The Heroic Age of the Late Qing Dynasty

Quotations from Zhang Yinghao: If you have insufficient food and clothing, you blame the country; if you have no money and cannot live a good life, you can only blame yourself.

Chapter 67

Everyone is more envious of Bao Shilin, envious of Bao Shilin's early success with Zhang Yinghao. But envy is useless, this is the advantage of making friends first and developing later. Looking back at so many comrades around them, everyone is filled with a sense of urgency. They all know that this kind of learning opportunity is coming soon.

It's not easy.

However, in Zhang Yinghao's view, this opportunity for them to change their fate is

It is really rare, and the opportunity is measured in centuries. However, these comrades are making rapid progress in their studies. This is Zhang Yinghao's true words. There is an article called "We must strive to be better" that describes reading in the toilet. However, there is no electric light in Zhangjiagou at present. Comrade 1 also tried every possible way to study, which touched Zhang Yinghao very much. Perhaps teachers are very happy to see students studying hard.

Let's go!

Zhang Yinghao was currently sitting in his small office, listening to Bao Shilin's report from the one sitting across from him. As Zhang Yinghao's right-hand man, Bao Shilin was quite qualified, but everyone was busy, and it was rare for them to get together. Bao Shilin's progress was remarkable, and he had a natural aptitude for mathematics, so Zhang Yinghao focused on training him. Of course, the original twelve were also trained, but Comrade Erzhu was killed by a hoe in the first battle. If they wanted to truly make a name for themselves, they had to rely on themselves. Zhang Yinghao had helped them, but they couldn't expect him to carry them forward; that was impossible. There was only so much Zhang Yinghao could do.

Zhang Yinghao took out a teacup and poured water while listening to Bao Shilin's report. He heard Bao Shilin say: "Chairman, our original estimate was seriously wrong. Sichuan has suffered an extremely serious drought in the past two years. There has been little rain so far this year. A large number of people can hardly make a living, and Sichuan local officials are still levying heavy taxes and levies, causing the people to suffer.

Furthermore, foreign missionaries and their followers interfered with local justice and administration, colluded with local officials, committed numerous crimes, and oppressed the villagers. The vast majority of the people could barely survive. The Boxers, with their slogan of "wiping out the foreigners," received a positive response.

"The Qing Dynasty's good days are over. Even if we're not the ones rebelling in Sichuan, there will be rebellion and chaos. We should take advantage of the drought and organize more people to build water conservancy projects. After a severe drought, there will definitely be severe floods. We also need to speed up the training of our barefoot doctors. After a major disaster, there will be a major epidemic. How about this? Let's gather all departments together for a meeting to unify opinions and discuss the problem."

"Okay, I'll arrange it now."

"Don't worry, we also need to notify the comrades in Guang'an Prefecture and ask them to send representatives back for the meeting."

Zhang Yinghao looked at the sky and estimated the time.

"Send someone on horseback to the state capital to inform them that we should hold a meeting tonight so as not to delay the comrades' work tomorrow."

"it is good."

After Bao Shilin left, Zhang Yinghao sat quietly. It was like this now. With everyone dispersed, it would take half a day to hold a meeting. If the area expanded further, there would be no chance for a meeting. They could only gather to discuss matters when it was time for a general meeting. After the small meetings, there would be few opportunities.

It's difficult. My colleagues have little experience and don't know how to deal with many problems. In the future, this internal reporting mechanism should be strengthened, focusing on identifying and solving problems.

"Report."

He didn't know how long he was in a daze, but suddenly he heard a report, interrupting his reverie. Coming back to his senses, Zhang Yinghao rubbed his face vigorously with both hands and pulled himself together.

"Come in."

"Teacher, this is the homework that the students wrote on how to improve the literacy rate among the masses."

"Okay, put it on the table."

"Ok."

Seeing that the study committee member had put down his homework and had no intention of leaving, and looked as if he wanted to say something but hesitated, Zhang Yinghao smiled and said, "Does Liao Xiaomin have anything else to say?"

The study committee member of this training class is a girl. She doesn't even have a name. The villagers just call her "girl".

