Newborn 1927

Fearing another argument, Yang Jiefang quickly said, "I've thought about this issue before. I know the brothers on the mountain don't like being restrained, but Qinglong Village is a group, and we are all members of this group. Individuals must obey the group; therefore, we cannot act arbitrarily based solely on our own subjective will. Master Kong, I remember when I joined, you mentioned that we have four major covenants on the mountain. Could you repeat them to us?" Master Kong replied, "The four major covenants of the mountain stronghold are: 1. Strictly keep secrets; 2. Strictly observe discipline; 3. Share weal and woe; 4. Share the fate of the stronghold." Yang Jiefang then asked, "Does the second covenant, 'Strictly observe discipline,' have specific details? What kind of discipline should we observe?" This question stumped Master Kong. After all, it was a mountain stronghold, not the government; there weren't so many rules and regulations. Master Kong hesitated, "There aren't any specific details. Generally speaking, what the leader says must be obeyed." Yang Jiefang shook his head, "That won't do. Since it's a mountain stronghold's covenant, it naturally applies to everyone from the leader down, not just one person. If there weren't any specific details before, I do have some ideas. Let's discuss them together!" Master Kong said, "Tell me about it!"

Yang Jiefang said, "I've summarized a few rules. First, all actions must be in accordance with orders..." Upon hearing this, everyone gasped in surprise. Bai Lang and Hou Fei, who already knew the rules, weren't surprised. Li Yichao and the others immediately agreed; if everyone obeyed orders, there was no need to worry about not being able to command their subordinates. Yang Jiefang smiled slightly and said, "Not only must our brothers obey our orders, but we must also obey the leader's orders. Subordinates must obey superiors; anyone who disobeys orders will be punished according to the severity of the offense." Everyone agreed, "Of course." Actually, the bandit's eight execution rules also included a similar rule: the second rule, "Those who disobey orders will be executed." However, the word "execution" was too harsh, and it was generally impossible to enforce. You can't kill someone for a trivial matter, can you? This rendered the rule ineffective. Therefore, a rule that is too good is useless if it cannot be effectively enforced.

Yang Jiefang continued, "Second, all spoils must be turned over to the public." This was unanimous; no one liked their subordinates secretly keeping things for themselves. Seeing everyone's agreement, Yang Jiefang added, "Third, looting from ordinary people is forbidden." This statement caused a stir among the crowd; everyone fell silent, and the room quieted down once more. Yang Jiefang's gaze swept across each person's face, and seeing their hesitation, he knew that reforming these people was still a long and arduous task.

Niu Sanbian coughed and said, "Commander Yang, you're no longer a scholar. Don't forget we're bandits, what we do is rob and plunder. Besides, how would we collect our spoils if we didn't rob?" Everyone agreed; didn't this third point contradict the second? Yang Jiefang took a deep breath and said, “Brothers, we already have a vermicelli workshop, a pig farm, and a chicken farm; we’ll have other ways to make money in the future. We can support ourselves completely, so why do we have to rob ordinary people? The people are already suffering enough. Landlords collect rent, officials collect taxes, and bandits demand protection money, leaving almost every family without enough food for the next day. Our Juyi Hall hangs two banners at its entrance: 'Acting on behalf of Heaven' and 'Robbing the Rich to Help the Poor'! If we’re going to rob anyone, we should rob those corrupt officials, local tyrants, and evil gentry. The poor should be our beneficiaries, not our targets for plunder.” Niu Sanbian asked, “Are you saying we shouldn’t charge protection money to ordinary people, nor should we charge tolls to passing merchants?” Yang Jiefang nodded in agreement, "Yes. That's exactly what I mean. From now on, we can only rob those corrupt officials, local tyrants, and evil gentry; we can't take even a needle or thread from ordinary people." Niu Sanbian said seriously, "Corrupt officials? Local tyrants and evil gentry? You make it sound so easy. People like that either have power or influence. If you rob them, you might attract the attention of the government troops. Brothers, we came to the mountains to seek a way to survive, not to seek death." Yang Jiefang retorted, "So we can only rob those poor people who have no power, no influence, and no money? Then what's the difference between us and those corrupt officials we despise?" Niu Sanbian shook his head and said, "You're still too young! Some things are fine to talk about, but you actually took them seriously."

