Chapter 923: Wang Wang Dapao

"Bang..." The sound of a car door opening and closing rang out.

Wang Yan stood once again on the grounds of the Song and Dance Troupe; it was already mid-August.

The weather in Mencius today was excellent, with no rain; the sky was azure, and clouds of various shapes drifted slowly, thick and heavy. Even the breeze that blew was cool and very comfortable.

"Getting used to it?" Liu Feng asked with a smile.

Wang Yan glanced sideways at him: "I've only been gone a year; what is there not to get used to? Alright, don't bother your old back; we two can handle it in one trip. This big bag is yours, and this small bag is for tonight's meal; you wait downstairs, and I'll have him take you back in a moment. Why are you acting so effeminate, a grown man like you? Did you think I'd forget you? This is yours; take it in a moment."

The driver-cum-assistant, who had been drooling over missing Wang Yan and feeling somewhat dejected just now, nodded eagerly upon hearing there was something for him too. Indeed, during the year Wang Yan went to study at the Military and Political University, he hadn't been able to eat so much meat. Clearly, the fat he had put on following Wang Yan for two years had melted away again over this past year.

Actually, the military's supply situation was much better now than three years ago, but material goods had not yet seen major development. The improvement in troop rations would only begin after the reorganization and troop reductions. On one hand, with fewer personnel, the ration standard per capita became higher. On the other hand, after the end of the Cultural Revolution, the recovery and enhancement of production and construction led to greater output, which, when fed back into military logistical supplies, naturally raised them further.

Currently, it was certainly still insufficient...

Liu Feng followed advice readily; he had mastered the key points of interacting with Wang Yan very well, avoiding anything fake.

Immediately, Wang Yan took the lead himself, carrying his backpack, lugging his large sack, and holding several other bags, while the driver-cum-assistant carried the remaining items, and thus they made the trip upstairs in one go.

Wang Yan did not unpack; instead, he rummaged through the pile of goods, pulled out another large sack, carried it downstairs, watched Liu Feng and the driver depart, and then headed to the Political Commissar's office.

"Report."

"Enter."

Only after hearing the reply did he push the door open and enter; Wang Yan saw that Ning Shan had already risen from his desk, obviously having recognized his voice.

He stepped forward two paces, snapped his heels together with a click, raised his hand in a salute, and said: "Report, Commissar; returned from advanced studies, reporting for duty."

"Good, good, good..."

Ning Shan laughed heartily, came over, and patted Wang Yan on the shoulder: "You kid have finally returned; I knew you were capable of making waves, but I didn't expect you to make such huge waves. Your debate with the senior leaders at the Military and Political University has already spread far and wide.

You talked about the necessity of troop reductions, suggesting the military should maintain between two to three million personnel; you also spoke of future beyond-visual-range long-distance precision strikes, satellites, and positioning systems. You urged vigorous development of the military industry, improving logistical supply and operations to guarantee a one-year stockpile for various artillery shells to enable saturation strikes.

I heard from the senior leaders that the Military Commission later held meetings to discuss this, with central leaders attending symposiums; the commotion caused was truly significant. Your words might offend people; if the military is truly reduced in the future and millions of brothers lose their rice bowls, you could become a sinner.

Oh, right, I heard the senior leaders at the Military and Political University even gave you a nickname? They call you Wang Wang Dapao?"

The senior leaders at the Military and Political University were, of course, not the school administration, but rather army, division, and regiment-level leaders studying there. It was first spoken by a group of regiment-level leaders, and subsequently gained widespread recognition throughout the Military and Political University.

Wang Wang Dapao; just hearing it tells you it's not a compliment.

This nickname roughly carries two meanings: first, it says he is young and boasts outrageously.

Second, the future style of warfare he boasted about is simply blasting everything with artillery. From high-tech precision-guided artillery shell strikes to cheap and effective various howitzers and rocket launchers for carpet bombing, supported by air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, to strategic bombing support from bombers, and even future space-based weapons striking from beyond Earth. All-around, all-terrain, worldwide, a tri-service coordinated strike integrating sea, land, and air.

