Newborn 1927

Yang Jiefang couldn't help but sigh; this beautiful woman was always the center of attention and always popular. He then asked, "Did she write a letter back?" The woman replied, "She did." Then, looking at Gao Huilan, Gao Huilan pouted and said, "I had someone deliver it to the Jiang family trading company in Yantai and give it to her brother. The Jiang family is our benefactor now; the vermicelli produced in our vermicelli workshop depends on them to sell it. They also supply the diesel fuel needed for the workshop. I have to treat her well now!" Yang Jiefang asked happily, "Is the vermicelli workshop able to operate normally? What's the daily output?" Because the machines needed to be fixed to the ground with cement, they could only be installed and tested after the cement had completely hardened. When Yang Jiefang left a few days ago, the Japanese technicians were there installing and testing the machines. Gao Huilan replied, "Old Wu has been in charge of this. He reported to my mother that production is normal. I don't know the output."

Yang Jiefang noticed Gao Huilan's displeasure and comforted her, "Being a bandit has no future; we must find our own way. Jiang's Trading Company is a crucial link in our journey out of the mountain stronghold and into the city. For the sake of the stronghold's future, just bear with it and don't argue with her." Gao Huilan replied, "Alright, alright, I'll give in to her from now on, okay? Sigh, who can blame me when she's so beautiful, has such a lovely voice, and is so charming?" Anyone could hear the sourness in her voice.

Knowing he couldn't dwell on these matters any longer, Yang Jiefang quickly changed the subject, saying, "The chief agreed to my request in public today, and you deserve some credit for that, right? Thank you!" Gao Huilan beamed and said, "It's mainly because your abilities gave everyone hope; with the people's hearts united, things naturally fell into place. What are your plans now?" Yang Jiefang replied, "Our victory this time wasn't because we were strong enough, but because the enemy was too weak. Next, we should train hard and build an elite force." Gao Huilan smiled and said, "I believe you can do it. You've worked hard these past few days; get some rest. I'll come to listen to your lecture tomorrow, to hear your strategies for fighting!" With that, she left with Chu Gu and Pang Ya. Women in this era were still quite conservative; even unmarried couples would blush after a few words and rarely engaged in any intimate behavior.

The next morning, when Yang Jiefang gathered the troops for their morning run, Black Widow arrived at the training ground with her men, bringing bundles of guns. The heroes gathered quietly at the training ground, waiting patiently. Yang Jiefang gave a brief speech: "Brothers, our way of dealing with the government troops is to fight if we can win, and run if we can't. Regardless of whether we can defeat them, the key is to be able to run; to run so fast that the troops can't catch us, and so fast that they can't escape us. Therefore, I hope everyone takes this ten-mile morning run seriously." After he finished speaking, Black Widow announced: "Today, everyone will receive a gun. These guns didn't come easily, so cherish them! Anyone who intentionally damages a gun will have to pay me back double!" Then she had each team come and collect their guns in turn.

First, there was Yang Jiefang's Liberation Team, since the right to bear arms was fought for by Yang Jiefang. Yang Jiefang organized Wang Dali, Chen Ergou, and the eight men from Doushan Village into a separate squad, which was incorporated into the First Company. So now Hou Fei's First Company had four squads. Hou Fei led the First Company to receive their guns first, and then they started their morning run with the guns on their backs. Ma Fei and his cavalry followed closely behind the First Company, followed by the other companies. Bao Ziqiang and other intelligence personnel also participated in the morning run and received their weapons. Although Yang Jiefang did not allow them to participate in combat, in fact, they were also considered combat personnel.

The leaders of the Dragon, Tiger, Leopard, and Wolf teams had all arrived with their members, who received their weapons and began their morning run. Yang Jiefang and the other four leaders received Mauser pistols, while the others received domestically made rifles. The three hundred-plus men formed a single file, stretching over five hundred meters. Those in front had already run a mile, while those behind were just beginning. Yang Jiefang usually lagged behind, carefully observing their morale. Their performance today was exceptionally good; however, their different attire looked somewhat odd. As he ran, Yang Jiefang considered the issue of uniform clothing.