Black Widow spoke up, "If we earn enough to support ourselves, we can waive the protection fee. But we have provided protection for passing merchants, so charging them a small toll is justifiable; besides, they're not short of money." Black Widow's words were a significant concession, though not the outcome Yang Jiefang desired, he had no choice but to accept for the time being. Yang Jiefang continued, "We can't charge everyone a toll. Let's waive it for small businesses! We should only charge large merchants; that's what 'robbing the rich to help the poor' means." Black Widow nodded, "That's right. How much money do small businesses have? Master Kong, could you calculate how much cargo we need to charge, and how much?" Master Kong looked at Yang Jiefang and said, "That's settled for this one! Anything else?"

Yang Jiefang thought carefully for a moment and decided to test the waters first. He stood up and said, "Brothers, there's no future in being a bandit. To get rid of that identity, we must first get rid of our bandit habits and improve our character. I'll say a few more points, whether you agree or disagree, please let me finish!" Everyone sat up straight and looked at Yang Jiefang. Yang Jiefang glanced around at them and continued, "Fourth, speak politely and don't hit or curse. I've seen many people on the mountain who curse right away, and they start fighting over the slightest disagreement, thinking that having the biggest fist makes them the boss. Haha, we call ourselves brothers, but if you curse someone else's mother, aren't you cursing your own mother? Cursing everyone's mother? Since we're brothers, why can't we talk things out instead of resorting to violence?" Everyone lowered their heads unconsciously. Liu Heizi chuckled and said, "That Brother Yang, sometimes he's just joking around with the brothers, he doesn't mean it. Don't take it too seriously! Haha..."

Yang Jiefang ignored Liu Heizi and continued, "Fifth, fair trade and prohibit forced sales. We encountered forced sales during our recent acquisition of breeding pigs and chickens. We must eliminate this practice in the future." Niu Sanbian was somewhat unconvinced and said, "I already paid extra, how can that be called forced sales?" Yang Jiefang replied, "Even if you pay extra, the other party has to be willing. Calling it forced sales just because they're unwilling is unacceptable. We'll be expanding our business in the future, inevitably involving transactions with nearby villagers; if we get used to forced sales, who will dare to trade with us? How will we conduct our business?" Niu Sanbian didn't refute, but he was certainly dissatisfied.

Yang Jiefang ignored Niu Sanbian and continued, "Sixth, borrowed items must be returned, and damaged items must be compensated. I won't elaborate on this; it's a basic principle of being a decent human being. I don't want anyone to take things under the guise of borrowing and not return them, which is tantamount to robbery. Some time ago, some of our brothers made some money, and immediately someone came to borrow money; haha, they call it borrowing money, but everyone knows that nine times out of ten they won't return it. If this is how we treat our brothers on the mountain, what about ordinary people down here? My requirement is that whether it's our own brothers or ordinary people, everyone must return borrowed items and compensate for damaged items." Most of the people lowered their heads upon hearing this.

Yang Jiefang, observing this, continued, "Seventh, do not damage crops. These days, food is precious, and we dare not waste it easily. Many of our brothers on the mountain came to live as outlaws because they couldn't get enough to eat. Every time a crop is damaged, the people will have one less grain to eat." The others seemed to agree with this point.

Yang Jiefang continued, "Eighth, strictly prohibit pornography, gambling, and drugs..." Everyone was taken aback and asked, "What are pornography, gambling, and drugs?" Yang Jiefang explained, "Pornography refers to the sex industry, which is what we commonly call brothels and karaoke parlors; gambling refers to gambling; drugs refer to opium and opium. Strictly prohibiting pornography, gambling, and drugs means that from now on, visiting brothels and soliciting prostitutes will be prohibited, both openly and covertly; participating in gambling is prohibited, and organizing gambling is even more prohibited; smoking opium is prohibited, and the planting, production, and sale of opium are also forbidden..." Before he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in an uproar. Although no one spoke out in rebuttal, quite a few muttered to themselves. Even Yan Donglai, who was considered one of Yang Jiefang's confidants, couldn't help but mutter something under his breath.

Yang Jiefang waited for them to discuss for a while before speaking, “Ninth, respect women and do not harass them. Our mountain stronghold has rules against raping women, but I think that's not enough. Some people like to use words or lewd actions to harass and insult women, which still causes them great harm. We rescued several women from Yantai this time, and if the conditions were right, we could have solved the marriage problems of several brothers; but now they can only hide in the chief's courtyard and dare not come out. Why is that? Isn't it because they are afraid of being harassed in public? Even our own sisters in the stronghold are afraid to see us, so how will the women down the mountain view us?”

