Chapter 52 Chapter 4: Riding Solo at Jiangkou Mine to Raise Funds——Spotless

A young man dressed in black rushed into the mine manager's room in a panic. "What's the matter? You're in such a panic!" A fat middle-aged man in a silk mandarin jacket asked dissatisfiedly. "Report the mine owner that the Red Army has arrived in Jiangkou County!" "Ah? So fast! How many people have come?" "A lot! The walls of the street are covered with slogans of the Red Army." "Oh..." The mine owner frowned brow. The owner of the mine, surnamed Liu, was originally a chief of staff under the Guizhou warlord Wang Jialie.After a while, mine owner Liu said slowly: "Everyone, what's your plan?" There were several clerks and foremen standing next to the mine owner.

"Thirty-six strategies are the best strategy. Before the Red Army arrives here, leave as soon as possible!" A foreman said. "Where are we going?! The Red Army occupied Jiangkou and blocked the intersection of our mine. How can we get out?" Another foreman said. "Then quickly send a telegram to old man Wang Jialie, asking him to send troops to defend us." A clerk said. "Hey!" The mine owner sneered twice. "The water far away can't quench the thirst of the near ones. By the time they send troops, we will be finished." "Then shoot the miners... With the military genius of our mine owners, we are still afraid of these mud legs..." A foreman took the opportunity to praise Liu Mine host.

"Can these stinky miners and poor boys be trusted? They are brothers and sisters with the Red Army, and they vent their anger." "Then what should we do?" Everyone stared at Mine Owner Liu. Mine owner Liu was pacing up and down the house, suddenly stopped, rolled his eyes, and said, "Send an invitation to invite the Red Army!" "Please come to the mine with the Red Army!" the mine owner repeated. "Isn't this luring wolves into the house? As the saying goes, it's easier to treat guests than to see them off!" "What do you know? This is called 'capture the thief first and capture the king'. If we buy the leader of the Red Army, we can be safe. Hahaha." They won't come!" a clerk worried.

"It will definitely come—" Mine Owner Liu stretched out his tone, appearing full of confidence. "Everyone has seven emotions and six desires. Who doesn't want to eat delicious food and drink spicy food... When they are full, they will not hold their hands high!" "Mine owner's advice!" Ye Changgeng rode a horse and walked along the path to the Jiangkou tin mine . The sun has already set in the west, and the crops in the field are ripe and golden yellow.Ye Changgeng was not in the mood to enjoy the autumn scenery in the mountains, he felt very uneasy. Just now, Wang Zhen, political commissar of the Sixth Red Army, called him over and said to him, "Now there is a special task for you to complete."

"Special mission? Where are you going to fight again?" Ye Changgeng became happy when he heard that there was a mission. "It's not a war! I sent you to Jiangkou Mine to raise funds." "Fundraising?" Ye Changgeng thought to himself: I am a military commander, a division commander, why ask me to raise money? Seeing Ye Changgeng's surprised expression, Wang Zhen said calmly: "The mine owner called for our Red Army leader to go. I discussed it with Xiao Ke and decided to send you there." "Am I going on behalf of the Red Sixth Army?"

"Yes! But—they invite us to talk. After you get to the mine, you can eat and drink. Play by ear and find a way to raise some money for our army." "How much?" "It's up to you to decide, of course as many as possible." "Understood." "Don't underestimate this mine owner! This man is cunning and scheming, and he worked under Wang Jialie for a while!" "How many people do I take?" Commissar Wang smiled: "This is not a charge to fight. Why do you take people to do it? Just you, 'go to the meeting alone'."

"What? Just me?!" "If you want to bring, bring a messenger and a groom." "How can this be done?" Ye Changgeng just wanted to complain, but suddenly stopped.Political Commissar Wang hated others complaining, and it was useless if he shouted, and he might even be punished.He quickly changed his words: "When are you leaving?" "Let's go now!" "Let me get ready!" "What preparations do you need to make? Just think about it on the way." Ye Changgeng got on the horse. Ye Changgeng immediately thought: Our Sixth Red Army Corps was ordered to go west in the face of danger, and we have traveled more than 2,000 kilometers.I have fought bloody battles along the way, and now I have run out of ammunition and food, and must replenish supplies.Fundraising tasks are no less than fighting a war.I want to be calm, flooded with water, blocked by soldiers, and resolutely complete this task...

