The Color of Sacrifice 牺牲的颜色 – Chapter 24
The story of a young Chinese peasant’s search for a better life and the Long March ... 中国青年农民寻找更好的生活与长征的故事 by 作者: Ramses Rashidi 华蓝星
Chapter 24 Crossing the Bridge
Ping was learning to operate the radio-telegraph equipment and the Morse Code which kept him busy. He was totally dedicated to his task like everything else that he had done in his life. Always giving his all and doing way more than anyone expected of him. His self-motivation, drive and love for people had been the source of inspiration for everyone that would have the blessing of knowing him.
The time Ping spent with teacher Liang was truly a turning point in his life. On one hand the loss of his leg and on the other hand the tremendous knowledge and wisdom that he received during the 4-month period made its indelible mark on his soul.
At night Ping would often get together with his dear friends Lei Feng and Dr. Libo when they would talk about all kinds of topics including spiritual as well as political, social, and economic.
“Ping, it seems like you have been really busy in the last few days.” Dr. Libo made the comment as they sat around the fire together with Lei Feng and a couple of other comrades. “I am trying to learn the radio-telegraph machine and the Morse Code which takes a little bit of time to learn well.” Ping explained as he took a sip from his teacup. “How does the Morse Code work?” Asked Lei Feng.
“Well, I am still learning but basically it’s a system using dots and dashes via electrical pulses. We first code each character into a 4-digit sequence using a codebook. Then we transmit via Morse Code.” Ping explained the process, but it seemed like it went over everyone’s head. The two comrades that were sitting there listening decided to leave.
“I must tell you something. I always use the Baha’i Prayers before I start my work on the radio-telegraph machine. It helps me focus. Everything seems clearer. It’s a very good feeling.” Ping paused and looked at Dr. Libo. “I have been doing that since you gave me the Baha’i booklet of Prayers and Writings. I can feel the power of those Writings. It feels like being in a state of mind that is much easier to understand everything. I don’t know how to explain it.” Ping continued with a big smile as he looked down so nobody could see his tears.
“Wow, Ping, this is really interesting. I have also been reading those Prayers and Passages from time to time, but I have not felt like you do as much. I believe in what it says about the unity of humankind. I need to focus on those Writings a little more. It’s like spiritual healing. I always thought about spiritual healing when I was in medical school.” Dr. Libo reacted to what Ping was saying with great enthusiasm.
At this point Lei Feng in a low voice chimed in. “to be honest with you, I have done a little too. But not like you guys. I need to do more. Ping, I can understand what you are saying. Probably your hardship also influenced your ability to go deeper. I need to pray for wisdom and humility.”
“Lei Feng you are so great. You have a pure spirit. Listening to you is wonderful. It’s always a pleasure to talk to you. I learn a lot from you.” Ping responded to Lei Feng’s comments with gratitude.
“I feel the same way, Lei Feng, you give me great inspiration. You and Ping’s friendship is very dear to my heart.” Dr. Libo responded as he looked at Lei Feng and Ping with a smile. Then he turned to Ping. “I hope that you will not suffer any more injuries in this war.”
“Well, Dr. Libo, Now, because of my job with the telegraph I don’t have to carry a gun. So, the chance of getting injured is low. Last time when I was injured, I was not carrying a gun. I got shot while giving food to the soldiers. You know….. I have never hurt anyone. I don’t believe in killing and I have told comrade Lin and they are OK with that.” Ping explained
“Talking about guns, I am with you on that, Ping. I really can’t see myself killing someone. I also don’t believe in killing or hurting someone for whatever reason. My job now is to save lives at our make-shift hospital. So, I am also exempt from the duty of carrying a gun.” Said Dr. Libo as he looked at the fire that was dwindling.
“I feel the same way. I’d rather get killed than to kill someone. So far, I have been lucky. Working in the kitchen also keeps me away from the fighting. I am not afraid to die but I would never be able to pull that trigger.” Lei Feng also shared his thoughts and feelings.
There were a few moments of silence. Then one by one everyone left to get some sleep.
The next day, Ping was receiving lots of telegram messages about the impending crossing of the elite team of commandoes that were dispatched to capture the Luding Bridge over Dadu River and open the way for the Red Army to cross the bridge.
Twenty-two highly skilled commandoes with best guns and ammunition had reached the bridge before the government forces could get there. But they were faced with local warlords whose old rifles and muskets were no match for Red Army commandoes machine guns.
The atmosphere at the camp was tense as comrade Mao and other leaders were anxiously following the developments of day as they would receive the news.
Finally, in the evening, the news came that with great bravery the Red Army Commandoes had captured and crossed the Luding suspended Bridge. The news of the victory was received with great jubilation and celebration. Everyone was congratulating each other for the major achievement. However, a minute of silence was observed for the few fallen commandoes during the operation.
Ping also received a telegram that each of the surviving members of the team of commandoes was to receive a fountain pen, a notebook, a pair of chopsticks, a Zhongshan suit and an enamel drinking cup as special reward for their heroic act.
The next day, early in the morning, multiple regiments of the Red Army left the camp as they continued the Long March towards the north on their way to cross the Luding Bridge and move forward towards the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
© 2021 Ramses Rashidi
"Probably your hardship also influenced your ability to go deeper." And so our trials shape, re-create and elevate us...