vncnus Page 76
Page 76
The extremely high costs of capital and commodity circulation in inland regions severely hinder economic development and must be abolished or improved.
The other committee members also put forward their views and opinions on this fiscal reform, which Zhao Yanquan carefully considered and incorporated into the content of this fiscal reform.
All parties involved are very satisfied with this and have expressed their full support for the fiscal reform and tax adjustments.
Previously, everyone thought that this Supreme Ruling Committee was just a decoration and had no real use, but after this meeting to seriously discuss national policies, everyone realized that this ruling committee is extremely useful.
People from all walks of life—scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—could voice their opinions on anything. The key was that Zhao Yan genuinely remembered what they said and even wrote down their demands and interests.
This is truly remarkable. In the past, all the officials in the imperial court were scholars, the biggest difference being whether they came from humble or wealthy families. In any case, they were all scholars, and the discussions of state affairs in the imperial court had nothing to do with the three classes of farmers, artisans, and merchants.
Only today have they discovered that their voices can reach the heavens, and this has even attracted attention.
Zhao Yan was also very glad that he had set up such a ruling committee, otherwise he would never have heard these opinions, and he could not have come up with these ideas by himself.
Zhao Yan was also serving as the national leader for the first time, and he had little experience. According to his previous thinking, fiscal reform and tax adjustments were intended to reduce the pressure on the central government's coffers.
If decisions are made and implemented without a meeting, all the benefits go to the central government. While the lower-level staff may carry out the orders, they are merely going through the motions without putting in any real effort.
The promotion of new coins will inevitably be hindered, because the money has been spent by the central government. I haven't received any benefits, so why should I work hard for you?
Now, let's have a meeting where everyone clearly states their interests and demands, and we can add them together. As long as they are reasonable and reliable, there will be no problem.
Only in this way can such reforms and adjustments be truly implemented. This group of committee members may not be able to completely convince the class forces behind them, but at least they have a leading role.
Zhao Yan needed this kind of leadership, because everything is difficult at the beginning. As long as the beginning is done well and everyone accepts it, if 200 million is printed in the first half of the year, 500 million will be printed in the second half, and 1 billion will be printed next year. Everyone will benefit.
With China's enormous market and population, absorbing a billion or so dollars in paper money shouldn't be a problem. At most, it would just cause some inflation, or even, if we're lucky, there might not be any inflation at all. Instead, it would further stimulate market development and prosperity.
Chapter 134 How Many Return from Ancient Battles?
1908 5 Month 4 Day.
Spring has arrived in North Korea, and flowers are blooming. On the front lines in Daegu, the 27th Division is on the defensive line.
Lieutenant Luo Ming lay lifelessly on his cot in his command post, his face devoid of any vitality, only a deathly stillness of utter despair.
Outside the command post, the soldiers in the trenches wore genuine smiles, for the war was over and they would soon be able to return to their homeland and receive the land promised by the Führer, allowing them to live a prosperous, tax-free life with their families.
Lieutenant Luo Ming's company has changed several times. The current group has only been fighting on the front lines for a little over two months, but even these two months of hardship in the trenches have been extremely difficult for them.
Especially in the previous winter, the winter environment in North Korea was simply inhuman torture. In the extreme cold of minus 20 or 30 degrees Celsius, even the bolts of guns were frozen and could not be pulled back.
Every day, they were constantly shoveling snow and searching for anything that could be burned to keep warm. In heavy snow, if they relaxed even slightly, the heavy snow would fill the trenches and bury the soldiers inside alive.
Frostbite and amputation are common on the front lines. Everyone's face is covered with cracked sores from frostbite, and their hands and feet are all swollen and incredibly itchy, but they can't scratch them because scratching will only cause the skin to tear open and then lead to endless infection and pus.
The food was also a torment. The main staples were frozen potatoes and rice balls, and the side dishes were some collected Korean kimchi and locally transported salted vegetables and pickled fish. There was almost no fresh food.
Occasionally, some dried cured meat, apples, and pears would be transported from the rear, which was considered a feast. Due to the lack of nutrition, the frontline soldiers suffered from various diseases.
