Chapter Ninety-Four: Good Son

  "A hero's blood and a man's heart, the motherland's territory is dear to me. A good son should go to war, but looking at the current situation, the People's Army has changed its previous streamlined state and started large-scale expansion, it must be preparing for future battles. I think that in three to five years, there will be another war, although the People's Army has been invincible so far, but there is still danger. Among all of Old Wang's children, you are the most promising one, how could you have the idea of going to war?"

  "Old Luo, to be honest, I just like wearing that military uniform and carrying a steel gun... Besides, there's nothing good to read at the technical school, and I think my current grades aren't very good either. I'm definitely not going to get into college. After thinking about it for a while, I might as well join the army and train for a few years, anyway..."

  "What's the point? Don't think I don't know about that little calculation in your heart. Are you going to say that you're not the only one in your family, with older brothers and all, even if you die on the battlefield, the Wang family line won't be cut off?"

  As he spoke, an old man called Luo Dage patted Wang Jia's third child on the shoulder. The young man was sturdy and clever, if he could enter a technical school for some time to hone his skills, he would definitely have a very good future, and would not end up like Wang Jia's eldest son, who had contracted dozens of acres of orchards but still hadn't made any profit. The second child had taken out a loan to buy a truck to run cargo transport, with considerable profits, but was often away from home all year round. Only the third child had a promising future.

  The third old Wang had just escaped from the cowherd and was preparing to continue farming when the People's Liberation Army quickly liberated Sichuan. The new people's government that came into power implemented various policies that benefited the people, not only distributing land to farmers, exempting taxes, but also repairing roads, building bridges, opening schools, and setting up classes. Wang, who was already quite old, was sent to a literacy school in the countryside to study, where he achieved excellent results over two years. He was then recommended by his teacher to attend a higher-level training school in the county town, where he again achieved excellent results after one year. His teacher said he had the potential to go to university, but now it seems that this foolish kid has lost interest in continuing his studies and is determined to join the army, which is "beyond cure".

  "A few days ago, I heard on the radio that Yunnan University in Kunming, Guizhou University in Guiyang and Sichuan University in Chengdu have all entered the final sprint of campus construction. I reckon it won't be long before our province's universities start recruiting students officially. Haven't you seen the difference between technical schools and regular universities? Don't you know how the government treats university students?"

  When it comes to the word "university", Wang Jia San couldn't help but lower his head. Indeed, as one of the top ten students in class and in the entire middle school, he naturally had the ability to squeeze into Sichuan University, or even go to Guangxi's China Industrial University to study. But this was just his thoughts during the first year of high school, and by now, two years later, when it came time to take the exams, he would absolutely not be able to get into university. It would be better to enlist in the army now, where he could also attend military college and get a university education, a temptation that was hard to resist.

  "So, my parents let me come to ask for your advice, old master. They are honest farmers and don't have much knowledge or understanding of whether joining the army is right or wrong. Besides, the government has been very kind to us farmers, it's worth risking one's life for such a people-oriented government, but..."

  "But what..." Old Master Luo stared at Wang Jia San for a few moments, lit a cigarette and took two puffs before saying: "In this whole village, thinking back to the past, they were all long-term workers for our family. The people's government came and ruined the rules that had been passed down for thousands of years, making everyone equal. Indeed, it gave you many benefits. But did we, the landlord families, suffer any losses? You, Old Wang, sent him to ask me, a somewhat knowledgeable village chief, isn't this clearly showing that you've already made up your minds? Still, you have to make a big show of it, the people from Old Wang's family really love to make unnecessary moves..."

  "Old Master Luo, please don't get angry. My parents are at a loss for what to do, and with you being ill in the hospital, my older brothers are all very supportive of me. But it's just that we didn't have a main pillar to rely on, so my father thought of asking for your opinion. After all, you're an educated man who has read classical texts, and even back when you were a landlord, you treated our villagers well. You have broad knowledge and are highly learned, and now you're the village head, so your opinion is the same as that of our old Wang family!"

  "Why don't you ask the teachers in your school, they are more knowledgeable and have broader vision? Why do you always ask me, do you think this village is still our old Luo family's?! " Old Master Luo said with a stern gaze at Wang Jia San, who was scolded into a daze. After a faint smile, he replied: "Wanting to join the army is not impossible, I have a good impression of the Red Hat government, the performance of the Red Hats who went to the mountains and countryside is the best representation of this government's spirit, they are wholeheartedly thinking for the people, it's a good government!"

