The Tenth Debate Competition

  Zhuang Jihua's heart skipped a beat, knowing that this was the real reason he was summoned today. His mind immediately began to turn, thinking about how after Xuan Xiafu left, the students reacted strongly, with the majority supporting Xuan Xiafu. Most of the first batch of students at Huangpu were young people who joined with the ideal of dedicating their lives to the country, with extremely high political awareness and hot blood. They were truly passionate youth, unlike Zhuang Jihua who had joined with a utilitarian mindset. It was no surprise that Xuan Xiafu's views received support from most of his classmates. Although there were still those who strictly followed school rules and criticized Chiang Kai-shek by name, people like Zhuang Jihua, Jiang Xianyun, and Li Zhilong couldn't or wouldn't speak out for various reasons. As a result, the focus of criticism was concentrated on democracy. Zhuang Jihua estimated that Chiang Kai-shek knew these circumstances, so he decided to speak the truth.

  "My fellow students said all sorts of things, and they all felt sorry for Jianhun. And..." He glanced secretly at Chiang Kai-shek, saw that his face was stern, and stopped talking. Chiang Kai-shek saw that he had stopped speaking, so he magnanimously waved his hand and said, "Go on, say what you have to say."

  "...the students then spoke out, with many classmates criticizing the principal and believing that this move violated democratic principles."

  Chiang Kai-shek was also worried, he did not expect this matter to cause such a big reaction among the students, and was somewhat concerned that if it was not handled properly, it would affect his prestige among the students. He secretly scolded those bastards in his heart, and suspected that it was the Communist Party's doing, but he had no evidence, and since Xuan's father had followed the regular organizational procedures to make a complaint, it was difficult for him to blame the Communist Party. Worried, he stood up and said: "They don't understand, they are very immature in politics. You are more mature in politics, you should help them more."

  Zhuang Jihua suddenly understood, Chiang Kai-shek felt embarrassed and wanted to maintain his authority without showing up himself, trying to use Zhuang as a scapegoat. After some thought, Zhuang decided to help Chiang out, on the one hand, this development was not good for either side, on the other hand, it could deepen Chiang's impression of him.

  "Classmates discussed a lot, students thought it was inevitable, but from another perspective, it also shows that the principal's leadership has its way," After understanding Chiang Kai-shek's meaning, Zhuang Jihua didn't respond or refuse, but continued to speak according to his own thinking: "The principal repeatedly emphasized that Huangpu classmates should unite, and the motto of 'Qin Ai Jing Cheng' was established. The incident with Xuan Zhen's father shows that classmates have begun to care about each other, which means that the principal's teachings have entered the hearts of the students."

  This remark made Chiang Kai-shek feel a bit more comfortable, but upon further reflection, he realized that the phrase "unite with one's own kind" meant uniting classmates around themselves and presenting a united front to outsiders, not uniting against him; his expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

  Zhuang Jihua naturally did not let go of Chiang Kai-shek's change, he felt that he had grasped Chiang Kai-shek's idea, and then continued to say: "Principal, the students also want to make some suggestions, I wonder..."

  Chiang Kai-shek's face changed immediately, but he quickly calmed down and said coldly: "Speak, speak, about the Cultural Revolution. If you have any opinions, feel free to express them. I am not someone who cannot accept criticism."

  "Yes, students don't have opinions about the principal, but they do have opinions about the political department. Students think that the work of the political department is not effective and should be strengthened."

  As soon as he heard that Zhuang Jihua was going to express his opinion, he thought it was aimed at him and got very angry. "You, Zhuang Jihua, are so unscrupulous, daring to come knocking on my door." However, when Zhuang Jihua said he had opinions about the Political Department, Chiang Kai-shek felt surprised and frowned, saying: "What opinion do you have? Speak up, if it's not reasonable I will criticize you too."

  Zhuang Jihua cursed in his heart, having just said he accepted criticism, and now he was about to criticize again. "Do you have any integrity?" He suppressed his anger and said: "Since the start of school, although the political department has invited several party leaders and social celebrities to give lectures, from an overall perspective, the school's political work is dull and stagnant. The relevant activities among students are almost non-existent, relying solely on student initiative, lacking clear goals, even lectures are just reading aloud."

  Chiang Kai-shek knew that Zhuang Jihua was right, he also felt that the work of the political department was not effective. The current director of the political department, Shao Yuanzhong, stayed in Guangzhou city all day, came to class twice a week, spoke nonsense, and left after class, treating the position as an official post. In Deng Yanda's words, he was a bureaucrat, completely unsuitable for the position of director of the political department at Whampoa Military Academy.

  "Go on," Chiang Kai-shek nodded at Zhuang Jihua to continue.

  "The Premier has said that the principle of Huangpu Military School is 30% military and 70% politics, but currently the work of the political department can be said to have not reached even 10%, I think it's necessary for the principal to intervene in the political department and ask them to improve."

  This put Chiang Kai-shek in a bit of an awkward position, as he knew that he himself did not know how to improve the situation. He tentatively said: "I understand what you mean by 'Cultural Revolution', your opinion is quite right and I have the same feeling. I have criticized Director Shao several times already, but... some comrades within the party do not understand the significance of political work."

  "In fact, the principal can temporarily take over. Specifically, it can start from the Premier's teachings." Jiang Jieshi was a bit stunned, starting from the Premier's teachings, he didn't understand and didn't dare ask, so he was a bit unhappy: "Wenge, you are my good student, just speak directly, even if you say something wrong, it doesn't matter."

