OBS Chapter 1261 1926
Chapter 1261 1926
Chapter 1261 1926
The patrol team that was stripped naked and driven out of Bailu Village like plague pigs in the dead of winter became a long-standing joke in Zishui County and even Xi'an City, and also cemented Bailu Village's infamous reputation as a place where "poor mountains and bad waters breed unruly people".
The patrol captain's face, swollen and bluish from the cold, and his incoherent accusations were vividly depicted amidst the flying spittle at the "Listening to the Rain Pavilion" teahouse in the county town. In the end, it turned into a wisp of comical smoke, drifting away into the bottomless icy lake of the bureaucratic system, without even a decent ripple.
The reason? Everyone knows the answer. "I Have a Dream," which exploded like a spring thunder, had already spread all over the country on the wings of newspapers. If he were really arrested, he would definitely be condemned by public opinion. Not to mention anything else, just the spittle of literary giants like Mr. Cai, Lu Xun, and Zhang Taiyan alone could drown him.
Sending a patrol captain was just to give the Beiyang government some face, so they wouldn't be accused of disobeying orders from above. The only one to blame is that the patrol captain was blinded by greed and thought he had received a lucrative position.
As the winter snow melts and the spring breeze once again sweeps across the vast Bailu Plain, a storm ignited by Beijing seems to have been truly absorbed by this thick loess plateau.
Bailu Village returned to its former peace and resilience. Qin Hao kept to himself, either diligently perfecting his Xinhua Dictionary and Pinyin scheme in Mr. Zhu's quiet courtyard, or at Heiwa's house, instructing the security regiment on more advanced training and the secret management of ammunition reserves.
Time flows silently by as one delves into knowledge and prepares for the future.
In late spring, a carrier pigeon, dusty from its journey, landed precisely on the windowsill of Mr. Zhu's small courtyard. Upon opening the envelope, one found Cai Yuanpei's familiar, lean handwriting.
This letter, sent from Beijing after many twists and turns, no longer possessed its usual composure and certainty; deep disappointment and indignation were barely contained between the lines.
The letter detailed the various perverse actions, factionalism, and embezzlement of education funds by the newly appointed Minister of Education of the Beiyang Government.
His efforts to secure funding for education and maintain the normal operation of the university appeared pale and powerless in the face of powerful bureaucratic forces and corruption.
"With wolves in power, why bother with foxes? ... If the very foundation of education is being gnawed by insects, how can we talk about the future of the nation? ... My heart is broken; I fear I am powerless to bring any light to the students' lives..."
Each word is heavy, as if carrying the bitterness of ink and the smell of sawdust when ideals are crushed.
Qin Hao sighed for a long time before picking up his pen to reply: "Brother Heqing's kindness is something I will never forget. I often recall what you taught me in the capital: 'Do not refrain from doing good because it is small, and do not fail to act because your strength is insignificant.' Now there are demons and monsters in the court. Your departure from your position is like a dragon leaving the mire. Is this not the way of Heaven..."
"I hope you will not lose heart, but hold fast to your principles and do what you believe in. Education is not something that can be accomplished in a day, and saving the country requires even more perseverance. Although I live in a remote wilderness, I have great faith in your talent and ambition. One day, I will be able to enlighten the people and reignite the flame of national rejuvenation in a wider world. I hope you will take good care of yourself."
About a month later, Cai Yuanpei's second letter arrived. The heavy, somber atmosphere in his writing had vanished, replaced by a weary yet purposeful calm. He inquired about Qin Hao's situation in Bailuyuan, the progress of the Xinhua Dictionary, and the current state of education in Northwest China.
At the end of the letter, a message rippled like a pebble thrown into a calm lake: "I recently received a letter from a fellow student studying in Europe, discussing how insightful people in Britain and America have differing opinions on the Boxer Indemnity and may negotiate its return for educational purposes. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a ray of hope for nurturing talent for our nation! Although I am not in a position of power, I still feel compelled to do my part. I have decided to travel south, starting from Shanghai and sailing to Britain and France, hoping to do my utmost to mediate and hopefully use this 'ill-gotten money' to build the foundation for our education. The future is uncertain, but my heart is set on it, and I will follow it without hesitation. My brother Zihan should understand my intentions... Take care and wait for my return."
After reading the letter, Mr. Zhu sighed deeply: "Heqing, you are truly a national hero! You have lofty ambitions to save the world and the brilliant talents to bring peace to the country. If you were to live in a peaceful era, you would surely become a renowned minister, whose name would be etched in history!"
……
Three years passed in the blink of an eye, and it was already January 1926. During these three years, Bailuyuan seemed to have been blessed by the heavens, with three consecutive years of favorable weather and good harvests. The granaries of every household on the plain were overflowing, and the population also flourished.
The loud cries of the newborn baby brought vitality to the ancient plateau. Heiwa's little rascal is running around all day now, with a chubby face and a lively spirit; he's the future king of the kids on Bailu Plain.
