Chapter 762
Undercurrents? Bourgeois Comprador Lackeys are Cowards!
The special plane carrying Chang Ruiyuan disappeared into the depths of the clouds.
The atmosphere in the mountain city grew increasingly somber.
Inside Yunxiu Tower.
Entrusted with the important task of "remaining director", Chen Cixiu is facing the most difficult situation since he entered politics.
“Cixiu, this Fair Sacrifice Act is absolutely unacceptable!”
A veteran of the CC Clique, dressed in a long robe and mandarin jacket, twirling walnuts in his hand, had completely lost his usual composure, pounding his cane on the floor: "Force an 80% tax on high-income earners?"
"Are you going to execute tax evaders?"
"This isn't a tax law, it's outright robbery!"
"This is shaking the very foundations of the Party-state!"
"You, Chen Cixiu, have also studied the classics, how can you follow those scoundrels from North China and make a fool of yourselves?"
"Don't you realize how much public outrage this will provoke?"
"Why not mobilize the public to actively donate? We can also set an example for the public."
"That's right, that makes sense!"
"The Military Intelligence Bureau is always investigating corruption, but the more they investigate, the more they find. In my opinion, there is no corruption at all. They are just using this as an excuse to seize power and suppress dissent!"
"This is how a perfectly good country is ruined."
Behind his desk, Chen Cixiu looked distressed, as if he had suffered a great injustice.
He did not refute, but simply instructed his adjutant to keep serving tea and water to the elders and representatives of the financial groups, adopting a very humble attitude.
It's not just the CC system.
Starting in the morning, representatives from the Kong family and Chen family, as well as people from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangxi, Guangdong, and even Yunnan, Sichuan, and Kangding, arrived.
Even several veteran committee members who had followed the late Premier in his struggle for power during the Tongmenghui era were present.
They flocked to the gates of Yunxiu Tower like a revolving lantern.
Some of these people wept bitterly, recounting the difficulties of running a business.
Some people slammed their fists on the table and accused the new law of being a "red" act.
Some even spoke in a sarcastic tone, implying that if this method were forcibly implemented, tax revenue would inevitably change, leading to a self-depletion of national strength.
After everyone had vented their frustrations, Chen Cixiu sighed and said, "Seniors and colleagues, do you think I, Chen, am unaware of your difficulties?"
Chen Cixiu shook his head, pointed to the ceiling above him, and said with a sense of helplessness, "But this is not something I can decide."
"Before leaving, the Chairman spent the entire night in his study."
"The next morning, those two words were added to the bill—'Zhongzheng'."
"I believe you are all aware of the difficulties the Chairman faces."
Chen Cixiu's gaze swept over everyone, his eyes gentle yet clearly carrying a deeper meaning: "When the Chairman left, he specifically mentioned Sun Mingjiu, who had just been executed."
Everyone's heart skipped a beat, and the room fell silent instantly.
Chen Cixiu picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and spoke as if it were a casual conversation: "The Chairman said that Sun Mingjiu's head can only appease half of the anger of the soldiers on the front lines. The other half will have to be appeased by this bill."
"I did advise the Chairman, saying that this was too radical."
Chen Cixiu spread his hands and said with a wry smile, "But the Chairman asked me in return—is it more important to offend a few people, or to have hundreds of thousands of troops mutini?"
"If someone like Sun Mingjiu has already been sacrificed, and this bill cannot be passed, I'm afraid he'll have to find a few more heavyweight heads to give an explanation to the million proud and fierce soldiers in North China."
At this point, Chen Cixiu stood up and cupped his hands in greeting to the crowd: "You are all pillars of the Party and the country, while I, Chen, am merely a soldier."
"This knife was handed over by the chief advisor, and the soldiers at the front are watching it."
"If I were to stop him, my head would probably become the next Sun Mingjiu's."
"So, please, seniors, don't put me in a difficult position."
"Those who are obligated to pay, even if it's just for show, should pay a portion first. What if someone really insists on walking into the line of fire?"
Chen Cixiu paused, a look of "helplessness" on his face: "Then when the Chairman is furious, or the 'Supervisory Committee' takes some action, even if I, Chen, want to protect him, I'm afraid I will be powerless to do so."
