Newborn 1927

Upon hearing this, Yang Jiefang became completely uneasy. These people were all troublesome, only thinking about capturing the county seat so they could live a life of luxury and comfort. They hadn't considered how to govern it at all—typical bandit mentality. Capturing the county seat was easy, but governing it well was not. He was completely unprepared; it would have been better not to attack at all.

It's also his fault for not giving more detailed instructions when he gave the order; he only told Sun Zhiyong to reinforce Peng Dahu, without specifying the next steps after the reinforcement. As a result, after repelling the Qixia County Security Regiment, instead of returning to Qinglong Village to prepare for the other two enemy forces, these guys attacked Qixia County itself. Fortunately, the other two enemy forces were defeated, otherwise things would have been much more complicated.

Yang Jiefang knew that it was too late to stop them now; letting them enter the city and cause trouble was even more inappropriate. After thinking for a moment, Yang Jiefang immediately ordered the training team to assemble, prepare their horses, and go with him to Qixia County.

Upon hearing the news, Chu Gu, along with several other women, wanted to go; Jiang Xiaojun also clamored to go. Yang Jiefang refused. Taking Chu Gu along meant she could save his life in a critical moment. Taking Jiang Xiaojun would only be a burden. Jiang Xiaojun was very unhappy, but there was nothing she could do.

So, the group rode their horses towards Qixia County. Qixia County is entirely mountainous and hilly, described as having six parts mountains, one part water, and three parts farmland. It has a high altitude and is the source of many rivers in the Jiaodong region. Although it's only a few dozen li (approximately 15 kilometers) from Qinglongzhai to the county seat, the road is winding and difficult to travel. By the time Yang Jiefang and his group arrived in Qixia County, Sun Zhiyong and Peng Dahu had already occupied the town.

Peng Dahu was initially ordered to block the Qixia County Security Regiment. Although the fighting lasted all day, it was actually quite easy. The terrain of Qixia County meant that there were few passable roads, but plenty of places to use for blocking. Peng Dahu made full use of the terrain, constructing fortifications according to the methods taught by Yang Jiefang. The Security Regiment lacked heavy weapons for assaults, not even machine guns, so how could they possibly break through Peng Dahu's fortifications? The Security Regiment was also a hastily assembled group, and during the assault, they passed the buck among themselves. Although the fighting was lively, there was no real progress. Fortunately, their purpose was to create a bluff and delay the blocking personnel from Qinglongzhai. The leader was a county magistrate who was temporarily acting as the regimental commander, so he did not issue a firm order for a direct assault.

Instead of directly reinforcing Peng Dahu's blocking position, Sun Zhiyong employed the infiltration tactics taught by Yang Jiefang. Led by Huang Sheng, they outflanked the Qixia County Security Regiment from behind. They launched a sudden attack, unleashing machine guns and artillery, immediately overwhelming the regiment. Peng Dahu seized the opportunity to counterattack, and the Security Regiment collapsed within fifteen minutes, its members fleeing across the hillsides, weapons scattered everywhere. Peng Dahu, having already targeted their command post, ignored the fleeing soldiers and boldly charged forward, capturing Mu Shiping, the Qixia County Magistrate and Security Regiment Commander.

After Sun Zhiyong and Peng Dahu met up, they discussed the matter and made a bold decision. They exchanged clothes with the more than 300 captured security guards and escorted them, along with Mu Shiping, to launch a surprise attack on Qixia County. At the same time, they didn't forget to send someone to report this to Yang Jiefang.

With Mu Shiping clearing the way, they entered the county town without any hindrance. Sun Zhiyong ordered Chen Shanpao's artillery squad to immediately occupy the Drum Tower. This was the highest point in the county; setting up cannons there would bring most of the town under fire. Then, each company occupied its respective key areas. Everything went smoothly, with almost no resistance. While sealing off the entire town, they prepared to report to Xiao Dangjia. However, before they could even send anyone out, they heard that Xiao Dangjia had arrived. The two hurried to the city gate to greet him.

Yang Jiefang dismounted at the city gate and walked up to Peng Dahu and Sun Zhiyong, saying, "You two did a great job! You took the county town without much effort. Now we brothers have a place to settle down, and we don't have to suffer in this mountain valley anymore." This was clearly meant to be interpreted in reverse. Sun Zhiyong understood the implication but dared not reply; Peng Dahu, not understanding, still laughed and said, "What merit do we have? It's all thanks to Little Boss. Without him, we brothers would still be hiding in this mountain valley eating mud." Yang Jiefang said, "So, since none of us want to hide in this mountain valley eating mud, then we must protect this home! Immediately reiterate the ten rules and make sure all the brothers uphold them. Don't think that just because we're in the city we can do whatever we want. Anyone who dares to violate the rules will be severely punished!" Peng Dahu was taken aback, and his smile immediately vanished.