And as Ning Shan said, he emphasized ammunition reserves and logistical supply and transportation, offering some visions for future logistical transport construction. He also casually mentioned regular maintenance, upkeep, and cleaning of ammunition after saturation, selling or supplying it to nations shrouded by war in exchange for foreign currency, as well as securing interests and status in other regions, and so on.

Although military personnel all suffer from a fear of insufficient firepower, even they felt Wang Yan had gone a bit too far, so he became Wang Wang Dapao.

However, although this nickname Wang Wang Dapao was not complimentary, one must admit it is indeed very resonant; military leaders know it, and central leaders know it too; one could say he became famous overnight. Otherwise, there wouldn't be such a huge leap, transferring him, an artistic soldier, to the General Staff Department.

Although there is some suspicion of being an armchair strategist, anyone who has read Wang Yan's books must admit one point: Wang Yan truly understands military affairs. Although he writes stories, he necessarily reviews and analyzes battles, writing about them very thoroughly. Otherwise, why would the troupe leaders take out their little notebooks to take notes when he went out to perform? It was all knowledge.

Wang Yan laughed loudly: "I'm only twenty-three; young and impulsive, prone to boasting. After writing a few books and a few songs, I got carried away, spouting nonsense. I offered some visions for the future of national defense and military modernization based on my young thoughts and insights; it was all for the nation's prosperity and strength, so there's nothing wrong with that, right?"

"You ah... sit down."

Ning Shan shook his head amusedly, then went over to brew tea for Wang Yan: "What stuff did you bring? Let me tell you, don't make me commit any mistakes."

"What mistake could there be? Just some specialties from Jingcheng: roast duck, cooked meats, pastries, and the like; all for the children. You can have some to go with your wine. Eat them quickly over these couple of days; they won't keep long and spoil easily."

"Alright, you kid still think of me. By the way, regarding that manuscript of yours, '11th Army,' that was mailed back earlier; the senior leader was very pleased. He even said he feared others might covet it; it seems he is the only one who recognizes its value."

After exchanging a few casual words, Ning Shan placed the tea before Wang Yan and smiled: "Let me tell you some good news. In view of your outstanding performance, it has been decided after research to promote you to the deputy battalion level. However, you are too young, and a skip-grade promotion is not ideal. Therefore, after a short interval, we will first process your promotion to full company level these few days, and then promote you to deputy battalion level after the New Year.

Additionally, the senior leader asked me to solicit your opinion on what you wish to do. Your performance at the Military and Political University was excellent; although you returned with the nickname Wang Wang Dapao, that merely refers to your views on future military construction. The part you wrote on political and ideological work is generally approved by the senior leaders. So, if you wish, you can be transferred to the Political Department's office to engage in political and ideological work.

If you do not go and stay in our Song and Dance Troupe, we will appoint you as Deputy Minister of the Arts Department. Although you are at the deputy battalion level, one rank lower, no specific duties will be assigned to you, so there is no problem.

It's not that I don't want to use you; before you left, you proposed that you just wanted to go out and perform for the soldiers and write articles and songs, which is why we thought of giving you a titular post. If you change your mind, then we will arrange a substantive position for you one rank lower; I believe you can do well."

Ning Shan treated Wang Yan quite well; these words were clear, straightforward, and substantial. Regarding personnel appointments and dismissals within the regiment, except for the Deputy Regiment Commander, Ning Shan basically made the final decision alone, as he served as both Regiment Commander and Political Commissar. There was no pretense; whatever work he said he would arrange for Wang Yan, he could make happen.

Wang Yan sipped his tea: "Thank you, Commissar, for thinking of me so much. Since you let me choose, then it must still be Deputy Minister of the Arts Department in our troupe; that sounds so good when said aloud. I indeed wish to bring joy to the soldiers; our border defense troops have it hard.

Otherwise, why would I stay here? Whether it's the General Political Department or the General Staff Department, aren't those offices better than here? Why bother making waves? This arrangement is quite good enough. Although I am an artistic soldier, becoming a deputy battalion commander at twenty-four is exaggerated enough."

