Chapter 2: Countercurrent (Mikami)

"Yes." Redbeard nodded. The smile on his face was slightly bitter. A series of battles in the second half of last year. Played a reputation as a guerrilla. Expanded the influence of the guerrillas. At the same time, he also put himself on the family foundation that he had accumulated for many years. Sacrificed a clean one. If you don't count the international squadron adapted from the White Russian horse thieves. At the moment, the strength of the guerrilla team is not even as good as the private soldiers of the little prince of Baiyin. And in the use of international squadrons. The military division has always asked the guerrillas to keep a low profile as much as possible. After all, the predecessor of the White Russian horse thieves was the defeat of the remnants of the army that retreated from the Soviet Union to China. Spread the word. It is difficult to guarantee that it will have an impact on the relations between China and the Soviet Union.

"But even if the little devil dares to take the initiative to attack. It is also difficult to achieve any decisive results. After all, we have shown the corresponding strength. It is by no means soft persimmons to be pinched. Surrounded by Mongolian nobles. Now I don't believe that the Japanese can quickly swallow the Chinese nonsense." See Redbeard's face full of worry. Zhang Songling smiled and comforted again.

"But don't take it lightly." Redbeard smiled. Whisper a reminder." The little prince of Baiyin is a famous two-headed snake. No one can say which head he'll put on us next time. Although right now we're doing business in partnership with him. But in case the little devil gives him the benefit. More than the salt opening place detached. His attitude will inevitably waver again."

"I try to control the recipe of bath salts additives. Set up in the salt works of the left banner. We also try to arrange immigrants who tend to be our customs to be the backbone of technology and management. Anyway, the little prince of Baiyin. He also preferred to hire Han Chinese to work in his salt works. I shouldn't be able to see these means of mine. Such. In case one day he wants to help the devil deal with us. The saltworks will definitely react in advance." Zhang Songling nodded. Quickly wanted to come up with a practical solution.

"Find a way to arrange for two of our guerrillas' own people to go to the salt works. I'll find out who you want to be. You are responsible for training them technically. And then send them in as a technical backbone as soon as possible." Wang Huzi thought for a moment. And quickly replenished.

Both of them are people who advocate hard work. Remind each other. Soon came up with a complete set of crisis warning plans specifically for the little prince of Baiyin. Then he quickly changed the conversation to the topic. Discuss how to implement the instructions of the higher authorities. With the current comprehensive strength of the guerrilla brigade. Seize the opportunity. Attack the devil first. It's definitely a pipe dream. But that doesn't mean you don't do anything. Before the little devil has gathered strength. Actively expanding the sphere of influence of the partisans. Centered on the guerrilla camp in Lama Gou. Establish a small guerrilla zone that fully supports the Eighth Route Army. and even the liberated areas. But it's an attempt that can be done now. Anyway, the Mongol and Han people who live near the camp. Especially the pioneer Han people in the Shannan area. Originally a staunch supporter of the partisans. Change the administrative jurisdiction from the dark to the open. It's just a matter of changing the signboard. It shouldn't cause any turmoil and rebound.

"The point is to give them a reason to follow the guerrillas." Came to the prairie for so long. Zhang Songling also learned some of the thinking traditions of the local people. Very realistically proposed." Otherwise. Just to get them to pay their taxes on time. Who to hand over is not to pay.. We can't be like little devils. to force them to obey the rule with bayonets."

Since the time of the Xinhai Revolution. Even earlier. The steppe fell into complete anarchy. Mongolian nobles, horse thieves, Northeast Army. You come and go. The fight is endless. No one can establish effective rule. No one can guarantee that their strength will last forever. Implicated by them. The local people were accustomed to the changing banner of the ruler. Anyway, the Mongolian nobility is good. The Northeast Army is also good. Horse thieves too. Anyone will only reach out to the common people and ask for money. It's just that the first two ask for money in various high-sounding names. The latter one simply puts all the eyes open. are all unified into one "security fee". Paid the security fee. Then the horse thief will keep you safe for a while. If anyone dares not to pay. Hum. The end of the family is light.

