshao, whispering, "This play is good enough. I'll reward you later!" After saying this, he turned to face the soldier and said, "Sir, I'm a freshman student at National Wuhan University and I want to sign up for the military!"

Upon hearing these words, Dong Sanshao became anxious and quickly flashed over to Dong Yaoting, saying, "Grandpa Bing, my second young master is sick. Not only is he sick, but he also has some brain problems. My boss specifically asked me to come and pick him up, so this soldier is absolutely unacceptable. Don't listen to him talking nonsense!"

Dong Yaoting was really angry this time. He slapped Dong Sanshao on the back and cursed loudly, "You bastard, you're sick in the body and mind. If a good dog doesn't block the way, get out of here as soon as possible!"

In Dong Sanshao's eyes, he felt that those wearing military uniforms were all soldiers. He didn't know the rank of an official in the army, but Dong Yaoting knew that the officer in front of him, carrying the rank of major on his shoulder, should be a battalion level cadre.

This battalion-level officer, surnamed Zhou and named Zhidao, is a conscription commander of the 51st Division of the 74th Army and is from Huangshi, Hubei.

Zhou Zhidao stared carefully at Dong Sanshao. Dong Sanshao felt uneasy when he saw him, so he asked, "I said to you, military master, why are you always looking at me like this? I'm not a beautiful sister-in-law or anything like that!"

After Zhou Zhidao finished listening, he couldn't help but burst out laughing. Dong Sanshao whispered to Dong Yaoting, "See, this soldier is also a sick guy. How can you follow a sick guy to join the army? No, even if it's impossible, you still have to come home with me!"

Dong Yaoting refused to listen to his carelessness, his eyes fixed on Zhou Zhidao without moving, hoping that he could say something to him and allow him to join the army.

Zhou Zhidao laughed heartily and stared at Dong Sanshao, saying, "I see you're just a soldier. How about you two brothers join our 74th Army together?"

Dong Yaoting immediately replied happily, "Thank you, sir. We are very willing!"

Dong Sanshao's face turned pale in anxiety and said, "Second Young Master, you can't talk nonsense about this. The boss is waiting for you at home, and the day after tomorrow is your day of great joy. You can become a soldier again in the future, okay? Please, Second Young Master!"

Dong Yaoting suddenly became furious and kicked Dong Sanshao on the buttocks, cursing, "Damn it, I haven't finished reading my book yet. Marry a daughter-in-law! If you don't behave properly, I won't know you from now on! You can't even be my brother!"

Dong Sanshao retorted, "Second Young Master, you grew up on my mother's milk, and of course I am too. So you can't call me 'Laozi' in front of me. Isn't this a chaotic generation? You'll be struck by lightning! Besides, how can someone who serves in the army or not be as important as me as your brother?"

Dong Yaoting stared at him and sighed suddenly for a while before squatting down and saying, "San Shao, can I beg you? Don't make things difficult for me. It was because I was anxious that I said that earlier. I didn't mean to do it, so don't tell Mom!"

Dong Sanshao chuckled and said, "Okay, as long as you come home with me and finalize the marriage, then you can do whatever you want!"

After hearing this, Dong Yaoting stood up immediately and looked straight at Dong San Shao. He said viciously, "No, I don't agree with this marriage matter. I firmly disagree. Tell him, will you follow me to become a soldier?"

Dong Sanshao hesitated for a moment, but heard Zhou Zhidao laughing and saying, "I don't think it's as good as this. You join the army, and your young master continues to study in Sichuan. How about that?"

Dong Sanshao exclaimed "Oh" and casually asked, "Master Jun, what are the benefits of being a soldier? Can you share my land with me and tell me if I have a wife?" Zhou Zhidao smiled and said, "The little Japanese have all hit our doorstep. If the country is occupied by the Japanese, there won't be any land left, let alone a wife. It's not even possible!"

Dong Sanshao was taken aback for a moment. He felt that what the military master was saying was reasonable, but just now he was just asking casually. He didn't expect the military master to be serious, so he smiled and said, "Our young master wants to join the army. That's his idea. Besides, this matter of joining the army is too big, and we must have my boss nod and agree. So, let's not bother the military master!"

Dong Yaoting was furious on the side and kicked him in the buttocks again. Dong Sanshao held onto his buttocks with his right hand and jumped away. Zhou Zhidao's face became serious and he said, "I've figured it out. If you two want to join the army, I'll take it. If you don't want to, just get out of here and don't disturb others at the door!" After finishing speaking, he turned around and left.

