Volume 1: Red Star Shining Over China Chapter 67: Qinglong Cave

  After the troops left, Liu Yimin called the third company commander of the garrison regiment who stayed behind to ask about the situation with the masses and the digging up of floating wealth.

  "Master, you don't know, this place is full of money. We've captured a lot, much more than what we got from the tunnel. Suddenly, we got 1,300 silver coins."

  Liu Yimin thought, "This is impossible, how can there be so much money?" He then asked, "How did you guys manage to do this?"

  The report of the three battalion commanders said: "We have searched the homes of the county magistrate, police chief, militia commander, tax collector, financial officer and chamber of commerce president. We found a total of 200 silver dollars from their homes, including 40 silver dollars from the police chief's home, 300,000 silver dollars from the militia commander's home, 400,000 silver dollars from the tax collector's home, 30 silver dollars from the financial officer's home and 500,000 silver dollars from the chamber of commerce president's home. The county magistrate's home yielded 100,000 silver dollars. But who knew that Wang Jiale had acted earlier than us? When our army occupied Liping, he had already ordered his troops to escort the tax silver to Guiyang. I thought it was too little, this place is full of shops and streets, much richer than Tongdao, how could so little money be enough? So we mobilized the masses to dig deeper, and after digging, we found treasures. We found 6 ticketing houses that had been closed down, and 4 big businessmen, and from these 10 households alone, we got 11 million silver dollars. Originally, we wanted to continue digging, but there were too few people, can the regiment commander send some more troops? We guarantee that today we can dig up a bit more."

  Liu Yimin grew angrier as he listened, his face already cold as frost. After San Lianchang finished speaking, Liu Yimin sternly asked: "Do you know the policy of our Red Army?"

  The three Lian Chang looked puzzled: "I know, what's wrong?"

  Liu Yimin said: "You know it, how dare you still violate?"

  San Lian Chang said with a bitter face: "Reporting to the superior, since I joined the Red Army, I have never violated any policies."

  Liu Yimin said: "Then I'll ask you, who told you to go dig up the floating wealth of the ticket number? Do you know that the money in the ticket number is all commercial exchange and depositors' money?"

  San Lian Chang shook his head: "I don't know."

  Liu Yimin said patiently: "Tickets and banks are the same, they are places where ordinary people save money and mail money. If you take their money away, many people's hard-earned money will be gone, how many people will go bankrupt or hang themselves?"

  Sanlian Chang said: "Rich people are all bad guys. They go bankrupt and hang themselves, what's that got to do with us?"

  Liu Yimin said: "Comrade, not all rich people are bad eggs. Some rich people also participate in the revolution and are our comrades. The standard for judging whether someone is a bad egg or not is not whether they have money or not, but whether they oppose the workers' and peasants' revolution, support and participate in suppressing the revolution, and whether their hands are stained with the blood of the laboring people. Do you understand?"

  Sanlian Chang said: "Anyway, I feel that rich people are all bad eggs. The rich people in my hometown are all white-collar workers."

  Liu Yimin said: "Comrade Ge, in your hometown, the wealthy people are all landlords who accumulate wealth through land rent income and directly exploit peasants. They have conflicting interests with peasants every day. Many of them are extremely evil. The several ticketing houses and merchants you went to confiscate property from make profits through business and play an active economic role in society, serving everyone. There is a fundamental difference between them and the evil landlords. Can you understand what I'm saying?"

  Sanlian Chang said: "Understood."

  ”

  Liu Yimin said: "Since we understand now, we should return their money. You go and find them, I will personally refund their money."

  Sanlian Chang was unwilling to refund the money and said: "Master, I understand what you're saying, but I have an opinion about refunding the money."

  Liu Yimin asked: "Why have opinions? Our Red Army is to protect industry and commerce."

  Sanlian Chang said: "Commander, protecting industry and commerce refers to the industry and commerce in our Soviet area. This is an enemy-occupied zone. These funds were seized after our victorious battle and are spoils of war, so they should not be returned. The Red Army has never had such a situation before."

  Liu Yimin saw that San Lianchang's attitude was very resolute, so he slowly explained: "Comrade Ge, our Red Army is a team of workers and peasants, fighting for the interests of all Chinese people. Industry and commerce are a part of the whole Chinese people, just like the guard battalion is a part of our guard division, we can't attack the guard battalion, can we? Similarly, we can't strike at industry and commerce either. Can you understand this reasoning?"

