On a hot summer day on August 26, 1985, Hu Shaodong, an old farmer in Laoxing Village, Tongling County, Anhui Province, returned from the field with his hoe and his wife although he was in a heavy mood.
The reason is that he only learned the news that his son sacrificed his life for the country three months ago, and he experienced the pain of losing his son. As a martyr's family member in the village, the Hu family has attracted much attention. However, on this special day, the villagers began to discuss another matter related to the Hu family.
Fang Haiying's fate took a turn for the better that day, when a young man in military uniform went around the village to inquire about Hu Shaodong's family. Although the villagers were unable to find Hu Shaodong because there was no one at home, they guided the soldier to the village committee to wait.
Soon, Hu Shaodong and his wife returned home with hoes, and the villagers immediately took them to the village committee, shouting: "The troops are here again!" What's going on this time? ”
Hu Shaodong frowned tightly and hurried to the village committee. There, he met the young man, about twenty years old, about the same age as his deceased son. After he saw Hu Shaodong, he didn't say much, knelt directly on the ground, and said, "Dad, I want to stay by your side, and I will support you and provide for you." ”
Hu Shaodong looked at the young soldier in front of him, his heart full of doubts. He couldn't understand why a young soldier would kneel down and call his father, and why he should provide for his old age.
All this left him with great confusion as to what to do with the young man. However, the young man saw Hu Shaodong's confusion, and he explained: "My name is Fang Haiying, and I am your son Hu Xinglong's comrade-in-arms!" ”
When Hu Shaodong heard this name, his thoughts were instantly brought back to a few years ago, when his son Hu Xinglong's dream finally came true and became a glorious PLA soldier.
However, at that time, there was a young man in Tongling County who joined the army, and he was the Fang Haiying in front of him. Hu Shaodong remembered his son's dream back then, and his heart was full of emotion.
He decided to accept the young man and treat him like his own son, because they were all soldiers who were also dedicated to their country, and they all had the same dreams and missions.
You are Fang Haiying, I have heard of you many times, but why do you call me father? At this time, the villagers and cadres in the village were very surprised and puzzled.
Fang Haiying's eyes carried a sense of calmness and firmness, he gently placed the backpack on the table, opened the backpack, and inside was stacks of letters, a set of old military uniforms, and a watch.
He slowly recounted the extraordinary time he had with Hu Xinglong in the army. In July 1984, in response to the call of the country, their unit went to the Sino-Vietnamese border to carry out garrison duties.
Despite the fact that the war of self-defense and counterattack has ended, the situation in the border areas is not calm. The Vietnamese army frequently harasses our borders, seriously threatening the lives of the local population. In order to protect the territory of the country, it is incumbent upon our troops to undertake this difficult and honorable task.
The border environment is harsh, and there are vicious enemies lurking that can be killed at any moment, but every warrior is well prepared and ready to fight.
Although Hu Xinglong and Fang Haiying were fearless in the self-defense counterattack against Vietnam, what they were most worried about was that their parents were old, and any mistakes they made on the battlefield as only sons would bring unbearable pain to their parents.
As the fighting escalated, so did their worries. On the front line, Hu Xinglong and Fang Haiying showed great courage and calmness, and they repeatedly fought against the Vietnamese army and won commendations.
However, their comrades-in-arms were not spared, some were hit by enemy bullets, and some even sacrificed their precious lives. In February 1985, Hu Xinglong's unit was stationed on a hillside in Yunnan Province to carry out a reconnaissance mission.
When Hu Xinglong was about to set off, he had a lot of thoughts, and the burden in his heart became heavier and heavier. He knew that no matter how difficult the road ahead was, he could not let his worries become a burden to his parents.
He decided that no matter whether he lived or died, he had to do his best to complete the task and protect himself in order to protect his parents.
