The Heroic Age of the Late Qing Dynasty

Cao Qiang was speechless. How could he fall asleep without realizing it? He didn't want to sleep anymore, so he picked up his gun and walked out the door. He came to the sentry and replaced the sentry to have a rest.

Suddenly, bursts of firecrackers were heard in the distance. Cao Qiang immediately returned to the house and reminded everyone to make final preparations.

Suddenly, a firework shot up into the sky, lighting up half the sky. This wasn't a firework; it was a flare developed by the base. As Cao Qiang and his men walked out of the yard, they suddenly heard gunfire in the distance. Cao Qiang knew the plan had changed a bit, and they instantly went into battle mode.

"rush."

At Cao Qiang's command, the troops jumped over the wall and rushed into the government office like tigers out of their cages...

That evening, Zhang Yinghao received a summary of Zhang Feng's attack report from a messenger. He read it: "...According to the first plan, our army launched a surprise attack within the city, storming the Qing army camp in one swoop. We seized the arsenal, forced the surrender of all the Qing soldiers, and seized a quantity of guns and ammunition, bows and arrows, spears, and broadswords. According to the plan, our comrades, who had been undercover, acted swiftly. Except for the soldiers attacking the magistrate's residence, who encountered slight resistance, the rest of the troops were defeated without a single shot fired. Soldiers and detectives within the prefecture are currently conducting a simple screening. The magistrate and his men were also captured, and all other important departments are now under our control. The treasury also seized a quantity of gold, silver, and copper coins... The operation was a complete success."

Zhang Yinghao saw this and thought, "Not bad." He then ordered: "Proceed as planned, and use the magistrate to control Guang'an." Then he dropped the matter.

Carrying out a simple operation in a city in a country where nationalism has not yet awakened, and even with sufficient preparation, is really nothing to boast about. If it still fails, it would be truly strange.

Since the Qing dynasty was now so despicable, all provincial officials had been apprehended, and all departments had been dealt with, the land reform and recruitment work covering the entire Guang'an region could begin immediately. Zhang Yinghao thought about it and felt that there was nothing missing. He only needed to give orders and there was no need to ask too many questions. Zhang Yinghao had his own territory, and now the most important thing was to start buying, buying, buying.

Zhang Yinghao called Comrade Chen Yiwei and said to him, "Comrade Yiwei, now that we have captured the state capital, the entire Guang'an is our territory. We can also set up some formal factories and can no longer rely on primitive methods. However, we are unable to produce good machines on our own, or even at all. I want you to lead a team to the United States to purchase a few small factories. After all, you studied there and are familiar with the country."

Chen Yiwei was not as naive as Zhang Yinghao in terms of doing business in this era, so he said, "Chairman, we don't need to go abroad to buy machines now. We can go directly through those foreign companies and let them buy it for us."

Zhang Yinghao suddenly realized and said, "You understand this better than I do, but we don't just want machines. Remember, the data in those factories is what we need most. We need to use those factory data to understand many things we need to understand. When it comes to machines, we have a hundred thousand questions, so we can't just rely on foreign companies. And relying on foreign companies alone won't work either. Not to mention the high cost of machine data, the quantity we will need in the future will be very large. Our lifeline will be controlled by the foreign devils, and our data will be completely controlled by them."

"Okay, I'll contact my friends in the United States and ask them for help."

"That's perfect. You guys come up with a plan and decide what we're going to buy in the first batch, and I'll sign it."

Zhang Yinghao's Quotations: The essence of the material world is exchange, and the essence of human society is transaction.

Chapter 62

Chen Yiwei said: "Chairman, we can't buy much now?"

"Haha, since we are buying the whole factory, we don't need those advanced factories, we really can't afford them.

We buy bankrupt factories. First, they're cheap, and what we really need is the complete data on these factories, which is priceless. Second, even if we buy a state-of-the-art factory now, we can't operate it.

"Oh, I see. So what factory should we buy?"

Zhang Yinghao smiled and said, "Comrade Wei, do we have anything in excess now? Is there anything we don't lack?"