  "Old Master Luo, since you've already seen the government's side, does that mean I'll definitely have a future if I join the army? It seems like you're saying you'll help me persuade my parents?"

  "What? You little stinker, you sneaked out to find me without telling your parents?! You think you can join the army and go crazy or something?" Old Man Luo said, making a gesture as if he was about to hit someone, just like when this third child let his family's cow loose while playing truant, almost losing it. Back then, Old Man Luo had given him a good scolding. Unexpectedly, today he couldn't scold him again. After taking a drag on his cigarette, he said: "Third child, I can persuade your parents and even old Wang from the village clinic to agree, but you have to promise me that after joining the army, you'll behave yourself and..."

  "Old Master Luo, if you have anything else to say, just speak directly, I'm listening!"

  "Third son, this isn't that I don't want to say it, but... never mind, you'll understand later anyway." At this point, Old Master Luo grasped the hand of Wang Jia's third son and said with a bent back: "If you really can join the People's Army, then you must work hard, not fearing hardship, exhaustion, loneliness, or humiliation. If you can't bear one of these four 'fears', then don't go. Since you've made up your mind to go, then do it solidly and practically. The People's Army is very tough, with the three major disciplines and eight points for attention - if you violate one article, you'll either be shot or discharged, or else receive punishment and a stint in a small black room. In short, since you're going, Third Son, you must hold on!"

  "Old Master Luo, you can rest assured. I've long heard that the People's Army has a strong work ethic and rigorous training. From new recruits to reserve duty, and then from reserve duty to regular army, this process is indeed arduous and difficult. Only those who are truly capable can make it through. But who says we're born to suffer? No matter what difficulties come our way, I believe my Wang Sanwa will definitely achieve great things in the military. However, convincing my parents and grandfather will have to rely on you, Old Master Luo. Also, I need a household registration certificate, could you please help me with that, Village Chief?"

  "Little Wang, you stinky kid, came all the way here and still had so many tricks up your sleeve! This one person's military service is a glory to the whole family. You, on the other hand, ran around in circles for half a day just for a proof of identity? Old Ge is still nagging on and on, what a waste of time!" Luo Village Head smiled and happily wrote out a household registration certificate for Wang Dingguo, which simply stated that he was indeed from a certain village. Of course, it also had to be stamped with the very effective village committee seal. "By the way, you little kid should speak Mandarin more often, it will help your future development prospects, did you hear that?"

  "I heard, thank you!" Wang Dingguo didn't realize he was speaking Sichuan dialect again until the words were out of his mouth. He quickly grabbed his household registration and ran out of the village committee office in a hurry. After running for a while, he stopped and turned around to shout "thank you" to Old Man Luo. Of course, Village Chief Luo also came out with his cane to see off the little troublemaker who used to be number one or two in the village, but was now going to join the army. Judging from his appearance, it's likely that he won't be seen again in the future. After turning around and preparing to go back to the office to broadcast and publicize the people's military recruitment to the villagers, he didn't expect that there were already several young men behind him.

  "Hey Yang Erwa, you turtle egg, have you also become one of those who want to join the army? And that Dai Laosi, your older brother died young, your second sister got married, and your third brother is still in technical school learning welding. You should go to the city to learn a trade and make money to marry a wife. What are you doing here causing trouble? Wang Sanwa has some education, joining the army will definitely bring her a good future. You two don't have to follow her!"

  "This old man Luo, Wang Sanwa is just good at reciting a few words! In the past, he was not as accurate as me when shooting slingshots, and swimming wasn't as fast as Duckie. Why can't we join the army if he could? You're just being biased, if you really don't believe we can achieve good results, then give each of us a chance to prove ourselves. Once we join the troops, we'll show you who's more capable, Wang Sanwa or me Yang Erwa!"

  "It's all right, we're from the same village. When we get to the army, we can take care of each other. Wang Erwa is too lonely going alone..." Dai Li hurriedly added fuel to the fire, Yang Hongwei's words had already taken effect, and perhaps this was just what they needed to help them out. Before long, Old Master Luo gave each of them a cane, and very obediently, they put on their old glasses and picked up their old brushes. In no time at all, he had drawn up the certificates for them, with bright red seals that were quite eye-catching.