After seeing his old friend who couldn't sleep at night, Fang Haiying decided to have a good talk with Hu Xinglong. Hu Xinglong said to his old comrades-in-arms: "War is ruthless, and our lives may be paid for at any time, but if we sacrifice, what will happen to our parents? ”
Hearing this, Fang Haiying also sighed deeply. So, Hu Xinglong continued: "Good brother, I have a proposal. This time the task is very difficult, if we are unfortunately killed in the battle, it is the responsibility of the surviving party to take care of the other parent. ”
After hearing this, Fang Haiying agreed very much with this proposal, and decided to write a letter with Hu Xinglong, no matter who is alive, he will be responsible for taking care of the other party's parents. To express their determination, they also bit their fingers, pressed their handprints, and finally took an oath under the kapok trees in the south.
Can you tell me how my son died? Fang Haiying nodded, and slowly told the last thing about Hu Xinglong's life.
Our soldiers adhered to the covenant, and before leaving, the two of them swore an oath, and then went to the front line to reconnoitre. Unexpectedly, on the way, we were blocked by a large Vietnamese army, and the Vietnamese army fired at us mercilessly, and the soldiers immediately looked for cover and anxiously waited for reinforcements.
However, due to blocked communications, the company leadership decisively decided to break through and managed to find the weak point of the enemy army. Under the leadership of squad leader Yu Bin, all the fighters quickly concentrated and broke through the blockade of the enemy army.
Despite the large number of enemy troops, they managed to break through. However, the enemy forces were in hot pursuit, and we barely had time to breathe.
Squad leader Yu Bin made a difficult decision, he decided to leave Hu Xinglong in the blocking battle to protect the retreat of the main company. Fang Haiying knew that he couldn't have a child at this time, he and Hu Xinglong just glanced at each other, and then set off immediately.
They prayed all the way, hoping that their comrades would be safe. However, tragedy struck. Yu Bin and Hu Xinglong took the initiative to lead the enemy to a narrow strip of land for the evacuation of the large army, but behind them was a cliff.
The Vietnamese quickly surrounded them, thinking that they were the main force, but when they got closer, they found that there were only Yu Bin and Hu Xinglong. Faced with the enemy's onslaught, they resolutely jumped off the cliff and died for their country.
That night, our army found their bodies under the cliff and held a simple memorial service for them, Fang Haiying was deeply saddened and decided to fulfill his promise.
In May 1985, martyr Hu Xinglong died heroically in the Kunming Military Region, and his heroic deeds were posthumously recognized as a member of the middle school and won a first-class meritorious service. At the same time, the people of Anhui Province awarded him the title of "People's Meritorious Hero".
However, the news was not immediately communicated to Hu Shaodong and his wife, because at that time people were worried that their emotions would be unbearable. And Fang Haiying performed well in the army and got the opportunity to enter the military academy for further study.
However, in August 1985, when he was asked if he would like to go to a military academy for further study, he did not hesitate to choose to leave the army and showed Hu Xinglong's letter to the leadership.
The leader felt both regret and admiration for this, so he agreed to his request and helped him contact the work of the Tongling power plant so that he could return to his hometown to take care of the two families.
When Fang Haiying returned to Tongling, his father praised his decision to give up his military academy to take care of his comrades-in-arms' parents, gave him a sum of money, and asked him to go to find Hu Xinglong's family the next day.
Hu Xinglong came to Laoxing Village, and after learning the reason, Hu Shaodong and his wife said that they did not need Fang Haiying to take care of them. However, Fang Haiying firmly stated that the father of his comrade-in-arms is his father, and he must keep his promise and will not leave.
Hu Shaodong and his wife repeatedly refused, and Fang Haiying decided to stay in the local area and continue to take care of them.
Fang Haiying spent one night in Laoxing Village, and the villagers' admiration for the warrior was overflowing, but they were puzzled by Hu Shaodong's refusal to accept Fang Haiying.
Under the arrangement of the villagers, Fang Haiying rested in the village committee, and returned to Hu Shaodong's house to help with farm work and housework during the day, and his performance made Hu Xinglong's old mother very happy, because she saw the shadow of her son.
With her help, Hu Shaodong finally agreed to let Fang Haiying live in a side house in the family, although he did not recognize the son. Fang Haiying also has a younger sister named Hu Guilan, she graduated from junior high school and wants to join the army and serve the country like her brother.