Even now that spring has arrived and flowers are blooming, life hasn't been much better. Due to rain and snowmelt, the trenches have turned into puddles, and the front lines have become swamps, with water and mud everywhere.
Not an inch of ground was dry; every pair of feet was soaked, every hand was covered in mud, and limbs were frostbitten in winter and soaked in spring.
No one likes this kind of life, and almost all the soldiers in the National Defense Forces are waiting for the next order to be issued.
The Shanghai armistice agreement was reached on April 24th, a week ago, but no specific orders have been issued. No one knows what will happen next, but all they want is to get out of this hellish trench.
The peace treaty was signed, but the specific details of the withdrawal of troops from the front lines still had to be handled gradually. Neither China nor Japan trusted the other and neither dared to withdraw their troops rashly, for fear that the other side might suddenly launch a surprise attack.
Just two days ago, China and Japan reached an agreement on the specific details of the withdrawal of troops from the front line. The two sides agreed to withdraw troops from the front line at a rate of 10,000 per day until the number of troops stationed there meets the requirements of the treaty. After that, China will withdraw all troops south of the 38th parallel and construct a military buffer zone.
"Lieutenant, the regimental headquarters wants you to go over there. Go now." The messenger walked into the command post, glanced at the untouched food in the ammunition box, and couldn't help but urge, "You should eat something. You can't go on like this."
Lieutenant Luo Ming got out of bed. When he heard the regimental headquarters calling him over, his eyes finally lit up. Ever since the news of the ceasefire came a few days ago, Luo Ming had been like a walking corpse.
In the last hour before the ceasefire took effect on the evening of April 30, Lieutenant Luo Ming openly defied orders and used up all the artillery shells and bullets in the entire battalion, venting his anger on the Japanese troops opposite.
Afterwards, Luo Ming was demoted from captain battalion commander to lieutenant company commander, a demotion of two ranks in one go. After the ceasefire took effect, Lieutenant Luo Ming was like a walking corpse. He didn't eat a single meal, ignored everyone, and didn't give any orders. He just lay motionless on the cot in the command post all day.
Lieutenant Luo Ming arrived at the regimental headquarters filled with hatred and a last glimmer of hope. Standing at the entrance of the regimental command tent, Luo Ming stood at attention and said, "Report!"
"come in!"
Luo Ming walked into the tent and saw Lieutenant Colonel Yang Dingtian, the regimental commander, sitting behind a table. On the table were several heated and opened cans of food, maps rolled up to the side, making room for a bottle of wine, and even a few plates of fresh kimchi.
Upon seeing his superior, Luo Ming immediately asked rashly, "Sir, is the attack about to begin? I'm ready; I can pick up my gun and kill those damn bastards anytime!"
Lieutenant Colonel Yang Dingtian looked at his subordinate, whose face was gaunt and thin, with a complicated expression. He could only say, "Have dinner with me first, and we'll talk after we finish eating."
"I heard you haven't eaten for almost five days, hiding in the command post to fast. Are you planning to cultivate immortality on the battlefield?"
Luo Ming's eyes were bloodshot, filled with hatred and rage: "Sir, I don't need to eat, I need revenge!"
Yang Dingtian was also furious, slamming his hand on the table: "Are you even a soldier? If so, have dinner with me right now! That's an order!"
Yang Dingtian is now the Chief of Staff of the 27th Division and the Lieutenant Colonel Commander of the 272nd Regiment. Before the war, when he went to Nanjing National Defense University for further studies, he was a Captain Battalion Commander of the Elite 1st Division. After completing his studies, he was immediately promoted to Major and Chief of Staff of the Regiment.
He then served as deputy regimental commander and regimental commander, and finally concurrently as chief of staff. The next step was to be promoted to deputy division commander, and then wait for the position of main force division commander.
He's already a lieutenant colonel, a position he could be promoted to colonel at any time. Theoretically, there's no need for him to be so earnest and patient with Luo Ming, a mere lieutenant.
