Chapter Fourteen

  Dongting Lake, still so beautiful, the 800-mile Dongting is still so misty and vast. It hasn't lost any color due to war. The fishermen in the distance sang a joyful fishing song. The people by Dongting Lake all had smiles on their faces instead of worried looks.

  The new government's economic, political and cultural policies have given ordinary civilians a voice. The fruits of their own labor have greatly improved their livelihoods. Although they don't know what this so-called "new big man" is like, the people also don't understand what the "Chinese Empire" means. However, they clearly know that becoming rich is absolutely possible, although there is still a long way to go.

  The simple folk, for the requirement of wealth is not very strong, in their simple hearts just as long as there is food to eat, just as long as there are clothes to wear, these basic problems. And when these basic problems get solved, their hearts will naturally turn towards the government that satisfies them. They won't care if this government is Han or Manchu, as long as it can provide them with a rich life they will follow this government steadily and firmly. Anyone who tries to destroy their happy lives will be met with their resistance and hostility. They also won't deliberately be like scholars in their foolish loyalty nor will they deliberately rebel, this is China's ordinary people, they don't have the greed of Arabs or the ignorance of Japanese nationalism, but it is precisely these ordinary people that established dynasty after dynasty, becoming the root of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.

  As I watched the ordinary people see off the Thunderbolt 4th Mobile Division with tears in their eyes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia.

  The guard beside me watched the Fourth Thunder Regiment disappear into the distance, then walked to my side and said in a low voice: "Commander, let's go back. The Fourth Regiment will be fine. You still have to go to the government office later."

  At the government office in Yue State, this was a former ancestral temple of the Zeng family. Zeng Yue Shu and Zeng Qing were two people who, according to their genealogy, were distant uncles and nephews. I couldn't help but admire China's skill at tracing relationships. A connection that would take eight lifetimes to find could be discovered simply because they shared the same surname, Zeng, and could even find a relative like a great-great-grandfather's brother.

  In order to turn the ancestral hall into a government office, Zeng Yue Shu and Zeng Qing He had done a lot of work with Old Master Zeng, but in the end, the old could not outdo the young, and they agreed to let the ancestral hall go.

  I sat in the main hall of the ancestral temple. Admiring the layout of the entire temple, the Zengqing family was not a big family in Yuezhou. Although the temple was built outside the city of Yuezhou, more than half a mile away, it had been a long time since it was last repaired, judging from its dilapidated state. Zhou Lun and Old Master Zeng chatted intermittently.

  Zeng Yue Shu walked out with a stack of files in his hands, I apologized to Old Master Zeng and followed him into his office with Zhou Lun.

  I took a look at his bookshelf, which had Song Yingxing's "The Exploitation of the Works of Nature", Xu Guangqi's translation of "Elements of Geometry", as well as Li Zhizao's "Tongwen Suanzhi" and "Tiān Xué Chū Hán".

  I smiled and said: "Zhongzhi, I didn't expect you'd still be interested in Western science."

  Zeng Yue's face turned red as he smiled and said: "In front of the chief, there is no place for me to show off my skills. It's just that I was once fortunate enough to study under Mr. Xu Guangqi (also known as Yunxu) for a period of time, so I have some knowledge of Western science. I see that the firearms and cannons used by the chief are even more advanced than those described in Song Yingxing's 'Tiangong Kaiwu'."

  I took a look at Zeng Yue's hesitant expression and asked, "Zhongzhi, if you have something to say, just say it directly. Don't be so evasive. As the local official of Yue State, you should know that our Liberation Army has no forbidden topics for discussion. Besides, wasn't it you who came to me to report someone's misconduct in the army not long ago? You didn't look like this back then."

  Zeng Yue said: "Mr. Changgeng once said in the second part of 'Tiangong Kaiwu': 'There is a kind of weapon that has been manufactured, this weapon is called Wanren Di (rotating rocket shell), I think our army does not seem to have equipped with such weapons.'"

  "I pondered for a moment and asked: 'Zhongzhi, do you know the production method and process of this thing?'"

  Zeng Yue nodded and said: "I have studied Mr. Changgeng's thing, if I want to say something else, I don't know, but if I say this, I dare guarantee that it is absolutely possible."

  I suppressed the excitement in my heart and said: "Zhongzhi, you report your work first, and then we'll discuss what to do next."