Since Fang Haiying came to their house, Hu Guilan would ask about the troops every day, and would also ask Hu Xinglong about his anecdotes. For these questions, Fang Haiying always answered enthusiastically, but only Hu Shaodong kept a straight face and did not let others talk about it.
Hu Guilan admires Fang Haiying very much, likes him to do things in a down-to-earth manner, and has the shadow of Hu Xinglong. Every time I get along with Fang Haiying, it seems that my brother is still around. What's even more gratifying is that Fang Haiying helped Hu Guilan realize her dream of becoming a female soldier and serve the country.
Fang Haiying lived in Hu Shaodong's house for three months and did not return home at all. He went to work at the power plant every day and went home at night to do housework, and all the income was used to improve the life of Hu Shaodong's family.
However, despite Fang Haiying's efforts, Hu Shaodong refused to recognize his son, leaving him confused. However, Hu Xinglong's mother often said in private: "Although my old man has a hard mouth, he is kind-hearted.
Every time you cook, I will ask you to add vegetables, as long as you don't mention Hu Xinglong in the future, he won't be so sad. Also, don't rush to call him father, give him some time. ”
In the third year of living in his comrades-in-arms' family, Fang Haiying became a part of Hu Shaodong's family. Although Hu Shaodong was reluctant to admit that he was his son, Fang Haiying had already been accepted by the villagers of the entire Laoxing Village.
He works in the fields, does laundry and cooks, and does not fall behind, and as long as he can help, he is not ambiguous. Not only that, Fang Haiying often warms the legs of the two old people in person, and sometimes helps them wash their feet, taking great care of the two old people.
Finally, a small incident happened that made Hu Shaodong truly accept Fang Haiying, and they became comrades-in-arms and brothers-in-law, and spent many good times together.
Hu Shaodong sometimes feels embarrassed because of Fang Haiying's enthusiasm, but it is this enthusiasm that makes Hu Shaodong gradually moved in the depths of his heart, and the communication between the two gradually increases.
This subtle change makes people feel gratifying, and it also strengthens Fang Haiying's confidence. This winter night, Fang Haiying had just fallen asleep when he heard a cry of pain coming from next door.
It turned out that Hu Shaodong's cholecystitis suddenly attacked, the pain was unbearable, and he foamed at the mouth. After Fang Haiying heard this, he didn't even wear clothes and shoes, so he immediately went into the house to check the situation.
After seeing Hu Shaodong's situation, Fang Haiying picked him up without hesitation, ran directly for 4 miles, and carried Hu Shaodong to the local health center. The doctor at the health center hurriedly administered him.
After Hu Shaodong woke up, he said to Fang Haiying: "Look how filial your son is, he didn't even wear shoes and clothes on such a cold day, and he ran over with you on his back, and his feet were full of blood grinding out of stones at that time!" ”
The relationship between Fang Haiying, Hu Guilan and Hu Shaodong became deeper and deeper, and Hu Shaodong decided to officially recognize Fang Haiying as his son, so that his efforts were rewarded. Since then, the relationship between the two has become more intimate, they often work together in the fields, and they will introduce each other to their families, and the contact has become frequent.
Not long after, Hu Guilan went home to visit relatives, and happened to meet Fang Haiying carrying a twenty-pound water tank, she felt that she couldn't go, so she stepped forward to help.
Fang Haiying rejected Hu Guilan's kindness, feeling that he was a big man and didn't need the help of girls. However, this did not stop Hu Guilan from secretly feeling attached to him, and she often wrote letters in the army to express her longing.
Hu Guilan's parents, Hu Shaodong and his wife, saw it and had an idea: to marry their daughter to Fang Haiying. Hu Shaodong found Fang Haiying, and the two old men sat together and talked about their inner thoughts.
Hu Shaodong said: "No one will say that you take advantage!" Our family has asked you to help, you married my daughter, and you will be my real son in the future! Listening to Hu Shaodong's words, Fang Haiying understood the sincerity of the Hu family, but he still felt that he had promised his comrades-in-arms to marry his sister, and if he married Hu Guilan now, it would be considered a advantage.