"Mr. Ye, we're here." The correspondent's call interrupted his train of thought.He looked up and saw that the mining area was full of machines and towering derricks, with thick black smoke coming out of the chimneys.The roar of the mining machine, the clanging of the hammer, and the rattling of the wheels of the steam engine intersected together, making it chaotic and harsh.The workers were all dusty and indifferent.The mine office building is on the east side of the mine area, where a group of welcoming people gathered. Ye Changgeng got off his horse and strode towards the crowd.

As soon as Ye Changgeng arrived, there was the sound of crackling firecrackers immediately. Foremen, mine clerks, and several young women dressed in coquettish clothes lined up to welcome him.They held small red and green pennants and flowers in their hands, and waved them to him again and again. A short, stout man in his late fifties, wearing a green gown, walked out of the crowd, greeted Ye Changgeng with a smile on his face, bowed deeply to Ye Changgeng, and said, "Mr. My mine, I couldn't welcome you from far away, please forgive me! My surname is Liu, and I am the owner of the mine here, I hope Mr. Ye will give me some advice!"

Ye Changgeng was very uncomfortable, but he didn't show his face, and returned the gift, saying: "Mine Manager Liu, everyone, you don't have to be polite." "Mr. Ye, don't take offense. This is my home. If you have anything to do, just tell me, brother will do it." The mine owner looked respectful. "Inside the room, please!" "Please!" After entering the room, the host and guest sat down. Ye Changgeng thought to himself, this mine owner is very straightforward, as long as I order anything, that's great, why not talk about the fundraising.So he pushed the boat along the way: "Our army has just arrived at Jiangkou, and we need..."

