The War of Resistance Against Japan: Starting with a Calm View of Life and Death

Zhou Jindong had already planned how to slap his childhood friend in the face later, making him laugh at the original owner for only having a red-tasseled spear!

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but smile knowingly and prepared to continue opening the box.

Finally, there was the corpse of the triangular-eyed Japanese soldier.

He still had his Type 38 rifle in his hand, and Zhou Jindong pried it out from between his fingers.

Upon inspection, there was a loaded bullet in the magazine, but it had misfired.

The man with the triangular eyes didn't have time to fire.

He also had three ammunition pouches on his waist, containing 120 bullets.

This shows that these Japanese soldiers basically didn't fire any shots this time!

This also shows that the other party's plan was well-thought-out and they basically encountered no resistance.

However, now it's all benefiting Zhou Jindong.

Three Type 38 rifles, plus 366 rounds of ammunition—this was an absolute "huge sum" in the gun-scarce and ammunition-scarce Shanxi-Northwest region!

Besides rifles and bullets, Zhou Jindong did not overlook any other supplies.

He found two melon-shaped grenades tied to the waist of the short, stocky sergeant.

This type of grenade is the Japanese Type 97 grenade, which is quite powerful.

Zhou Jindong carefully took it off and casually stuffed it into his clothes.

This thing is a lifesaver; it can be incredibly useful in critical moments.

Then there are short weapons.

All three Japanese soldiers were equipped with bayonets, but Zhou Jindong preferred a portable dagger.

Perhaps it's a case of wishes coming true.

After searching all three Japanese soldiers, he actually found a military dagger on the calf of the thin-lipped soldier. The scabbard was black, and the handle was wrapped with non-slip hemp rope.

He pulled it out and saw that the blade gleamed coldly and was extremely sharp.

This should have been a Japanese soldier's "wakizashi," used for close combat or seppuku—but now, it has become Zhou Jindong's trophy.

Zhou Jindong quickly searched the Japanese soldier's pockets and found some Japanese yen banknotes, cigarette cases, lighters, and a military compass.

He put the compass in his pocket.

As for the dry rations on the Japanese soldiers, he only found a few packets of hard, compressed biscuits.

I was a little disappointed that I couldn't find the legendary canned beef.

However, he still put it in his pocket.

"Dad, I've taken care of all the Japanese devils. Come on, lend me a hand and help me drag the bodies to the backyard!"

Zhou Jindong called out to Zhou Yannian, who was sitting on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed).

Ever since Zhou Yannian noticed his son's unusual behavior, he had been standing aside, observing coldly.

He was also looking at the scene before him with a look of surprise.

He knew his son was good at fighting, but he never expected him to be this good!

Having lived most of his life and seen many things, he still found the scene before him rather strange—his own son had actually killed three Japanese soldiers with guns using a red-tasseled spear!

His eyes were filled with surprise, and a hint of unyielding pride.

No wonder he's my own son!

Hearing his son's shout, Zhou Yannian snapped out of his daze and quickly came over.

Although he looks old, he is actually quite healthy.

The father and son worked together to drag the three Japanese soldiers' corpses to the backyard.

The backyard was small, with only a small vegetable garden, a pile of firewood, and an abandoned pigsty in the corner.

"Dad, move the pile of firewood aside, I'll dig a hole!"

Zhou Jindong said.

Zhou Yannian nodded and helped move the firewood aside, revealing the soil underneath.

Zhou Jindong picked up a hoe and began digging.

Father and son working together makes the work easier.

Soon, a pit less than half a meter deep was dug.

The father and son threw the three bodies into the pit, then covered them with soil and tamped it down.

Zhou Jindong then laid another layer of firewood on top and poured some water on it.

"Father, please clean up the bloodstains in the pharmacy, especially the ones by the door and the edge of the kang (heated brick bed)!" Zhou Jindong pleaded.

He then picked up a broom and began cleaning up the fragments of medicinal herbs and the things dropped by the Japanese soldiers.