"As long as you are clear about it yourself; later, go find Old Zhang to get assigned a single-person dormitory. You aren't married, so assigning you a house would be unusable. Now that you are at least a cadre, living with so many people is inappropriate; you also need peace of mind to create, so we'll arrange a single-person dormitory for you; it will be quieter."

"Alright, I'll find him tomorrow." Wang Yan did not refuse; Liu Feng had already married and moved out, so living in the dormitory now exerted too much pressure on Chen Can and Zhu Ke. It would be better for him to move out, giving the two of them a chance to breathe.

Subsequently, the two chatted for a while, with Ning Shan asking about matters at the Military and Political University; during the few days Wang Yan spent traveling back, 'Wang Wang Dapao' had become famous throughout the entire military and the Central leadership, so one could imagine how spectacular that time must have been.

Of course, this 'entire military' refers to senior leaders of various military regions; middle and lower-level officers and the vast number of soldiers are currently unaware. When Ning Shan said he might be resented in the future, he meant that once everyone knows, there might be some resentment toward him. Actually, reorganization and troop reductions are not decided overnight; discussions on this aspect are already underway now.

After chatting with Ning Shan for a while, Wang Yan went downstairs to find Old Liao, of course bringing some gifts for Old Liao as well.

"What's up, got a new song again?" Old Liao looked at the items Wang Yan brought him, casually placed them under the table, tossed a pack of Daqian Sect cigarettes to Wang Yan, and the two smoked while talking.

"What's up, can't I visit you without a song?"

"No song, welcome. With a song, even more welcome."

"So, no song means not welcome."

After exchanging a couple of jokes, Wang Yan pulled sheet music from his pocket while speaking: "One cannot feel it here; only in Jingcheng can one feel the surging waves and towering billows. Seeking change within stability, seeking breakthrough within change, is the current mainstream in Jingcheng. I had more contact at the Military and Political University; upon graduation, I envisioned the future appearance of the military, and the senior leaders gave me the nickname 'Wang Wang Dapao.' Inspired by this, I wrote this song in three days."

Old Liao smiled, took the sheet music, and murmured: "Song of a Strong Military..."

This was the second time Wang Yan 'created' this song; the previous time was in 'Ten Miles of Spring Breeze,' during military training in the army. This time, having written that book 'My Views,' and precisely understanding the thoughts of the Military Commission and the Central leadership, the sounding of the new journey's horn in 'Song of a Strong Military' was perfectly appropriate. Although some lyrics reflect the later military governance thoughts of senior leaders, placing them in the present is certainly without issue.

Wang Yan's idea was simple: since he was already 'Wang Wang Dapao,' he might as well write a song to take the opportunity to be the first to sound the horn of the new journey. Of course, it was purely sounding the horn, not him going up to issue commands.

Old Liao hummed through the lyrics and melody once, still in his old style, asking Wang Yan about his ideas for arrangement.

"Let's do it as a march; ideally, start with an assembly bugle call, and before the chorus, add a charge bugle call. However, that might be slightly inappropriate, as these two bugle calls cannot be blown arbitrarily. You could use your brain to modify one out; the overall tone should still be bright, impassioned, and powerful."

"Alright, I understand. Anything else?"

Wang Yan smiled helplessly, stood up, and took his leave...

"Wang Yan, you're back!"

"During the year you were gone, everyone missed you terribly."

Wang Yan, returning to the dormitory to pack his things, had just reached the doorway when he saw everyone in the dormitory lying lazily on their beds; daily practice always consumed energy, and they were all waiting to go take a shower in a while.

"You're thinking about the things I brought, aren't you?" Wang Yan smiled and nodded at everyone, then went inside, pulled items out of a bag, and placed them on the table. "These are all specialties from Jingcheng; everyone, share and eat."

A group of exhausted people instantly perked up, bustling noisily as they divided the goods.

Zhu Ke tore off a large chunk of pig's trotter, eating until oil dripped from his mouth; watching Wang Yan busy himself packing things away, he let out an "Ai" and said, "Wang Yan, didn't you hear any news while you were in Jingcheng?"

"What news?"