"To put it bluntly, this Supervisory Committee is essentially no different from the Inspectorate. It's just that the Chairman put it under Dai Yunong's Military Intelligence Bureau. If it were handed over to the Inspectorate, I think you all know what would happen."
The elders and their agents looked at each other in bewilderment.
I felt a chill run from the soles of my feet straight up to the top of my head.
Chen Cixiu's words, though not a single harsh word, were piercing to the heart.
He shifted all the blame to the "bloodthirsty" Chiang Kai-shek and the "powerful" North China commander.
Not only did they completely absolve themselves of any responsibility, but they also made it crystal clear to everyone.
Anyone who dares to block North China's path will be the next Sun Mingjiu.
You disagree? Try me if you dare!
Many people are well aware that the 22nd Group Army set off south via the Sichuan-Shaanxi Highway.
Although Wang Mingzhang was a former subordinate of Sun Zhen, and Sun Zhen was from the Sichuan Army.
But now that they've latched onto a powerful figure, who knows if they'll still remember the old times?
This reorganized and strengthened combat force is not something that local security regiments can easily deal with.
……
Meanwhile, at No. 19 Luojiawan, the headquarters of the Military Intelligence Bureau.
Dai Yunong was standing in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the gloomy sky outside.
He held in his hand a list of members of the newly formed "Special Investigation Committee".
"Director."
Shen Zui walked in quietly: "It seems that Commander Chen's attitude is not firm enough."
The high-ranking officials emerged from Yunxiu Tower, their faces grim, but they didn't seem to take it too seriously.
Dai Yunong turned around, a cold glint flashing in his sinister eyes: "Commander Chen can't offend anyone; we should be the bad guys."
"This is to tell us that he has given us enough face, and if anyone still doesn't know how to appreciate it, then don't blame us, the Military Intelligence Bureau, for being ruthless."
"The inspection team personnel have also been assigned to you. I am nominally in charge of this inspection committee, but you will actually be in charge of the work."
"The banks and Minsheng Trading Company that we will be focusing on monitoring next, especially if they experience large outflows of funds at this critical juncture."
He made a downward cutting gesture: "No matter who's behind this, as long as the evidence is conclusive, arrest them first and seal the ledgers!"
"Don't worry about anything going wrong."
"With Sun Mingjiu's head in front of us and the Chairman's 'order' pressing us down, and the 22nd Army Group already on its way, these people don't dare to cause too much trouble."
"Yes!"
……
With the investigation network expanded and Chen Cixiu's "heart-to-heart" remarks spreading within the circle, the mountain city, which should have been in an uproar over the Chairman's departure, unexpectedly became quiet.
Those powerful figures who usually had connections and influence suddenly realized that this time was different.
It seems that the Chairman really intends to kill him.
He took his trusted confidants from his personal staff with him to Shanxi for an inspection.
What can't we do?
As long as North China stands firmly behind Chang Ruiyuan, their support becomes insignificant.
But is that right?
Isn't Chang Ruiyuan worried that he will be sidelined or die in North China?
A feeling called "fear" is spreading among the upper echelons of the mountain town.
In the calm before the storm, the old forces, faced with this gleaming blade of the "new law," began to instinctively shrink back and compromise.
The weakness of the bourgeoisie and comprador lackeys was fully revealed at this moment.
……
Almost at the same time.
Taiyuan, Shanxi, a thousand miles away.
Compared to the rain and haze that blanketed the mountain city, the sky over Taiyuan was crystal clear.
Chang Ruiyuan, dressed in military uniform, accompanied by Chu Xichun and Zhu Peiji, was inspecting the newly expanded [structure/building].
The warehouse door opened, and a rich aroma of grain wafted out.
Chang Ruiyuan looked at the mountains of millet and wheat, and the rows of neat sacks, his eyes filled with shock.
Although Chu Xichun explained that this was the last reserve in the Taiyuan area, it was enough to shock Chang Ruiyuan.
When he inspected the rear, he often encountered either old rice mixed with sand and mold, or fake grains made of wheat bran and river sand.
This led to grain prices in the rear rising three times a day.
Military rations were frequently in short supply, and inadequate supply had become the norm.
But here, the grain is so plentiful that it looks as if the autumn harvest has already taken place.
"Okay, okay!"