  "General, according to your requirements and standards, we have now mobilized 100,000 taels of silver from the warehouse to build the match factory, which has started production. Every day, we are working overtime, and merchants from all over the country are waiting to take delivery. This product has completely replaced fire tongs, and for each box, after deducting costs and wages, we can make a profit of 5 cents per box. Our monthly net income is now 30,000 taels of white silver. Additionally, according to your design drawings, the large cement factory that was built spent 150,000 taels of white silver, with us holding 40% of the shares. The military holds 11% of the shares, and the rest are invested by other merchants who saw the good prospects of our match factory in Yueyang. Now, we produce 80 tons of cement per day and have absorbed over 30,000 migrant workers from outside. All the official roads leading out of Yueyang have been repaired with cement and sandstone. We are currently repairing the main road on this side. However, cement is still not enough, and our warehouse silver is no longer abundant. I think we should consider stopping for a while. Also, regarding cement, I think it's too strictly controlled. In principle, some wealthy families and landlords can also use cement to repair their floors, and I think we can sell it to them."

  I nodded in agreement and said, "Zhongzhi, you take care of this matter. Also, I think you should consider temporarily taking over the management of military and civilian industries here. As for the local officials, just recommend someone to come up and do it. I think your main talent is still in this area, although managing industry is not as big as being a local official, but you also know that we lack talented people." After finishing speaking, I looked at Zeng Yue's eyes waiting for his response.

  Zeng Yue Xue learned from the military and saluted, saying: "Thank you, Commander, for promoting me."

  Such an action made me laugh and I said with a smile: "Hehe, this is not a promotion, it can be said to be a demotion."

  Zeng Yue stroked his head and said, "There's nothing I wouldn't demote myself for in order to establish the country."

  Zhou Lun followed Zeng Qing to lift the curtain and walked in, saying: "How is our newly established glass factory going? Comrade Yu Shu who is willing to demote."

  "Glass factory, it's almost completed," said Zeng Yue, picking up the topic. "There are plenty of sand and stone raw materials on this side of Yuezhou. Now we've tried producing some colored glass and transparent glass, which were all bought by merchants from other places at high prices. The leader knows that the cost of this glass is actually not much. We made a lot of money from this. I think once it's completed, the finances of Yuezhou and even our entire base will be no problem."

  I nodded in satisfaction, with a hint of caution, and said: "Zhongzhi, don't say this too early. Although the grain harvest has been abundant, the large influx of refugees from all over the country is still a great burden for us."

  Zeng Yue nodded and replied seriously, "Yes, Commander. I've also considered this aspect. My plan is as follows." After finishing, he looked at me waiting for him to reveal the result, then continued, "Firstly, we will distribute the large amount of barren land to the refugees in various places. The government won't collect taxes in the first year, but they must be willing to sell it to us. In the first year, we will provide food to guarantee their livelihood."

  I nodded in agreement and asked, "What about the second and third?"

  "Secondly, I think now there are several large factories and water conservancy projects along the Yangtze River that are about to start work. We can give these surplus refugees wages and have them enter the factories. As for the third point, currently the grain yield in Yue State is still quite a bit short. I've been in contact with Chen Daolong, and he's agreed to allocate grain from all over the country to us. Additionally, the corn introduced by the county head has already begun to be planted throughout the county. Ensuring adequate food and clothing, I estimate should be achievable, right?"

  One sentence made both Zhou Lun and me burst out laughing.

  Zhou Lun continued: "Zhongzhi, I think you should also take a look at another book by Mr. Changgeng."

  Zeng Yue looked at Zhou Lun with a puzzled expression, as if asking for an explanation.

  Zhou Lun didn't sell Guan's account and continued to say: "Mr. Changgeng's 'Wild Opinion' is written very well. I think in the future, our country will have another master of governance. We are all fighters who founded the country. When it comes to governance, we still have to rely on you."

  Zeng Yue nodded humbly and said, "I will consider Director Zhou's suggestion. There are so many things to deal with recently, and other projects that were waiting to be implemented have all been put on hold."

  I glanced at Zhou Lun and said, "Zhongzhi, you shouldn't be a local official anymore. I think your talent is being wasted here. You can be the Minister of Industry for our region first, and then recommend someone else who can do things for the people to be the local official. Our troops will depart for the front line in 7 days, and you'll come with us at that time. What's most important is that you bring out that enemy of the people."

  Zeng Yue nodded and said: "Commander, I obey the orders of my superiors."

  I and Zhou Lun nodded in satisfaction, I said to him: "The military and political affairs of the local government and the local troops must be separated, this matter you have to carefully consider finding suitable candidates. We will go back now, if there is anything notify us at the military camp."

  When leaving, Zeng Qing suddenly said: "Yue Shu, you little devil, now that you're your uncle's subordinate, you dare to sue him? In the future, when you become the Minister of Industry, you must consider your uncle me first for any new equipment."

  After finishing speaking, he walked out of the Zeng family ancestral hall with me and Zhou Lun.

  Zhou Lun said as he walked: "A Xiao, do you know Dexing in Jiangxi?"