  Sanlian nodded: "I can!"

  Liu Yimin continued: "Now that you understand this principle, I'll tell you another one. Our Red Army is going north to fight against Japan and will eventually establish a new China. To achieve this goal, we can't just rely on our own strength as the Red Army; we need the support and help of many Chinese people. Do you get it?"

  Sanlian nodded and said: "Understood."

  Liu Yimin also said: "To gain the support of the majority of the people, the most important thing is that our policies are correct and can represent their interests. If we go to a place and destroy the local industry and commerce, our gains will be great, but there will also be more people who oppose us and boycott us. One spreads it to ten, ten to a hundred, and in the end, before we even enter the city, all the businessmen will have run away. And they treat us like bandits, can we still succeed in the revolution? Think about it, we confiscated so much money on our way, but why didn't we touch any of the businessmen?"

  The three battalion commanders finally understood and saluted to report: "Commander, I understand. I'll go invite them out now."

  Liu Yimin thought for a moment and said: "I heard that there is a Qinglong Cave outside the city, why don't you invite them to go there? I'd like to appreciate the snowy scenery of Qinglong Cave with them."

  It is said that the superior will go to visit the Green Dragon Cave, and Li Chengyi led a company of guards to line up at the door.

  Cai Zhong, Liu Jianli, Li Qing and Wu Zheng were all busy to the point of being frazzled. Seeing that Liu Yimin was really going to visit the Green Dragon Cave, they couldn't help but feel annoyed. Cai Zhong said: "This guy is always doing things unexpectedly. The troops are busy reorganizing, but he has the mood to go sightseeing at the Green Dragon Cave."

  Li Qing continued: "Comrade Political Commissar, either you are busy first and I will accompany the Regimental Commander. Everyone heard what the Regimental Commander said to educate the Third Company Commander just now. Those were all new policy perspectives that cannot be missed. The Political Commissar entrusted me to carefully record and organize the spirit of the Regimental Commander's speech. This kind of occasion is absolutely not to be missed."

  Cai Zhong said: "Li Qing, you are not only the director of the Political Department now, but also the political commissar of the Sixth Regiment. Why don't you hurry up and discipline the troops instead of lingering around here?"

  Li Qing was about to say more, but Wu Zheng interrupted: "You all go ahead and busy yourselves. The teacher wants to return the money of the merchants and the ticketing agency. I'll send someone to accompany him to take care of it." Then he turned around and shouted: "Yang Wei, Tang Xingqian!"

  Yang Wei and Tang Xingyan immediately responded: "Yes!"

  "Wu Zheng said: 'You two assist the Third Company in carrying out their mission. You must complete the refund matters entrusted by the Regimental Commander.'"

  Yang Wei and Tang Xingying replied with a "yes" and went to the Third Guard Company.

  Go to Qing

  Must walk on the Auspicious Bridge.

  Zhusheng Bridge was originally named Wuxi Bridge, but it was renamed because of the birthday celebration for Emperor Kangxi of Qing. In the center of the bridge stands a three-story high pavilion called Kuixing Pavilion. On the pillars are two pairs of couplets: one is written by Governor Wang Bingyao of Qing "扫尽五溪烟，汉使浮撑斗出；辟开重驿路，缅人骑象过桥来" and the other is "把笛作龙吟，东去洞庭秋水满；传书随风使，西来海庆云多".

  Standing on the Zhusheng Bridge, looking at the slowly flowing Wuyang River water under the bridge, imagining the scene of messengers rushing and goods flourishing on this ancient road in the past, and thinking about the brief experience since then, Liu Yimin couldn't help but chant: "The sound of the Wuyang River is fine and delicate, the rhyme of the Zhusheng Bridge tower is lingering. The ancient road welcomes distant guests, the slanting wind wraps snow and dyes the traveler's clothes. Leaning on the railing, looking out at the distance, thinking about the war-torn people's suffering, when will it rest? Glad to see the red flag fluttering, the rivers and mountains are all blowing heroic melodies."

  After finishing his poem, he didn't even look back and rushed straight to the Green Dragon Cave.

  The Qinglong Cave is beautiful.

  Snow falls on ancient temples and trees, making this first-class cave heaven even more serene and pure.

  Seeing a Red Army soldier protecting a leader walking over, the reception monk of Qinglong Temple hurriedly invited the abbot to accompany the distinguished guest on a tour and conversation.