Chen Wei laughed after hearing this, but after a while he became sad again. Yes, the base area lacks everything. What is there not to lack?

"Haha, we don't lack poor people, Chairman. You said we don't know when we can be like other countries."

Zhang Yinghao saw the change in Chen Yiwei's expression and heard what Chen Yiwei said.

He said: "Comrade Wei, we will definitely become strong again. Our Chinese nation has been the most hardworking people in the world since ancient times.

One of the tribes, but now we Chinese have been sleeping for hundreds of years. Now he was beaten while sleeping and felt excruciating pain. However, because he slept for too long, he has not yet fully woken up. He is groggy and a little confused, and has no strength in his body.

Once China fully awakens and regains its composure, foreigners won't dare bully us anymore, as long as we put forth a desperate effort. If we maintain our health and then work tirelessly on development, we'll undoubtedly catch up with those foreigners. So your mission this time is a heavy one. It almost hinges on whether our country, the leader, can awaken sooner and faster, suffer less pain, and suffer fewer blows. We must work together!

But as for purchasing machinery, we can't just make a decision on a whim. With such a small area, we don't have the capacity to develop heavy industry yet, so we're going to base it on food, clothing, housing, and transportation. Clothing comes first, so the first thing we need to buy is some textile machinery. We've also planted some cotton, so we can put more women to work in the future. Food comes second, so you must build a glass factory. As for the rest, we'll build whatever factories we have available, and then add some supporting factories. With such a small area right now, we're just building a temple out of nothing."

"Chairman, why is this glass placed together with the food?"

"Haha, let me tell you something: everything can be canned. If we can produce a large number of glass bottles, then we can produce a large number of canned goods. Canned fruits like yellow peaches, canned meats like pork, canned vegetables like bamboo shoots, canned seafood, this is an unimaginably huge market! How much money can we make? How many jobs can we provide?"

"understood."

"Oh, by the way, we must design a food processing plant that specializes in making biscuits. Normally, we will make puffed biscuits for sale, and when needed, we will also make compressed biscuits for the military."

"Compressed biscuits?"

"Yes, that is, without using bulking agents, but instead using high-calorie foods that are extremely compact, specifically for the military to consume during wartime."

"High-calorie things like peanuts?"

"About the same. There are also foreign chocolates and so on."

"Biscuits and canned goods are simple to produce. We can design them ourselves. It's just a matter of high-temperature sterilization and anti-corrosion."

"I'm not asking about the specifics of how you're going to do this. I want the results. Please do it as soon as possible. You might need it soon. If you can design and manufacture it yourself, do so. If not, just buy what you need. There's no need to waste too much time."

"Any more?"

"Haha, according to my thinking, of course we should take whatever is available.

After all, we lack everything here, but we are short of quality products! However, when we bought the factory and the machines, we didn't have any skilled workers, otherwise we wouldn't be able to use them after we bought them. 1:0 You should contact your former classmates and Lao Shuai, please 1111-, and get people ready!"

Chen Wei immediately said, "Okay."

After the initial bout of chaos, Guang'an Prefecture had calmed down. Aside from a few bloodstains left on the streets by would-be robbers, Guang'an Prefecture remained largely unchanged despite the battle. The city's residents continued to live their lives as usual. Most knew nothing of the incident; only a few understood that the revolutionary army had entered the city.

In China, the word "revolution" hadn't spread widely; it was only used by overseas Chinese and the few who had left their names. Many people knew the word "revolution" but wouldn't say it. If it didn't reach the government, it would do them no good. Of course, once it was revealed, the word would spread across the country.

Observant citizens soon noticed a change in the local situation: the street patrols had completely changed. Gone were the men who had previously swaggered around and extorted money. Instead, a group of soldiers, braidless, dressed in uniforms, and carrying rifles, were now on duty, patrolling the streets. Rumors quickly spread among the people.

"Have you heard? Those bandits who were dividing up the land have taken down the state capital."

"You're asking for your life! You dare to say the word 'bandit'? If anyone hears you, you'll be beheaded. But I heard the magistrate was killed by stars falling from the sky."

"When did this happen?"