  I nodded and gestured for him to continue, Zhou Lun went on: "The Dexing porphyry copper mine is an important copper mine in the province, with proven reserves accounting for 67.7% of the province's total reserves; The associated gold accounts for 98% of the province's total reserves, and the associated silver accounts for more than 50%; The associated sulfur reaches 20,667,700 tons, accounting for 26.4% of the province's total reserves. Jiangxi copper mine has large reserves, shallow burial, easy mining and selection, and can recover multiple associated minerals at the same time during mining, making one mine into multiple mines, with very significant economic benefits."

  I looked at Zhou Lun with a look as if he was reciting a textbook, and smiled to Zeng Qing beside me: "Well, Zeng Qing, you see our political commissar has not yet passed away, but he has already understood Jiangxi so thoroughly. It seems we can rest assured."

  Zeng Qing also smiled and said: "Commissar, why don't you let me take care of this side of the line?"

  I looked at Zeng Qing again, who was still in a state of requesting war, and lightly kicked him with a smile, saying: "What's wrong with you? Your affairs will be studied later." Turning to Zhou Lun, he said: "Ah Lun, how much do you know about the military situation now? How has Ye Jun developed over there?"

  Zhou Lun smiled and said thoughtfully, "The political situation in Jiangxi is still relatively complex. If we go there, the opportunity will be greater. As for Ye Jun, since we are about to enter Jiangxi, he has already gone to Anhui to meet with Lü Jun."

  I nodded thoughtfully and said, "Yes, this place is a must-visit for us. With such gold and silver reserves, the government will have a solid backing for issuing paper currency in the future. Moreover, sulfur can be used to manufacture gunpowder, and copper can be used to make bullets."

  I fell into thought for a moment, and with a serious expression I said: "This time, although the political situation in Jiangxi is unstable, and on the surface it seems beneficial to us, but I think this is also a hard nut to crack. However, we must go and take down this hard nut. If we don't occupy this place, our resources will be depleted, and our advantage in weapons will become a disadvantage. Moreover, there's still Song Xing waiting for us to invite him out of the mountain in Nanchang. I think our military campaign should be advanced. As soon as we get back, we'll send a telegram to headquarters. We'll discuss the content later, and also send a telegram to Lei Feng's side to speed up their march. Let's strive to meet outside Nanchang City within 20 kilometers by mid-October."

  Zhou Lun nodded in agreement, saying: "Yes, it looks easier, but I think it's also relatively difficult. But I think Ye Jun has also laid a good foundation for us, and overall it's still beneficial for us."

  Zeng Qing heard this from behind and came up to say: "Commander, you see if it's better for me to go first. I guarantee that I will definitely complete the task."

  I and Zhou Lun stopped in our tracks, looking at Zeng Qing's expression, saying: "Look at how anxious you are. This task was originally decided to be given to you anyway. Since you've guaranteed that you'll complete the task yourself now, let's make a deal beforehand. If you don't complete the task, you'll go to Lei Feng's unit and become a private soldier, how about it?"

  "Yes, sir. If I don't complete the task, I'll go and clean the toilet for Lei Feng." He muttered under his breath, "Alas, a deep and cunning person, now I've jumped into the pit myself."

  One sentence made all three of us burst out laughing.

  Looking ahead at the military camp, I stopped in my tracks and patted Zhou Lun on the back: "Ah Lun, go send a telegram to Old Master now. We'll wait for you in the combat conference room."

  Having said that, he walked with Zeng Qing towards the war conference room.

  Zhou Lun stood beside the telegraph operator and said: "Send a telegram to headquarters according to what I read."

  Telegram: Headquarters, I, Zhu Zhaoyu and Zhou Lun's troops have formed the 4th Field Army. We request your approval. Additionally, Wu Sangui's Qing army of 57,800 people has been completely annihilated by our forces. Please ensure that headquarters intercepts any Qing reinforcements from the north in the future. Our 4th Field Army has already engaged in combat in the Changsha battle, but further details are unknown. Our main force, the 3rd Division, will enter Jiangxi via Jing'an in a few days. Please instruct Lu's troops to block enemy forces entering from Anhui. The 4th Division will enter Jiangxi via Pingxiang. We have taken most of the ammunition, please ensure that headquarters replenishes our supplies within 3 days. The highway to Yuezhou has been mostly constructed and vehicles can travel safely. We plan to capture Nanchang by November this year, please provide full support. Also, all required minerals are being transported to headquarters. Please wait a few days for the transportation vehicles arriving at Yuezhou headquarters in 10 days. This is an urgent telegram.

