A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

Originally, Song Hongfei's aunt wanted to arrange the blind date at the Xiaohongshan official residence, which is commonly known as the Meiling Palace. However, Song Hongfei's mother considered that this was a family matter and was afraid that it would have a bad influence, so she arranged it at Song Zicai's mansion in Beijige, Jilongshan.

Built against the mountain, the Song Mansion is unique and offers stunning views of Xuanwu Lake and Zhongshan Mountain. It is where Song Hongfei's mother, Shen Jinying, stayed during her visit to Nanjing.

This time, Song Hongfei arrived at the Song Mansion in Beijige early to show his respect and his apology for breaking his promise several times.

Song Hongfei's father, Song Ziyu, and Liang Wanyi's father, Liang Mingyuan, did not come to Nanjing. They were both busy with various matters related to the westward relocation of their vast family business.

Furthermore, this is a blind date, not an engagement. It's a matter for the young people, so let them handle it themselves. There's no need for a large group of relatives and friends.

Given their background and status, such a large-scale mobilization would likely cause a sensation. In the current turbulent times and with war looming, such high-profile actions are not wise.

The leaders of both families are insightful and worldly-wise, and they naturally have their own considerations regarding the marriage alliance.

In Song Ziyu's view, the Song family is now renowned and has no shortage of elites in the business and political circles. They have no shortage of wealth and power. With the full support of the family, it is only a matter of time before Song Hongfei rises in the military. He will also have no shortage of guns.

After the Japanese intelligence agency launched the "Purple Sun Operation" intelligence war at the beginning of this year, Song Hongfei suggested that his father actively respond to the national call to build the southwest and northwest rear areas and the plan to relocate industries inland, and move the family's related industries westward as soon as possible to establish a presence in the inland hinterland.

Song Ziyu, with a strong sense of righteousness, set an example by leading the westward migration.

Song Ziyu then used his influence within the Southeast Consortium to lobby and encourage the relocation of a large portion of the consortium's industries, particularly the steel, machinery, mining, rubber, petroleum, textile, transportation, and shipping sectors, to the west.

Until the Battle of Shanghai broke out, the national capitalists of the Southeast financial group were all amazed by the Song family's keen insight and foresight, which inadvertently preserved a large number of modern industries for the country when war came.

As a result, the Song family's prestige and influence continued to rise, showing signs of becoming a leader. Song Ziyu couldn't help but feel extremely proud to have such a son.

Song Ziyu also realized that, in terms of long-standing tradition, the rise of the Song family began with the generation of Song Hongfei's grandfather. Compared with the Yu family and Qian family, which had a glorious history of over a thousand years, the Song family's rise was indeed relatively short-lived.

How to ensure that the family's glory continues for generations, endures and flourishes, has become the primary responsibility and mission that every family leader must carefully consider.

For prominent families, it's not just about matching social status; through intermarriage, they can integrate the resources and networks of both families, and inject great help and opportunities into the long-term inheritance of the family.

The Liang family also sees it the same way. Song Hongfei is a rising star in the military, and with the full support of the Song family, it is not impossible for him to reach the pinnacle of the military and dominate all others in the future.

The significance of a successful marriage between the two families is self-evident. Such a union would not only benefit the development of the next generation of family members, but also hold profound importance for the family's interests and inheritance. With the protection of political, business, military, and security forces, the family's glory and honor would surge like an unstoppable tide.

As outstanding members of the new generation of wealthy and influential families, Song Hongfei, the son of the Song family, and Liang Wanyi, the daughter of the Liang family, were well aware of the stakes involved. They both understood that this marriage was not only about their personal happiness, but also a crucial step in the future direction of their two powerful families.

Liang Wanyi is not a woman who traditionally follows the "arranged marriage" system, but she is also not the kind of woman who is unrestrained and completely rebels against traditional etiquette. She is a new generation woman who has received a good modern education. The heritage and family traditions of her aristocratic family have given her the ability and confidence to think independently and bravely pursue her personal happiness.

As a daughter in the family, Liang Wanyi is well aware that she also bears certain family responsibilities. If it concerns the interests of the entire family, she is not opposed to making certain sacrifices and concessions—for example, the blind date with the young master of the Song family. Even though she has some aversion to this kind of arranged blind date, she is willing to give it a try for the time being.

Of course, whether a relationship can ultimately develop depends on whether she likes the young master of the Song family and whether they are compatible. She still holds fast to her belief in finding true love and will never compromise easily.

Liang Wanyi's haughty attitude made her mother secretly anxious. After Song Hongfei returned to China, his mother was busy arranging a marriage. After the two families discussed it, the marriage arrangement was put on the agenda.

Little did they know that such a good thing would be so difficult to achieve, dragging on for more than a year, which also became a worry for the two mothers.

Liang Wanyi stood quietly in front of the dressing mirror, gazing at her reflection in a daze. She thought for a moment, then changed into the pale yellow plaid trench coat she'd worn that day, and wrapped the scarf around her neck. She couldn't explain why she did this; perhaps deep in her heart she harbored a secret hope that their encounter would recur, and she wanted him to recognize her at a glance?

When Liang Wanyi came out, Lin Shuyao was taken aback for a moment, then smiled playfully. The quick-witted Lin Shuyao seemed to have seen through her thoughts immediately.

Today was a big day for Wanyi, and Lin Shuyao didn't tease her as usual. Instead, she sincerely praised her, saying, "Wanyi looks absolutely gorgeous today. She's so lucky."

Liang Wanyi's pretty face blossomed into a radiant smile, as beautiful and charming as a flower blooming in spring. She happily said, "Thank you, cousin. You're beautiful too."

They walked downstairs hand in hand with light steps.