  "All of a sudden, three people left. If they are all selected, our village will become a model village for supporting the army!" Looking at the two people who were excited and chasing after Wang Dingguo like dolls, holding their certificates like the wind, the village chief stood on the mountain ridge and soon couldn't see the three people's figures in the distance. "Joining the army is not a bad profession, I hope from now on they can walk out of these big mountains, walk out of this poor mountain valley!"

  ………

  On March 2, 1922, the People's Armed Forces Department of Yuechi County in Guang'an City began physical examinations for volunteer soldiers at the county hospital. This time, the army recruitment area included Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, as well as parts of Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. Those who met the requirements would undergo three months of new recruit training at one of four military bases in Chengdu and Xi'an, after which they would be selected for various large troops, including the First Division and Second Division main combat forces. After an adaptation period, the army would have even larger organizational changes, perhaps giving rise to "army"-level units soon. However, the most important thing at this time was still the new recruit physical examination work, which was the first pass for joining the military and also the fairest and most ruthless one.

  "Everyone, stand up straight and refrain from chatting and fooling around. Each row is a group for the physical examination, with the tallest person at the head of each row serving as the team leader responsible for maintaining order. Any group that fails to maintain order during the examination will be disqualified in its entirety. Of course, you are not familiar with the physical examination process, so each group will have a nurse who will lead you through the various examination items. Now, please fill out the physical examination form with your personal information and hand it over to the leading nurse, who will take you to participate in the physical examination. The results of each examination item will be written on the form by the doctor, and if any item is not qualified, you will be eliminated on the spot, and the leading nurse will automatically remove your form..."

  Cao Xiaotian yelled at the top of his lungs to a group of young recruits, not because he was emotional, but because there were too many people signing up. The entire hospital's main building was packed with people, and he had no choice but to yell to get their attention. If he didn't consider the patients inside the hospital and the social impact, he would have preferred to use a loudspeaker. However, his yelling did stun the crowd, and after quickly dividing into groups and filling out forms, the first medical examination group set off under the leadership of a nurse. Among the 40 people in the group, many were from the same village, including Wang Dingguo, Dai Li, and Yang Hongwei. These three villagers were all excitedly preparing for the rigorous military physical examination.

  "The first item is to check your height and weight, please take off your outerwear and shoes when you have a physical examination." The leading nurse quickly introduced the first item to everyone and put a large stack of physical examination forms on the doctor's desk. Another doctor was responsible for reading the data, so that the results could be obtained on the spot.

  The army didn't say no to recruiting female soldiers, but the fact is that not a single woman came forward to enlist. Of course, there must be some complex reasons for this, but since all the examinees were male, it made things easier for the doctors to conduct uniform physical examinations and quickly check everyone. The first item on the examination list was height and weight. The army's requirements for these two items weren't very strict; as long as you weren't under 158 cm or 45 kg, you could pass. And at that time, China wasn't yet a country full of chubby men, so those who were malnourished might have been ruthlessly eliminated, but there was no one who was eliminated for being overweight.

  "Please pay attention to the indication pattern on my baton, say which direction the two gaps of the letter E are facing, up, down, left or right. You must give me an answer with gestures and voice." The vision inspector explained the precautions for this link to the physical examination group, and many people were in contact with the vision chart for the first time, and the color blindness test later was probably also the first time.

  In this era of no pollution and no radiation, almost everyone who comes for a physical examination has very good eyesight, at least 5.0 or above in later generations. The lowest standard of right eye naked eye vision 4.9 and left eye naked eye vision 4.8 is naturally difficult to hold people back, generally with a score of 5.3 in both eyes. Of course, the color blindness test was not that easy to get through.

  Originally, abnormal color vision was directly unqualified, but the army's requirements at this time were not high, as long as they could identify red, green, yellow, blue, and purple single colors, they were still qualified. Of course, if there are diseases that affect eye function, such as eyelids, eyelid margins, conjunctiva, and lacrimal apparatus, they will naturally be unqualified. The hearing test was also equally strict, with ear whispers below 5 meters being directly judged as unqualified on each side.

  The easiest ones were the olfactory and oral examinations, at which time the minimum age for participants was 17 years old, so they all belonged to the post-90s generation, that is, born after 1900. Most of them were born into poor peasant families and could not have had as many sweets as later generations. They ate green, non-polluting foods, and oral diseases were almost non-existent. Therefore, no one was eliminated in the olfactory and oral examinations. Although there were missing incisors, canines, and premolars, the bite did not exceed 0.5 cm, the open bite did not exceed 0.3 cm, and the deep overbite exceeded two-thirds, they would still be qualified.