  Liu Yimin didn't say a word, walking and looking around. The host on the side kept introducing the historical origin and features of the Qinglong Cave. After finishing the tour, the host took out a piece of paper and respectfully asked Liu Yimin to leave his calligraphy. Liu Yimin wrote without hesitation: "Chinese civilization shines like stars. Inclusiveness and tolerance, prosperity and greatness." The signature was Liu Yimin, Commander of the Central Guard Regiment of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army.

  The host looked at it carefully and blew dry the ink marks before putting it away.

  After the tour, Guard Squadron Three also invited 10 businessmen to come. Liu Yimin bid farewell to the host and came to the main hall of Qinglong Temple to meet these guests.

  The manager of Liu Jia Piao Hao and four big businessmen looked frightened.

  Liu Yimin came in and the company commander reported: "Report to the superior officer, all guests are present, please instruct."

  Liu Yimin waved his hand and the three battalion commanders retreated to one side, standing together with Li Chengwei, Yang Wei, and Tang Xingyan.

  Liu Yimin invited the guests to take a seat, but the ten businessmen were so frightened that they kept bowing and no one dared to sit down.

  Liu Yimin personally walked forward and helped them into their seats one by one.

  Then he said: "Let's get to know each other, my name is Liu Yimin, I am the commander of the Central Guard Regiment of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army. I'm sorry if I scared you all, please forgive me if I offended anyone, I apologize here." After finishing speaking, he stood up and gave them a salute.

  Ten businessmen were frightened and hastily stood up, not knowing what kind of trick this Red Army officer was playing. Their homes had been looted, their shops and ticket offices had been looted, and they didn't have any money left. Was this Red Army officer still dissatisfied with the little he had gotten and now coming to extort them again?

  Liu Yimin saw that the ten businessmen all looked pitiful, and he couldn't help but know what they were thinking. He smiled and said: "Don't be afraid, everyone please sit down. I invited you all here today for three reasons: Firstly, to apologize to each of you. Secondly, to tell you some news - our army has decided to return the property we confiscated from you, not a single penny less. Thirdly, to make friends with you all and take this opportunity to explain the Red Army's policies."

  Businessmen heard this, what kind of play is being sung? Yesterday just got the money away, today said to return, possible? The troops in a chaotic world are all wolves, where is the reason for eating and spitting out again?

  At this moment of hesitation, Liu Yimin said: "Don't worry everyone, the Red Army's words are always counted."

  At this time, a businessman finally spoke up: "Is what the official said really true? Don't cheat us again."

  Mr. Liu said: "What's your surname, sir? What business are you in?"

  The other party replied, "I dare not trouble the Red Army officer to ask, my humble surname is Yan, and I am a branch of a Shanxi Qixian ticket number, mainly handling commercial remittances."

  Liu Yimin's eyes lit up: "Mr. Yan is the boss of Shanxi Piaohao? Shanxi Piaohao is very famous and has a good reputation among the people. I heard that Qixian has many piaohaos, and they are connected all over the world. Is it true?"

  As soon as the ticket number situation was mentioned, Yan Zhuangui's emotions came: "Does the official know about the ticket number in Qixian? It's not me bragging, just in Qixian City alone, there are nearly a hundred ticket numbers. In the late Qing Dynasty, our ticket numbers opened to Japan and Russia. To say that it is connected to the whole world is not an exaggeration."

  Liu Yimin laughed and said: "Great, you've earned money from the Japanese and old Russians. Are there still any IOUs left in Japan and Russia?"

  Yan Zhanggui's face fell: "It's all gone. Firstly, the modern banking industry is developing too fast, and the competition pressure on ticket numbers is too great. Secondly, the world is unstable, and the losses of ticket numbers are too great. Many ticket numbers have been made to lose their principal by various armies, and many financiers have gone bankrupt. Small ticket numbers are also barely holding on."

  Liu Yimin knew that the owner was telling the truth. If there hadn't been a war, it's likely that Shanxi's draft banks would have transitioned smoothly to banking and had the potential to grow stronger. He nodded in agreement, saying: "Yes, war is something nobody wants to see. When will the war subside? Only then can various industries develop steadily and rapidly. Take finance for example, without good social order, bandits and soldiers could rob banks and draft banks clean."