"Several Han villages in Shannan. Or let them continue to be autonomous. Let the peasants elect their own village councils. The daily operating expenses of the village. It is up to the village council to decide for itself. All accounts must be made public to the whole village on time. Plus the part that was voluntarily donated to our guerrillas. The maximum should not exceed one-tenth of the income from the field. On the side of the Mongols. then respect their traditions. It was managed by the Siqin Palace. But the poll tax is also trying to help them get it down. I'm in charge of communicating with the housekeeper. Although Siqin is not at home. I guess he won't refute my face." As a half-headed snake. Redbeard has a deeper understanding of the local situation. Think about it a little. He came up with a whole set of reform plans that would allow the people to see the benefits immediately.

However, Zhang Songling does not think much of the income from farming and grazing. In the area of his hometown. Due to the influence of the new rural construction of Hanfu Canal. The means of livelihood of the people living in the countryside have gradually become diversified. Although it is still much harder than the people in the city. But the benefits far outweigh the traditional digging out of the land.

"Refined salt purification and bath salt production. They are all big industries that can't be relocated casually. Set on the territory of Baiyin. Far safer than being stationed around the guerrillas. However, there are other small industries that do not need to be scaled. You can put it in the village." While reminiscing about the production methods that can make money in his hometown. Zhang Songling analyzed in a low voice. There are only a dozen of them in each workshop. to two dozen people. Let's come up with technology. out of the cost. And responsible for contacting sales channels. The village council is responsible for organizing workshop production. The profit should be higher than farming. Gains from the partisans. There are also a few more channels. Even if the little devils concentrate their forces and launch a big attack on the guerrilla zone. As long as the people can evacuate in time. The loss is only a few small workshops. It doesn't cost much. You can build it in another place."

"This ......." Redbeard was stunned. Then laughed and complained." There is such a good way. Why didn't you say it earlier. We don't even have to let the people in the guerrilla area pay taxes in the future. Just pay dividends from the workshop."

"I can say whatever I want. In the end, it will be successful or not. Not necessarily." Zhang Songling smiled. Explain in a low voice. Earlier, I didn't give Redbeard the suggestion of a big workshop. In fact, the main reason is that I don't know much about the policy of the guerrillas of the Eighth Route Army. Don't dare to come up with random ideas. But even the opening of a bazaar and a salt pan are two obvious precedents. There was no strong indication on the part of the military sub-district to stop it. Small-scale handicraft workshops were held in guerrilla-controlled areas to improve people's livelihood. It shouldn't be a problem.

"It's fine. Anyway, it can't be opened. We have nothing to lose. Once opened. It will be able to find one more way for the people to live." Redbeard identified Zhang Songling as his own Zhiduoxing. Patted him on the shoulder. Loud encouragement.

"The simplest is the felt-rolling workshop. Then it's cooked skin and boiled bone glue." Zhang Songling nodded. Bring yourself what you can think of. It is also technically the easiest solution to implement. List them all." Every fall. The Mongols in order to ensure that the livestock have enough hay to survive the winter. will concentrate on slaughtering a large number of cattle and sheep. The price of skins and meat fluctuates significantly downward during this time. And bones, ram's horns, and heads and hooves of livestock. Will be thrown away like garbage. Several handicraft workshops were established in the villages of Shannan. In the summer, the wool is harvested and rolled into felt. In the fall, the skins are concentrated and nitrated. Bones, hooves and unformed horns. You can go to the grassland and pick it up. Or just give a little salt. To the herdsmen. Concentrate on boiling glue. Then regularly gather felt, leather and bone glue together. Go to the market on the shore of the crescent lake and sell it to the people who come to do business. Exchange back for daily necessities. In a short period of time. It will improve the living standards of the people in those villages in Shannan to a higher level!"

"Ahh How I didn't think about this layer." Redbeard slapped himself on the thigh with excitement. After all, I went to high school. It's not the same as us big bosses. If only you could have come two years earlier. Lao Tzu will not be so poor that he can't even afford to support a hundred and ten soldiers."

"These are just primary products. Technology is easy. The production equipment is also relatively simple. There are several wooden tubs. A few cauldrons. It's done." Zhang Songling smiled. Continue to give a higher level of choice." When purifying salt. I also found natural soda ash in the salt sand. The content is not high. But change the process a little. It can be produced as a by-product of refined salt."

