Chapter Five: Li Yunlong Appointed Deputy Regiment Commander, Honored Visit from the Huangpu Senior Alumnus

“Su Changqing is a real hellion, even more of a bastard than Li Yunlong…”

“Using force in the Aba region is against regulations. I believe he must be disciplined accordingly.”

During the meeting, a high-ranking party official spoke with a grave expression.

“Seizing the land from the landlords and redistributing it—that’s the principle of our Rainbow Army. Though his methods were a bit extreme, he’s upholding our cause. If anyone’s going to lead the charge on land reform, it’s us!”

“Comrade Su Changqing has a wild temper, but he’s loyal to the Party…”

“The bloody battles at Xiangshui and the Chishui breakout—without him and those comrades who sacrificed their lives, could we be sitting here in peace? That’s questionable…”

“In my opinion, this guy’s actions were a bit over the top, but he knows how to get things done, with skill and strategy…”

“Giving the grain from the wealthy households to the poor—that’s spreading the spirit of our Rainbow Army, sowing our seeds.”

“A single spark can start a prairie fire. I think what Su Changqing did was not really a problem…”

“Besides, no one knows where he got hundreds of thousands of pounds of highland barley flour, thousands of pounds of salt, and even a cartload of yak meat…”

“This kid’s autumn wind—if we don’t strike, who will?”

“Otherwise, wouldn’t that just be letting him off easy?”

Upon hearing this, the entire room burst into laughter.

Especially a bespectacled general, who laughed so heartily he could hardly close his mouth.

How could he miss the chance to tease his wildly temperamental junior?

Consensus was quickly reached and the order was sent to the 24th Regiment.

Though Su Changqing rashly ordered Li Yunlong to attack the village, his practice of distributing landlords’ grain to the poor won popular support.

Add to that the massive influx of grain and urgently needed supplies for the Rainbow Army.

Naturally, the higher-ups made a lot of noise but imposed little punishment regarding Su Changqing’s actions.

Elsewhere, after the system’s decisive victory, under the leadership of a local chieftain from Aba, large quantities of supplies were delivered to the 24th Regiment’s base.

Seeing the mountain-like piles of highland barley flour, the huge sacks of salt, and slabs of yak meat stacked up, Li Yunlong’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

Beyond these, the chieftain even slipped several gold pieces into Su Changqing’s hand.

Influenced by the system, these chieftains were following “divine” instructions.

In this era, for the local chieftains and common folk, instructions from such “divine beings” were absolutely binding.

“Commander, is all this really ours?”

Li Yunlong looked at the supplies and swallowed hard several times.

Having lived through the hardships of the Rainbow Army, Li Yunlong knew the difficulties all too well.

Even a tough man like him had shed tears over the losses suffered by their troops.

“Of course, Su Changqing always keeps his word.”

“The brothers have suffered and toiled too much; the grasslands are fraught with danger, yet our cause will surely succeed.”

“Shen Quan!”

“Here!”

“Tell the cooks to wash this yak meat. The Blue Sky Party troops chasing us are far behind; let’s make some beef soup to warm the brothers’ stomachs…”

“Let the brothers have a good meal!”

Seeing the gaunt, weary comrades, waves of sympathy welled up in Su Changqing’s heart.

Whether from the scraps of history or from his own experience on the Long March, Su Changqing deeply understood how admirable these warriors were—their unwavering will and fierce determination to change the fate of their country and people.

“Commander, this is the cooks’ job. Cooking beef and taking the blame for you, that’s old Li’s specialty.”

Li Yunlong said as he gave Shen Quan, the platoon leader of the 3rd Company he personally trained, a playful kick.

“Get lost, kid. You trying to snatch the cooks’ work from me?”

Shen Quan felt deeply wronged but had no words to complain.

In the entire 24th Regiment, who would dare treat you like a mere cook?

“Commander, you’re too kind.”

“Shen Quan, there’s only one commander in the 24th Regiment: Commander Su. Got it?”

Li Yunlong declared solemnly.

“Damn you, Li Yunlong, stop pretending.”

“Don’t act innocent. Do you think the higher-ups would pardon you for looting grain?”

“Reducing your rank to cook is the organization’s way of protecting you.”

Su Changqing said with a cheerful grin.

“That’s right, that’s right…” Li Yunlong smiled but was inwardly amused by Su Changqing’s words.

If anyone had no right to accuse him of looting grain, it was definitely Su Changqing.

After all, Li Yunlong only looted grain, whereas this man had “humanely eliminated” those despicable landlords outright.

So it went.

No disciplinary action had been handed down yet, which was truly maddening.

Of course, Li Yunlong bore no resentment toward Su Changqing.

On the contrary, he was completely convinced by this “parachuted” commander who replaced him.

In terms of ability, this man managed to procure such vast supplies, willingly given by local chieftains.

Wasn’t that far better than his own grain raids?

In talent, Su Changqing was a top graduate of the 4th class of the Whampoa Military Academy, a star officer trusted by the bald general, and had even graduated from the Bear Polar Country.

Li Yunlong, on the other hand, was a humble bamboo craftsman who could barely read.

In terms of charisma, he saved several comrades’ lives and led the 24th Regiment to wipe out those hateful landlords.

Su Changqing’s prestige in the 24th Regiment was unquestionable.

Even Li Yunlong admired him deeply.

“Li Yunlong!”

Su Changqing pulled a document from his pocket and handed it to Li Yunlong.

“This is the official decision from above regarding your case.”

Li Yunlong took the paper with a cheerful grin, scratching his head to hide his embarrassment.

“Commander, you know I’m just a craftsman; can’t read much…”

“According to Comrade Su Changqing’s recommendation, the organization believes your looting was inappropriate but understandable…”

“Furthermore, after breaking the village, you voluntarily distributed the grain to the poor peasants, restoring the party and organization’s reputation and winning the support of the masses!”

“Therefore, after discussion, it has been decided to promote you to deputy commander of the 24th Regiment as a way to acknowledge your merits despite your faults!”

Li Yunlong was stunned, then smiled like a blooming flower.

“Li Yunlong, have you been stung by a bee? You’re smiling like a chrysanthemum!” Su Changqing chided playfully.

“Heh heh, Commander, no more words—thank you, thank you! From now on, you’re my benefactor, my savior…”

Li Yunlong was a sharp man; he immediately understood why Su Changqing insisted on distributing supplies to the poor.

He would never forget this kindness.

“You little brat, you’re so easily pleased by just a deputy commander’s post?”

“I’m taking it back right now!”

Facing Su Changqing’s teasing, Li Yunlong rushed forward.

“Commander, no, no…”

“Heh heh…”

Amid their banter, Su Changqing pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and slapped it into Li Yunlong’s hand.

“You little rascal, next time you loot grain again…”

“Make a little more trouble…”

Li Yunlong happily took the cigarettes.

“Commander, I wouldn’t dare.”

“Get out!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Ha ha ha…” Su Changqing laughed heartily, but halfway through, he suddenly stopped.

He saw someone approaching—a figure that made his scalp tingle.

The man adjusted his glasses and walked straight towards him…

…