In their village, the girls were envious when they saw that there were female soldiers in the revolutionary army.

He immediately signed up for the Revolutionary Army without telling his family. Boys might need their family's consent on the day they enlisted, as male soldiers face death. However, the Revolutionary Army was open to female soldiers, as long as the problem wasn't too serious.

In line with the principle of liberating women, it is generally agreed that there is a north for rice. 3 Students cannot join the field army, but they can serve as nurses, medical soldiers, etc.

Her father's surname was Liao, and she was called Tianzhu. She chose two characters from the Chinese character "Xiao" (xiao), and Minxiao was definitely not nice, so she was called Xiaomin.

The girl has her own name - Liao Xiaomin.

"Chairman, I want to report a few things to you."

Seeing Liao Xiaomin's serious expression, Zhang Yinghao sat up straight, took out his notebook and said, "Oh, go ahead."

"Chairman, do you know the saying 'The Mother of No Birth, the Homeland of Vacuum'?"

When Zhang Yinghao heard this, his expression suddenly grew serious, his eyes sharp, and he stared at Liao Xiaomin, speaking word by word: "White Lotus Sect."

"Yes, actually, my parents are both members of the White Lotus Sect. But it's not just the White Lotus Sect, there's also the Red Lantern Sect and the I-Kuan Tao Sect. They all use this slogan, and there are many White Lotus followers in our area. I've heard that someone is calling on these followers to attack foreign religions, so I felt I needed to report this to you."

"Which foreign religion are you attacking?"

"I'm not very clear about this, but this information should be accurate."

"Okay, I understand. Anything else?"

"I only learned about this after studying. Before the revolutionary army arrived, a senior brother from the Boxers came to our village to develop an organization. They invited Zhang Tianshi to descend to earth and play tricks on the village, promoting feudal superstitions. However, many people still believed him and followed him."

"Well, what you said is very important to us, thank you." "Chairman, and also, when I was in the army, I heard the jargon between the Pao brothers. The Pao brothers are very serious. I think there are people from the Pao brothers organization infiltrating our army."

Hearing this, Zhang Yinghao got goose bumps all over his body.

I felt my scalp tingling. Zhang Yinghao had naturally heard of the Pao Brothers organization. In his previous life, the Spore Brothers had produced many great figures, but the Pao Brothers were simply a black

But this is a characteristic of the times, uniting in an organization to protect themselves, many people joined the Pao Brothers organization unconsciously.

Zhang Yinghao has always regarded the army as a forbidden place where no problems can occur. However, he suddenly heard that his army may have infiltrated the Pao Brothers organization.

Zhang Yinghao initially found it difficult to accept the person. It had been more than a year since Zhang Jianmi came to this world, and his training was not in vain.

It's clear. I didn't stop the Pao brothers from joining the army before. Secondly, the word "Pao brothers" is not written on people's faces. Who knows who is a Pao brother? On the contrary, the earlier the problem is discovered, the earlier it can be solved.

Speaking of Pao brothers, Zhang Yinghao immediately remembered the report Comrade Liu Xinsheng gave him before. In Chongqing, the gangs are very powerful, among which Pao brothers are

This organization. The Pao brothers of the past were not wiped out by the new government. If there were no historical data, who would know that there was such a thing in Sichuan?

What about an organization with a population of over ten million? Zhang Yinghao figured it out and felt calm again.

"Hmph, it's just a product of a special period." "Chairman, what did you say?"

"Oh, nothing, is there someone in your family who is a Pao Ge?" "My family isn't, but there are some in our village."

"Haha, Brother Pao, Brother Pao, I understand. Is there anything else you want to tell me?"

"Nothing."

"Well, that's fine. Thank you, Comrade Xiaomin. But I'd still like you to explain the whole story of these three incidents. Go to the National Safety Committee for the Elimination of Counter-Revolutionaries and Work Sabotage and work with them to explain these matters clearly."

"Ah! Ah! The Anti-Counterrevolutionary Committee! This, this, this,... Can I not go?"