  Commander Zhu Xiao of the Third Field Army of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Political Commissar Zhou Lun

  The old man's movements were still very swift, and the telegram had only been sent out for two days when a dozen or so vehicles arrived. When the convoy arrived at the military camp in Yueyang City, many onlookers gathered to watch this strange thing. As they saw the soldiers unloading many weapons and ammunition from it, they couldn't help but let out bursts of amazement.

  Some of the bolder ones asked the martial law warriors what this thing was. Our warriors were all at a loss, being asked and looking stunned. Some soldiers there speculated and said: "I reckon this is a divine beast from heaven, it should be a celestial artifact from the heavenly fairy realm. Otherwise, such things would absolutely not exist in the mortal world."

  As I watched the villagers discussing it, I stepped forward and said in a deep voice: "This is our car. This thing is like a cow cart or a horse cart, but it's just bigger and can hold more things, and it runs faster. It's not some kind of magical artifact. It's similar to Zhuge Liang's wooden oxen and flowing horses from the Three Kingdoms period, but better."

  With Zhuge Liang's technique, the doubts of the people were immediately dispelled, and many people applauded. After all, our army, our government has people who are more powerful than Zhuge Liang, what can't be won? All the previous doubts about whether this government can defeat the Qing army were immediately dispelled.

  At that time, many shrewd businessmen came to Zeng Yue's book to inquire if they could sell a few cars to them. Among them was Chen Daolong, the grain king of Yueyang. It seems that these businessmen still know their goods.

  Zeng Yue Shu could only shake his head and refuse them, saying: "Everyone, these things are for military use only and are not sold externally. If they can be sold externally in the future, I guarantee that I will give priority consideration to you all, how about that?"

  The businessmen who got satisfactory answers also had to leave with disappointment. When leaving, Chen Daolong was still muttering: "If I had these things, I would have transported a lot more grain." But none of them thought that in just twenty years, ordinary people like them could also drive such things. However, the number is strictly controlled (due to environmental concerns).

  Xu Jin got off the last car, patted the dust on his body and walked over: "A Xiao, A Lun, you're fine. I didn't expect to run over here."

  Indeed, neither Zhou Lun nor I expected him to come over. Watching him walk over, I was taken aback at first. Then, with a burst of excitement, I went up and hugged him. This kid hadn't been seen for several months and still had such a mischievous air about him. I took a look at his sturdy shoulders and gave him a punch, saying: "You little scamp! How did the old man let you come over?"

  Xu Jin looked at me, smiling and said: "I'm not coming yet, you see you're all senior cadres now, Lv Jun and Xiao Ying are doing well on that side. I'm a big idle person in the headquarters and there's nothing to do here, so this time, I followed the old man and begged him for three days. Hehe, finally the old man was driven by me to sleepless nights and let me come to your base to disturb you. The old man means to make you sleep badly. I'll also take care of some economic and local affairs while I'm here. I know this base is getting bigger and bigger. Just give me a task, or be a bodyguard by your side."

  I exchanged a sly glance with Zhou Lun and said, "Why didn't you bring the doctor to us? I don't need people like you here, but I do need someone with his expertise. Otherwise, where can I go to replenish my ammunition?"

  Xu Jin said with a bitter melon face: "Hey, brother, I'm a university student after all, although I didn't study economics, but this is the most basic economy, right? Alright, you go to Changsha and manage it for me, I guarantee that I'll make Changsha no worse than Yueyang."

  "Besides, the doctor has a lot on his plate, many industrial systems need him to sort out. You think the old man will let him go? Ha! Don't even think about it. Sigh, since you don't want me, I'll just leave in a few days."

  Zhou Lun looked at Xu Jin and said slowly, "Then tell me, what kind of Changsha can you manage to give us? At least give us a bottom line."

  Xu Jin said with a big smile: "This is not easy to say. I guarantee that within the year, the highway to Yuezhou will be repaired, and an additional division will be expanded for you. Let you little guy lead the army first, how about it?"

  I and Zhou Lun also knew his skills, so I pretended to be helpless and said: "Okay, Changsha, you go manage it. Today, I won't keep you either. You take a horse carriage to Changsha to find Lei Feng and tell him I've arranged for you to be the mayor of Changsha. Haha. Oh no, it's the mayor. And also..."

  Xu Jin looked at me with an expression that seemed to say "go on" and hastily asked: "And what? Speak up. Don't be so hesitant like a maiden."

  I smiled wryly, scolded by him and couldn't retort, continuing to say: "Moreover, we must expand the local troops in Changsha into a main force field division, otherwise, you'd better get out of here. Also, we must ensure the combat effectiveness and loyalty of our soldiers."

  Who would have known that such a casual remark of mine would make the Sixth Wild Field Division one of our army's trump cards later on.