Dong Yaoting became anxious and quickly ran to Zhou Zhidao, saying, "Sir, we are all soldiers. I have heard of the 74th Army and participated in the Nanjing Defense War. We are willing to join this army!"

Zhou Zhidao's face softened a lot, and he stopped and said, "Our country is in dire straits. Where can we find a small family without a country?!  To register there first, and after registration, you can go back home to inform your parents. The day after tomorrow, come here to report. If you change your mind midway, the Nationalist government will be punished for deserting soldiers!"

Dong Yaoting's face lit up with joy and he said, "Okay, okay, let's go handle the registration procedures now!"

After completing the registration procedures, Dong Yaoting walked happily on the street, completely ignoring Dong Sanshao's anxious appearance. Dong Sanshao was anxious because he was going to Zhuyeshan to take a bus back to the Dong family courtyard in Huang'an County.

In 1938, there were no long-distance buses from Wuhan to Huang'an County (now Hong'an County), only donkeys and carriages were used for transportation. With a distance of 117 kilometers, walking alone was not feasible, and a carriage had to be hired. Even if you hire a carriage, you have to walk non-stop for a whole day, so it is indeed quite troublesome to rush back to report the day after you go back now.

Dong Sanshao's thoughts were very simple. He believed that registration was a delaying strategy. As long as Dong Yaoting was successfully brought back home, it would have nothing to do with him whether to register or not.

"Second Young Master, you said, after registering as a soldier, why should we still give two silver dollars?" Dong Sanshao asked.

Dong Yaoting hummed a tune and looked up at the white clouds floating in the sky. Without answering him, he muttered to himself, "You said this damn weather, why is it so hot? It's only June now. If it's next month, isn't it going to be scorching hot?"

Dong Sanshao recognized that Dong Yaoting's voice had a Wuhan accent and responded, "Second Young Master, the owner said they want to get home before tonight and hire a carriage, okay?"

Dong Yaoting said coldly, "That's your business, don't ask me. If you can't handle such a small matter well, you'll get out of here for me, let alone join me in the army and fight the Japanese!"

Dong San shook his head and said, "Second Young Master, the fare for returning home is enough. However, I think it's not possible to come back the day after tomorrow. If we really come back again, it will cost us five dollars, I'm afraid it's because our boss is really in pain!"

Dong Yaoting snorted and responded, "Third Young Brother, I need to talk to you about the current situation in China. Last year during the Chinese New Year, Little Japan occupied the capital of our country, Nanjing. It has only been half a year since then, and the Japanese devils of Dog Day want to occupy Wuhan again. Can you tell me, do we agree?"

Dong Sanshao didn't think of these principles and casually replied, "Yes, Second Young Master, we definitely don't agree. But what can we do if we don't agree? They have good weapons, airplanes, cannons, tanks, and so on. I've heard about them at home, and we can't beat them!"

Dong Yaoting's heart was filled with anger upon hearing this, and he cursed, "What you've heard is all nonsense. Did you see the scene of the conscription just now? Everyone who is no big deal with us is competing to join the army for what? Tell me, for what?"

Dong Sanshao stared at the yellow rickshaw running up and down the street, stopped one, and said, "Second Young Master, you go up first. I'll follow you behind and run together!" Dong Yaoting grabbed his collar and said, "Come up, sit together, or I'll beat you up!"

Dong Sanshao chuckled and said, "I was thinking that the road surface is uneven, and I can follow behind to protect you from some bumps."

Dong Yaoting shouted loudly, "I really admire you. I'm not a Miss Qianjin. A big man is afraid of some bumps. Come on, come on!"

The rickshaw pulled the two of them. It took about an hour to get to Zhuye Mountain. There were indeed many carriages waiting to be hired. Dong Sanshao paid the rickshaw driver for the carriage, hired another carriage, bought six more Shaobing (Baked cake in griddle), and set off on the road.

"San Shao, have you seen those small cars on the street? In the future, we'll drive home when we come back, okay?" Dong Yaoting stared at the cars passing by and muttered to himself.

Dong Sanshao turned his head and smiled, "Second Young Master, don't worry. One day you will!"

The two of them chatted and laughed along the way, and the hot wind blew. The driver of the carriage said, "Children, sit well. The road is uneven and bumpy, so don't dodge your waist!"