The owner of the mine immediately interrupted him: "Mr. Ye has worked hard all the way, I have specially prepared a table of thin wine to wash Mr. Ye's dust, and then we can talk." Ye Changgeng thought about it, it doesn't matter if he doesn't talk, anyway, he is already hungry, and he has the strength to talk to them when he is full. The mine owner put on a sumptuous banquet.The leaders of the mine, rich men and literati from tens of miles away all came to accompany the banquet.There are staggered cups and plates on the table. The dishes include famous dishes such as stewed silky chicken, red carp in purse, whitebait from Dongting Lake, etc. The wine includes Moutai and brandy... Ye Changgeng had never seen such good wine and food in his life. He thought to himself, these local tyrants and evil gentry don't know how to exploit the working people! After everyone was seated, Mine Manager Liu left his seat to toast and gave a speech: "Guests, it is a great honor for Mr. Ye, the leader of the Red Army, to visit our mine today. Mr. Ye is a famous general of the Red Army, with world-class martial arts skills. You Fang, outstanding military exploits, victorious in every battle. I am so lucky to have met Mr. Ye!" When Ye Changgeng heard these nasty flattery, goose bumps all over his body.He immediately got up and said: "I am a soldier, a soldier from a poor background. During the Northern Expedition, I served as a soldier and a squad leader; in the Kuomintang army, I served as a squad leader and acting as a platoon leader. An ordinary commander in the Red Army." "Mr. Ye is still a hero of the Northern Expedition, admirable and admirable! Come on, let's drink this cup." Mine owner Liu said as he took the lead to drink a cup, and continued: "We all have Mr. Ye's care, great blessings are in heaven! Haha Haha!" The others chimed in together: "Yes, we all rely on Mr. Ye!" When Ye Changgeng heard it, there was something in his words!You want me to protect them, no way!So he went on to say: "I, Ye Changgeng, listen to the party and act impartially according to the policies of the Red Army, without showing favoritism!" The mine owner was taken aback for a moment, and thought: This Red Army is really tough!No, you have to continue to support it.He coughed dryly, and said: "Mr. Ye is so modest and upright, brothers admire, admire! The Red Army is the world's benevolent and righteous army. Wherever it goes, it will not rob, steal, or take it, and it will not commit any crime. It has won the hearts of everyone... ..." "This sentence is correct!" Ye Changgeng interrupted him, "The Red Army is the people's army, and it has strict discipline. Sharing wives', 'murder and arson', 'everyone is a goblin', these are pure nonsense!" "Mr. Ye's words are very true. We—" He pointed to the rich and gentry present, "It is because the Red Army cares about the interests of the people, does not infringe on the interests of the people, loves the people and benevolent to the people. "He put the word "common people" very seriously. Those gentry chimed in one after another: "The Red Army has committed no crimes, we can rest assured." Listen to the sound of speaking, and listen to the sound of drums and drums.Ye Changgeng immediately recognized the name, this cunning mine owner originally wanted us to keep his property.No, I have to tell him about the Red Army's policy towards local tyrants and evil gentry. "The Red Army is to eliminate the unreasonable system of exploiting and oppressing people. The Red Army is not like the Kuomintang army, which arrests and kills randomly. The Red Army is policy-oriented: it generally does not arrest or kill wealthy and powerful landlords and gentry. Take property confiscation or fines, and distribute their property and land to the poor, so that they can become self-sufficient laborers." As he spoke, he swept his eyes across the audience, and saw that their heads were lowered, their eyes were dim, and their faces were ugly. . "Of course, the Red Army will never be merciful to those local tyrants and evil gentry who run amok in the countryside, do evil and cause great public anger!" A layer of sweat broke out. "Ah, the weather is too hot! Open the windows! We are all enlightened gentlemen, ah, haha!" The mine owner laughed a few times. "Yes, we are not local tyrants and evil gentry..." "Mine owner Liu is kind and soft-hearted. He has always taken care of the miners, but he is a good man!" Seeing their embarrassment, Ye Changgeng laughed in his heart, and said, "Is he a good man? We know best that we will not wrong a good man, nor will we Let go of a bad guy!" "We support the Red Army, shouldn't we be fined?" the mine owner asked tentatively, trembling with fear. Ye Changgeng's heart brightened, and they finally showed their hole cards.So he went straight to the point: "To support the Red Army, you must take action. Your tin mine has at least 20,000 to 30,000 people, and you are the richest man in the county. How much wealth have you exploited from the workers? You should spit it out this time!" " The mine owner's face turned pale, he sighed hypocritically, and cried out, "Where did I get the money? I'm at the end of my rope, I can't pay my wages, and I owe a whole lot of debt..." "So, you don't want to pay the money!" Ye Changgeng said coldly. The mine owner panicked as soon as he heard the tone: "No, no, no! I'll give it, I'll give it, how much do you want, let's count it!" "80,000!" Ye Changgeng blurted out. "Ah?" The mine owner, who loves money like his life, immediately slumped on the chair.After a while, Haotao burst into tears: "I don't have so much money!" The people present knew that food should not be free, and they all pleaded for the mine owner: "It is not easy to open a tin mine these days! Master Ye, please be merciful, so let's pay 10,000!" "No, 80,000 is 80,000, not a single point less!" Ye Changgeng refused to budge. The mine owner saw that he was being soft, and suddenly his face sank: "Why do you want to fine me? I don't steal, and I don't rob!" Ye Changgeng was tit-for-tat: "Where did your property come from? Did you earn it through your labor? Didn't it come from exploiting the workers?" "What if I don't give it?" The mine owner said provocatively. "If you don't give it, I will force you to give it!" "Your Red Army just lost the battle at Ganxi, and now it is at the end of its strength, and it is at stake." Ye Changgeng thought to himself: This mine owner is worthy of being Wang Jialie's former chief of staff, and the news is quite well-informed.He said: "Victory or defeat is a matter of routine for