But there was no other way. Luo Ming was one of the main battalion commanders under his command. The soldiers under Luo Ming came from the same place and had fought bravely and made outstanding contributions in various battles.
Half of Yang Dingtian's achievements were due to Luo Ming and his men, and such a subordinate was already Yang Dingtian's staunch confidant, so Yang Dingtian had to give him face.
Faced with his old superior's order, no matter how dissatisfied Luo Ming was, he could only obediently sit down and protest with silence, refusing to touch his chopsticks or pick up his bowl.
Yang Dingtian continued, "What are you standing there for? Hurry up and try them. The logistics department's latest research and development of starch-based canned meat, soybean-pig's feet canned food, and braised offal canned food are all good stuff."
It's a pity that it wasn't developed for so long, and it wasn't until the ceasefire that it was successfully developed. It's really infuriating!
"And the drinks are great too, local North Korean rice wine, not very strong and with a sweet taste. The kimchi is also good, crisp and crunchy!"
Yang Dingtian tried to persuade Luo Ming to eat with a smile, but Luo Ming returned to his deathly silence, sitting opposite him with a blank expression, like a living corpse.
At this moment, Yang Dingtian was just like a new recruit platoon leader in later generations, afraid that a teru teru bozu (a Japanese doll-shaped object) would appear under his command!
If a lieutenant company commander who had just been demoted were to go on a five-day hunger strike and actually starve to death on the front lines, Yang Dingtian, the regimental commander, would definitely be held accountable! Dying from a hunger strike would be the least of his worries; if Luo Ming were to have a mental breakdown and commit suicide, the division headquarters would also be held responsible.
This is not an exaggeration, but a real possibility, because all the villagers that Luo Ming brought with him have died in battle! More than 120 villagers and relatives that Luo Ming brought from his hometown in Guizhou, including his own younger brother, have all been killed or wounded.
In particular, his younger brother Luo Liang took a fatal blow from the Japanese army during a high ground counterattack last month. In the end, Luo Liang was held in his arms and watched as he bled to death.
His uncles, nephews, nieces, and even his own brother all died in the war. Even if Luo Liang were still alive, he would be dead. Even if the war ended, he would have no face to go home. In fact, his best ending would be to be hit by the last bullet of the enemy at the last moment of the war.
But reality is cruel; God somehow allowed Luo Ming to survive!
If Luo Ming weren't the leader and superior of the villagers, he might have felt much less psychological pressure. But he was the commander of everyone, and his relatives and brothers were all buried far from home under his command. No one could accept such a thing.
Yang Dingtian understood his subordinate perfectly. He sighed and said, "Luo Ming, I know you're sad, but the dead are gone. You're alive, so you should live well."
Luo Ming raised his head and interrupted his superior: "Live? How can I live? How can I face my fellow villagers? My mother asks me where my brother is? The villagers ask me where their sons and husbands are? How am I supposed to answer them!"
"The higher-ups made me write the death notices for them by hand, and I had to write how they died and where they died. Every time I wrote one, it felt like a knife was being stabbed in the heart!"
"I'm going crazy, I'd rather be the one who dies!"
Yang Dingtian took out an order and a set of military ranks, lit a cigarette and said: "This is the division headquarters' order to revoke your punishment and restore you to the rank of Army Captain."
Your merits and demerits cancel each other out; you won't be eligible for a promotion or advancement, but your previous disobedience will also be waived.
Yang Dingtian went to great lengths to secure this position for his trusted confidant. The division also took into account Luo Ming's special circumstances and ultimately rescinded the disciplinary order, thus offsetting his merits and demerits.
Yang Dingtian took a deep drag on his cigarette and handed it to Luo Ming. Luo Ming stared at the orders and ranks on the table without saying a word, and silently smoked the cigarette butt.
Yang Dingtian continued, "Now you have two choices: refuse the order and the rank. After the war, I will arrange for you to retire as a captain. Let's part ways amicably. If you need anything in the future, you can come and find me."
"But after you retire, you'll never have another chance to get revenge. I reckon you'll most likely just become an alcoholic and die a rotten death on the roadside."
