Chapter 19: Li Yunlong Wants to Contact Headquarters? The Landlord Issue!
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Upon hearing Zhang Dabiao’s question, Li Yunlong shook his head and said, “Although we now have a radio, we should refrain from contacting headquarters or the division for the time being.”
“Our New First Regiment has just taken control of Jin Sui Town; we need some time to develop independently.”
“Before contacting headquarters or the division, we must have enough leverage to justify disobeying orders or leaving the battlefield without permission.”
“Besides, we don’t yet know the frequency or code of the division’s radio communications—there’s no way we can send plain messages.”
“If we send plain messages, it would endanger both us and the division.”
Hearing Li Yunlong’s explanation, Zhang Dabiao nodded in understanding, replying, “Understood.”
Li Yunlong had no intention of contacting the division so soon. They had to seize this opportunity to grow stronger.
...
The next day.
Shen Quan, commander of the 2nd Battalion of the New First Regiment, approached Li Yunlong.
“Regimental commander,” Shen Quan reported, “we have completed the investigation into all the landlords in Jin Sui Town.”
“Oh?” Li Yunlong’s eyes brightened. “Tell me about it.”
Shen Quan nodded and recited the details as if recounting treasures.
“Currently, the largest landlord in Jin Sui Town is Liu Dequan, along with a dozen smaller landlords.”
“From our interviews and investigations, it is clear these landlords are all deeply corrupt. Not only do they levy heavy taxes on the common people, but they also frequently extort, oppress women, and murder is not uncommon.”
“These people have no semblance of humanity. Even their retainers are tyrannical, often bullying the townsfolk.”
“The people of Jin Sui Town harbor deep resentment toward these landlords.”
“However, their influence in Jin Sui Town is deeply entrenched... and they control the vast majority of the town’s grain stores.”
“Therefore, whether it’s warlords, the Nationalist government, the Japanese invaders, or puppet troops, all cooperate with these landlords to maintain stability in Jin Sui Town.”
After hearing Shen Quan’s report, Li Yunlong nodded slightly in understanding. Shen Quan’s findings were close to what he had expected.
Li Yunlong took a deep breath and instructed Shen Quan, “I have a task for you. In the name of our New First Regiment, summon all these landlords.”
“The meeting will be tomorrow, and as for the venue, choose the largest teahouse in Jin Sui Town—the Autumn Moon Pavilion.”
Shen Quan was momentarily taken aback but then expressed some helplessness, “Are we the Eighth Route Army now going to cooperate with these landlords? Allowing them to continue oppressing the people?”
Li Yunlong was not surprised by Shen Quan’s indignation.
“You’ll understand when the time comes,” Li Yunlong smiled faintly, withholding the full explanation. “Now, carry out the order.”
“Yes, sir,” Shen Quan acknowledged.
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However, Shen Quan had also thought of something—knowing Li Yunlong’s usual style, he certainly would not indulge these landlords.
Shen Quan found himself looking forward to tomorrow’s gathering.
...
The next day.
The largest teahouse in Jin Sui Town—the Autumn Moon Pavilion.
At the invitation of the New First Regiment, all the landlords of Jin Sui Town had gathered here.
After all, the New First Regiment had now fully taken control of Jin Sui Town.
No matter how powerful these landlords were, they dared not confront a regular army.
If relations broke down, it would benefit no one.
Moreover, the New First Regiment had eliminated all the puppet troops in Jin Sui Town—its strength was undeniable.
These landlords feared provoking the Eighth Route Army, lest the army come directly to deal with them.
In short, the landlords of Jin Sui Town had all arrived early.
Inside the main hall of the Autumn Moon Pavilion, landlords both great and small congregated.
The seating arrangements clearly reflected the social hierarchy.
At the head was naturally the largest landlord of Jin Sui Town, Liu Dequan.
Seeing that Li Yunlong had not yet arrived, the landlords began whispering among themselves.
“Ahem... why do you think the Eighth Route Army’s New First Regiment has summoned us all here?” Liu Gui asked timidly.
“The puppet troops before were kind to us—after all, we are of the same kind.”
“But I’ve heard the Eighth Route Army is ruthless... could they be planning to clamp down on us?”
“I don’t know,” Zhang Dafa shook his head and sighed, “Living in these chaotic times, even we landlords have a hard time.”
“I thought life in Jin Sui Town would be peaceful for a while... but who knew the Eighth Route Army would come and replace the puppet troops.”
“And a few days ago, a group of Japanese soldiers came; shortly after entering the puppet troop camp, gunfire broke out, and then they disappeared.”
“It seems this group of Eighth Route Army soldiers is quite formidable.”
“If they really want to move against us, we’re no match with the few men we have.”
“I don’t think it’s that bad,” Qian Zhongyou shook his head, speaking softly.
“We’re longstanding landlords of Jin Sui Town, intimately familiar with the town and its lands for many years.”
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“Even the Japanese wouldn’t dare harm us, let alone the Eighth Route Army.”
“Besides, the Eighth Route Army invited us here to the Autumn Moon Pavilion right away—I think they want to use a policy of conciliation to make us cooperate.”
“Whether we agree to cooperate depends on the terms they propose.”
“So I don’t think there’s any need to panic.”
“Don’t be so sure,” Jin Buhuan frowned slightly with concern. “In this world, whoever has guns is master. We have at most some land, and our manpower is seriously lacking. Even if we had guns, they’re just hunting rifles.”
“The power gap between us and the Eighth Route Army is huge; when it’s time to back down, we have to back down.”
“If we provoke the Eighth Route Army, we won’t be able to handle the consequences.”
“If the Eighth Route Army really attacks, none of us will survive.”
“What can we do then? We can’t just give up, can we?” Li Fugui asked anxiously.
“From what you say, the Eighth Route Army doesn’t seem very merciful.”
“Do you think they will just wipe us out?”
“We’re no match for the Eighth Route Army, and we didn’t bring many men today.”
“Maybe we should go back and call for reinforcements.”
“Forget it,” Zhou Xu immediately stopped Li Fugui’s idea. “We don’t know if the Eighth Route Army is friend or foe yet. Calling reinforcements now would be a provocation.”
“Besides, even if we gather all our thugs, are we really a match for the Eighth Route Army?”
The landlords debated nervously, the atmosphere tense.
At that moment, the usually calm Liu Dequan spoke decisively, “Enough, calm down.”
“Before, whether it was the Japanese, puppet troops, warlords, or the Nationalist government, they all used conciliation with us. Who would dare act against the broad landlord class?”
“This time, the Eighth Route Army’s invitation is surely the same—they want to cooperate with us, have us help govern Jin Sui Town.”
“So there’s no need to worry.”
As the largest landlord, Liu Dequan’s influence was considerable.
Upon hearing his words, the landlords present relaxed.
Just then, Li Yunlong finally arrived...