Chapter 188: Cheers to the Martyrs, Return to the Camp to Donate
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
This monument stands as a tribute to our Iron Bones Hero Regiment, the very source of our heroic legacy.
A grand total of 1,182 martyrs, a number synonymous with sacrifice.
These revered individuals are the forebearers of the Iron Bones Hero Regiment.
Beneath the monument, within the Martyrs’ Cemetery, the regiment commander stood, his countenance solemn. His voice rang out across the recruits assembled before him.
Indeed, the regiment commander, present today, had entered the cemetery ahead of the recruits, explaining to them the rich history of this place.
Wang Ye was truly taken aback.
Who would have anticipated that every soul at rest within this cemetery was once a valiant member of the Iron Bones Hero Regiment?
According to the regiment commander’s account, when war erupted, the Iron Bones Hero Regiment forged ahead as vanguards.
In that fateful battle, the Iron Bone Heroes surged into enemy territory at the forefront of the official counteroffensive.
Upon capturing a crucial military stronghold within the enemy nation, they held their ground.
The entire unit made immense sacrifices.
Then, they returned to their homeland.
For their valor, the Iron Bones Hero Regiment was honored with the title of Heroic Unit. Concurrently, the acting commander petitioned higher authorities to establish a cemetery dedicated to the fallen heroes of the squad.
Here, genuine heroes were born, and the flame of heroism was kindled.
Ever since its inception, every year during the Qingming Festival and even year-end, contingents from the Iron Bones Hero Regiment would assemble here to pay respects at these hallowed graves.
This pilgrimage marked the final stage of the recruits’ annual training.
It was also the primary reason why the training route for new recruits within the general army, while typically spanning around 100 kilometers at most, extended to 150 kilometers for the Iron Bones Hero Regiment.
This journey’s length was deliberately chosen due to its proximity to the squad’s base.
The destination was fixed, and the distance of the march was determined by the regiment headquarters’ location.
This protocol had stood unwavering for the past three decades.
“Very well, let the wine flow. Today is not a day for lengthy discourse. First and foremost, let’s offer wine to our group’s martyrs and our esteemed class monitors!”
Concluding his address, the regiment commander’s deputy abstained from taking the stage. Obeying the regiment commander’s instructions, class leaders from various units and other seasoned veterans brought forth crates of white wine.
A bottle for each, to be consumed after the ritual.
And how was it to be employed?
By pouring wine into their hands and using it to cleanse the tombstones.
“Yang Jianguo, 1761 to 1779…”
“Hey there, uncle, brother, your age at the time of your sacrifice aligns with my father’s, yet in actual years, you surpass him. Hence, I’ll address you as both uncle and brother.
Here’s to you… As a junior, 1 raise my cup to you today!”
Standing beside the tombstone, Wang Ye held a bottle of wine, gently letting it flow into his palm before transferring it onto the stone.
Photographs, names, ages, roles, reasons for sacrifice, and personal accomplishments adorned the memorials.
The figure before him was designated a second-class hero post-war.
Wiping the stone with wine, Wang Ye’s heart weighed heavy.
In truth, the entire recruit company bore somber hearts.
Despite exhaustion and fatigue, some managed to maintain a lighthearted demeanor, finding solace in adversity or displaying their natural liveliness.
Laughter always found its way.
However, silence pervaded. Even while bustling about, camaraderie was wordless.
Gazing upon youthful visages etched into the memorials, each individual felt a colossal weight pressing upon their chests.
Some even unconsciously offered toasts with the wine bottles in hand.
A sip was taken.
Such behavior would merit reprimand from class monitors outside these walls.
Yet here, in this moment, today.
The class monitors arrived, issuing reminders to avoid excessive drinking, to retain sobriety, and continue the tasks.
Indeed, today the recruit company wasn’t imposing an alcohol ban.
By now, Wang Ye had meticulously cleansed each tombstone.
When the sun was midway through its descent, the entire company assembled.
Small wine glasses were distributed to the new recruits.
“Shall we cheers?”
Ye Sanshi approached Wang Ye with a bottle of wine.
“Of course!”
Originally, due to the system’s constraints, Wang Ye had sworn off alcohol. However, a stifling sensation overcame him now.
Ye Sanshi offered no words. Wang Ye proceeded to pour over half the contents of the small cup he held.
Then, he moved on to the next person…
For those able to drink, a little extra was poured. For those who couldn’t, a little less.
Every recruit made their way through.
The regiment commander raised a glass of wine, addressing all with a solemn tone.
“Peace isn’t easily won.
Sacrifices underpin peace.
Soldier—our shared identity.
Be it you, me, the committee members, your squad leaders, platoon leaders, company commanders, or the 1,182 martyrs resting here, we all bear this mantle.”
Taking a brief pause, the commander’s voice resonated with gravity, “The mantle of ‘soldier’ bears great weight. It embodies responsibility, unwavering commitment, and self-sacrifice.
Draped in this uniform, one departs from their hometown, parts with kin and companions, and even finds their final resting place afar.
Yet, we hold our heads high.”
With a backward glance, the leader raised his wine glass aloft, a resounding call echoed, “Brothers, 1 stand before you.”
His declaration made, the regiment commander turned, fixing his gaze upon the fresh faces of the new recruits.
“Join us then, raise your cups to our heroes!”
In this instance, some seasoned squad leaders from the unit were enlisted by the regiment to assist with the wine distribution beneath the monument.
The regiment commander tipped back his glass, imbibing its contents.
The recruits followed suit.
“Cough cough!”