Beijige, the reception room of the Song Mansion.

Looking through the exquisite window, the carved glass is covered with a thin layer of frost, like a simple and elegant painting carefully drawn by nature, which shimmers slightly under the soft winter sunlight.

A spacious observation deck is located on one side of the reception room, offering panoramic views of the magnificent Zhongshan Mountain and the shimmering Xuanwu Lake. Song Hongfei stands quietly by the window of the observation deck, gazing at the beautiful scenery, his posture as upright as a pine tree.

Song Hongfei was also wearing the same woolen officer's overcoat as that day, with the golden general's collar insignia on his service uniform shining brightly. He had no other intentions; it was simply because he was used to wearing military uniform.

"Take off this military overcoat while you're at home," said Shen Jinying, the mother, softly, sitting on the sofa.

Song Hongfei's lips curled up into a barely perceptible smile as he said, "Don't take it off; there's something hidden inside."

Shen Jinying asked curiously, "What are you hiding?"

Song Hongfei shook his head mysteriously and smiled, "It's a secret."

"You're being so mysterious, keeping me in suspense," Shen Jinying said reproachfully. "You wait here, I'll go out and take a look."

As she spoke, she slowly stood up and walked towards the door.

A gust of wind swept by, blowing down a few golden leaves from the sycamore tree, which drew graceful arcs in the air, seemingly adding a touch of poetry to the moment.

Suddenly, Song Hongfei reached out with lightning speed and picked up a fluttering sycamore leaf. His fingertips gently caressed the veins on the leaf, as if it were not the hand of a general who had fought on the battlefield.

The cold wind howled, but it couldn't dispel the warmth in his heart.

"Hongfei, the guests have arrived." His mother, Shen Jinying's voice came from behind him.

Song Hongfei turned around and walked over from the window of the observation deck.

Liang Wanyi's mother, Yu Peilan, walked ahead with a smile, followed by Liang Wanyi and Lin Shuyao, two young women, as they entered the house together.

Song Hongfei and Liang Wanyi locked eyes.

In that instant, time seemed to freeze. Even Song Hongfei, with his composure, couldn't help but stand there dumbfounded, his heart pounding uncontrollably.

At that moment, it felt as if we were experiencing a wonderful resonance from past and present lives, and our two hearts beat to the same melody at the same instant.

“Liang—” Song Hongfei murmured, but he was still able to keep his mind clear and rational, swallowing back the words “Mengqiu” that he was about to say.

Liang Mengqiu was a female instructor who was one of the five most beautiful women in the G Military Academy in her previous life.

She had the exact same facial features as the person in front of her, and the same refined and extraordinary temperament.

That fleeting glimpse on the street that day made me think I had met her!

Liang Wanyi and Lin Shuyao were both shocked and dumbfounded.

They never imagined it would actually be him!

The officer she met by chance on the street, the figure that haunted her and kept her awake at night, was none other than Song Hongfei!

Liang Wanyi felt her heart pounding and her cheeks flushing rapidly.

Their eyes met, sparking a dazzling display of disbelief and delight in each other's eyes.

Song Hongfei never dreamed that the person in front of him was actually the Liang family's daughter! Fate was so wondrous, and heaven was so kind to him. The woman he could never forget was actually her.

That one glance lasts a lifetime.

Everything around them seemed to disappear, and the whole world consisted only of each other.

"It's you," they both said in unison.

Looking at her slightly flushed cheeks, Song Hongfei felt an overwhelming surge of excitement. He subconsciously took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

Shen Jinying and Yu Peilan exchanged bewildered glances, looking at Song Hongfei and then at Liang Wanyi, both surprised: "You two...have met before?"

Song Hongfei nodded and said, "I've met you before."

Shen Jinying and Yu Peilan exchanged a knowing smile.

Shen Jinying said with a smile, "So it seems you two are truly destined to meet! It's like fate brought you together from afar!"

"Hello, Auntie." Song Hongfei greeted Liang's mother, Yu Peilan, politely.

"Oh, very good!" Yu Peilan smiled broadly, her eyes full of admiration. She couldn't help but exclaim, "Hongfei, it's been over a year since I last saw you! I never imagined you'd become such a distinguished and renowned general!"

The quick-witted Song Hongfei felt a slight unease. He was being overly sensitive, wondering if Liang's mother was using a double entendre. After all, he had broken his promise over a year ago...

At this moment, Shen Jinying's voice rang out at just the right time, and she said with a smile, "Wanyi doesn't need me to introduce her to you. This lady next to you is Lin Shuyao, the eldest daughter of the Lin family, and also Wanyi's cousin."

Upon hearing the voice, Song Hongfei looked at her and nodded politely, "Ms. Lin, hello."

Lin Shuyao was clearly still in shock from seeing Song Hongfei again, and said softly, "General Song, hello."

Song Hongfei smiled slightly and said, "You're too kind. Everyone can just call me Hongfei."

Lin Shuyao imprinted Song Hongfei's smile in her eyes, thinking to herself, "He looks so handsome when he smiles."

Yu Peilan had met Song Hongfei when he first returned to China, but this was the first time she had seen him in military uniform.

She was immediately struck by Song Hongfei's striking appearance. He was tall and handsome, exuding both elegance and a vigorous, heroic spirit. He was truly a man of great vigor and radiant energy.

Compared to a year ago, he now exudes a greater sense of composure and calmness, and his unflappable and open demeanor makes him appear even more extraordinary.

Yu Peilan thought to herself, "No wonder my proud and arrogant daughter would fall for such a military officer who combines might and gentleness, strength and tenderness."

Yu Peilan's joy was palpable, her face beaming with smiles as she looked intently at her daughter and Song Hongfei.

Liang Wanyi felt her ears burning.