  "Commissioner, you're absolutely right! If the world were at peace, our bank would surely flourish and pay even more taxes." But as soon as he finished speaking, he felt he had misspoken. The taxes they paid went to the Nationalist Government, which used them to fight the Red Army. He was so foolish, unable to utter a single word of flattery. Hurriedly standing up again, he bowed and apologized, his mouth still babbling: "Commissioner, forgive me! Commissioner, forgive me!"

  Liu Yimin waved his hand: "What Yan Zhanggu said is the truth, what crime is there? Our Red Army is to protect industry and commerce, especially support the development of national industry and commerce. During the Jiangxi Soviet period, the Soviet government had orders to encourage and protect merchants and trade in the Soviet area. The development of Jiangxi Soviet area also has a contribution from friends in the business community."

  At this time, a businessman chimed in: "Officer, I heard that later some people who went to the Red Zone to do business were caught by your Red Army as Nationalist spies and some were even killed. I don't know if it's true or not?"

  Mr. Liu asked: "Sir, what's your surname and what business are you in?"

  The merchant said: "My humble surname is Fu, and I am a tung oil trader from Zhenyuan City."

  Liu Yimin smiled and said: "The common people say that those who sell tung oil can't leave the city, are they saying that your tung oil business is very prosperous?"

  The old boss also smiled: "Does the officer know this too? Unfortunately, that's an old saying. Nowadays, business is not easy to do, and everywhere is planting opium and selling opium. The tung oil business is no longer as good as before."

  Liu Yimin said: "Although the world is not good, Chinese businessmen are generally more astute and hardworking. I believe that once we establish a new China, commerce will surely flourish greatly."

  The old boss said: "That was in what year and month? Now it's the National Army's world."

  Liu Yimin said: "Everyone can"

  The path, some time ago, our army annihilated the three troops of Xiang Army He Jian in Tongdao. The Xiang Army was defeated and retreated back to their hometown, not daring to come out again. Then, we annihilated Hou Zidong's troops in Zunyi. Yesterday, our army annihilated more than 3,000 Central Army soldiers in Qingxi Town and Yangping Town, achieving a great victory once again. Now, there are many Nationalist prisoners of war inside the city of Zhenyuan. In the future, when our Red Army grows stronger, we will eliminate all reactionaries, drive the Japanese invaders back to their hometown, and establish a new China where people are masters of their own destiny, society is fair and just, all industries develop in balance, and the country becomes prosperous and strong. At that time, everyone will witness it with their own eyes. I hope you will pass on my words to your business partners, unite together, support the Red Army, and help us achieve our fighting goals as soon as possible.

  Yan Zhanggui spoke again: "Officer, I have a question. I heard that your Red Army has a policy that says we are all exploiters of the poor. I don't know if it's true or not."

  Liu Yimin said: "What Boss Yan said may have expressed everyone's thoughts, but this is a misunderstanding. Our Red Army is the armed forces led by the Communist Party, representing the interests of the working class and peasants. Our fighting goal is to overthrow all exploiting classes and establish a new China without oppression or exploitation. However, we need to understand the term 'exploitation' correctly. The correct meaning of 'exploitation' refers to profiting from others' labor without compensation by occupying production materials. For example, if you sell tung oil, you use your business channels and influence to occupy mountains and workshops, making mountain people work for you without pay or at very low wages. On one hand, you enjoy wealth and luxury, while on the other hand, the mountain people struggle to make ends meet and even have to sell their children - this is exploitation, oppression, and unfairness. However, if you do business normally, with fair prices and reasonable profits, that's normal commercial behavior, which the Red Army protects. Another example is your money exchange shop. If you charge usury, that's exploitation. But if you reasonably earn handling fees and exchange differences, not only is it normal business operation, but also a contribution to social development and service to merchants and depositors - this kind of commercial behavior is what the Red Army protects and supports. Do you all understand my words?"

  Yan said: "Hearing your words, I'd rather read ten years of books. If it weren't for meeting you face to face, I wouldn't believe that China still has such a good army even if you killed me. Thank you, sir! The Red Army will definitely support whatever is needed with all its might."

  The old boss followed up by saying: "I didn't expect the Red Army's policies and the National Government's propaganda to be so different, and I couldn't have imagined that there would be an officer in the Red Army with such a wealth of knowledge, who understands the people's feelings and is familiar with commerce. Don't worry, as long as you need it, we will definitely support you with all our might!"

  Several other businessmen also spoke up, all with a very good attitude.