"Last night, when the stars set, half the sky lit up." "I know that. There was also a burst of firecrackers." "Those weren't firecrackers, they were gunshots."

"There must have been firecrackers last night."

"How come I heard the magistrate was beheaded? Last night I saw a large group of people entering the city. I was so scared that I immediately closed the door and went to sleep. This morning I heard that the magistrate was beheaded by those people who entered the city."

"What nonsense are you talking about? The magistrate went to the county government office this morning. It seems like he's planning to reform the law."

"Change the law, what law should we change?"

"Hehe, you know the Six Gentlemen of the Wuxu Reform, they were killed for reforming the law. How dare this county magistrate reform the law?"

"I heard that the capital has been occupied by foreigners. Why can't the county magistrate reform and strengthen the country?"

"Stop arguing. Is the magistrate dead or not?"

The discussion among the people went off topic. For these people, as long as it did not interfere with their normal lives, the life and death of the county magistrate was just a topic of conversation after dinner.

When the citizens heard about the changes in the state of the prefecture, many were terrified, but more were genuinely curious. The Qing Dynasty, a dynasty founded on bloodshed, reigned for over two hundred years and witnessed over a thousand peasant uprisings. Guang'an residents were no strangers to uprisings. After all, Sichuan had a large population and limited land, and class contradictions were extremely sharp, so stories of rebellion were common. Furthermore, decades earlier, the region had experienced a war involving over 100,000 people, leading to the construction of numerous fortified cities and fortresses. These events were still vividly remembered by the elderly.

Zhang Yinghao was quietly carrying out the revolution in Guang'an, but many places did not get the relevant news. This was the case in this era, and the speed of information transmission was extremely slow. During the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom period, half of the southern part of the country was destroyed, and the northern part was

Most people in the region don't know that someone in the south has revolted and occupied half of the country. Not to mention that it was a revolution that came from the corner of the chair.

Although there were occasional reports of people in the countryside fighting against local tyrants and dividing up land, most people dismissed them as mere dreams. Such good things were only for the sake of contemplation; if you took them seriously, you'd be doomed. Zhang Yinghao believed that if he immediately publicized the policy of fighting against local tyrants and dividing up land, it would surely attract a large number of people, countless of whom would join in to share in the spoils.

Information is now better transmitted. Although poverty remains unchanged in the vast rural areas, the Qing court has still built telegraph lines between major cities across the country, which is also a huge progress.

Regardless of the public's murmurs, the committee members, with the cooperation of former Qing officials, quickly familiarized themselves with the situation, and Guang'an Prefecture immediately began to operate again. Amidst the public's astonishment, police officers in clean uniforms appeared on the streets, teachers began promoting the idea of ​​sending children to school, household registration officers went door to door to register the population, young people promoted the opening of night schools, and officials from the Industrial and Commercial Administration Bureau began registering businesses. Vast resources were invested to ensure the seamless acceptance of the entire city and its immediate operation.

The peasants had truly entered the city, ready to learn how to manage it. Excitement and anxiety filled the faces of the staff. Zhang Yinghao had selected the most capable and talented cadres he could currently muster. Zhang Yinghao reasoned that as long as the military forces within the city were eliminated, the police force was quickly replenished, and order was not disrupted, there would be no major uncontrollable factors. Of course, even if they ultimately failed and retreated from the city, Zhang Yinghao would consider it a test. Taking Guang'an City was so easy this time; next time would be just a little more difficult.

Soon, Zhang Yinghao received the first of several matters to address, the first of which was the city's land issues. Zhang Yinghao knew that the land issue was a top priority and must be resolved. It wasn't just about nationalizing the land. Zhang Yinghao tried to recall modern land systems and management methods.

First, let's talk about the issue of "He who tills the land shall own it." There's an interesting phenomenon in China: many famous sayings are known only for the first half, but not the second half, which is precisely the most important. For example, the phrase "He who tills the land shall own it" follows: "He who does not till the land shall have no land." If you repay kindness with kindness, how can you repay kindness? Repay kindness with kindness, and repay grievances with justice. Science has no borders, but scientists do. Genius is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration, but that 1% inspiration is the most important.

