Nearly every year, rumours and news of war sprang up with the spring wheat. For Northerners, ears of wheat and bayonets could be said to symbolize their hopes and fears.

• 战争的消息与谣言几乎每年随着春麦一块儿往起长，麦穗与刺刀可以算作北方人的希望与忧惧的象征。