Dong Sanshao straightened his back and said, "Uncle, don't be fooled by our young age. I'm the butler of our boss's family. This is our second young master, who studied at the best university in Wuhan. That's where the top scorer comes from."

Dong Yaoting really likes Dong Sanshao's disguised way of flattering himself, grinning, and not speaking. The driver of the carriage smiled and said, "I dare say that I am the top scorer of the Republic of China. That's very precious!"

It was only in the early hours of the night that we arrived at Huang'an County. Afterward, we paid the coachman five yuan, and Dong Sanshao and Dong Yaoting walked back to Dongjiatian Village on foot.

Halfway through, Dong Sanshao saw the bright light of a flashlight and shouted loudly, "Dad, is that you?"

Dong San Shao's father, Dong Da, responded, "Did Second Young Master come back?"

Dong Sanshao let out a loud "hmm", and ten minutes later, Dong Da walked up to them. Dong Yaoting called out, "Go big, go big!" Dong Da chuckled and lightly stroked his head, saying, "Hurry back, your father and mother haven't slept yet, waiting for the young master!"

Dong Yaoting said, "You're my big shot. Don't call me Young Master in the future. This way of calling seems quite different."

Dong Da laughed heartily and said, "San Shao, learn a little. After all, Yao Ting is a scholar who knows etiquette and numerology. No matter how wealthy he is, he must recognize his ancestors, right? Being a big shot is like being a godfather. With Yao Ting like him, it's a blessing for our family!"

If it weren't for Dong Sanshao's mother breastfeeding Dong Yaoting, in terms of identity, Dong Da could never have been Dong Yaoting's godmother. Dong Xuanshu didn't care about these things, but instead made Dong Yaoting recognize Dong Da as his godmother.

Returning to the courtyard of the Dong family, Dong Xuanshu sat in the hall smoking a dry tobacco bag. The sound of a gurgling sound spread all the way to the door in the quiet air. Dong Yaoting stood at the door and shouted "Dad". Dong Xuanshu looked up at him, sat motionless in the chair, and said, "You're hungry, let your godmother serve you a meal!"

Dong quickly nodded and replied, "Yes, my boss, I'm going!"

Dong Sanshao accompanied Dong Yaoting into the room. Dong Yaoting watched his father smoking a dry cigarette and sat there for a while, feeling muffled. Dong Sanshao's mother came in with the food, and as soon as it was placed on the table, Dong Yaoting picked it up and wolfed it down. Dong Sanshao swallowed the sour water coming out of his stomach and greedily stared at the chicken in Dong Yaoting's meal.

Dong Yaoting saw Dong Sanshao standing on the side without moving the dishes and said, "What are you doing? Are you still hungry?"

Dong San Shao's mother smiled and said, "Young master, please have enough to eat first. San Shao has it prepared in the kitchen."

Dong Yaoting chewed and swallowed, "Goddess, bring me a bowl and chopsticks for San Shao. I can't eat without him."

Dong Sanshao didn't hesitate to hear this. He reached out and took the chicken nuggets from his bowl, stuffed them into his mouth, and ate them. Dong Yaoting laughed heartily and said, "You're even more hungry than me. I know, probably you ate this meal all day, right?"

Dong Sanshao nodded, "Mm-hmm." At this time, his mother brought him a bowl of chopsticks. Without saying a word, Dong Sanshao picked up the spoon and went to the basin to cook. But he heard a laugh: "Brother San, let me cook for you." As soon as the words fell, a pair of white hands reached over, grabbed the spoon from Dong Sanshao's hands, and then took the bowl of rice in his hands to him .

Dong Yuwan is 2 years younger than Dong Sanshao and Dong Yaoting, but she has already given birth to a beautiful and ruffian appearance. At the age of 16, she is truly a restless and youthful age.

Dong Sanshao chuckled and said, "Let's serve your brother a meal, that's just one or two meals."

Dong Yuwan was young and didn't recognize the meaning inside. On the contrary, Dong Xuanshu sensed something: "San Shao, it's not too late to eat again." Dong Xuanshu's casual words were undoubtedly an order. Dong San Shao indeed stopped, and Dong Yaoting only ate his own food without even looking at him.

Dong Sanshao hesitated and finally spoke loudly, "Big, young master and I have both signed up to join the army!" As soon as his words were spoken, Dong and Sanshao's mother were stunned and stared at them. Dong Xuanshu continued to smoke dry cigarettes, but his right hand was already starting to tremble, but in the end, he restrained himself and whispered, "Sanshao, tell me what's going on? What kind of soldier are you good at? Can't you get into your studies?"