  Liu Yimin asked casually: "Boss Yan, your ticket number is all over the country, I don't know if there is one in northern Shaanxi?"

  Yan boss replied: "Officer, Xiao Hao has a branch in Yulin, northern Shaanxi."

  "What about Yan'an?"

  Mr. Yan replied, "Yan'an doesn't have any, I heard that northern Shaanxi is also in chaos now, a Communist Party has emerged, named Liu Zhidan, and they've established the Red Army. Xiao Hao didn't understand the Red Army's policies before, so he didn't dare to do business there."

  Liu Yimin said, "Nothing, people are all from unfamiliar to familiar, our policy will be understood by everyone later. It's getting late, please follow our soldiers to collect the money that was confiscated from you. At the time of parting, I have one sentence to give to everyone: always worry about the country and help the poor, let's encourage each other!"

  The merchants said many grateful words and then took their leave, following the warriors as they went.

  Liu Yimin left Qinglong Cave when Tang Xingying ran up, saluted and reported: "Report to the superior, Logistics Department officer Tang Xingying reporting for duty, please instruct!"

  Liu Yimin looked at Tang Xingyan and thought, "Isn't this the female warrior who fell behind on the march?" He hastily smiled and said, "What's going on?"

  Tang Xing said with a red face: "The conversation between the masters and the businessmen is very wonderful, even better than our school teachers' level. I want to sort it out and study it carefully."

  Liu Yimin said: "What did you originally study?"

  Tang Xing's face turned even redder: "I've attended a girls' school."

  Liu Yimin nodded and said: "Economic policies need to be carefully studied. You can sort them out, and after sorting them out, hand them over to me for a look."

  Tang Xingying hastily bowed: "Yes!" and happily chased after the team.

  Back at the division headquarters, Cai Zhong had also finished his work. Seeing Liu Yimin come in, Cai Zhong said: "Commander, what you said about protecting industry and commerce is correct, but when we were in the Soviet area, we didn't implement it that way, especially during the time of purging counter-revolutionaries, many businessmen and masses were scared away. Today, the Third Company captured so much money, and with just one word from you, they retreated. I support this, our Red Army is a workers' and peasants' armed force, not bandits, we should protect legitimate commercial activities. But such a large amount of money, saying retreat means retreating, I think it's still better to send a telegram to the Central Revolutionary Military Commission for instructions!"

  Liu Yimin said: "It should be consulted, just now I was listening to Sanlian Chang's report and got angry, so I made a decision on the spot without discussing it with you. It's my fault. However, our Red Army has a great goal and cannot do things that harm ourselves. I believe Chairman Mao, Vice-Chairman Zhou, Zhu De, Luo Fu, and Jianxiang will all support us. You must clearly state the reasons and our decision in the telegram."

  Tsai said: "Alright, I will go draft a telegram now."

  After Cai Zhong left, Liu Yimin turned around and asked Liu Jian how the expansion of the troops was going. Liu Jian said that the personnel had been adjusted in place and would not affect the night march. Liu Yimin instructed Liu Jian: "Tell each regiment to ensure the combat effectiveness of two core battalions at all times and be prepared for unexpected situations."

  Liu Jianzhi said: "No need to explain, I've been to various troops and this problem has already been solved. The cadres have become more refined with you. For example, the first team, not only did they not withdraw a single soldier from the highlands, but also strengthened their forces, and there is no problem with their combat effectiveness."

  Liu Yimin said: "Since that's the case, the troops will depart on schedule at 6 o'clock. The First Regiment will lead the way, you'll command the Second and Fourth Regiments as the second echelon, the Political Commissar will lead the division's directly affiliated units to follow, Wu Zheng will lead the logistics regiment in the middle, Li Qing will lead the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Regiments as the support echelon, and I'll lead the Third Regiment to bring up the rear. You go make arrangements and get ready to depart."

  At six o'clock, it was already dark, and the vanguard of the Central Guard Regiment, the First Guard Division, quietly left the city gate and rushed towards Shizhong and Yuqing along the highway.

  Soon the guards of various troops marched out of the city gate in a marching sequence, and the torches in the hands of the soldiers gathered into a fire dragon, which fluttered and moved on the mountain road at night, and went far away.

  These days, the unit is busy with employee housing group purchases, affecting updates. However, it will end soon. Shanren will continue to work hard. Please cast your monthly votes to support Red Star and Liu Yimin's fight for ideals! Thank you everyone!