Liao Xiaomin was immediately terrified when she heard she was going to the Safety Committee for the Elimination of Counter-Revolutionaries and Sabotage. Rumors were circulating that this committee was a murderous organization, incredibly terrifying, specifically targeting her own comrades. Few people who went in came out unscathed. How could she possibly get out after going in? If she had known this would happen, she wouldn't have come to report. Liao Xiaomin suddenly felt a twinge of resentment.

When Zhang Yinghao heard this, he asked, "What's going on? They asked you to explain your situation clearly because they are protecting you. If someone says in the future that Liao Xiaomin is colluding with these organizations, you, Liao Xiaomin, will never be able to clear yourself even if you jump into the Yellow River. This kind of thing requires the protection of the organization. You have kept the files, and no one can overturn these things."

"What's the matter? What's the problem?"

"Chairman, can we not go there? Just give me a certificate. I heard it's very scary there, and few people who go in come out."

Zhang Yinghao understood what was going on, but his brows furrowed. There must be something wrong here, otherwise it wouldn't scare a little girl like this.

"No, what's going on here? Hmm? Tell me about this anti-counterrevolutionary committee."

Liao Xiaomin said in a pitiful tone: "Oh, okay." "Stop, don't use that tone, I can't stand it, speak properly." "Yes, Chairman, recently everyone is saying that the anti-counterrevolutionary movement is persecuting people. Many people have been killed, and no one who went in has come out. And there is no news at all.

There is no information, and no one is allowed to go inside to understand the situation. They all say that even death row prisoners can be visited. This anti-counterrevolutionary committee must be doing something inside.

Torturing and beating those arrested is definitely retaliation, so they don't dare let anyone in to see. If I went in and saw it, I wonder if they would silence me or retaliate in the future."

Zhang Yinghao was speechless after hearing this. What was Yuan Kesheng doing?

A good organization, but he turned it into the East Factory and the Imperial Guard. Zhang Yinghao looked at Liao Xiaomin's pale face and was immediately furious, but... he sighed and said: "Okay, okay, I

I'll have the comrades from the Anti-Counterrevolutionary Committee contact you when the time comes. Don't go to the Anti-Counterrevolutionary Committee."

"Ah, we still have to deal with them." "Hmm? You have any objections?"

"No, no, goodbye, teacher."

After saying that, he immediately turned around and ran out. Looking at the handsome figure, Zhang Yinghao shook his head. It was still better to be young. Then he suddenly realized, damn, I'm only nineteen years old, there's no point in being envious.

"Fuck you, I'm horny."

I laughed at myself and picked up the book. There weren't many bright spots, and I didn't know how to improve literacy. I couldn't do anything fancy, so I could only find a common ground to cast my net. There would always be someone willing to learn, and I was sure they'd catch some fish.

After correcting the homework, Zhang Yinghao went to the Intelligence Bureau and took away all the information about religion and the Boxer Movement.

meeting.

After dinner, Zhang Yinghao arrived at the meeting room, which was already full. He walked straight to Wang Xi's table. He clapped his hands twice and said, "The meeting will begin now. Zhang Yinghao will preside over this meeting. Comrade Wang Qixian will now be in charge of Bao Shilin."

Comrade, please report the situation."

Bao Shilin repeated what he had told Zhang Yinghao that morning, then continued, "The situation here is so severe, surely it's not much better elsewhere? I remember on our way to Dunhuang, there was a severe drought there too. The bark on the trees along the road had been completely eaten clean. Let's discuss how to solve this problem."

Zhang Yinghao's Quotations - Suffering can gather strength, but it cannot create brilliance!

Chapter 68

At this time, Comrade Lin Zhenghong raised his hand, and Zhang Yinghao gestured. He then said, "The situation is indeed as Comrade Bao Shilin said. After several years of disasters, the landlords' surplus grain is running low. According to Zhou Weiren, if it weren't for the consecutive years of disasters, his family would have to sell a large amount of grain every year, and their grain reserves would not be limited to just two or three warehouses. Even if we distribute all the grain from the landlords to the people now, they won't be able to grow it right away. Moreover, this year may still be a severe drought, and there hasn't been much rain yet."