"They say the National College Entrance Examination is going to be restored," Chen Can added. Seeing Wang Yan turn his head back, he continued, "Zhu Ke's father works in the education sector and specifically made a long-distance call to him. He said a symposium was held upstairs, and there's a very high probability the exam will be restored. Moreover, with chaos being corrected and wrongs righted now, some educated youth have already started returning to the cities."

"It figures that you children of cadres have access to information; I didn't know a thing. But hearing you say so, it must be nine out of ten certain. If it's not restored this year, it should be next year. So what, Zhu Ke, are you planning to transfer to civilian status and take the college entrance exam?"

"I'm hesitating. Originally I hadn't thought about it, but hearing you say so, now I am. You're right; if it's not restored this year, it should be next year—in any case, it's a matter within these two years. I need to call my family in a bit and go back early. What do you think?"

Before Wang Yan could speak, Guan Guan Dongming cut in: "Your question is superfluous. Wang Yan just returned from the University of Military and Political Science; although it was only advanced training for a year, on his record it counts as graduation from the University of Military and Political Science. Furthermore, Wang Yan was already developing well, writing books and songs; why would he need to retire professionally to take the university exam? Wang Yan, now that you're back from this advanced training, you're due for another promotion, right?"

"Company Commander," Wang Yan replied very modestly.

"Look at us; in this whole room, the only ones promoted to officer ranks are Wang Yan, Chen Can, and Liu Feng—just the three of them. Wang Yan is a Company Commander, Liu Feng a Deputy Company Commander, and Chen Can a Platoon Leader. Liu Feng has been a model soldier every year, earning merits and commendations; Wang Yan writes articles and songs; and Chen Can's father is right there. Why take the university exam? Staying in the army, we'll never lack for anything. Those who need to transfer to civilian posts to chase their prospects are the rest of us brothers."

Wang Yan did not join their conversation further; he finished packing, picked up his dirty clothes, and headed to the washroom, busying himself with bathing and laundry all at once...

After a year apart, seeing the man she had longed for day and night once again, Xiao Xiao Suizi momentarily didn't even know what to say. Even Hao Li Shuwen, looking at the grinning Wang Yan, found herself unable to utter any scolding words.

Liu Feng and He He Xiaoping couldn't bear to watch and remained silent.

"Don't recognize me? Why are you standing there stunned? Hurry up and make way; don't block the doorway. Can't you see I'm carrying quite a lot of things?" Wang Yan's words were as casual as ever, spoken with a grin.

A familiar sensation washed over them, and the two returned to normal; Hao Li Shuwen immediately resumed her usual tone of blame: "Why did you take so long to arrive? We've been waiting for you half a year; our stomachs are starving flat."

"There wasn't enough brought back to feed us all, so I went to get some more vegetables and such. Look at Xiao Suizi: one shouldn't forget the well-digger while drinking the water. You haven't even eaten yet, and you're already cursing the cook; is that proper? No need to lend a hand; I can manage on my own."

Wang Yan didn't let Xiao Xiao Suizi or the other two lend a hand; he set the large hemp sack he was carrying down on the ground.

Xiao Xiao Suizi asked, "What did you buy? So many things?"

"Pork, vegetables, fruits, rice, flour, and so on; I also bought some seasonings. Don't just stand around idle; hurry up and help tidy things so we can eat sooner."

Immediately, everyone busied themselves together, cleaning vegetables while chatting.

Watching He He Xiaoping work silently, quick and deft with her hands and feet, Wang Yan asked, "He Xiaoping, how is your father doing?"

"He's alright; thank you for remembering him."

"Has he been rehabilitated?"

"Not yet, but I estimate it will be soon."

He He Xiaoping shook her head, though her mood wasn't particularly low. After all, more and more people were being rehabilitated; it should be her father's turn very soon.

"I heard it seems the National College Entrance Examination is going to be restored," Wang Yan said, changing the subject.

Hao Li Shuwen asked, "You've heard about it too? Who told you?"

"Zhu Ke told me; his father works in education and gave him a phone call..."

"He called to tell him to transfer to civilian status and go back to take the college entrance exam," Xiao Xiao Suizi interjected. "This matter has spread throughout our regiment, causing panic. Many people are inquiring; if it's truly confirmed, eight out of ten our regiment will be disbanded."

