Chapter 1 The Closest Yet Farthest Person (Nine)

Tao Yan inserted a small red triangular flag at a commanding height, pointed at it, and said to the staff officers, “During the rest period in place, organize training as usual. The training intensity can be reduced by two levels. The First Staff Department, the Second Staff Department, and the headquarters should each come up with a training plan. Conduct rotations for training.”

“Yes, Commander!”

“Dismissed,” said Tao Yan, tilting his head slightly as he lit a cigarette.

The staff officers saluted and filed out in order.

Tao Yan silently gazed at the northwest corner of the sand table, where a Japanese flag was planted on a commanding high point. He picked it up, then stuck it back in place. Looking up at the waiting communications officer, he said, “Take this down.”

“Yes, sir,” replied the communications officer, opening his notebook.

“Message received. Our forces will rest and await orders at our current position. Additionally, we will organize a large-scale drill and request the central authorities to allocate military equipment and supplies. Tao Yong.” Tao Yong paced from one side of the sand table to the other. “Send it.”

“Yes, sir!” The communications officer finished recording, pulled out a telegraph form, stepped closer, and handed it over with both hands, saying, “Commander, there is also an urgent telegraph here. It’s from General Pang Dunhuang. Please take a look.”

Tao Yong snatched the telegraph form.

It was just a short sentence.

He read it through twice and said, “Reply and tell him, I understand.”

“Yes!” The communications officer saluted and turned to leave.

Tao Zhen propped himself against the sand table.

The situation simulated on the sand table was the current battle. No matter how he looked at it, it couldn’t put him at ease.

“Report!”

“Come in.” Hearing the familiar voice, he looked up and saw a young officer entering.

“Reporting to the commander, Colonel Tu Huyi, commander of the Independent Regiment of the 36th Army…” the young officer announced clearly.

Tao Yong waved to stop him and said, “Come, sit down.”

He pointed to a folding stool beside him.

“Yes!” Tu Huyi smiled.

“What brings you here with free time?” Tao Zhen asked. He gestured for Tu Huyi to sit closer. It was the confidential secretary who entered with refreshments—bringing coffee for Tao Zhen and a cup of light tea for Tu Huyi. Tao Zhen glanced at it and said to Tu Huyi, “Help yourself to whatever you like. After continuous marching and fighting, I don’t have much in the way of good things here.”

Looking at Tao Zhen’s eyes, red from staying up late, and the half-smoked cigarette between his fingers, Tu Huyi’s mood suddenly grew complex. He was well aware of how particular his seventh young master had once been… He couldn’t help but say, “Seventh Young Master, take a rest. While the troops are recuperating, you should even more so get some rest yourself.”

Tao Zong smiled and said, “You little rascal.”

Tao Zong’s face was handsome and thin, with graying temples.

Over the years, having experienced countless life-and-death situations, his temperament had grown increasingly steady and increasingly silent. There were few moments that allowed him to fully relax, and even fewer people who could make him feel completely at ease.

Tu Huyi took off his military cap and held it in his hand. As someone who had followed Tao Zong for many years, he could at least exchange a few casual words with him upon meeting. He placed the military cap aside and waited for Tao Zong to pick up his coffee before saying, “Nannan is in Shanghai—so close, just a two-day round trip. Seventh Young Master, why not go and see her?”

Tao Zhen took a sip of coffee and said, “I’ve been busy lately; I’ll go when things ease up.”

“Seventh Young Master.” Tuhu Yi seemed hesitant to speak.