Sun Zhiyong immediately agreed loudly, turned around and said, "You two run forward immediately and convey Xiao Dangjia's words to every brother." Peng Dahu also realized what was going on and hurriedly said to the people around him, "Go and convey Xiao Dangjia's order! Tell the brothers that we're about to have a good life, so don't make any mistakes at this time!" He suddenly realized that Xiao Dangjia's authority was growing stronger and stronger, and he could not tolerate disobedience.

Yang Jiefang continued, "You attacked the county town without my orders. Although you captured it with few casualties, I won't give you any credit. Remember this: acting without authorization is a crime, not a merit! I'll keep this in mind for now, but if it happens again, I'll settle all scores, old and new!" The two dared not argue and listened obediently.

Accompanied by the two men, Yang Jiefang entered the county town and headed straight for the county administrative office building. As they walked, the two men gave a brief explanation of the situation. The county administrative office, formerly the county government, was a building that could be described as both antique and dilapidated. Yang Jiefang immediately ordered Zhao Changgui to lead the training team to interrogate the administrative personnel of the county administrative office, from the county magistrate to the grooms, leaving no one out. He also had them denounce each other, to get a general understanding of their character. He currently didn't have any competent administrative personnel at hand and needed to select a group from these people to manage Qixia County.

He sat down and prepared to draft a new policy program. On the way there, he had been thinking that now that he had captured a county, he couldn't easily give it up. It would be good to try it out first and accumulate experience for future governance. Qixia County was mountainous; establishing a base there would allow them to wage guerrilla warfare in the surrounding mountains should the enemy come to encircle and suppress them. Since the base was established with the county as its center, the corresponding policy program needed to be changed.

After only a cursory interrogation, Zhao Changgui and his group quickly reached a conclusion. Although these people had studied for a while and knew quite a few characters, few could write an interrogation report quickly. Therefore, they all reported orally. The county administrative office had departments such as civil affairs, finance, construction, grain, education, and police, with a total of sixty staff members. Yang Jiefang couldn't help but sigh at how streamlined the personnel were; no wonder those townships were practically autonomous.

Of these sixty people, from the county magistrate to the clerk, very few were clean. In Yang Jiefang's view, it was a matter of one fatal blow versus a thousand. With such a government and such officials, it would be difficult for the world not to descend into chaos. But he couldn't kill everyone. After some thought, Yang Jiefang decided to only punish the ringleaders, starting with the county magistrate. As for the police chief, who was also the garrison captain, he had already been killed in Shexinggou. Otherwise, he would have been counted as one too.

Having made his decision, Yang Jiefang didn't delay and immediately ordered someone to bring Mu Shiping over. Mu Shiping had been personally captured by Peng Dahu, who was also responsible for guarding him. Upon hearing that Yang Jiefang wanted him, he immediately brought him over himself. Yang Jiefang carefully examined Mu Shiping. The man was in his thirties or forties, with an ordinary appearance and no air of officialdom; instead, he seemed somewhat hesitant and uneasy. Yang Jiefang cut to the chase: "Commander Mu, we've taken over the county seat today, and we have no intention of relinquishing it. But to take over such a county, I must establish my authority. I wonder if you want to be the chicken or the monkey?" Mu Shiping shuddered, immediately realizing this was a warning shot. Without hesitation, he replied, "Young Master, I was born in the Year of the Monkey." Yang Jiefang laughed, "Then you'll have to find me a chicken!" Mu Shiping knew perfectly well what was going on and immediately replied, "No one but the county magistrate is capable of this." Yang Jiefang said, "Alright, go and prepare for a public trial tomorrow. I want all the people of the county to come and listen, and let everyone judge whether this chicken should be killed!" Mu Shiping quickly responded, "Yes. I've worked with him for many years and know he's done many unsavory things, enough to arouse public outrage." He was a smart man; he understood the principle of sacrificing a friend rather than himself, and actively cooperated.

Yang Jiefang coldly said, "As far as I know, you haven't skimped on your own profits over the years either. You two are just like the pot calling the kettle black. The reason I'm keeping this monkey around is so he can manage Qixia County. Do you understand what I mean?" Mu Shiping replied, "Understood." Yang Jiefang said, "You can stay and be the county magistrate. You can use anyone in the county government who is capable of being retained. However, they must return all the money they've plundered from the people over the years!" Upon hearing this, Mu Shiping secretly breathed a sigh of relief, at least his life was safe, so he replied, "It's all up to you, young master." Yang Jiefang waved his hand and said, "It's getting late. Go back and prepare. You'll preside over the public trial tomorrow. Also, draft a list of those to be retained!" Mu Shiping quickly agreed. He dared not go home now and went back to his office to prepare the materials.