"How could that be? There are still many people who don't want to take the college entrance exam; our army unit is stable, after all. Especially since the treatment in our song-and-dance troupe is very good; we all struggled hard to get in, so it's not easy to just give up directly. Furthermore, if everyone wanted to transfer, how could the Political Commissar agree? What kind of place do you think the army is, that you can come and go as you please? It's not that easy."

Xiao Xiao Suizi asked, "Do you think this matter is certain?"

"Certain!"

Wang Yan spoke with assurance: "I told them the same thing earlier in the dormitory: if it's not restored this year, it will be restored next year. The state intends to reform, speaking of respecting knowledge and respecting talent; this tone has already been set. The current system of recommending students for university has too many drawbacks; there will definitely be action taken."

Hao Li Shuwen said, "What are your thoughts?"

"I think the two of you should transfer to civilian status, go home, and take the university exam."

Not only were Hao Li Shuwen and Xiao Xiao Suizi surprised, but even the couple, Liu Feng and his wife, were quite astonished.

"Why? Isn't it quite good in our song-and-dance troupe?"

"Let me analyze it for you; don't leak this to others."

Wang Yan lit a cigarette and said, "While at the University of Military and Political Science, I wrote part of a book, which served as my graduation assignment. In my view, currently, the size of our military is somewhat too large, a bit bloated... The Military Commission and the Central Committee are both intent on reforming and strengthening the army, so I believe reorganization and troop reductions will inevitably occur in the future. Just think about it: our song-and-dance troupe exists to serve the soldiers. If the number of soldiers decreases, will there still be a necessity for our existence?..."

He spoke from military matters to politics, from politics to the social environment, and then to future possible changes, as well as, most importantly, the economic aspect. What he said would not be believed if heard by ordinary people, but fortunately, the four people here all trusted him greatly. He He Xiaoping might not have believed it, but since Liu Feng believed, she believed too; Liu Feng was the head of the household, or rather, He He Xiaoping did not wish to be the head; what she wanted was reliance, a haven for both body and soul.

"Therefore, I feel that rather than wasting time lingering in the song-and-dance troupe, it would be better to take the university exam; there will be better opportunities and better development in the future," Wang Yan said thus.

Xiao Xiao Suizi asked, "What about you?"

"I'm already a Company Commander. Let me reveal another secret: the Political Commissar said that because my performance at the University of Military and Political Science was good, I'll be promoted to Deputy Battalion Commander after the New Year. Besides, I've already completed advanced training at the University of Military and Political Science, so I don't lack those credentials. I'll stay here, following the song-and-dance troupe until the very end; when the time comes, I'll find a way to transfer to Jingcheng. What exactly I'll do then can be decided later."

"By that time, you two will probably still be in school, so we can reunite then. We can wait another two years to see what the policies are at that time, and then decide what to do. After all, I'll never lack for anything; perhaps in the future I can simply devote myself to writing articles."

"I've heard that remuneration for manuscripts is going to be restored. Coincidentally, while I was at school, I wrote over four hundred thousand words of 'Chinese Heroes,' which People's Literature hasn't printed yet. I'm waiting for the regulations to be issued; once they are, I'll see the situation and receive my manuscript fees. Additionally, for the two books I wrote, '11th Army' and '14th Army,' they should also pay me some manuscript fees. By then, I'll have a large sum of money; anywhere from several thousand to over ten thousand isn't out of the question."

Wang Yan, imitating Liu Feng, kept chattering; the key points were just two: first, he would go to Jingcheng in the future, and second, he earned quite a lot from writing books, so he would never have problems. This was still done to reassure the two women so they would feel safe transferring to civilian status and going home to take the college exam.

Both of their families were well-off; although Xiao Xiao Suizi's father had been persecuted, after his work was restored he still had some influence, so transferring wouldn't be difficult. There was no need to linger in the song-and-dance troupe mixing with him; taking the university exam was a better path.