  "The seventh item is a big one, there will be twenty doctors taking an assembly line approach. Once you go in, please take off all your clothes, including socks..."

  "What? Strip completely?" Yang Hongwei was shocked to hear the team leader nurse say this, his eyes almost popping out. He patted Wang Dingguo, the only one of the three who had some experience, on the head and said: "Wang Sanwa, you tell me, is this naked physical examination choosing a daughter-in-law or selecting soldiers?"

  "Stop talking nonsense, this is a physical examination. When they ask you to take off your clothes, just do it. Look at those doctors, they didn't say anything. What are you afraid of?!" After finishing speaking, Wang Dingguo glanced at the nurse who was handing over the medical examination form to the doctors and said: "Wait until the female nurse leaves later, then we'll take off our clothes. Whoever takes off their clothes first will probably give a good impression to the doctors. A big man like you is hesitant to take off his clothes, do you want to be a soldier or something?"

  Before long, the nurse did go out. The entire operating room converted from a temporary conference room was left with twenty male doctors. The humming air conditioner soon became even louder, and the temperature in the house became higher and higher. Everyone immediately stripped naked and quickly lined up to accept inspection and spot checks.

  Traumatic skull defects, fractures and depressions. Torticollis that cannot be corrected by itself, sequelae of bone and joint injuries, habitual dislocation of bones and joints, chronic spinal diseases and chronic lower back pain, difference in length of two lower limbs exceeding 2 cm, distance between medial condyle of femur and medial malleolus of tibia exceeding 7 cm. Phlebitis, arterial aneurysm, severe varicose veins of the lower extremities, varicocele, etc. Many examination items are related to the basic physical quality and health level of the examinees. Those who fail are naturally due to physical reasons. These may not affect normal life, but will definitely affect their entry into the army for regular training and combat operations. The military does not need such people.

  "Next, Yang Hongwei!" After smoothly entering the internal medicine department, some people had already been eliminated from the first inspection group. Finally, it was time for blood pressure measurement. Yang Hongwei, who is about 1.7 meters tall, and two others were already at the front of the line. The doctor gestured for Yang Hongwei to sit down and then said: "Please roll up your sleeves, I'll measure your systolic and diastolic pressures."

  "The test results are good, you can move on to the next level!" After a brief examination, the doctor recorded the test results and opinions on Yang Hongwei's examination form, then asked the next person to sit down and roll up their sleeves for measurement. Yang Hongwei passed smoothly, giving Wang Dingguo and Dai Li a lot of confidence.

  After sitting down, Wang Dingguo asked: "Doctor, what range of diastolic and systolic blood pressure is considered qualified? My grandfather often stays in the hospital, so every time he measures these, but just doesn't know what range is healthy and qualified."

  "Blood pressure that is out of range is unqualified, systolic pressure between 12 to 18.66 kPa or 96 to 140 mmHg is qualified. Diastolic pressure between 8.0 to 11.46 kPa or 60 to 86 mmHg is qualified. Please roll up your sleeve, I'm going to check you now..."

  After the blood pressure test, the stethoscope examination was quickly carried out. The heart contraction period murmur changed with body position and repeated auscultation confirmed that it was physiological and qualified. All other items were very strict, especially the heart rate, which had to be between 56 and 110 beats per minute; otherwise, the candidate would be directly eliminated. After being checked, the person would continue lying in bed for further examination. The doctor would press different parts of the body to check for any abnormalities, such as when lying on their back with calm breathing, the liver could not be felt more than 1.5 cm below the right clavicle midline rib edge, and it should feel soft, thin-edged, smooth, and non-tender without percussion pain. The upper boundary of the liver was within the normal range, indicating good nutritional status and no anemia.

  After a long examination, seventy-five percent of the people passed the qualification, but this does not mean that they can officially become new recruits. There are still political assessments, military representative home visits and other links, as well as an undisclosed link. Those who react slowly, have poor expression skills, or have physical quality problems will be eliminated. Having cognitive problems with the army is also not allowed. Ability and loyalty are the eternal requirements of the army for soldiers.

  A soldier who doesn't want to be a general is not a good soldier, but it's not that people who don't become soldiers are not good people. Of course, if you want to become a general, first you must become a soldier.

  PS: Tomorrow's noon update has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, I'm really sorry.