Then sell it to the common people to steam big white steamed buns. That sour and smelly yellow rice flour cake. I'm fed up." Redbeard waved his arm. Emphasize loudly." I thought they had overdone the yellow rice noodles. I found out later. They use alkaline noodles. It's all scraped down from the base of the wall. I don't know if it's my own pee at night."

"Huh." Zhang Songling was amused and laughed dumbly. The local people are reluctant to buy alkaline noodles. It is also difficult to buy soda ash that is commonly used by people in the city of Kannai. Take the local approach. White foam from the roots of the old walls that have been whipped by the rain. Make your own thing called 'little alkali'. Pasta kneaded with this stuff. Of course, it is not as soft as the pasta kneaded with soda ash. And it also has the peculiar smell of urine. It's no wonder that Redbeard screams loudly.

"Don't laugh. They themselves know that the little alkali doesn't taste very good. There's just nothing to do. If you can purify the alkaline noodles. As long as the price is reasonable. They're definitely rushing to buy it." Redbeard clearly misunderstood what he meant. Said with a red face.

"Alkali is definitely going to be produced. But I'm more inclined to. Take it as a condition to ensure that Baiyin will continue to cooperate with us. Provide technology to him. Let his salt works produce it." Zhang Songling shook his head. Explain in a low voice." The little prince is a person who can't afford to be early. We're constantly coming up with new things to hook him. It will make him want to get more from us. It's easy to be reluctant to turn against us."

"Okay. You say it." Redbeard's brain doesn't slow down at all. It soon became clear why Zhang Songling wanted to transfer the technology of extracting alkaline noodles from salt and sand to Bai Yin. Nod in agreement." It is. He took up most of his head. It's a kind of fucking loss just thinking about it."

"We don't produce soda ash ourselves. However, it is possible to use soda ash finished products and extract by-products of bone glue. Start a workshop to make soap." Seeing the redbeard with obvious unwillingness on his face. Zhang Songling continued to add. It's also two or three people. It can be made with a wood mold. If the conditions are ripe in the future. You can also put in the ingredients of bath salts. Turn soap into soap. Just make soap related technology. I don't know. I need someone to buy the materials."

"That's enough. That's enough. Soap is enough. Something too upscale. I guess it will be the same as bath salts. There are few locals willing to spend money on it." The more Redbeard listened, the happier he became. Dancing like a child...

"If you can guarantee that the guerrilla zone will not be attacked for a long time. Carbon kilns, brick kilns and lime kilns can also be opened. Burn charcoal, red bricks and lime. However, these three items are more expensive. The kiln also has to be specially asked to help the master from the mouth. I can only think about it later." Zhang Songling recalled the situation in his hometown. Go on. Compared to the Lunan area. Even the most basic industrial products are not self-sufficient in the area of Heishizhai. It's like a blank slate. Any money-making industry can be copied and copied. Not subject to any restrictions at all.

"It's fine. It's fine. Eat the rice one bite at a time. If you really want to start a brick kiln. We may not be able to recruit as many suitable workers. After all, the people on the other side of Shannan. They all came to open up wasteland. Every family has its own land. I can't spare too much labor to help in the workshop." Redbeard is content. Said with a smile.

"Then start with the most basic felt-rolling and bone glue. and so on. Consider something else." Zhang Songling is also afraid that he will get too many things at once. Instead, it was confusing. Smiled. Make a final summary.

"You can't just think about helping people open workshops to make money. Gotta find a way to educate them. Let them know what a country and a nation are." Redbeard pondered for a moment. And one more addition." If you win the hearts and minds of the people just by giving benefits. We have more to offer. It's no match for the little devil."

"The little devil doesn't treat us Chinese as people at all. I won't take the initiative to seek benefits for the people." Zhang Songling did not dare to agree with this point of view. Laughing and shaking his head.

"That maybe." Redbeard continued to insist on his opinion. Now the little devil is believing that he can conquer China with his own strength. That's why we blindly rely on force. And in case he finds that force suppression does not work as soon as possible. will try other means. Back in the day. Kangxi Ye "never add endowment" and immediately stabilized the rule of the Qing Dynasty. Manchurians at that time. For China. Isn't it a foreign invader.."