Bai Xiaowen was already fourteen years old, which was considered an adult in the countryside. Many boys in these families were already married and had started their own families at this age. Bai Jiaxuan had also considered this idea, but Qin Hao strongly dissuaded him, which made him give up the idea.
Originally, Bai Jiaxuan thought that his eldest son's abilities were clearly not something that a small village like Bailu Village could accommodate, so he planned to have his second son, Bai Xiaowen, take over his position.
Bai Xiaowen couldn't be happier. He dreamed of becoming the clan chief. In his eyes, being the clan chief was so prestigious that the whole Bailu Plain would tremble if he stomped his feet.
"Xiaowen, are you really planning to stay in Bailu Village for the rest of your life and never leave?" Qin Hao didn't directly object, but instead had a private heart-to-heart talk with Bai Xiaowen.
Bai Xiaowen stammered, unable to utter a single word for a long time.
Qin Hao patted him on the shoulder: "How about this, when school starts in the second half of the year, I'll arrange for you to go to middle school in Xi'an. After you finish three years of middle school, if you still want to go back to the village to take over the class, I will definitely support you with all my might."
Between taking over the position and going to Xi'an, Bai Xiaowen chose to go to Xi'an. After all, it was still too early for him to take over the position, but the opportunity to study in Xi'an was not something that could be taken for granted. You can see that no matter how many times Bai Ling begged, Qin Hao did not agree.
When Bai Ling heard that Bai Xiaowen was going to study in Xi'an, she also came to Qin Hao and acted coquettishly.
"Big brother, you're being unfair! Why can second brother go to Xi'an to study, but I can't?"
At ten years old, Bai Ling already had the makings of a beauty in her eyes and brows, but beneath this good appearance lay a fiery temperament that was still like that of a boy.
She has a natural talent for reading and writing, but her fearless spirit remains undiminished. She's always getting into fights with Gouwa from the east village over loaches in the ditch, or with Sanwa from the west village fighting over a piece of candy from Bai Xiaowu. She even dares to rush in when she sees an older boy from the neighborhood bullying a weaker child.
Xiancao's hair turned white from worry, and she tossed and turned at night, unable to sleep: "This girl... how will she find a husband in the future!"
Bai Jiaxuan just chuckled, his eyes full of indulgence: "Go ahead and fight, as long as you don't suffer any losses! Who says women have to be submissive? My daughter, Bai Jiaxuan's daughter, should have a fierce spirit!"
However, Bai Ling was fearless, but she never dared to be presumptuous in front of Qin Hao, because she knew very well that in this family, her eldest brother was the only one who truly treated everyone equally.
That's why Bai Ling came to Qin Hao and acted coquettishly, her grievances almost impossible to hide in her eyes.
"What do you think girls' schools in Xi'an teach? It's still the feudal society's three obediences and four virtues. If you really want to go, you can, but you have to sign a written agreement that you can't violate the school rules. One warning, two times your allowance will be halved, and three times you'll be expelled and sent home."
Upon hearing this, Bai Ling immediately deflated: "Ah, isn't everyone saying that Xi'an is more open than here? Why are they teaching this stuff? It's not even as good as our village."
Qin Hao gently tapped her forehead: "Do you think every village is like our Bailu Village?"
Bai Ling pouted, but ultimately turned away unwillingly, pulling Lu Zhaohai, who was hiding behind the ridge, to catch sparrows.
When she got home, she happened to run into Bai Xiaowu feeding the livestock for Xiancao, and she stopped in her tracks without realizing it.
Bai Xiaowen was pampered by his grandmother, Bai Zhaoshi, and Bai Ling was also doted on by Bai Jiaxuan. Only Bai Xiaowu was caught in the middle, and because of his quiet and taciturn nature, he was easily overlooked.
"Xiaowu, do you know that your second brother is going to study in Xi'an?"
Bai Xiaowu paused in his work, then nodded.
Qin Hao walked up to him: "Don't you have any thoughts on this?"
Bai Xiaowu shook his head and said softly, "Going to school in Xi'an costs a lot of money..."
"Don't worry about the money. If you want to go, I'll pay for it," Qin Hao interrupted.
However, Bai Xiaowu hesitated for a moment and then shook his head: "I'd better not go. I'm not cut out for studying. My father said I'm better suited to farming."
"Xiaowu, look at me."
Qin Hao looked directly at Bai Xiaowu: "Now you don't need to care what others say, I just want to hear your real thoughts."
Bai Xiaowu blinked: "I've never been to Xi'an before..."
"Okay, I understand. You'll stay with me at your uncle's place for a while, and I'll tutor you. In the second half of the year, I'll send you to study in Xi'an with Xiaowen."
Bai Xiaowu watched Qin Hao's retreating figure, silently wiping away the tears from the corners of his eyes. Xiancao hugged him tightly, offering silent comfort.