After the morning run, breakfast was served, followed by physical training, and everything gradually settled into a routine. Each squad leader supervised their team members to complete their training tasks. Yang Jiefang usually used this time to attend to his own affairs. However, today was a bit special; Black Widow had summoned the middle and upper echelons of Qinglong Village to the assembly hall for a meeting. Quite a few people participated, making it an expanded meeting. Besides the various stewards and squad leaders, several additional personnel were added. Gao Huilan was naturally eligible to attend, and Kong Zongru was also present. In addition to their squad leaders, Wang Yang of the Dragon Squad, Peng Fangtao of the Tiger Squad, Liu Yishou of the Leopard Squad, Liu Heizi of the Wolf Squad, and the seven squad leaders of the Liberation Squad—Hou Fei, Ma Shangfei, Sun Zhiyong, Yan Donglai, Tiechui, Zhao Changming, and Zhao Changgui—were all required to participate in the meeting. Yang Jiefang sensed that today's meeting was likely not simple.

Black Widow spoke first, saying, "Today is New Year's Eve. According to the mountain stronghold's tradition, it's time to distribute the celebratory money to the brothers. To be honest, the stronghold hasn't been doing well these past few years, and we haven't given the brothers much each year. Fortunately, things have improved this year since Commander Yang joined us. Master Kong, could you tell us how much surplus we have this year?" Master Kong replied, "Let's report on the last income of the year first! Zongru, tell everyone!" Kong Zongru responded, "This last income is the firearms and ammunition that the Liberation Team and the Wolf Team jointly surrendered yesterday. There are 205 rifles, each worth 100 silver dollars; 46 pistols, each worth 50 silver dollars; plus the captured bullets, which totals 23,000 silver dollars. Yang Jiefang deserves the most credit and should receive 2,300 silver dollars. The rest of us will each receive 2,300 silver dollars, or 36 silver dollars each. Do you have any objections to this distribution?" Yang Jiefang then realized that today was actually a spoils-sharing meeting, so he naturally didn't say anything. Neither Bai Lang nor Liu Heizi from the Wolves had any objections, and Hou Fei and the others had nothing more to say.

No one else objected, and Kong Zongru continued, "If there are no problems, then it's settled. This year's surplus is quite large, totaling over 220,000 silver dollars. How should this celebratory money be divided? I would appreciate it if the managers could offer some advice!" As soon as he finished speaking, everyone fell silent. This year's surplus exceeded everyone's expectations; because it was so much, they didn't know how to distribute it. Too much money could be a burden!

After a long pause, Old Wu spoke up, "Since no one's saying anything, let me say a few words. Life is about saving every penny; you can't just squander it all at once. In previous years, everyone was lucky to get a dollar or two as a celebratory gift; how could we ask for more? I think we should stick to the old way, everyone just sharing a little." Niu Sanbian immediately retorted, "That won't do. In previous years, because we didn't have money, no one complained. This year we have money; if we don't share more, what will the brothers think?" Everyone agreed with Niu Sanbian and hoped for an increase. Old Wu, however, said, "Adding money is easy, but reducing it is difficult. If we increase the money this year, what about next year? Although we have some money now, our daily expenses are much higher than before. Can you guarantee we'll have this much surplus to share next year?" Everyone unconsciously glanced at Yang Jiefang. Everyone knew that this year's surplus, besides an element of luck, was largely thanks to Yang Jiefang. As for next year's income, no one really knew. At this point, Yang Jiefang's opinion becomes especially important.

Yang Jiefang remained silent, as still as an old monk in meditation. Old Wu reminded him, "Commander Yang, tell us your opinion! Most of this surplus is thanks to you. Your words carry the most weight." Yang Jiefang had no choice but to speak, saying, "It's all done according to the old rules, what objections could I possibly have?" Master Kong sneered, "Just say what you're told, stop being so coy." Yang Jiefang gave a wry smile and said, "Then I'll say a few words. This year, we'll follow the old rules again. Of this two hundred thousand silver dollars, we'll distribute whatever amount is due. We can't be stingy just because it's a lot of money; that would discourage the brothers. As for the future, I think we could make some changes to our stronghold's distribution system." Master Kong snorted coldly and said in a low voice, "I knew you had something to say." He'd been waiting for this all along.

Having started, Yang Jiefang didn't hesitate any longer, saying, "Our Qinglong Village's previous income distribution model was: food and lodging were provided during the year, and a bonus was distributed at the end of the year; if we wanted money to spend, we had to find a way to treat ourselves. This kind of income was unstable, and the brothers could only support themselves. So, once someone occasionally made a fortune... well, like Cao Laoba, who was originally one of the top marksmen in Yang'er Mountain. He helped Boss Tian pull off a few big heists, received a lot of money, and then chose to leave Yang'er Mountain to get married, have children, and settle down. We've had this kind of talent drain in Qinglong Village before, haven't we? Like last time, when we made a fortune in Yantai, some brothers thought about leaving Qinglong Village after receiving their share. This shows that this distribution model has its drawbacks." In short, the heroes treated banditry as a profession, and the kind of profession they didn't intend to do long-term.