"Then, Comrade Zhenghong, tell us how to solve this problem." "Ever since we occupied Guang'an Prefecture, I've been thinking about this problem. I reread Chairman Mao's book and learned a lot. According to our theory that labor creates value, we must organize the people to work, rather than providing them with relief without any limit. Otherwise, even mountains of gold and silver will be eaten up. It would be great if we could take advantage of the drought to properly repair the water conservancy facilities. No wages, just food."

Zhang Yinghao and Bao Shilin exchanged glances. Bao Shilin nodded, and Zhang Yinghao smiled. Then Lin Zhenghong continued, "Second, we can buy food from the Yangtze River, or even from foreigners, to tide us over this difficult time. Just because we don't have food here doesn't mean other places don't have it. Third, we can plant drought-resistant crops like sweet potatoes. In years of disaster, even Guanyin soil was eaten, so sweet potatoes shouldn't be a problem at all. That's all I have to say."

Zhang Yinghao nodded and said, "Very good. These three solutions to the problem are pretty good. Does anyone have any additional suggestions?"

"Chairman, we can't just not pay them at all. Some elderly people and children are unable to work and still need these people to support them. There will always be areas where our assistance falls short."

Zhang Yinghao nodded and said, "Is there anything else to add?" "Comrade Zhenghong, you are now in charge of the work of the government. You should draw up a plan to see how much grain we need to buy, then sign it for me and ask the comrades in the commerce department to buy grain. As for the issue of wages, it won't work if we don't pay them. Give them a pound of potatoes for a day's work. We planted a lot last year and had a great harvest. But we don't give them grain directly. We give them the banknotes we issue and let them buy grain from the supply and marketing cooperatives. At the same time, we will promote our supply and marketing cooperatives, rural credit cooperatives, and rural cooperatives to form a supporting system. This way, we can kill two birds with one stone. Comrades from various departments should cooperate with each other to implement this matter.

Hasn't anyone thought about this? Humph, drought, drought, don't we have water? Are all our rivers dry? No? Without any organization, no one would think of large-scale water-carrying to combat the drought? Be self-reliant and have enough food and clothing. What? After sitting in the office for a few days, you're so stingy with your energy? You're always shopping, so do you still need disaster relief?

Can we dig a well? We can't save the tens of millions of people in Sichuan by buying food. We must save ourselves, relying on our own hands and feet. Does growing sweet potatoes and potatoes require a lot of water? Carrying water is enough. Mobilize the people. We will spare no effort, and they will not be stingy with their efforts. We will definitely be able to overcome this difficult time."

After hearing what Zhang Yinghao said, many comrades lowered their heads in shame. At this time, Lin Zhenghong stood up and immediately stated: "Report to the Chairman, I guarantee that the task will be completed."

After hearing this, everyone expressed their opinions.

Zhang Yinghao continued, "As long as your thinking doesn't slip, there are always more solutions than problems. Don't sit in your office and come up with solutions on the spur of the moment. If money can solve a problem, there are definitely other ways to solve it. Go to the countryside, go to where you're needed, and you'll be able to solve the problem. Many people know that digging a well in a certain place will solve their problem, but no one is organizing them. Do you understand? We'll go wherever we're needed. If we start, the people will naturally follow. Do you understand?"

"clear."

"Everyone, have a drink of water."

Seeing everyone pick up their cups and take a sip, Zhang Yinghao continued, "Let's move on to the next topic. Hmm? Comrades, don't think I'm being harsh on you. Some of you already want to be the boss, wanting to order the people around without having to do the work yourself. Do you have that thought? Haha, work is so tiring, isn't it!"

Everyone took a sip of water to ease their nerves. After listening to Zhang Yinghao's words, many comrades smiled wryly. Seeing that the atmosphere was still very tense, Zhang Yinghao said, "Okay, come on, let's sing a song to ease the atmosphere before moving on to the next topic. Let's sing "For Whom." Comrade Shilin will start."