No one spoke. Yang Jiefang continued, "Tenth, do not mistreat prisoners. Please think carefully about these ten rules. If you want to follow them, follow them from top to bottom without any compromise; if you don't want to follow them, then don't follow any of them. If you do not agree with these ten rules, then everything I have said today is null and void."

Everyone was taken aback. Master Kong frowned and said, "What do you mean? Are you trying to set rules for us?" Yang Jiefang shook his head and said, "Setting rules isn't the point. What I'm saying is that everyone can't just take the benefits and ignore the rules. I have many ways to make money and let the brothers in the stronghold live a good life, but while enjoying the benefits, everyone must also abide by the discipline. And if everyone abides by the discipline, I can guarantee that everyone will live a better life." Master Kong coldly said, "So you're still trying to set rules for us! Heh heh, don't think you're so great just because you have some ability. These rules aren't for you to set!" Yang Jiefang didn't refute, sat down, and quietly looked at everyone.

Carpenter Li chimed in, "You've only been in the stronghold for a few days, and you already want to set rules for us. This Qinglong Stronghold is getting more and more unruly!" His words drew agreement from many. Bai Lang interjected, "Brother Yang, look at our stronghold now, we have money, guns, a vermicelli workshop, and a livestock farm; we know your methods of management all too well. Let me ask you this: what will you do if we don't follow your rules?" Yang Jiefang smiled slightly and said, "To Qinglong Stronghold, I'm just a passerby. Qinglong Stronghold saved my life, so repaying them is only natural. If everyone disagrees with these ten rules, I'll leave. Doesn't the stronghold allow its brothers to disband and go home?" Kong Zongru interjected, "If you want to leave, go ahead, no one's stopping you. Don't try to blackmail us! We won't fall for that. It's not that I'm targeting you, but you're not qualified to set rules!" He was eager for Yang Jiefang to leave Qinglong Stronghold. Yang Jiefang finally understood. Putting aside the rules themselves, these people were opposing Yang Jiefang's establishment of rules. It wasn't that the ten rules were bad; on the contrary, they were too good, so good that they themselves lacked confidence in their ability to abide by them.

Bai Lang sneered, "That won't do. I still want to do something big with Brother Yang. What will I do if he leaves? I grew up in Qinglong Village; this is my home. I don't want to leave." Kong Zongru countered, "Then what do you want? For him to stay and set the rules for us?" Bai Lang said, "He's just putting forward the rules now. Whether they can be established or not is up to the chief. Hehe, I think his rules are very good! Although I can't even follow them myself..." These words struck a chord with everyone. Bai Lang continued, "Brother Yang, I've witnessed your abilities, and I believe you can lead the brothers to great things. I know I have many bad habits, but I'm willing to change. Give me three months, and I'll definitely find a way to get rid of those bad... um, bandit habits."

Yang Jiefang was overjoyed to have gained another brother. He hadn't expected to establish rules so easily. Transforming a gang of bandits into a people's army was no easy task; he was willing to try, even if it took three years, let alone three.

Bai Lang's words resonated with many, especially those close to Yang Jiefang, such as Hou Fei, Ma Shangfei, and Sun Zhiyong, who all voiced their agreement. At this moment, Gao Huilan nudged the Black Widow beside her and whispered, "Mother!" The Black Widow turned to look at Gao Huilan, understanding her thoughts with a single glance. She then slammed her hand on the table and stood up, saying, "Bai Lang's suggestion is valid. Rules must be established, but they can't be set in a day. Let's set a three-month limit. Everyone go back and explain this to your brothers. Let's not dwell on the past. From now on, everyone be careful. Those who are willing to follow the rules can stay; those who aren't, let's part ways amicably and leave Qinglong Village. After three months, if anyone still can't follow the rules, hehe, we'll deal with things according to the rules. Don't blame me for being ruthless then! Commander Yang, I can accept your proposal entirely, but you must also make corresponding contributions and not reduce the benefits promised to the brothers. Otherwise, you'll have to consider the consequences!"

Yang Jiefang was overjoyed and said, "Okay! It's a deal." With Black Widow's final decision, today's meeting came to an end.