Zhou Yannian quickly fetched a basin of water and used a rag to wipe up the bloodstains on the ground.

After a lot of work, the two finally finished cleaning up the scene.

Zhou Jindong returned to the house and said to Zhou Yannian, "Father, quickly pack your things, we must leave here immediately!"

Zhou Yannian nodded, turned around and went into the inner room.

Of course he knew his son was right.

If we kill three Japanese soldiers, they will definitely retaliate. Staying here is just waiting to die.

The reason he chose to stay at home when the Japanese invaded the village was entirely to take care of his son.

Now that my son is full of energy, with no backache or leg pain, and can even kill three Japanese soldiers in one go, running away is the best option.

Zhou Jindong also went into the inner room to help his father tidy up.

When traveling in the mountains, it's best to carry as little as possible, but you should still bring the necessities.

Zhou Yannian took out a few cornbread buns and a small bag of millet from the cabinet.

Taking advantage of Zhou Jindong's inattention, he took out a few things from under a drawer and quietly put them in his pocket.

At this moment, Zhou Jindong found a gourd, filled it with water, and hung it on his waist.

There are many medicinal herbs at home.

He asked his father to bring some commonly used medicines, such as Panax notoginseng for stopping bleeding, Bupleurum for treating colds, and some bandages.

These things can save your life if you get injured in the mountains.

At the same time, Zhou Yannian took out two patched cotton-padded jackets, one for himself and one for his son.

Winters in northwestern Shanxi are very cold, especially in the mountains; without thick clothes, you'll freeze to death.

He specifically found two cloth bags and wrapped three Type 38 rifles, nine ammunition boxes, two hand grenades, a dagger, and a compass in them, then carried them on his back.

Soon, everything was packed.

Zhou Jindong checked everything: dry rations, water, medicine, clothing, weapons... everything was there.

"Father, let's go!"

Zhou Jindong slung a cloth bag over his shoulder, held a red-tasseled spear in his hand, and spoke to his father.

Zhou Yannian nodded, slung a small bundle over his shoulder, and followed his son out of the pharmacy.

"Don't worry, Dad, we'll be back soon!"

Seeing that his father was still looking around, Zhou Jindong assumed he was reluctant to part with the child and offered his words of comfort in a firm tone.

Zhou Yannian's expression was quite complicated. In the end, he didn't say anything, but just nodded.

The father and son dared not take the main road and could only take the side road.

The roads in Dongzhai Town are all dirt roads, full of potholes and covered with snow.

Zhou Jindong walked ahead, vigilantly observing his surroundings and catching any movement.

"Father, follow me, and don't make a sound!"

Zhou Jindong said in a low voice.

He knew that the Japanese patrol might be nearby, and if they were discovered, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Zhou Yannian followed closely behind his son and easily kept up with his pace.

After walking for about half an hour, they finally arrived at the foot of the back mountain without any major incident.

The mountain behind is very high, covered with thick snow, and densely wooded—it's the best place to hide.

Just as Zhou Jindong was heading towards the village's permanent shelter, following the original owner's memories, he suddenly heard a faint sound of footsteps.

"Who?"

He immediately gripped his red-tasseled spear and looked warily in the direction from which the sound came.

Several villagers emerged from the woods; they were all familiar faces from Dongzhai Town—Grandpa Wang, Aunt Li, and a few teenagers.

"Is it the Near East?"

Grandpa Wang recognized Zhou Jindong and said in surprise.

"Uncle Wang, what are you doing here?"

Zhou Jindong asked.

Grandpa Wang sighed and said, "This morning, the Japanese devils entered the town and searched every household. We were afraid of being caught, so we took our families and fled to the back mountain."

Most of the villagers have arrived; they are in the cave in front of us.

It's a bit cold in the cave, so I brought your Aunt Li and the others out to gather some firewood.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jindong was overjoyed—it turned out that most of the villagers had escaped!

In this way, the father will have company.

Then I can confidently deal with the Japanese devils.

As a soldier, I believe that these are the worst of times and the best of times!