章節 352: Chapter 429 Christmas
December 25th.
Although the Chinese New Year and the Western Christmas originate from different cultural backgrounds, the two festivals share many similarities. Christmas is also called the "Chinese New Year" of the West, showing its importance in the hearts of Westerners.
In Germany, the Christmas pre-heating period starts from St. Martin's Day on November 11th, 6 weeks before Christmas.
St. Martin was originally a Roman soldier who became a monk after being baptized. It is said that he was kind and lived a frugal life. The most famous legend is that once on his way, he encountered a blizzard and saw a beggar whose life was in danger. Without hesitation, he tore his cloak in two to save the beggar who was about to die of starvation and cold. That night, he dreamed of Christ wearing the half cloak he gave to the beggar.
In addition, it is said that in the 4th century, St. Martin established the first Christian monastery in Europe. Fewer and fewer people understand this history now. But the tradition of the St. Martin's Day parade has been preserved: children carry self-made lanterns and walk through the streets, singing songs related to St. Martin.
This year's Christmas is even more special for the German people. Under the wise leadership of the Prince, the German army swept away the disgrace of twenty years ago, conquering the once arrogant Poland in less than 20 days, and then kicking down their old rival France. They achieved a decisive victory in Western Europe in just over three months.
Even the former world ruler, the British Empire, is trembling under German gunfire, with its capital London being bombed day and night but unable to do anything about it.
So this year's Christmas sees the whole of Germany immersed in the joy of victory.
Last night, Wilhelm gave a short holiday greeting on the radio, and then announced an extra day's worth of food vouchers for all people in the country, with all entertainment venues open for free.
Most of the military was on leave, with truck after truck full of soldiers passing through the streets, carrying well-dressed guards or national defense soldiers. People on the street waved to these soldiers.
Of course, not all soldiers could be given leave, and those who couldn't get holidays received compensation.
"Next!" In a military camp, rows of tables were set up in front of the quartermaster's warehouse, with long queues in front of each table.
"Reporting, Private Hans, soldier number 676874."
After checking the ID card, the quartermasters took living supplies one by one from the boxes on their right and placed them on the table: three packs of cigarettes, a box of chocolate, a box of chewing gum, and a "Playboy" magazine. Then they pointed to the boxes on the left labeled "rat meat", "rabbit meat", "pigeon meat", "bamboo rat meat", "carp meat", and asked, "What kind of jerky do you want?"
Hans, who was staring at the sexy lady on the cover of "Playboy" magazine and almost drooling, glanced at the labeled boxes and replied, "Pigeon meat, sir."
The Americans say "Playboy" can relieve boredom for soldiers and boost troop morale to some extent, which seems to make sense. The magazine became one of the popular items in the military after it was released. Some stubborn old conservatives might think the posing cover girls were indecent, but the magazine was approved by the Prince himself, so who would dare ban it?
In the distance, there was a special tent for officers to collect their daily supplies. Some lieutenants and sergeants were getting their things there.
Sergeants got six packs of cigarettes, and lieutenants' cigarette rations were even higher so they could distribute them to subordinates to buy loyalty. Everyone was laughing and joking, with the whole camp immersed in a joyful atmosphere.
Hugging a bunch of stuff and happily returning to the dormitory, Hans met his roommate Jack halfway.
"Hey, Jack!"
"Hi, Hans! Did you hear? There's going to be a girl group performance this afternoon."
Hans's eyes lit up. "That's great news, I wonder if it's the same group that came last time."
European countries all have a tradition of military bands, because military music and songs originally had practical significance in warfare - they could be used to keep marching cadences in the era of massed volleys, and later served to boost morale for irregular skirmishing infantry.
However, when Wilhelm first imitated the Japanese/Korean style of pretty girl groups entertaining troops, the whole military was stunned - they could do that too?
Jack grinned. "What, fallen for them? They wouldn't look at a grunt like you. You'd need at least an Iron Cross before they'd even glance your way."
Hans objected, "Tch, just you wait. One day I'll get a Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves for sure."
Apart from Germany itself, resources were also distributed to people in the occupied areas.
Meanwhile, Wilhelm disguised himself and left the palace, accompanied by Reinhard, to visit an ordinary residential area.
The car stopped in front of an ordinary small house. Reinhard respectfully said, "Your Highness, this is the place."
Wilhelm looked around at the surroundings and casually asked, "How are the security arrangements?"
"Please rest assured Your Highness, there are three special agent teams around the area, and people arranged at her school too."
"Good." Wilhelm nodded in satisfaction, got out of the car and rang the doorbell.
Soon, the sound of scampering footsteps could be heard from inside.
Little Hepburn opened the door. Seeing Wilhelm standing there, she was slightly stunned, then exclaimed happily, "Big brother!"
Wilhelm fondly patted her head. "How have you been? Settling in okay?"
"Yeah! Quick, come in big brother."
Wilhelm was pulled inside by her. The house was small, with just a bed, cabinet, table and chair. A blazing fire burned in the corner fireplace, filling the room with the scent of pine resin.
"Tea for you, big brother." Little Hepburn served him tea politely.
"Thanks." Wilhelm took the tea cup and had a sip, thinking it tasted much worse than the palace tea. He put the cup down, took out a beautifully wrapped gift box from his bag, and handed it to little Hepburn. "Merry Christmas."
Hepburn fidgeted for a while before carefully untying the ribbon, softly saying, "Thank you, big brother."
Wilhelm smiled, "Open it up and see."
Hepburn carefully unwrapped the gift box. When she saw what was inside, she let out a gasp of delight and covered her mouth with her little hands. "Wow!"
"You like it?" Inside was a beautiful Barbie doll set.
"I love it!" Hepburn nodded vigorously, hastily picking up the doll and hugging it tightly. "Thank you, big brother!" Just as she said thanks, a hint of confusion appeared on Hepburn's little face. "Big brother, why are you still wearing a fake mustache? And you haven't told me your name yet."
"Well..." Wilhelm stroked his fake mustache and shrugged. "Because your brother is an important person, I don't want to be recognized. As for my name, I'll tell you later."
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