Hou Fei chimed in, "That's right. If it weren't for Brother Yang keeping everyone calm here, all the leaders in our Liberation Army would have been thinking about going home to become rich landlords long ago." Sun Zhiyong slapped Hou Fei on the back of the head and shouted, "What nonsense are you talking about? We don't have anyone like that in our Liberation Army!" Hou Fei fell silent, and everyone knew that what he said was true.

Master Kong said, "You say this distribution model is bad, then what's your better idea?" Yang Jiefang said, "My idea is to change the distribution of spoils to a merit-based system. For example, this time we captured over two hundred guns. According to the current distribution model, it must be converted into cash, and several thousand silver dollars should be set aside to reward the meritorious brothers. But these guns can't be converted into cash, nor can they be. We can afford to pay those several thousand silver dollars now, that's fine, but what if we can't? Where would we get so much money to reward these meritorious brothers? Besides, some contributions can't be measured in money. If we defeated the government troops this time but didn't capture any guns or ammunition, how would we reward them then?" "If we changed to a merit-based system, things would be different. We could set up several levels of merit, such as Special Merit, First-Class Merit, Second-Class Merit, Third-Class Merit, and Commendation, and determine the level of merit based on the magnitude of the contribution. These levels can be further divided into collective merit and individual merit. For example, this time, if we were to give a high evaluation, everyone would receive a collective Second-Class Merit; if we were to give a low evaluation, we could receive a collective Third-Class Merit. For individuals with special contributions, we could also add an individual merit." Master Kong said, "I understand what you mean. Some contributions indeed cannot be converted into money. Rewarding based on monetary income is indeed insufficient. However, what is the practical value of the merit levels you have set up? After all, everyone's daily robbing and plundering is all for money."

Yang Jiefang said, "These merits should naturally be linked to material rewards. We can pre-set the reward amount for each level, and once someone is rated at a certain level, they will receive the corresponding reward. Master Kong, you are in charge of the mountain stronghold's finances. Please set a figure for each merit level so that everyone can discuss it." Master Kong lowered his head in thought and did not reply immediately.

Now that things were out in the open, Yang Jiefang no longer held back and continued, "I have some more ideas, please discuss them. Some of our brothers in Qinglong Village have wives and children, and some are planning to get married and have children. They need money to support their families. Therefore, we should regularly provide living allowances to the brothers on the mountain. The amount of this allowance can be comprehensively assessed based on their length of service in the village, their contributions, and their rank. Someone as talented as Cao Laoba wouldn't have to leave Yang'er Mountain if he had enough allowances to support his family every month." Upon hearing this, Wu Laokou was the first to agree, saying, "Well said! That's how life should be lived." The young people present nodded in agreement; it would be beneficial for them. Several managers all turned to look at Black Widow. Black Widow didn't speak, but simply looked at Yang Jiefang.

Yang Jiefang continued, "There's one more thing I'd like to tell them. Since we've taken up arms here, we live a life of constant danger. As the saying goes, swords and spears have no eyes. If anyone is wounded, we must do our best to treat them; if anyone is crippled, we should ensure they have enough to eat and wear for the rest of their lives; if anyone unfortunately dies, we should give them a proper burial and provide compensation to their family. Of course, many brothers in the stronghold no longer have families, and they can't just die like that. I suggest we set up a shrine on the mountain, with a memorial tablet for every brother who sacrificed for the stronghold, so they can enjoy the incense offerings of our Qinglong Stronghold. As long as our Qinglong Stronghold exists, the incense offerings will never cease." As soon as he finished speaking, Bai Lang, Lin Baozi, Peng Dahu, and the others clapped and cheered almost simultaneously.

Gao Huilan whispered, "Mother, I think Yang Jiefang's suggestions are all quite good!" Black Widow looked around and asked, "Does anyone have a different opinion?" Everyone shook their heads, clearly unable to think of any rebuttal. Black Widow made the decision: "This year's celebratory money doesn't need further discussion. Double it compared to last year; that's not unfair to the brothers, is it? Next year, we'll proceed according to Commander Yang's suggestions: First, provide the brothers with a monthly living allowance; second, establish merit levels and a method for evaluating merit; third, establish a shrine for loyalty and righteousness. Master Kong, these matters will require your continued attention!" Master Kong nodded in agreement. Yang Jiefang interjected, "Master Kong, I have another suggestion: regardless of the level of merit, the reward amount cannot exceed the pension; the lowest level of commendation is only verbal praise, without monetary reward." Master Kong replied, "I will consider this."