"No need to look at me like that; you really should consider it. Or let me put it another way: even if what I say might be wrong, I am going to Jingcheng in the future anyway. Mencius is still too small, and its material goods aren't as abundant as in Jingcheng. You say, with so much money as I'll have, shouldn't I enjoy myself a bit?"

Hao Li Shuwen and Xiao Xiao Suizi still said nothing, merely looking at Wang Yan, their minds a chaotic mess of thoughts; they couldn't make up their minds just yet.

It was actually Liu Feng who asked, "Wang Yan, then what do you say we couple should do?"

"Does He Xiaoping want to go to university?"

Hearing Wang Yan ask her, He He Xiaoping shook her head: "I'll listen to him."

"Then what do you mean?"

Liu Feng also shook his head: "I don't know either. Originally I thought things were quite good as they are, but after hearing what you said, I don't know which way to turn anymore."

"Then let He Xiaoping go take the university exam. Don't you love dancing? Strive to get into the Minzu University of China to continue your studies and deepen your learning; that way you can go further on this path in the future. Liu Feng will stay with me in the song-and-dance troupe; if the troupe really faces that day, I'll help transfer him to Jingcheng together with me."

Hao Li Shuwen struggled internally, saying, "But what if she can't pass the exam?" Her academic performance wasn't very good...

"Try for two years and see; can't your family afford to feed you? If not, aren't I here? I have money; you two just focus on taking the exams peacefully. I think the questions shouldn't be too difficult; after all, everyone hasn't touched a book in many years and has forgotten everything cleanly. If the college exam is truly restored, the state will definitely have taken considerations into account. It shouldn't be a big problem."

"He Xiaoping doesn't need to be afraid either; isn't Liu Feng earning money? If it really comes to it, I'll lend it to you; you can pay me back slowly later. It's no big deal. If you truly want to take the exam, then decide early. Otherwise, if you wait until later to think about transferring, it will be hard to handle; the Political Commissar will definitely block it, and I won't be able to say too much. So you'd better be decisive; don't dawdle."

Xiao Xiao Suizi said resentfully, "Do you want us to leave the song-and-dance troupe that badly?"

"I want you to go to university; that's a better path. I also plan to settle in Jingcheng in the future. I hadn't been there before, but staying there for a year this time, I realized the capital is indeed better. I'm thinking that once the manuscript fees come through, I'll look into buying a house there. Liu Feng, you buy one too; if you lack money, I'll lend it to you. Buying one will definitely not be something you regret."

Wang Yan did not forget to bring Liu Feng along; after all, a small courtyard house currently cost only a few thousand yuan. He hadn't bought one before because his money came from dubious sources; how could he spend money earned through friendly exchanges on such high consumption?

Now, his manuscript fees were about to be issued, and People's Literature would also pay him arrears for his previous works. Given his current status in the literary world and the terrifying volume of over four million words he had written, he would instantly become a nouveau riche. Once royalties were reinstated in the future, those four million words would continue to earn him money; he had already achieved financial freedom.

Liu Feng nodded with an embarrassed smile; he did not know what to say, but he decided to trust Wang Yan. In his own words, he owed Wang Yan too much and had no ideas of his own left, so whatever Wang Yan said, went.

This was, of course, a wise choice.

Seeing that Hao Li Shuwen and Xiao Xiao Suizi were still pondering, Wang Yan said no more, stood up, and began cooking.

This was a major life decision, further complicated by emotional entanglements with him; moreover, without definite confirmation, it was perfectly normal to struggle making a decision immediately, and they needed some time to think.

There were many things for them to consider...

In contrast, matters were simpler for Liu Feng and his wife; since neither of them had any ideas, they would simply follow Wang Yan's arrangements, and furthermore, he was providing financial support, so what was there to hesitate about?

Thus, Wang Yan cooked another batch of braised pork, prepared some other dishes, paired them with items brought back from Jingcheng, and served the meal; Wang Yan even shared a drink with Liu Feng.

Once everyone started eating, their moods improved greatly; it was as if they ignored the fact that they stood at a major crossroads in life. Chatting and laughing, they listened to Wang Yan recount interesting incidents from his time at the Military and Political University, and to speak of the most interesting, it was naturally all sorts of tales concerning Wang Wang Dapao...