The Red Era: Living in Seclusion in a Siheyuan as a Boss

Chapter 521 Recruiting Season!!!
The north wind howled and snowflakes flew, as if the earth was covered with a thick white cotton jacket.

After the winter came, loudspeakers in rural areas once again issued conscription notices, and the sound echoed across the endless fields.

The military camp has always been a place where the soldiers come and go.

To get rid of the old and welcome the new, you need to absorb fresh blood.

The army needs to recruit new soldiers every year, which is called conscription.

However, these days, there is no cavalry system. The so-called recruiting soldiers and buying horses actually only refers to recruiting soldiers, not buying horses.

After the military exercise, Liu Zhiye did not relax either, as the autumn conscription was about to begin.

For such a large military region, demobilization and re-enlistment are the most important moments of the year.

At this time, there are sufficient manpower.

As soon as the news of conscription came out, young girls and boys signed up enthusiastically, and the best ones were selected from the best ones.

After receiving the enlistment notice, I put on a brand new military uniform with a big red flower on my chest, and a dazzling "Glory Plate" was hung at the door of my house. I immediately felt that when one person joins the army, the whole family is honored.

Most of the recruitment time is in autumn and winter.

The work I participated in was relatively simple and did not involve a political review process.

Yi Yuanchao's wife Wang Yulan went to the local armed forces department for the first time as a military doctor to conduct physical examinations for new recruits.

The initial screening process is to have the applicants run around a large playground. An experienced doctor told Wang Yulan that patients with limb diseases can be identified by running one lap.

On a morning in early winter, before dawn, the young men in black, gray and blue cotton coats and trousers were running, swinging their arms and legs. The sky and the shadows of the people were all the same color.

Next is the physical examination.

Wang Yulan is responsible for physical examinations of the ENT department.

To be honest, some minor illnesses can be cured by just raising your hand.

You can't just let others defend our country just because they have a minor problem like rhinitis or pharyngitis.

Wang Yulan recalled the time when she joined the army right after graduating from medical school.

Because they are medical soldiers, the new recruits' training will be supplemented by six months of medical training.

At that time, those who joined the army were divided into four female soldier squads. During the training, the leaders appointed several squad leaders and deputy squad leaders on the spot.

The squad leaders include Gao, Sun, Li and Wang Yulan. They are both new recruits and have management responsibilities.

Wang Yulan felt that it was a heavy burden to complete the transformation of her and her entire class from civilians to soldiers, and she had to do everything by trial and error.

Later, she was promoted to veteran, and the other three female squad leaders went out to recruit soldiers and lead them.

When they came back, they were surrounded by a group of little female soldiers who were chattering like sparrows and calling them Platoon Leader Gao, Platoon Leader Sun, and Platoon Leader Li.

Of course, they can proudly say: "The soldiers I lead, or my soldiers..."

Wang Yulan has yet to receive this honor, which makes people really envy her.

Finally, in August, Wang Yulan also had a chance to join the army.

This year's recruitment is still in winter. Wang Yulan, the hospital's military doctor Dong, and the handsome young man Xiao Ma.

After receiving the order, they reported to the new recruit regiment, and the cadres and soldiers reunited and began their journey from Yanjing to the coast of the East China Sea.

It is not very convenient to travel long distances these days, and the means of transportation they use along the way are also varied.

Although it is hard, those who come out of the military camp will not complain about the hardship or tiredness.

The troops are stationed in Yan BJ, and there is only one train from here to the capital.

This long journey was led by the deputy commander of the new recruits regiment.

There is an old saying: Get up early and arrive late.

Wang Yulan and others are like this.

I boarded the slow-moving train at the station early in the morning. It swayed through the mountainous area and stopped at every station. It did not arrive in Yanjing until around 9 am.

Taking a break from her busy schedule, Wang Yulan had a quick meeting with her husband Yi Yuanchao who had been transferred here, and they reluctantly rushed to the train to Shanghai.

The journey was long, and the comrades Wang Yulan had just met entertained themselves on the train, and they quickly became familiar with each other while playing poker.

It took more than ten hours to arrive at Shanghai Station.

The warm and humid breeze from the Huangpu River blew in my face, and I soon felt that my cotton-padded jacket was no longer comfortable to wear.

Fortunately, Wang Yulan and the other two traveled in simple outfits, and no one brought a quilt, sweater or fleece jacket.

So, the problem is, it's too cold when I take off my cotton clothes, and too hot when I put them on.

Soon I was sweating profusely.

There were a few rare hours of free time. Wang Yulan and Dr. Dong both had their own tasks.