"The last option is to accept this order and rank, obediently finish this meal, and then cheer up and continue serving in the army with me."
"I guarantee that this ceasefire is just a halftime break. Next time, I will bring you back to fight the Japanese and avenge you!"
"We're all men, a promise is a promise, don't act like women trying to kill yourselves! We've made peace this time, but next time we'll come back with interest. A gentleman's revenge is never too late!"
Yang Dingtian picked up the wine bottle and poured two glasses of wine. He said in a low voice, "I have received news that there will be a large-scale reduction in troops after the war. At least half of the more than 1.4 million national defense troops on the front lines will be reduced."
"If you're willing to continue working for me, I guarantee you'll stay in the army. You don't need to go home. Go back the day you've gotten your revenge."
"If you're not willing, I'll give this opportunity to someone else. I don't respect a coward who only knows how to threaten suicide. What I need is a warrior who dares to fight and struggle!"
Luo Ming took a deep drag on his cigarette, then forcefully rubbed the butt apart with his fingers. Sparks flew everywhere, and Luo Ming's eyes were filled with murderous intent. He picked up the glass of wine on the table and drank it all in one gulp.
Then Luo Ming picked up a bowl and chopsticks and began to eat viciously, wolfing down the kimchi and canned food on the table. Seeing this, Lieutenant Colonel Yang Dingtian, who was sitting opposite him, finally showed a satisfied smile.
Silence speaks louder than words; no answer is the best answer.
To succeed in the military and climb the ranks, you need a few loyal and confidants. Luo Ming was one of the confidants he had his eye on—a capable and daring fighter who was ruthless and didn't mince words.
The military is similar to the political arena; if you want to climb the ranks, you need people pushing you from below and pulling you from above. Promotions in the military are relatively easy to obtain through other routes, such as logistics or staff positions.
However, if you want to climb to a commanding position like a division commander, corps commander, or general, it's unrealistic to not have trusted confidants under your command. This doesn't mean you can be arrogant and domineering, but rather it's a demonstration of ability.
After finishing his meal and drinks, Luo Ming grabbed the military rank insignia and orders on the table and saluted Yang Dingtian.
"Go back and pack your things to prepare for the retreat. Our division is the first batch of troops to retreat back to the mainland. The order has already been issued."
"Yes, sir!"
Back at the defensive line, the soldiers saw that Luo Ming's shoulder had turned into three bronze stars again, and immediately understood that Luo Ming had been reinstated. Seeing the greasy mouth and his rosy cheeks, everyone felt much more at ease.
Without further ado, Luo Ming issued the retreat order, instructing everyone to pack their belongings and prepare to evacuate the position.
The new recruits happily began packing their gear, while the veterans and officers wore complex expressions; this place held so many precious memories for them.
For the first time, Luo Ming climbed out of the trench and stood outside the ditch, in an extremely dangerous position outside the exposed fortifications. He took off his military cap and looked at the Japanese positions opposite with a face full of murderous intent.
The Japanese soldiers opposite also noticed the enemy officer who was standing outside the fortifications and staring at them, but instead of firing, they all popped their heads out to stare at Luo Ming.
Faintly, Luo Ming heard a faint voice.
He turned around and suddenly saw figures appear behind him. His younger brother, Luo Liang, was looking at him with a big smile, as were his uncles and relatives.
They waved goodbye to Luo Ming and headed towards their hometown, eventually disappearing into the distance.
Luo Ming bit his lip, tears streaming down his face. He could no longer bear the grief and indignation in his heart, and he spat out a mouthful of blood, collapsing weakly to his knees on the ground.
Chapter 135 Establishment of Provinces in Korea
On May 10, 1908, Zhang Xinghua accompanied Du Qingwu to Korea to take up his post. After the central government decided to establish a province in Korea, the selection of the governor of Korea Province became a problem.
Few people were willing to go to such a newly developed border province, which was adjacent to Japan and Russia and faced great external threats. The probability of achieving results was very small, making it a typical high-risk, low-reward position.
Finally, Zhao Yan personally appointed Du Qingwu, the former governor of Hubei Province, to be transferred to North Korea and promoted to the rank of fourth-level staff member, thus giving him a high-ranking but low-level position as governor.