"That'........" now. It was Zhang Songling's turn to be surprised. He didn't expect it. Redbeard, who doesn't look like he's read much. Speaking of words, he can quote the scriptures like this. The end of the Qing Dynasty. The rulers of Manchuria regarded all other peoples in the land of China as slaves. That's why I have that sentence." Rather and AIA. But the rule of the Manchus lasted for more than 200 years. The reason for this. The ruling circles dare to take the initiative to give in favor of the vanquished. played a considerable role. Especially the Kangxi Dynasty's never-giveaway. Although it has only been implemented in a limited number of provinces. But let the little people who can't eat all day long. I saw hope for survival again. I found a reason to survive again.

Redbeard is undoubtedly more thoughtful than Zhang Songling. Nodding. Keep high." In addition to the benefits that are actually given to them. We have to find a way to educate them. Especially the local youth. Even from the point of view of cultivating reserve forces for our guerrillas. That's how it should be."

This is not what Zhang Songling is good at. All he had left was to listen with round eyes. Redbeard thought for a moment. continued: "When you were training recruits recently. Those things for everyone. I think it's good. We might as well open a night school at the foot of the mountain. You, Xiao Wu, and the other people in the guerrillas who read a lot are the teachers. Teach the people around you to read and write. By the way, they are also educated in patriotism . And also. Those songs that you young students will sing. Also pick up familiar ones. Teach a few songs to the recruits and the common people. Can boost morale. It can also be entertaining and educational."

"Tell them to read. And teach them to sing.." Zhang Songling's thinking is a little unable to keep up with Redbeard's footsteps. Look into each other's eyes. Surprised to repeat. Those immigrants from Shannan. Basically, they can't even write their own names. Universal education among them. I'm afraid it's not an easy thing to do. As for singing. Let a bunch of guys who can only hum ** tunes when they're idle. Fall in love with impassioned anti-Japanese songs. Isn't it too embarrassing to be a person? It's like teaching a pack of ducks to learn how to bark. Who's that material?

"Yes. You start with a recruit who has a home in a nearby village. Then he took them to teach the people down the mountain. Take your time. As long as the tune is good. They will definitely learn. Learn. Learn. You can see what it means." Redbeard is very sure about his vision. Smile and give a relatively specific implementation plan.

"Then I'll give it a try. But I haven't sung it in a long time. I don't necessarily remember a few songs." Zhang Songling was not convinced of the feasibility of Redbeard's method. But I don't care about trying. After all, the days of the partisans were too monotonous . More singing. It can also add a bit of fun to daily life.

He's a guy who says he can. After saying goodbye from Redbeard that night and returning to the dormitory. Just by the kerosene lamp. The anti-war songs that you can still think of. One by one, I recalled. Transcribed on paper.

The most profound. It's the song "Flowers in May". It's been almost two years. At the beginning, Peng Weiwei taught him to sing one by one. It still reverberates in his heart to this day. Hardly even think about it. You can hum all the melodies along with it.

Another one that has not been forgotten to this day. It's the song "On the Songhua River". That was the best track for the young students of the Blood Flower Club back then. Every time I sing it. It will surely cause countless people to tearfully reconcile.

With thoughts of departed lovers and friends. Zhang Songling put these two songs. as a preference. Tried to teach the guerrilla recruits. The initial scene turned out to be exactly what he expected. No matter how the recruits sing the pentatonic tune, it is not the original tune of the song. The melodies that come out are varied. But soon. Some people were gradually moved by the singing. Wholeheartedly put in it. Sing every syllable of the song with all your heart. Every character.

"My home. On the Songhua River in the northeast....... "the end of a singing time. Zhang Songling looked up with satisfaction. I was surprised to find out. Redbeard didn't know when he was standing outside the window of the recruit's classroom. Listening to the melody of pathos. The whole person is as quiet as a sculpture.

Northeasterner with red beard. Ever been a bandit. Company Commander of the Northeast Army. Captain of the guerrilla brigade of the Eighth Route Army. I have never been a slave to the country.