Dr. Dong's daughter is the same age as Wang Yulan's sister Wang Yuzhi. She is serving in the army in Northeast China and they are both about to get married. Dr. Dong wants to prepare a dowry for his daughter.

There are not many opportunities to buy Shanghai goods as dowry these days. I have finally come to Shanghai, how can I miss it?
Without any hesitation, the two hit it off and went together. It was just a pity for Xiao Ma, who was bored strolling along Jinling Road with them.

I hurriedly went through the major shopping malls on Jinling Road, buying a pair of soft satin quilt covers, one red and one green, for a dozen yuan as my dowry.

Unfortunately, the time was too short and I didn’t have time to carefully choose a suitable wedding dress. I had to hurriedly board the train to H State.

Fortunately, they had plenty of time to pass through the scenic H State, allowing Wang Yulan and her friends to get a glimpse of the feeling of paradise.

Winter in the south is indeed different from that in the north.

It is beautiful and lush, without any sign of withering.

Wang Yulan and Dr. Dong, young ponies, strolled along the Su Causeway and were deeply attracted by the scenery before them: clear green water, vast green grass, charming flowers, and azure blue sky.

There are a lot of people here. In the early 80s, the clothing styles had become more diverse, which was very different from the clothing styles of the common people in Wang Yulan's military base. There was a lot more softness and comfort in their clothing.

It is worth mentioning the benefits of having a pony.

When Wang Yulan and the other three were separated, the tall man demonstrated his important role.

Doctor Dong walked slower, while Xiao Ma walked faster. With his overhead scanning, he could always find his comrades.

The schedule was quite tight, almost non-stop. We took the train from H State and got off in Jincheng.

After being picked up by the advance team, a small team marched quickly, weaving through the bustling crowd and heading straight for the bus station.

So, I have almost no impression of Jinhua.

Wang Yulan and Lao Dong were in a rather miserable state. First of all, the load had increased, and with the thick cotton coats and fleece pants they had taken off in their travel bags, they were sweating profusely but still could hardly keep up with the marching pace.

Fortunately, Xiao Ma and Platoon Leader Zhang took over their travel bags and were able to barely keep up with the team.

Wang Yulan let out a long sigh as she boarded the bus from Jincheng. A few hours later, she got off the bus in Wencheng.

Wang Yulan separated from Lao Dong and Xiao Ma. The two of them went to Ruicheng to recruit soldiers, while Wang Yulan went to Pingcheng.

In this way, Wang Yulan followed the staff of the group and stayed at the Wencheng Municipal Government Guesthouse.

She felt that Wencheng Guesthouse was the best hotel on this trip.

The first impression Wang Yulan had of Wencheng at the beginning of the reform was that no matter where she went, there would always be a group of children following her and shouting in Wencheng dialect: female soldiers, female soldiers.

The customs are quite different from those in the garrison.

For example, the public toilets here are not differentiated by gender, which brings a lot of inconvenience along the way. Sometimes I have to go to the homes of female cadres in the armed forces department to solve my menstrual problems.

At this time, Wang Yulan knew almost nothing about the culture and history of Wencheng.

All we know is that Wencheng is the place where General Qi, the national hero who fought against the Japanese invaders, fought.

There is the beautiful Yandang Mountain, and the statue of General Qi standing by the sea is still tall and majestic!
Afterwards, Wang Yulan and her friends took a boat from Wencheng to Pingcheng.

Although it is a sea vessel, it is not big and is simple, and cannot withstand the wind and waves.

All the passengers sat on the ground. The waves kept coming, the boat was bumpy and turbulent, and soon my stomach was churning.

Fortunately, Pingcheng is not far away.

Pingcheng is the largest county in the country, and the county's armed forces department arranges recruitment.

The head of the armed forces here is a veteran cadre from Yanjing, and Wang Yulan is also a Yanjing soldier.

How lucky we are, when fellow villagers meet, our eyes are filled with tears.

Just a fellow villager suddenly brought her closer to her senior, and his beautiful daughter also became Wang Yulan's new friend.

After a short rest, Wang Yulan and her group headed to the recruiting point in the town below, all by boat.

The boat was swaying among the water plants, the motor was making a rumbling sound, the sun was hanging warmly in the sky, the water was rippling, and the water plants were easily picked up.

Pingcheng is much richer than Wang Yulan had imagined.

The flexible and hardworking people of Pingyang have taken the lead in becoming wealthy, and rows of beautiful three-story buildings show their living standards.

Despite this, the soldiers still have a heart to serve the motherland.

The conscription work is proceeding step by step. After signing up for the army, there is political review, screening and physical examination.