When you are old, not getting married will always make people rush, and Hu Guilan is indeed a good person. After careful consideration, Fang Haiying finally agreed to Hu Shaodong's request and prepared to marry Hu Guilan and become the real son of the Hu family.
After everyone's matchmaking, Fang Haiying and Hu Guilan came together. Their affection is sublimated in the exchange of letters, often expressing deep affection. In 1995, after Hu Guilan was discharged from the army, her career also stabilized, and they held a grand wedding together and became a couple made in heaven.
Fang Haiying also became the rightful son of the Hu family. On the wedding day, Fang Haiying's father and Hu Shaodong sat together and talked happily, and the relationship between the two families became closer.
In order to better take care of the elderly, Fang Haiying also bought a 62-square-meter house in the county seat for Hu Shaodong to live in, and it is more convenient to take care of him. Soon after, they had a son, and the family lived happily ever after.
Although Hu Shaodong has a new family, he has never been able to forget his son, the young life who once sacrificed for the country. His son's grave is in the distant Malipo Martyrs Cemetery in Yunnan, and although it is far away, he has not been able to pay his respects in person.
Due to the inconvenience of his legs and feet and the inconvenience of transportation, he can only sigh silently at home during the Qingming Festival every year. All this was seen by Fang Haiying, and he decided to do something for Hu Shaodong.
On the occasion of the Qingming Festival in 2006, Hu Shaodong couldn't cry at home, because the house he now lives in is close to the local martyrs' cemetery. The thought that his son could not be moved back to the cemetery made him feel extremely painful, and even the relict box of his son at home made him think about things.
Fang Haiying made a bold decision in order to respect and commemorate his father Hu Xinglong. He decided to place his father's relics in a new tomb and treat it as a clothed mound.
This decision was supported by the whole family, but only his father-in-law, Hu Shaodong, had doubts. Fang Haiying patiently explained to his father-in-law: "Dad, Hu Xinglong has used his life to protect the peace and happiness of thousands of parents like you, we should not be immersed in sadness, but to comfort his heroic spirit."
Remembering the martyr does not mean clinging to his relics, but requires a sincere heart. Let's build a tomb and a monument on Kamao Mountain, and burn his relics, which can be regarded as a home for his heroic soul in his hometown, so that when we think of him in the future, it will be convenient for us to go and talk to him. ”
Under Fang Haiying's persuasion, his father-in-law finally agreed to his suggestion.
The unjust case of the Hu family was finally cleared in Tongling, and Hu Xinglong's spirit in heaven was comforted. In order to fulfill his original promise, Fang Haiying worked hard for many years just to buy a new house for his father-in-law.
His story is so touching that he was recommended by his colleagues in the unit as a moral model in Anhui Province in 2011, and was selected into the list of good people in China and the most beautiful family in the country that year.
At the end of May 2014, as the only elected representative of Anhui Province, Fang Haiying's family won the title of "The Most Beautiful Family" in the country, and was invited to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to participate in the award ceremony of the 100 "Most Beautiful Families" in the country.
In 2017, Fang Haiying won many honors such as the "China Double Support" Person of the Year Nomination Award, the 2nd Anhui Provincial Moral Model, and the 3rd National Moral Model Nomination Award for his noble quality and outstanding contributions.
His behavior and performance have won the respect and love of his comrades-in-arms, colleagues, friends and the majority of netizens. He has won wide praise for his excellent qualities of keeping his promises and honoring the elderly.
In his work, he is conscientious and meticulous;In the family, he has a harmonious family and happiness, showing the responsibility and responsibility that a man should have, which is awe-inspiring.
We believe that Hu Xinglong's spirit in the sky will also be gratified to have such a comrade-in-arms and brother-in-law, and his words and deeds are reassuring and respectful.
Fang Haiying is currently the general manager of the power plant project, and he likes first-class war movies on weekdays to remember the bloody battle with Hu Xinglong on the front line. We wish Fang Haiying's family happiness, and at the same time pay tribute to the martyr Hu Xinglong, who sacrificed his life for the country, their sacrifice in exchange for the peace of the family and country, they are a beautiful scenery on the border of the motherland!