The cold wind outside is chilling, while the melodious sound of the qin inside the house. Not long ago, in Dunbazha Village, Bayandai Town, Yining City, Xinjiang, 73 year old Uyghur uncle Kader played his beloved Dutar for a soon to be discharged veteran. This veteran's name is Xue Bing. He is a second level sergeant in a certain squadron of the Fifth Division of the Armed Police Corps, and also the 12th liaison officer between the squadron and Uncle Kadeer's family. When he learned that 'Soldier's Son' was coming to bid farewell, Uncle Kader played the strings of Dutal's guitar, sometimes high and passionate, sometimes low and gentle, conveying his reluctance. Looking at the elderly man with white hair and beard in front of him, Xue Bing couldn't help but recall scenes from the past. The first time I heard Uncle Kader play Dutal was on the day the new recruits left the team in 2013. As soon as Xue Bing and several new comrades stepped into the military camp, they saw an elderly Uyghur holding a plucked musical instrument resembling a dongbula and playing it with abandon. The warm and cheerful melody made Xue Bing and his new comrades feel a sense of familiarity and warmth. After leaving the team, Xue Bing learned from the instructor that the old man's name was Kader, an old neighbor of the squadron. The musical instrument in his hand was called Dutal, which is one of the characteristic ethnic musical instruments of the Uyghur people. In the 1980s, the squadron lived next to Uncle Kadeer's family. During their training in the courtyard, the soldiers often heard the melodious sound of Dutar coming from Uncle Kadeer's family, which was separated by a wall. All along, the officers and soldiers of the squadron and Uncle Kader have been walking like a family. From spring broadcasting to autumn harvest, from holiday condolences to rebuilding a new house... Whenever Uncle Kadeer's family encounters difficulties, they can always see the figures of the squadron officers and soldiers at the first time. Uncle Kader treats the officers and soldiers of the squadron as family. Every year, when new recruits leave the unit and old soldiers leave, he always comes to the squadron to deliver homemade food and play Dutal for the officers and soldiers. At that time, Xue Bing's squad leader Li Linlian was the 11th liaison officer between the squadron and Uncle Kadeer's family. Whenever there is free time, the squadron will send Li Linlian and a few soldiers to Uncle Kadeer's house to help, sometimes repairing the house, sometimes clearing the snow, sometimes repairing the circuit... After finishing the work, Uncle Kadeer warmly invites everyone to sit in the house, always holding Dutal and playing two songs. His wife Guli is busy cooking milk tea, grabbing rice, washing fruits... At this time, Xue Bing and his comrades can always feel the warmth of home in the strong affection. Uncle has poor legs and cannot climb up and down. If there is any work, you should take the initiative to help. Auntie has stomach problems, please remind her not to drink cold and remember to take medicine on time. "In December 2013, before retiring from the army, Li Linlian took Xue Bing to Uncle Kadeer's house for handover, giving him countless instructions. At the same time, Xue Bing was determined to become the 12th liaison officer while Uncle Kadeer played the melody of Dutal. Xue Bing thought and did the same thing. After more than 10 years of military life, he not only grew into an excellent squad leader with comprehensive qualities, but also became a caring person for Uncle Kadeer's family. At the end of one year, Uncle Kader's old mother passed away, and the elderly couple remained immersed in sadness. Considering that his granddaughter Medina is studying outside and there is no one to accompany him at home, Xue Bing goes over to help them with work and talk to them whenever he has free time. Our 'soldier's son' is even closer than our own son The companionship and care of the officers and soldiers of the squadron restored laughter and joy to Uncle Kader's home, and the moving sound of Dutal echoed in the small cabin again. At the end of 2018, the squadron relocated to a new camp area over 30 kilometers away. Due to the long journey and the inconvenience of the old couple's legs and feet, the officers and soldiers thought they would never hear Uncle Kader play Dutal again. Unexpectedly, a few days later, Uncle Kadeer and his family braved the cold and came to the new camp to celebrate the Chinese New Year with the soldiers. At the Spring Festival Gala, he once again played Dutal for the officers and soldiers, and everyone danced to the cheerful melody. Gathering is always brief, and now it's time for Xue Bing and Uncle Kadeer to say goodbye. Just like every liaison officer bidding farewell to Uncle Kadeer in the past, Xue Bing has endless words to say to Uncle and Aunt. This farewell, Xue Bing also recommended Liu Yuxuan, the 13th liaison officer of the squadron, to Uncle Kadeer. Goodbye, my border relatives At the moment of parting, Xue Bing turned around step by step, and Uncle Kadeer stood at the familiar intersection with his family, affectionately playing his beloved Dutal. (New Society)