During those days, our capable company commander, amiable instructor and I were very busy. The procedure was the same. We ran on the playground, eliminated a group of people, and those who passed the test took part in physical examinations in various subjects.

Wang Yulan and her team were recruiting soldiers at the same place as a unit of the Eastern Fleet.

The requirements for their military branch are high, so they are selected first, followed by the Yanda Military Region.

I remember a tall Dongshan sailor repeatedly complaining to Wang Yulan about the lack of manpower. Wang Yulan observed that the Wencheng people were a little thin, but their eyes were full of cleverness.

It was the last day of review and Wang Yulan had nothing to do, so she wanted to go to Yandang Mountain for a trip with the correspondent.

I went to ask my leader, and the deputy leader waved his hand and agreed.

There are several skin patients during the review process. Should we accept them or not?

Everyone in the audience looked at Wang Yulan.

Wang Yulan thought, at most it was just dermatitis, not an infectious disease, so we shouldn’t deprive young people of their desire to join the army and defend the country.

Without even thinking it through, I agreed.

She signed her name, and everyone was happy. The conscription work came to an end, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Wang Yulan and her friends celebrated at a small restaurant by the sea. Except for Wang Yulan, they all drank a lot of beer and got drunk.

The local armed forces issued enlistment notices and military uniforms to the new recruits, and then the new recruits gathered.

On the way back, we chartered a cruise ship with a naval unit to use as a troop transport ship.

Sailing towards the East China Sea, destination is Shanghai.

The easiest part of the journey of receiving and transporting soldiers is life in Shanghai.

The vast ocean makes people's minds suddenly broaden. Wang Yulan likes to stand on the bow of the boat and feel what it feels like to brave the waves.

The regiment leaders took good care of the female comrades. Wang Yulan and Lao Dong lived in the third-class warehouse, which was very suitable.

Then we got on the train at the Shanghai Military Station and sat on the sealed troop carrier.

After Wang Yulan said goodbye to the company commander and instructor, she and a dozen people from the regiment headquarters got on the last carriage, which was the command vehicle.

It was a very difficult journey.

There were not many people at the regiment headquarters, and the last carriage could not hold the weight down, so it bounced all the way.

Since this is not an emergency military operation, please give way to the great masters.

Only when you get to the military station can you get food, water, and water.

There was only one large barrel in each carriage for emergency use, and the smell was very complicated.

Everyone sat on straw mats. Wang Yulan borrowed a quilt from the company. It was the dead of winter and it was getting colder and colder.

The company commander and instructors are working with untrained recruits, so they have greater responsibilities and the conditions are even more difficult.

During the day, there are several small windows located high up on both sides of the carriage that let in light when opened.

At night, a kerosene lamp solved the lighting problem and the huge carriage was immersed in darkness.

The train carried the youth of so many people, panting and rattling as it went towards the military camp...

Finally completed the mission and arrived at the military camp.

Until one day, after Wang Yulan had called her husband Yi Yuanchao, a young soldier from the communications department said to her on the phone, "Hello, Doctor Wang! I am the soldier you picked up from Wencheng..."

……

After the exercise mission was over, Liu Benming also received the task of receiving soldiers and served as the company commander of the recruit company. He was honored to be assigned to a county in northern Jiangsu to receive new recruits.

It was already early November when Liu Benming received the task.

In the first few days, he was very happy and excited because he had been in the barracks for too long and rarely had the opportunity to go out and see the world.

And now, I finally got what I wanted and thought I finally had a chance to go out for a "travel".

However, when Liu Benming and his team arrived at the county, to be honest, they were disappointed.

Although it was already the 1980s, the county town seemed to remain in an almost primitive state, with hardly a decent road to be seen in the entire county.

The car was driving on a dusty road, and the dust was spreading through the window gaps into the car, making people feel very uncomfortable.

After arriving at the county seat, the head of the local People's Armed Forces Department was a minister named Chen, who was quite enthusiastic in his reception.

Although the facilities in the guesthouse were not very good, and there was not even hot water for taking a shower, it was still acceptable for Liu Benming who grew up in the countryside.

However, in the subsequent recruitment process, Liu Benming encountered three troubles.

At noon on the second day that Liu Benming and his friends stayed at the guesthouse in the county town, the weather was sunny and cloudless.

Liu Benming, platoon leader Chen Li Yushu and three others were strolling on the street. When they walked to the local department store, they saw it was crowded with people.

Out of curiosity, Liu Benming and a few others squeezed over to join in the fun.

When I got closer, I realized that someone was having a promotion in the mall - selling a batch of cloth, each piece of cloth was ten yuan.