Du Qingwu's achievements in Hubei over the past two years are enough to warrant a promotion. Under his leadership, Hubei did not pay a single penny of tax for two consecutive years. Even during the most intense and difficult time of the war, the central government did not siphon funds from Hubei.
Du Qingwu did not disappoint this trust. Under his leadership, the Hubei Central China Industrial Zone has been completely expanded from the meager Hanyang Ironworks Arsenal into a veritable industrial zone.
The Central China Industrial Zone in Hubei Province is currently the most important industrial zone in China, and can be called the Ruhr of the East. It has seven steel plants, fourteen various types of military factories, and corresponding machinery plants, processing plants and chemical plants have sprung up everywhere.
In the past two years, the Central China Industrial Zone alone has accounted for more than 70% of the entire Republic's industrial capacity. Currently, its annual steel production has exceeded 800,000 tons, and its daily ordnance production is enough to equip a full-fledged infantry regiment.
The Central China Industrial Zone achieved the localization of various weapons such as artillery shells, explosives, small-caliber artillery, and machine guns, and also began to import equipment to manufacture locomotives, steam engines, railway tracks, and other equipment.
Du Qingwu's abilities are widely recognized, and in theory he should have been promoted to minister in the central government. However, the ministerial position in the central government is always filled by one person.
Du Qingwu's predecessor, Hubei Governor Li Lanqing, was transferred to the central government as Minister of Industry. In addition to Li Lanqing, there are two other officials at the department level in the central government. Therefore, before these predecessors step down, it is impossible for any more officials from Hubei to be added to the ranks.
This is also due to concerns about the impact. There are only so many central positions. In the past, during the Qing Dynasty, there were only six ministries. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, nineteen ministerial-level units were established. On the one hand, this was to strengthen modern political management, and on the other hand, it was to satisfy political dividends and give some benefits to the provinces.
Those provinces that initially supported the revolutionary cause, such as Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan, and Jiangxi, each had two or three positions in the central government, while other provinces had at least one.
All eighteen provinces within the Great Wall must receive equal treatment; there should be no excessive favoritism.
Du Qingwu encountered such a helpless situation. He had made enough contributions, but there was no position for him. He could only serve as a provincial governor with the rank of a central minister.
"Governor Du, you've been wronged this time. The head of state has seen your merits and achievements. Please rest assured that the head of state will never let down any meritorious official."
"The leader has high hopes for you in transferring you to North Korea this time. When the central leadership changes again, you will definitely be given priority!"
Zhang Xinghua wore a gentle smile, and his words were measured yet left much to the imagination. He neither rashly made any promises nor remained silent.
Rather, it was a metaphorical remark with implied meaning that warmed Du Qingwu's heart.
"Minister Zhang, there's no need for this. I, Du Qingwu, have sworn to serve the head of state for the rest of my life. Wherever the head of state sends me, I will go. Even if it's just a lateral transfer, I would gladly accept it, let alone a promotion!" Du Qingwu showed no sign of complaint. He had been promoted from a fifth-rank official to a fourth-rank official, so what dissatisfaction could he possibly have?
The nine-tier civil service system created by Zhao Yan was seen by officials as just another nine-rank system, except that it eliminated the distinction between the main rank and the subordinate rank, as well as between officials and clerks.
With Du Qingwu now holding the rank of a fourth-grade official, it's only a matter of time before he's transferred to the central government.
Zhang Xinghua smiled and nodded, riding alongside Du Qingwu as they admired the scenery of Pyongyang. He said, "It's best that Governor Du thinks this way. I wonder what Governor Du's plans are after taking office?"
Upon hearing this, Du Qingwu's expression turned serious. After taking office, he did not go to the central government to report on his duties. Due to the urgency of the situation, he went directly from Shandong to North Korea by boat.
According to past precedents, before or after taking office, each provincial governor would have to take some time to go to the capital to report on their work and meet with Zhao Yan for a chat, so that Zhao Yan could see for himself what kind of person the governor he appointed was.