Others show their swords, I show my missiles!

In order to prevent our army from being suspicious, Lao Xi'er, after confirming that the Japs in the city had been cleared, he cleaned the battlefield while opening the eight doors to generate electricity for our army and prepare to hand it over to Taiyuan.

Our army has a debate on whether Taiyuan should be handed over to Lao Xi'er for management.

Some people think that Taiyuan can be handed over to Lao Xi'er. He should be able to realize that if he has other intentions in the face of our army's firepower, he will not be able to defend Taiyuan.

Even the devils can't defend it, let alone him?

Besides, if people do their best, they should be given some benefits, right? Only verbal praise without actual rewards dampens people's enthusiasm.

But some people think that Taiyuan should not be handed over to him.

It's not that I'm worried that he has different intentions. As mentioned above, even the Japanese can't defend Taiyuan, let alone him.

Instead, he was worried about his troops.

After the failure of the Taiyuan Defense Battle a few years ago, his troops did a lot of bad things that disturbed the people.

Leave Taiyuan to him, lest his troops fall into old habits.

Recently they moved from Kenanpo to Lingshi, Jiexiu and Xiaoyi. Within a few days, the people in these three places complained to our army, saying that they were afraid of Lao Xier's troops, hated his troops, and hoped that his troops would leave as soon as possible.

The fundamental reason for this phenomenon is related to the social system.

In their armies, including Jiang Wufa's army, few of the officers were from grassroots backgrounds, and most of them came from wealthy families. Such as landowners and businessmen.

What about ordinary soldiers? Basically, they come here to catch young men. These soldiers have been oppressed by landlords and bullies since they were children. They also hate these people, but they do not know the root cause of all this.

Many people have had their mothers, sisters, sisters-in-law, younger siblings, etc. raped by wealthy people. But after they were captured as young men and became soldiers, they followed the officials and learned to be other people's mothers, sisters, sisters-in-law, and younger brothers and sisters.

When he was severely beaten by the officials, he only lamented his bad fate, hated his ancestors for not leaving him a fortune, and never thought about why he was poor.

In the army, soldiers obey officers unconditionally. They only know that "soldiers have a bounden duty to obey orders" and do not think about the interests of some people represented by these officials.

Most ordinary soldiers have been beaten by officers, but they all feel that this is what they should do.

Even if an officer kills other soldiers, they feel it is appropriate, as long as it doesn't happen to them.

Officers are used to bullying; soldiers are used to being bullied. Such soldiers can easily follow the officers and pick up some bad habits. Eating, drinking, whoring, gambling, smoking, all the five poisons!

Soldiers with good intentions can also be forced to do bad things by their officers. There were officers who forced soldiers to eat human flesh and drink human blood. Threatening: "If you don't eat human flesh, I will let others eat your flesh!"

Lao Xi'er's army was different from Chu Yunfei's army back then. Chu Yunfei's troops, including Commander Wu's troops, were called the Seventh and a Half Route Army, which was just a little bit different from the Eighth Route Army.

And the troops of General Sun, who succeeded General Yang, were also very good to the people.

After these troops join our side, they basically send a few cadres to give theoretical lectures and that's it.

But most of Lao Xi'er's troops came to capture the strong men as mentioned above, and a small number came for Lao Xi'er's prestige in governing Jin Province. Transformation is relatively difficult.

Moreover, it is somewhat difficult to start transforming Lao Xi'er's army. From the perspective of our army, we should transform his army as soon as possible so that his army can truly become the people's army in order to cope with the upcoming war.

But this would be equivalent to taking away his military power. What would he think? What would some of the other generals on Jiang Wufa's side who want to join our army think?

Later, we had an in-depth exchange with Lao Xier face to face.

Now that all the important organs of our army are in Jin Province, Lao Xier no longer has to go to Yanzhou.

“Look, you have recently been able to identify with us and get on the same boat with us, and we welcome you.

However, after you stayed in Lingshi, Jiexiu and Xiaoyi for so many days, many people complained to our headquarters.

Say your troops are oppressing the people.

This is not allowed to happen in our liberated areas.

In the future, our "military" and "government" will be separated. This has already taken shape in the Taiyue Liberated Area.

Those in charge of economics, education, and medical care do not serve in the military.

This system will be implemented in all liberated areas in the future.

Which direction do you want to develop?

If you want to lead troops, we can gradually use our troops to replace your original troops, ensuring that the troops you can command are no less than what you have now;

If you want to enter politics, we can make you the governor of Shanxi Province or the minister of education.

It depends on your opinion.

No matter how you choose, your current troops must be transformed first; and you yourself must first learn our thoughts and ideas.

Moreover, if you are not competent, you will be replaced.

If you really can't agree, we can make way for you and you go to Jiang Wufa's side. "

Lao Xier indeed wanted both the military and political affairs, and if "business" was added to the mix, he wanted it even more.

But he dare not say that his power is too weak now.

"What are you talking about! Could it be that you still can't trust me today? I always keep my word, and I will never go to Jiang Wufa again!"

However, this matter is relatively big, can you allow me to think about it for two days? "

"No problem! But in order to prevent your men from disturbing the people, we ask you to withdraw from these three counties. We have set up temporary camps for you in the mountains and rivers, which is enough to accommodate more than 50,000 people.

The supply of daily necessities is sufficient, ensuring that you will live a more nourishing life than before!

But this is not a long-term solution, so we hope to make a decision soon. "

Next, Lao Xier expressed his gratitude to us for providing supplies. According to our arrangements, we moved to the temporary camp.

After seeing us off, Lao Xier summoned his staff, told what our representative said, and asked for his opinion.

The staff did not dare to speak at first, but after being pressed by Lao Xier in every possible way, he finally said:

"I set three strategies for you: upper, middle and lower. Now you have chosen the best strategy. I said at that time that if you choose the best strategy, you may be able to become the provincial chairman.

When the representative over there said governor today, didn’t he mean provincial chairman? It is equivalent to realizing your wish in advance.

What are you waiting for. "

"That's what I say, but I still don't want to give in. I still want to lead my men myself and drive away the little devils."

"The Tao Te Ching says: There is a way in the world, but horses use dung. There is no way in the world, and soldiers and horses are born in the suburbs. There is no sin greater than the desire; no disaster is greater than not being satisfied; no blame is greater than the desire; therefore the contentment is always enough. That’s it.

You must be content! If you are not satisfied, disaster is not far away! "

Lao Xier sat on a chair, facing the door and saying nothing.

Seeing that he had been thinking, the staff did not disturb him, bowed their hands and left.

The next day, Lao Xier summoned important generals and announced his decision. He still decided to abandon the army and join politics. He would no longer be involved in military matters and concentrate on governing Jin Province.

Some generals were worried about being liquidated and did not agree.

"Don't worry! Have you heard about any of the A1001 and A1002 divisions who came to surrender earlier and were liquidated?

I'll meet with the other party's representative later, and I can intercede for you. It won't be difficult to save my life. But if you have a rebellious heart, don't say that, I won't agree to it in the first place! "

The generals then dispersed for a while with uneasy hearts.

Then I sent a telegram and made an appointment to meet with our representative.