Chang Ruiyuan grabbed a handful of golden millet, letting it slip through his fingers: "Qingbo, Shanxi is really nice here."
"I dare not accept such praise from the Chairman." Chu Xichun bowed modestly. "This was all done step by step, following Yunfei's method."
"I've heard about it."
Chang Ruiyuan patted the dust off his hands: "You guys have implemented a 'real land tax collection' system, directly collecting grain, not legal tender, and not using Shanxi paper money."
“I had previously had people follow your example and implement ‘land tax collection in kind’ in the rear, but there was a lot of resistance, layers of exploitation, and complicated procedures. Only one-tenth of the collected grain was stored, which caused widespread public resentment.”
Why was it able to be implemented so smoothly in Shanxi?
Not only did they stabilize prices, but they also ensured the food supply for hundreds of thousands of troops?
Su Tao, the secretary of the administrative office, glanced at Chu Xichun and, seeing the other nod, stepped forward and reported, "Chairman, the key to Shanxi's success lies in two points."
"Which two points?"
"First, we have made taxation more stringent."
Chu Xichun picked up the conversation, her expression solemn: "Back when Yunfei was in southeastern Shanxi, he reorganized the local tax police system."
"Tax police used to wield pens, but now they wield guns."
"Later, we expanded the tax police brigade into a tax police regiment, fully armed, and deployed it to the county and township levels."
"When collecting grain, I held an account book in one hand and a gun in the other."
"Anyone who dares to resist taxes, anyone who dares to conceal information, or even anyone who smuggles or embezzles goods midway through the journey, will be court-martialed on the spot!"
Chang Ruiyuan nodded repeatedly: "In chaotic times, harsh measures are necessary; this is the only way!"
"And the second point?"
Chu Xichun paused, her tone becoming subtle: "Secondly, we revitalized the grassroots level."
"Having guns alone is not enough; we also need people to do the work, to mobilize people, and to verify the land area."
“In the past, we relied on the village chiefs and headmen, but those people were local tyrants and bullies. Expecting them to collect taxes was like asking a tiger for its skin.”
"Therefore, we relied on the cadres who had completed their studies at the Shanxi Military and Political University."
Chang Ruiyuan raised an eyebrow: "Military and Political University? That's the one you and the Red Party set up?"
“Yes.” Chu Xichun carefully considered her words: “This school does not discriminate based on party affiliation; it only emphasizes practical work.”
"We hired many instructors from the Eighth Route Army, and even cadres from Yan'an, to give lectures at the school."
Chang Ruiyuan abruptly stopped, his gaze sharpening as he looked at Chu Xichun: "A member of the Red Party as an instructor?"
The air instantly tensed.
Zhu Peiji broke out in a cold sweat.
Chu Xichun remained calm and said frankly, "Chairman, I have to admit that the Red Party does have a knack for mobilizing the masses, grassroots mobilization, and maintaining integrity and self-discipline."
"Since their methods work, and can help us harvest the grain and wrest local power back from the local tyrants and bullies, why not use them?"
"The thousands of students trained by this military and political university were assigned to villages and hamlets throughout Shanxi."
"They wore straw sandals, ate coarse grains, and mingled with the farmers."
"With them around, those old bureaucrats who want to line their own pockets can't get involved at all."
"It is precisely because of this clean and efficient grassroots team, coupled with the armed support of the tax police corps, that our 'real collection of land taxes' can be truly implemented, and that every grain can be stored in the warehouse without any shortage."
Chang Ruiyuan remained silent.
Looking at the granaries full of grain, he felt a mix of emotions.
Throughout his life, he regarded the Red Party as a mortal enemy, yet he also repeatedly expressed his hatred for the corruption and incompetence of the Kuomintang's grassroots members.
Today, on the land of Shanxi, his Huangpu Military Academy student Chu Yunfei has actually saved the "current situation" using "enemy methods".
How ironic, yet how practical.
After a long silence, Chang Ruiyuan sighed, his tone carrying a hint of desolation and a touch of helpless acquiescence.
"Daring and unconventional."
"Whether it's a white cat or a black cat, a good cat is one that catches mice."
Chang Ruiyuan turned around and strode out: "Then let him do whatever he wants!"
"go!"
"Let's go check out the military factory... so much time has passed." (End of Chapter)