military strategists. The Red Army turned the corner and moved smoothly when the enemy was several times larger than me, which is a sign of strength. If you don't believe me, come and touch!" "Unfortunately, you won't be able to see them then!" the mine owner said coldly. Several burly men rushed in from outside with a murderous look, and surrounded Ye Changgeng.The mine owner was angry and said, "How about it, do you need another 80,000?" Ye Changgeng didn't change his face, his heart didn't beat, he glared at the mine owner, and shouted: "What do you want to do? Want to use force? I am not afraid of anything! Whoever touches a hair of my hair, I will tell him to go out sideways! If you have the courage, come on!" !” A few words stunned the mine owner.The thugs were also there in a daze. "Get out!" The mine owner raised his hand, and the thugs retreated. "A gentleman uses his mouth but not his hands. There is something to discuss." A gentry came up to smooth things over. "Mr. Ye, don't be offended. My subordinates are ignorant, which surprised you." The mine owner softened again. "I really can't come up with 80,000 yuan, please forgive Master Ye. As for Master Ye, I will take special care of it." He said "special care" very slowly. After a pause, the mine owner stretched out two fingers and said, "How about this number?" "What's the meaning?" "Mr. Ye has done a lot of hard work, and I reward you with 2000 oceans, which is not a respect!" He said, took out a bank note, and handed it to him. Ye Changgeng threw the bank note on the ground and shouted loudly: "You want to buy me, you are wishful thinking! Daydreaming! You have already paid the 80,000 yuan!" It was late at night.Seeing that Ye Changgeng refused to accept Ye Changgeng, Mine Master Liu rolled his eyes, smiled all over his face, and said slyly: "Mr. Ye, let's talk about money another day. It's getting late. Mr. Ye is tired from the journey, so hurry up and rest." Go." He then ordered a clerk: "Send Master Ye to rest." As soon as Ye Changgeng went out, he asked, "Where are my correspondent and groom?" The clerk said: "The mine owner has already made arrangements, they have already rested, don't worry!" Ye Changgeng followed the clerk to a secluded place. "Here we are." The clerk pointed to a room and gave him a key.Then he said: "Mr. Ye, go to bed early, sleep well, and get up late tomorrow." After finishing speaking, he left. Ye Changgeng opened the door with a key, and the room was pitch black.He was about to touch the light switch, "Crack!" The light turned on. "Who's in there? Come out!" Ye Changgeng called out. There was no sound in the room.Ye Changgeng looked up and down the room, hey, it’s really nice: milky white lanterns are hung on the pink ceiling, four or five pictures of ladies are hung on the walls, flowers are placed in porcelain vases on the table, red cloth is hung on the glass windows Large curtains, a double bed with a copper frame under the window, and a green gauze curtain hanging on the bed... At this time, the green gauze curtain was slowly lifted, and a woman's delicate voice came from inside: "Mr. Ye, why did you come back so late?" Ye Changgeng turned around and saw a woman sitting in the middle of the bed, under the dim light, she was half naked... Ye Changgeng blushed suddenly, turned his head to the other side, and asked nervously, "Who are you?" The woman turned her head, smiled and said, "It doesn't matter who I am! Hee hee, do you think I'm pretty? Young...? Why, you don't like women? Hee hee!" "Who's joking with you? Be serious!" "Oh, what are you serious about? I've seen a lot of you men. You seem serious on the surface, but in fact..." "Shut up!" "Mr. Ye, why do you have to do this? You have to enjoy yourself while you're alive. Don't tell me your Red Army has a heart of stone?" He stood up while talking, twisting his waist. Ye Changgeng was furious, and said loudly, "You, get out!" "Mr. Ye, don't get angry. I didn't come here by myself. I was ordered by the mine owner to accompany you..." "Mine Master Liu, this shameless thing!" Ye Changgeng immediately understood everything in front of him.Seeing that the woman was still refusing to leave, he said, "You still don't go away!...Aren't you going? Okay, I'll go! I'll go to mine owner Liu to settle the score!" After that, he turned around and pulled away. Door. Seeing that Ye Changgeng really wanted to leave, the woman was afraid that the matter would become a big mess, so she quickly said: "Since Mr. Ye is clean and self-respecting, then I'm leaving." After finishing speaking, she got dressed.He turned his ass and walked away.Walking to the gate, the people turned around and said, "Mr. Ye, if you feel lonely, you can still call me. I will live in..." Ye Changgeng rushed forward and closed the door forcefully with a "bang". Early the next morning, Ye Changgeng approached mine owner Liu angrily, and asked sharply, "You despicable villain, how dare you use a 'beauty trick' to drag me into the water! How unreasonable!" The owner of the mine apologized repeatedly: "Mr. Ye calm down, I really don't know. This is all arranged by my subordinates. When the officials of the Kuomintang go to the mine, they always find a young woman to stay with them. This time, they also thought... It was all my fault in advance." They didn't explain, they don't understand the rules of the Red Army. Master Ye, please forgive me, please forgive me..." "That woman clearly said she was sent by you, yet you still dare to deny it!" "..." The mine owner got stuck. At this moment, the correspondent and the groom came with a bag of silver dollars, and said in front of the mine owner: "Master, last night, someone gave us 200 silver dollars. It's down. We refused to take it, so they put down the money and left. Teacher, look..." Ye Changgeng threw the money to mine owner Liu and warned him loudly: "We are the Red Army, so don't try to deal with us in the same way you used to deal with the Kuomintang. You must pay the money, and we will hear back in two days. If you don't pay, you will be punished." Take care of yourself!" After saying that, he left. Two days later, mine owner Liu was still complaining and refused to pay the money. Ye Changgeng patted the table: "Commissioner, hurry up and call the two regiments to see if he still pays!" The correspondent turned around and left, but the mine owner quickly stopped him and said in panic, "I'll pay, I'll pay!" Then he took out 20,000 yuan. "There is still 60,000, you have to pay it within 5 days!" Ye Changgeng happily returned to the army with 20,000 yuan in cash.