Dong Sanshao swallowed the Rice and vegetable roll in his mouth and told his story at the gate of the military camp off and on in the morning. When he learned that the two had gone through the registration procedures, Dong Xuanshu could not help but sweep the tea cups on the table to the ground and make a sound of cracking.

He stood up and pointed at Dong Yaoting, cursing, "You unfilial grandson, how could you make such a big decision without authorization? Do you still have your father and mother in your eyes? This soldier is definitely not capable!"

Dong Yaoting only focused on his own satiety and wiped his greasy mouth with a smile, saying, "Dad, the Japanese are about to hit their doorstep. The country is in dire straits, and everyone is responsible. I and the Third Young Soldier will definitely go, and no one can stop us!"

Dong Xuanshu stood up and strode over to Dong Yaoting, shouting loudly, "Your mother has been sick all year round. Not to mention that you don't care about my life and death, have you also disregarded your mother's life and death?"

Dong Yaoting said to his father: "Dad, our school has already started relocating to Sichuan. The Japanese invaders are launching an attack in the Jiangxi area, and the Wuhan defense war is on the verge of breaking out. How can I continue to learn? Last year during the Nanjing defense war, the Japanese occupied the capital of our Republic of China and raped and killed more than 300000 of our compatriots. If we occupy our big Wuhan again, our country will be ruined. You are also someone who has read books. Can you still use me as my son's teacher?"

Dong Xuanshu stared at his second son in surprise. He felt that this son had really grown up, with his personality, demeanor, physique, thinking ability, and broad mindedness. At this moment, he realized that he was already old, and he could not refute his son's righteousness. On the contrary, he felt genuinely happy in his heart.

"If you join the army, you will go to war, and if you go to war, you will die. Son, have you ever thought carefully!?" Dong Xuanshu said after a moment of silence.

Dong Yaoting was secretly pleased in his heart because he had already heard the taste of his father's agreement. He smiled and said, "Dad, their son is a son, and our son is also a son. We are equal and consistent. In addition, there are three young men who will join me in the military and take care of each other. You can rest assured when you are old!"

Dong Xuanshu wriggled his lips, his old cheeks devoid of any signs of joy, anger, sorrow, or joy. However, there was one person who could feel it - Dong Yuwan, the girl who had just served Dong San Shao a meal, who was Dong Xuanshu's most beloved daughter.

Dong Yuwan looked like a middle school student, wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt and a black skirt underneath. Her hair was tied up in a bundle, and she had a handsome and beautiful appearance. Her double eyelids were red and phoenix-shaped, and her black and bright eyes were like brilliant pearls. However, the girl's figure was full.

Dong Yuwan walked up to Dong Xuanshu and said, "Dad, it's right for me to go to the military. In this chaotic world, studying cannot defend the country. There is also my eldest brother and I take care of my mother at home. Can you let my second brother go with peace of mind?"

Dong Xuanshu glanced at Dong Sanshao and said, "You're the only one who's grown up. If you really have something to do in the future, what should you do?"

Dong Sanshao replied, "Big, my life doesn't matter. I will take good care of the young master. My family has been receiving your kindness, and this is my chance to repay it."

Dong Xuanshu widened his eyes as he looked at Dong Sanshao. He felt that he had underestimated this stunned guy and said such touching things. Dong Yuwan happily stared at Dong Sanshao, with a somewhat ambiguous expression in his eyes.

Dong Xuanshu hesitated for a moment and said, "My child, starting this year, your family's rent will be waived. You two brothers will take care of each other outside, so don't let anything unexpected happen."

After hearing this, Dong Da and Dong Sanshao's mother couldn't help but kneel on both knees. This was a great favor. Dong Yaoting felt very unhappy when he saw Gan Da and Gan Niang like this. He strode over to help them up and said, "Gan Da Gan Niang, what are you doing?"

Dong Xuanshu remained silent and walked straight inside to sleep.

After finishing his meal, Dong Yaoting returned to his room to sleep. Dong Sanshao also followed his parents back to his home. Unexpectedly, as soon as he left the courtyard door, he heard a sentence coming from behind: "San Shaoge, stay with me and have a conversation, okay?"

Dong Sanshao was stunned for a moment. His father and mother went back first, then turned around and looked at Dong Yuwan with a smile on their face.