To achieve this goal, a strict dual urban-rural household registration system must be implemented. This will temporarily restrict the free flow of population. Urban residents are currently deciding whether to become urban residents or rural residents on a voluntary basis. If rural hukou is abandoned, the policy of "no land, no land" will apply. If a person with a rural hukou changes to an urban hukou, they automatically lose their contracted land. Anyone who wishes to farm can apply to the government for a plot of land, and then they will be considered a rural hukou holder.

If people don't cultivate the land, they won't receive it. Land that's been left fallow for more than three years will be reclaimed by the government and redistributed to those who want to cultivate it. If everyone in the city goes to the countryside to claim land, but some don't cultivate it, that would be chaos. Whether this policy can be implemented effectively is a matter for the government; it won't work if this issue isn't raised.

Then, of course, the vast tracts of land surrounding the city would be directly nationalized as reserves for urban development. No one knew the future value of this land better than Zhang Yinghao. If the local government could acquire a little more of it now, future urban construction would be infinitely easier, saving countless funds.

Now, the land surrounding cities was directly nationalized, and the vast majority of the confiscated land belonged to the large landowners. Even if less land was distributed, or even none at all, the pressure wouldn't be significant. However, the national population during this era was only a little over 400 million. While still a large population, it was still small compared to later generations. There was a lot of vacant land, and the average per capita land allocation was larger than what was allocated during the household contract responsibility system of later generations.

Zhang Yinghao's Quotations: When a person strives for a better life, he is carrying the entire era forward.

Chapter 63

Land issues are no small matter. Thinking about land issues, Zhang Yinghao immediately thought of the mineral resources beneath them. If land was to be nationalized, then mineral resources must also be nationalized. Acting immediately, Zhang Yinghao established two departments: the Mineral Resources Management Committee and the Land and Resources Management Committee. Due to limited staff and space, the two departments were housed under one roof, currently responsible for investigating and managing issues concerning mineral resources and land resources.

"Chairman, Zhou Weiren intends to donate all of his family's land to us. This is the latest report we've received. Many comrades have also signed letters guaranteeing they will sever political ties with their families. Here's the list."

On the third day after the revolutionary army entered Guang'an Prefecture, Zhang Yinghao received a report that immediately made him fall into deep thought.

"Zhou Weiren, you're so courageous and impressive."

Zhang Yinghao couldn't help but sigh inwardly. What a generous act! So much land was given away so easily. Zhou Weiren was not to be underestimated. He couldn't do anything to him, and he had to make him an example. As long as the Zhou family didn't commit any crimes, he could rest easy.

Zhang Yinghao closed his eyes and thought for a while. It seemed that the Zhou family had to be let off, otherwise it would be disadvantageous to the policy.

"Orders: Immediately seize the Zhou family's land and property, register the Zhou family's grain reserves, and leave enough for the family's own consumption; all the rest will be confiscated. All members of the Zhou family will be investigated thoroughly, and those found guilty will be brought to justice, though their sentences may be mitigated. Those found innocent may be allocated land or become city residents. The local people must continue to criticize the Zhou family as they should, and they must also be taught lessons as they should..."

Meanwhile, the Zhou family was also holding a general meeting. Under the low pressure, every member of the Zhou family felt it difficult to breathe. To be honest, Zhou Weiren had absolutely no good feelings towards the Forward Party, but he knew what the Forward Party and the Revolutionary Army were doing. If the Forward Party had continued to occupy Zhangjiagou or the Qing court had sent a large army to annihilate Zhangjiagou, he would never have donated his family's land.

So much land, such good land, passed down from generation to generation, and now it was lost in his own hands. It was called a donation, but in reality, it was confiscated by the Forward Party without compensation. He was well aware of the Forward Party and the Revolutionary Army's style. They weren't known for their relentless killing of innocent people, but they felt no guilt about killing, rather, they acted with dignity and confidence. With the Revolutionary Army now occupying Guang'an City, he knew exactly what the Forward Party and the Revolutionary Army would do next.