Watching the people who bought the cloth come out happily.

Chen Yushu and a few others were also interested and decided to buy a piece of cloth each so that they could make some decent clothes.

As a result, Gao Feng, the leader of the third platoon, was pushed to the front of the crowd.

When Gao Feng handed the salesperson twenty yuan, what was unexpected was that after receiving the money, the salesperson did not give the fabric to Gao Feng.

Gao Feng then asked the salesperson, "You put our money in the cash box, why haven't you given us the fabric yet?"

The salesperson's answer made Chen Yushu and the others furious: "When did you give it to me? How come I didn't know about it?"

In anger, Chen Yushu started arguing with the salesperson.

While they were arguing, a leader of the mall came over, understood the situation and comforted them, saying: "Comrades, don't worry, if we made a mistake, we will find out after we take inventory after get off work!"

So, Chen Yushu and the other two went back in trepidation. It was their first time recruiting soldiers, and they encountered such trouble. This was something Liu Benming could never have imagined in his dreams.

After returning to the guesthouse, Liu Benming and his friends had dinner and were about to go out for a walk when two people suddenly came to the door.

Liu Benming took a closer look and found that it was the salesperson who sold cloth during the day and the manager of the shopping mall.

It turns out that they were wrong.

They kept saying, "I'm sorry..." and returned the money to Chen Yushu and others.

After hearing what the leader said, Chen Yushu and the other two felt embarrassed. It was not very decent to have a conflict with the crowd just to buy cloth.

But no matter what, at least the trouble has been solved.

Another troublesome thing was that during the conscription process, Liu Benming discovered that a young man of conscription age actually suffered from high blood pressure.

According to regulations, people under such circumstances cannot be hired under any circumstances.

However, the leaders of the local armed forces department were determined to send the young man to join the army, causing the entire recruitment process to come to a standstill.

The conscription process is relatively complicated, and generally includes registration, visual inspection, physical examination, home visit, political review and selection.

In order to ensure that every soldier meets the standards, the person in charge of receiving the soldiers must set an example and keep a close eye on every critical checkpoint.

Home visits to those qualified young people are especially critical considerations in the final selection process.

One day, Liu Benming, accompanied by staff from the People's Armed Forces Department, decided to pay a home visit to the person suffering from high blood pressure.

This soldier was a town soldier. His father was the head of the town’s finance office and his mother was a high school teacher. His family was well off.

After arriving at his house, the local armed forces personnel left under the pretext of going to the toilet.

At this time, the young man's father took out an envelope and handed it to Liu Benming, wanting to express his gratitude: "..., please accept it, this is a little gift from us!"

Liu Benming knew what he was thinking and rejected it immediately.

Afterwards, Liu Benming conducted corresponding inquiries and understanding on the young man according to the procedures, and found that he was indeed not suitable for joining the army, and finally deleted him from the list.

As a soldier, Liu Benming felt that he had to act impartially, otherwise he would feel guilty and would never have peace in his life.

The third trouble was that when Liu Benming and his colleagues were on a home visit, they met an enthusiastic parent who insisted on inviting them to her home for dinner, which made it difficult for Liu Benming to refuse.

However, when the army is recruiting soldiers, there are clear regulations that they will not accept invitations from the parents of the recruits, but there are always exceptions.

One day, when Liu Benming went to visit a family in a village in the countryside, a mother insisted on inviting him to dinner.

In those days, the living conditions of rural people were generally not very good. When the mother heard that Liu Benming was coming, she specially killed a little rooster and steamed rice.

Rural people can usually only eat such meals during festivals.

Liu understood the mother's actions. Firstly, she did this out of respect for the soldiers, and secondly, she hoped that her child would be successfully hired.

In fact, her children meet the standards in all aspects.

While eating, Liu Benming discovered that the mother put a lot of lean meat in his rice.

Although the meal was extremely delicious, Liu Benming felt heavy in his heart.

After the meal, Liu Benming secretly took out fifteen yuan and put it into the drawer of the mother's cupboard when she was not paying attention.

After more than half a month of hard work, we finally completed the task of recruiting soldiers successfully.

Although it was very hard, Liu Benming learned a lot of wisdom from it, which he could never learn in the military camp.

This year, another round of streamlining and reorganization was carried out. By the beginning of next year, the total number of troops will be more than four million.

The number of veterans nationwide reached 1.5 million, the largest number of veterans in history.

In Yanjing City alone, it is estimated that there will be about 30,000 demobilized veterans returning to the local area who need to be resettled in jobs.

(End of this chapter)