Chapter 21: Zhou Weiguo Convinced! Li Yunlong Leads a Raid: A Small Fortune Seized!
Upon hearing Zhou Weiguo’s question, Li Yunlong replied, “This is about carrying out land reform.”
“Ah?” Zhou Weiguo was even more puzzled. “What exactly is land reform?”
Being originally from the Central Army, Zhou Weiguo naturally had no understanding of land reform.
Seeing this, Li Yunlong smiled slightly and patiently explained, “In simple terms, land reform means reorganizing land resources, abolishing the landlord-slave system, and making the common people the rightful owners of the land.”
“For example, right now, we need to confiscate all the land from these landlords, then manage and plan it uniformly. Finally, we distribute the land according to population to the people of Jin Sui Town, allowing them to become masters of their own land.”
“The benefit of this is that it gives the people hope and motivation for their future lives.”
“After all, when the land belongs to them, the people can earn more through their own hard work and become more proactive.”
“Under such an atmosphere, the people will cultivate the land diligently, and the people of Jin Sui Town will be able to fill their stomachs and live relatively prosperous lives.”
After hearing Li Yunlong’s explanation, Zhou Weiguo’s eyes brightened, and he gave Li Yunlong a thumbs-up. “The Eighth Route Army truly is a force that serves the country and its people.”
“To be honest, I’ve seen many armies and warlords, but none have ever cared so deeply for the common folk.”
“To let the people take charge—the meaning behind that phrase runs very deep.”
Li Yunlong smiled faintly. “Land reform is not only about liberating the people but also about developing our First New Regiment.”
“We can seize this opportunity to build a solid foundation among the masses and let the people feel the sincerity of our regiment.”
“Sincerity is mutual. We must cherish the people if we want their support.”
“Throughout history, whoever wins the hearts of the people wins the world—that’s not just empty talk!”
“I understand now…” Zhou Weiguo took a deep breath. “Looking at it this way, joining the Eighth Route Army’s First New Regiment is undoubtedly the best decision I’ve ever made.”
There was no denying that Zhou Weiguo was completely convinced.
“By the way, what brings you here?” Li Yunlong raised an eyebrow, curious.
Zhou Weiguo was momentarily taken aback but then remembered his purpose and quickly reported, “Commander, I’ve nearly finished investigating the industrial and commercial situation within Jin Sui Town.”
“On the commercial side, it’s mostly small businesses—like street vendors, small restaurants, theaters, and tea houses.”
“In short, Jin Sui Town’s commercial development is not outstanding.”
“As for industry, it’s mostly light industry. The only heavy industry is a steel mill, which belonged to Liu Dequan, but he’s already dead.”
“According to our investigation, this steel mill was originally owned by the patriotic businessman Xu Congyan. Xu founded the steel mill to save the nation through industry and to realize his ideals.”
“However, Liu Dequan used his power to forcibly seize the steel mill from Xu Congyan for his own profit and even drove Xu to death!”
“That Liu Dequan deserves to die!”
To be honest, whether or not Liu Dequan handed over the land, his death was inevitable due to the multitude of crimes he had committed.
Li Yunlong would never let him off.
“Indeed, luckily I personally executed him. Now the steel mill belongs to our First New Regiment.” Li Yunlong raised an eyebrow and smiled, “We’ll need you to prepare to take over the steel mill, Weiguo.”
“This steel mill will be very useful to us in the future.”
Li Yunlong’s system space still contained a bullet production line, plus the copper-clad steel technology later awarded by the system.
He was now ready to establish an arsenal, making the steel mill’s importance self-evident.
“Understood!” Zhou Weiguo immediately accepted the order.
...
After Zhou Weiguo left, Li Yunlong led Wei Dayong and several soldiers from the guard company straight to Liu Dequan’s residence—the Liu Mansion.
One had to admit, Liu Dequan’s wealth was truly substantial.
The mansion was located right in the heart of the town and covered a vast area, even larger than the puppet army’s garrison, which now served as the First New Regiment’s headquarters.
“This guy Liu Dequan sure knew how to live in luxury.” Wei Dayong looked at the mansion before him and gritted his teeth. “He indulged in pleasures while continuously oppressing the people of Jin Sui Town.”
“If only he had done some decent things, the people here wouldn’t have had such a hard time.”
“The temperament of these landlords is ingrained from childhood; they won’t change willingly, so we have to use force!” Li Yunlong clenched his fist. “Though not all landlords are so vicious, those with any shred of humanity are very few.”
“Therefore, the landlord-slave system must be abolished, and the feudal system is absolutely unacceptable.”
“We must establish a new system!”
Hearing Li Yunlong’s words, Wei Dayong immediately gave a thumbs-up. “Commander, you’re truly remarkable.”
“I have a feeling that under your leadership, Jin Sui Town will undergo a complete social transformation.”
“When the time comes, we’ll report this achievement to the Eighth Route Army headquarters and division. That will surely be a distinguished merit!”
“Let’s get to work.” Li Yunlong smiled faintly, not continuing the previous topic.
Soon, Li Yunlong and Wei Dayong’s group arrived at the gates of the Liu Mansion.
Although the two gatekeepers were frightened, they immediately stepped forward to block the way, as this was how they made their living.
However, no sooner had the two gatekeepers stepped out than Wei Dayong drew his pistol!
“Get lost!” Wei Dayong cursed loudly. “Liu Dequan is dead. If you don’t want to join him on the road to the afterlife, disappear from my sight immediately.”
“The bad deeds you did for Liu Dequan before won’t be pursued by our First New Regiment, but if you offend us again, there will be no mercy!”
Hearing Wei Dayong’s words, the two gatekeepers were stunned for a moment, then fled in panic.
Neither wanted to taste the sting of bullets.
Then, on Li Yunlong’s orders, Wei Dayong kicked open the mansion’s gate.
At the noise, the mansion’s gatekeepers and Liu Dequan’s family members all gathered.
But Wei Dayong and several soldiers from the guard company raised their bolt-action rifles, their imposing presence crushing the entire scene.
Wei Dayong began shouting publicly—the same words he used to dismiss the gatekeepers earlier.
Under the First New Regiment’s intimidation, the mansion’s gatekeepers quickly cleared out.
After all, these gatekeepers worked there merely to survive and were not willing to risk their lives.
As for Liu Dequan’s family, all of whom were arrogant and overbearing, Li Yunlong simply ordered Wei Dayong to kill them all.
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures; in a chaotic era, strict laws must be enforced!
Afterward, Li Yunlong began leading Wei Dayong and the others to ransack the mansion.
Indeed, Liu Dequan’s home contained a great deal of wealth—gold, silver, jewels, and various valuables in abundance.
This earned Li Yunlong a small fortune.
However, all these treasures became the military funds of the First New Regiment.
Soon, Wei Dayong reported to Li Yunlong, “Commander, we found many women imprisoned by Liu Dequan in the backyard.”
“Let’s go see.” Li Yunlong frowned.
Soon, Li Yunlong saw these clearly recently captured women who had not yet been abused.
Among them, he even spotted a familiar figure...
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Guess who it is...
Still three more free gifts to go, this chapter broke 30 to urge updates; four chapters today, you all keep an eye on it...