"Our trouser legs are covered with mud, let's sing together!" Our trouser legs are covered with mud, and the back of our shirt is soaked with sweat.

I don't know who you are, but I know who you are working for. For whom, for the harvest in autumn, for the return of wild geese in spring.

I sing with passion about my youth without regrets, and look into the distance, wondering when my comrades will return.

Who are you, for whom, my comrade, when will you return? Who are you, for whom, my brothers and sisters, do not shed tears.

Whoever is the most tired is the most beautiful, my fellow villagers, my comrades-in-arms, my brothers and sisters.

Whoever is the most tired is the most beautiful, my fellow villagers, my comrades-in-arms, my brothers and sisters.

Sister.

Seeing that many comrades had red eyes while singing this song, Zhang Yinghao knew that many comrades had changed their minds, and he felt that his goal had been achieved.

"Okay, next topic, Comrade Liu Qingen, has the barefoot doctor program begun?"

"Chairman, it has begun."

"Well, we need to speed up the training. Sichuan has been suffering from severe drought for several consecutive years. It's not just Sichuan, but large areas of northern China are suffering from drought. People are generally in poor health. No one knows how many people have starved to death during this period. Many people died on the roadside and no one came to collect their bodies, or they were buried in a random pit. This is very dangerous.

Sichuan's sanitation is already in a precarious state, with frequent outbreaks of cholera, plague, rabies, typhoid, smallpox, schistosomiasis, and other infectious diseases. A severe drought will inevitably be followed by a severe flood, and even corpses will be washed out. Once these bodies are soaked in water, viruses and bacteria will breed, and drinking raw water will cause illness. Therefore, after a major disaster, there will be a major epidemic. You must start preparing for this from now on."

"Okay, now we are explaining the content of bacteria and viruses."

"Okay, let's speed things up. Just keep this in mind. Next up is the issue of foreign religions. Comrade Shi Lin just mentioned that foreign missionaries and believers have been interfering in local justice and administration, colluding with local officials, committing numerous crimes, and oppressing the villagers. Many of us here have also been harmed by foreign religions, so everyone has a say. Let's all share our thoughts."

"Chairman, these foreigners are nothing. Let's kill them all and get rid of them completely."

Zhang Yinghao's face remained expressionless upon hearing this. This was the nature of the times; hatred of foreigners was universal. Foreigners were actually a bit less of a problem; there were only a few of them, and they couldn't cause any significant trouble. The problem lay with the believers; ordinary people wouldn't convert to religion for no reason. The first to succumb to missionaries were the lumpen proletariat, incompetent at everything, and their primary concern was oppressing the people. The people looked down on them, and they relied on foreign religions to inflict even greater harm on the people.

Those foreigners also needed these believers to gain benefits for them, so this vicious situation was formed. Of course, the main reason was the incompetence of the government. If the government was capable, there would be no missionaries.

Zhang Yinghao disagreed with killing missionaries now. Of course, if there was clear evidence that foreigners had committed crimes, Zhang Yinghao would dare to kill them. Zhang Yinghao was not so stupid as to commit a large-scale massacre of missionaries. It would not be worth the loss.

"Some missionaries were doctors and cured many people. We can't generalize."

"Those who deserved to be killed were the Christians. They were not good people to begin with, and by following the foreigners, they became even more evil. These people are aiding and abetting the evil."

At this time, Bao Shilin stood up and said: "Everyone, please stop for a moment. I have another situation to discuss. We are currently confiscating mineral resources and are encountering considerable resistance. Some mines have been mined by a single family for hundreds of years. The local people do not understand the confiscation of minerals and are uncooperative. Some mine owners have even joined forces with workers to oppose us.

We've also investigated and discovered that foreigners are now present in some mining areas, and these mines may have foreign ownership. Some have begun to act arrogantly, relying on their foreign support to threaten us, some even threatening to destroy their mines rather than give them to us. Small artisans, unwilling to accept our confiscation of their workshops, are offering soft resistance, even rallying their workers to block our actions.

"It's a foreigner again. What on earth are they trying to do?" "What does this have to do with the foreign church?"