  It's getting too fast, Zhuang Jihua is a bit unaccustomed to it. Seeing Chiang Kai-shek's appearance, he put forward his own ideas: "Premier Sun once said that Huangpu classmates should not only master military technology but also grasp revolutionary theory, and not only bear the burden of military struggle but also undertake the task of mobilizing the masses and spreading revolutionary ideology. However, to spread revolutionary ideology and mobilize the masses requires good eloquence, requires being able to speak well and argue persuasively. Therefore, I think we should strengthen our classmates' debating ability. How can we do that? I suggest holding a debate competition, with each district team as a unit, then open debate, and finally the champion will be awarded a silk flag by the school to commend."

  Chiang Kai-shek thought this was a way out, but also felt it was useless and hesitated to say: "Will this cause the students not to unite, what's the point of debating?"

  "The principal is reassured that it will not affect unity, as for the topic, it's even easier to debate on topics that classmates care about, such as whether absolute democracy in the military is right or wrong. It's best if each issue's topic is specified by the principal."

  Chiang Kai-shek suddenly understood, it turned out that he had just asked him to come forward and work with the students, but he was unwilling, talking about a debate competition, wasn't this deceiving himself? Thinking of this, he became somewhat angry.

  "Cultural Revolution, you shouldn't have any misgivings, should boldly work?"

  Zhuang Jihua knew that Chiang Kai-shek had misunderstood, and didn't understand his own purpose. He could only clarify the situation: "Principal, you've got it wrong. The cramming method of education is not as good as the heuristic method. Students think that instead of arguing with the principal's actions, it's better to let their classmates recognize it themselves. Principal, don't you think that the students on the opposing side will try their best to win the debate? And as for the students on the affirmative side, they can also be influenced during the debate. Moreover, considering this topic, it's very difficult for the affirmative side to win, because since ancient times, there has never been a second commander-in-chief, and no country's military has ever had complete democracy."

  Chiang Kai-shek suddenly understood, as long as he debated on this topic, the incident of Xuan Xiafu would be justified and people's hearts would be won back immediately, and he wouldn't even need to show up. Having figured it out, Chiang Kai-shek smiled, thinking that Zhuang Jihua was indeed clever, able to come up with such an idea.

  "Alright, Wen Ge, you gather a few classmates to take care of this matter, and the necessary expenses will be reimbursed by me." Chiang Kai-shek said with a smile.

  "Principal, it's still necessary to inform Director Shao about this matter."

  "Never mind him, never mind him, if there's anything, look for me." Trouble solved by himself, Chiang Kai-shek was still very enthusiastic.

  "Principal, the students have another suggestion." Zhuang Jihua was making progress. However, Chiang Kai-shek was very happy and didn't mind, gesturing to him to speak.

  "According to the students' observation, many of their classmates were good at literature and art. The students thought they could organize them into a drama club, which would not only promote the revolution but also keep everyone busy and avoid idleness."

  Chiang Kai-shek began to hesitate, and after hearing it all the way, nodded, cannot let these students be too idle, idleness will lead to trouble.

  "Alright, you take care of this matter. Go find Jiang Xianyun and He Lengchan to discuss it, work out a plan, and then report back to me and the political commissar."

  "Yes, if the principal doesn't give any instructions, then the students won't disturb the principal."

  "Alright, Wen Ge, you are my recommendation, be sure to study hard and don't lose face for me. Go!" Chiang Kai-shek said with satisfaction to Zhuang Jihua, today he was very satisfied, this Zhuang Jihua did not disappoint him.

  Zhuang Jihua turned around and curled his lip, "I gave you such a good idea, but in the end, you still scolded me twice, damn it."

  Next, Zhuang Jihua first found Jiang Xiyun, Li Zhilong and He Zhenhan, and then found Chen Gong and Hu Zongnan to discuss the organization of debate competitions and drama troupes. Everyone naturally expressed their approval, the life in the military school was too dull, some activities would make everyone happy.

  After discussion among the crowd, a preliminary opinion on the competition program, competition method, composition of the organizing committee and judges was quickly formed. Zhuang Jihua was elected as the person in charge of the Organizing Committee.

  As the Hunan Military Cadet School has merged with Whampoa and become the 5th Student Regiment, there is an odd number of teams. In the first stage, a knockout-revival format will be used. One team will get a bye and advance directly to the second round, while the two losing teams will play another revival match, with the winner advancing to the second round. The second round will use a knockout format, with teams competing in pairs, and the winners advancing to the final.

  The composition of the participating teams, each team consists of five people, divided into main debater, first deputy debater, second deputy debater, third debater, and supporter. The supporter is responsible for providing data support and cannot speak. The lineup can be changed between the two matches, but it must be a student from the same team.

  Regarding the competition method, it was decided to adopt the debate format that Zhuang Jihua recalled from his past. Everyone thought this was a good idea and unanimously agreed. Different people were suggested as judges, some proposing the political commissar, others the school principal. In the end, Zhuang Jihua proposed that only the political commissar be invited from within the school, while other candidates would be invited from outside the school. As a result, Li Zhilong and He Zhenhan (who had many connections) were tasked with extending the invitations.

  Finally, the host asked everyone to elect Zhuang Jihua, which made him cry and laugh. He recommended Jiang Xianyun or Chen Gang, but both of them rolled their eyes and expressed their unwillingness to participate. They still wanted to go on stage to compete, so in the end, everyone agreed that Zhuang Jihua would take over. Zhuang Jihua could only smile bitterly. He had wanted to go on stage to defend Principal Jiang, but now he didn't have the chance, and all he could do was hope that Principal Jiang wouldn't come up with other ideas.

  The noisy debate competition is over, and there are too many threads about the drama troupe. It's hard to clarify for a while. Zhuang Jihua thinks that we should first determine the candidates, let everyone see who is willing to participate, and who has artistic talents.

  After several days of preparation, the debate competition officially kicked off.