She knew that her honest and simple second son had suffered a lot of grievances, but there were some things she couldn't say, after all, both sons were her flesh and blood.
"Xiaowu, go take a shower and pack your things. I'll pack your luggage. From now on, listen to your older brother, okay?"
"I know, Mother. I won't disturb my older brother and uncle."
"What I mean is, from now on you should listen to your older brother. He won't hurt you, you know?"
"Ah."
That evening, Bai Xiaowu moved into Mr. Zhu's house with Qin Hao. Zhu Bai was quite happy about it; after all, she was going to herd one sheep or two sheep anyway, so it was just a matter of adding a couple more chopsticks.
From then on, Mr. Zhu's quiet little courtyard, filled with the fragrance of books and ink, became Bai Xiaowu's second school.
During the day, under Mr. Zhu's guidance, he studied literature, calligraphy, and recited classics. In the evening, Qin Hao became his "martial arts instructor." There were no complicated routines; he only taught the most practical fighting techniques—how to generate power, how to deflect power, how to protect oneself, and how to defeat an enemy in one move.
The cold, hard punches and kicks struck the sandbag with a dull thud, and sweat soaked through his clothes, but Bai Xiaowu never complained of being tired. On the contrary, he preferred martial arts to academics.
His favorite quote from his older brother is: "Muscle memory doesn't lie."
……
The spring planting season had just ended, and the cuckoo's call had barely ceased, when Bai Jiaxuan received an official document signed by the newly appointed Zishui County Magistrate: the county government had decided to establish a new-style national primary school in Bailu Village, a place "rich in talent and blessed with a burgeoning literary tradition"! Bai Jiaxuan, the clan head, was ordered to immediately attend a meeting at the county government to discuss the specific details.
This news was like a thunderbolt, causing a stir throughout Bailu Plain. Discussions arose at every dinner table, along the field ridges, and under the old tree at the village entrance.
"A school will be set up in our village? The county will provide the funding? Is there really such a good thing?"
In Heiwa's view, it would be a miracle if officials didn't make money.
Qin Hao joked, "Zhaoqian's perspective on issues is quite insightful now."
Ever since Heiwa had a baby, Qin Hao has started calling him by his full name. At first, Heiwa wasn't used to it, but he gradually got used to it.
Just as Qin Hao had predicted, the meeting was long and tedious, with the county head giving one speech after another, and the county education bureau chief's plan sounding incredibly impressive, but he remained vague about any substantial financial investment. Bai Jiaxuan's initial expectations were greatly dampened.
The county education bureau chief, who was presiding over the meeting, shouted at the top of his lungs: "Now, I announce an important decision! After careful consideration and selection, and with the approval of the provincial education commissioner, we have decided to appoint a promising young talent who has received the best modern education at the provincial normal school as the first principal of Bailu Village Elementary School. I believe that under his leadership, Bailu Village School will surely become a model for rural elementary schools in the county and even the province!"
Sparse applause filled the hall, but Bai Jiaxuan wasn't interested. He picked up his teacup, pondering how to ask for money.
"Now, please welcome the newly appointed principal of Bailu Village Primary School, Comrade Lu Zhaopeng, to the stage to meet everyone!" The Education Bureau Director's voice was clear and loud.
"Clang—" Bai Jiaxuan lost his grip on the teacup and it smashed on the brick floor, splashing warm tea onto his trouser legs.
Bai Jiaxuan had no idea when the meeting ended; his mind was filled with the image of Lu Zhaopeng delivering his impassioned inaugural address on the podium.
The news quickly spread throughout Bailu Village. The happiest person was none other than Lu Zhaopeng's mother, Zaohua. Since her husband and father-in-law passed away one after another, the family had lost its pillar, and her and Lu Zhaohai's lives had not been as good as before. Although Lu Zilin had squandered a lot of the Lu family's property, the fields and ancestral house were still there, which was a considerable asset.
The uncles and aunts of the Lu family, who were related to her, would come over from time to time to ask for money. As a woman, she dared not offend them and could only watch helplessly as her family's wealth was gradually emptied.
Thank God, her eldest son has finally returned, and he's even become the school principal! Now let's see who dares to bully her and her orphan!
In the Bai family courtyard, Bai Jiaxuan smoked his pipe: "Isn't Zhaopeng teaching at a university in Xi'an? Why would he suddenly want to come back and become a primary school principal?"
"Maybe it's because of his father's influence; he's got an addiction to officialdom," Bai Xiaowen said dismissively.
Qin Hao didn't believe that Lu Zhaopeng had returned because he was addicted to officialdom. By this time, Lu Zhaopeng should have already joined the Party and must have returned with a mission.
It's even possible that his goal wasn't just to carry out land reform; he might have been targeting the security forces, or even his ammunition factory.
That evening, Lu Zhaopeng returned to Bailu Village.
However, instead of going home, he knocked on Mr. Zhu's door.