"......I emphasize again here that at this moment, no one can show hostility or dissatisfaction.

If the capital is lost, they won't bother to care about Guang'an. If you really feel that you can't stand the grievance, your family can send you to Chongqing or Shanghai.

There is no problem going abroad, you can also go to Fujian to join Zhou Weiyi.

How many landlords have the Forward Party killed now? They've all left the Five Tribes Valley. They're full of energy and vigor, holding the power, ready to reap the harvest. They draw their swords and look around, murderous intent, seeking a place in the world where no one can escape. If they don't kill, they'll hurt themselves. Anyone seeking death should be hanged, and they shouldn't implicate any of us in the Zhou family..."

"Master, are our young men, along with the militia, really afraid of the Progressive Party? Our place is easy to defend but difficult to attack. If we hold out for a while, the Progressive Party's rebellion will surely be known to the local officials. They will surely fail, and we won't have to be led into that conspiracy."

"Fool, do you know how many landlord militias have lost their entire families because of resisting Niu Xiao? Ah! The general trend cannot be violated. In this Guang'an area, the power that the Progressive Party now controls is enough to form a general trend, and this general trend is to divide the land. The general trend is inevitable. Whoever stands in this big effort will be crushed to pieces and die without a burial place. Believe it or not, as long as we resist the revolutionary army, when the revolutionary army arrives, those people we support will be killed.

The regiment will immediately turn against us and happily take our heads in exchange for their land."

“Are we just going to donate all this land for nothing?”

"Hmph, the Forward Party is now in great joy. But the Ding Dynasty will definitely not allow them to rebel. So when the imperial army arrives,

When the time comes, we will welcome the king's army.

All the profits will be taken back. So now everyone must be patient and wait for the arrival of the Earth Master. For the sake of justice, I am also told to be patient and protect the people first.

"Chairman, the Mauser pistols that Comrade Xinsheng purchased have arrived."

"Okay, with this batch of guns, our weapons problem is temporarily solved. Well, immediately notify Comrade Hu Songhui and Director Yu Qingao of the Arsenal to come to my place."

"Yes."

After watching the messenger leave, Zhang Yinghao immediately went to the door and saw several people dressed as civilians moving guns and ammunition. Zhang Yinghao knew that these were his comrades.

"Comrades, thank you for your hard work. I will help you move."

After saying that, Zhang Yinghao rolled up his sleeves and joined the moving team, and together with the escorting comrades, he moved all the guns and bullets off the carriage.

"Chairman, there's no need for you to do anything. We're here to help."

"Haha, we're not spoiled. We don't tolerate that habit. Come, let's have a cup of tea together after we move."

"Okay. Okay."

Seeing Zhang Yinghao also carrying the goods, everyone quickened their pace. "Chairman, I'm here."

At this time, Hu Songhui also came over, greeted Zhang Yinghao, and immediately joined the moving team.

"Okay, Comrade Song Hui, are you here so quickly?"

"On the way, I met the comrades who were going to inform me, so I walked a little less."

"What a coincidence."

"Well, there's no such thing as coincidence!"

"It seems you've been studying a lot lately. What are you reading?" "Isn't there a dictionary that came out recently? I've been reading that one." "Yeah, that's great. A scholar who hasn't been away for three days should be treated with new eyes. He's not the same Wu Xia A'mon he used to be."

"Haha, Chairman, you're too kind."

As they were talking, all the guns and bullets on the carriages were taken down.

"Comrades, please come in and have a cup of tea. It will take some time to count the numbers here."

These comrades also heard that Hu Songhui was busy, so they hurriedly declined.

"No, we can just wait here for a while." "It's okay, come and have a cup of tea."

As he spoke, he pulled these comrades into the house, personally poured them tea and said, "How are Comrade Xinsheng doing in Chongqing now?"

"Hey, look, there's a letter from a freshman comrade right here in my head."

After saying that, he rummaged through his pockets and pulled out two folded papers, which he quickly handed to Zhang Yinghao. Zhang Yinghao took them without opening them and put them directly into the desk drawer.

"Come and have some tea. How's your literacy class going?"