Peng Dahu asked, "Little Boss, why don't you become the county magistrate?" Yang Jiefang replied, "We need to broaden our horizons. A mere county magistrate is nothing compared to what we brothers are capable of. To tell you the truth, not only Qixia County, but also Haiyang County and Laiyang County are under our control." Peng Dahu was overjoyed upon hearing this and exclaimed, "That's wonderful!" Yang Jiefang then ordered, "Find Sun Zhiyong for me; I have something to discuss with you." Peng Dahu, delighted, immediately went out to find Sun Zhiyong.

Just then, Aunt Chu brought in a bowl of noodles and placed it in front of Yang Jiefang, saying, "Eat something first! We can talk later." Yang Jiefang tried to pick up the noodles with his trembling right hand, but he couldn't get a mouthful into his mouth; his left hand was even more clumsy. Aunt Chu couldn't bear to watch any longer, so she took the bowl and chopsticks and fed him the noodles. As Yang Jiefang ate, he praised, "Imported food is so much better! It's just a bowl of noodles, but I can taste the egg." Aunt Chu looked exasperated and said, "There's already an egg in it." She pried it open with her chopsticks and pulled out a poached egg from underneath.

Yang Jiefang hadn't finished his bowl of noodles when Peng Dahu and Sun Zhiyong walked in. Seeing Aunt Chu feeding Yang Jiefang, they tactfully stood aside and waited. Only after Yang Jiefang finished eating and Aunt Chu cleared away the dishes did they approach. Yang Jiefang asked, "Have you had dinner?" Sun Zhiyong replied, "Yes, we have." Yang Jiefang waved and said, "Have a seat!"

After the two sat down, Yang Jiefang said, "Now that we've taken over the county seat, we must manage it well. Our brothers in the mountains are skilled in fighting, but they lack experience in governing. Therefore, most of the original staff of the county government will be retained. We can delegate administrative tasks to them, but military construction must be in our own hands. I've decided to establish the Qixia County Security Regiment, with Peng Dahu as its commander. Brother Peng, are you capable?" Peng Dahu countered, "Young Master, what exactly will this security regiment do?" Yang Jiefang replied, "Here's what I'm thinking: establish the regiment headquarters in the county seat. Based on your existing personnel, recruit and select members throughout the county. Establish a security squadron in each township, all under your command. Establish a security team in each administrative village, but these teams will not be part-time; they will farm during the busy season and train during the off-season. The security of the entire county will be the responsibility of your security regiment, but you are not allowed to interfere in local affairs." Peng Dahu responded, "Isn't it just training soldiers for battle? I can do it your way."

Yang Jiefang nodded and continued, “The village security squads each receive a living allowance of one to two silver dollars per month; the township security detachments are fully armed and each member receives a military salary of three to five silver dollars per month; the county security regiment members receive more than five silver dollars per month. However, to get paid, you have to work. My requirement is that, in the entire Qixia County, apart from our security regiment, I will not allow any other armed forces to exist. In other words, starting tomorrow, you will be responsible for wiping out all armed forces in the entire Qixia County. Sun Zhiyong will stay behind to cooperate with your operation for the time being.” Peng Dahu immediately assured him, “Don’t worry, young master. After this battle, the original security teams are no longer a force to be reckoned with. Those who can be incorporated into the security regiment will be recruited, and those who cannot will have their weapons confiscated and be sent home to farm.”

Yang Jiefang said, "That's fine. I'll give you a month. Can you get it done?" The summer harvest is just a month away, and time is of the essence; internal stability must be maintained as soon as possible. Peng Dahu suddenly felt immense pressure. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Little Boss, can you bring that kid Peng Fangtao back to me? With his assistance, this matter is sure to be resolved." Yang Jiefang smiled and said, "Sure, make him your deputy regimental commander." Peng Dahu happily said, "Thank you, Little Boss! We brothers will definitely do our best."

Yang Jiefang said, "Remember, this small Qixia County is not the end for you brothers. You must train hard and train a strong and capable army for me. How much you achieve in the future depends on how much effort you put in today. Also, you must strengthen your cultural studies. Now that we're in the city, it's easy to find educated people. Assign me a cultural instructor for each company, or hire one from outside." He had always attached great importance to cultural studies, so Peng Dahu and the others naturally dared not be careless.