Regarding the base area shifting all work to internal affairs, Chen Ke wasn't joking. Like before discussing other major resolutions, Chen Ke convened a meeting of the main Politburo members. However, the Politburo members were basically all posted outside. In the base area, the comrades of the Military Commission were relatively complete. Except for the First Regiment far away in Xuzhou, and the cadres of the inland river fleet organizing a fleet to welcome the First Regiment, other personnel of the Military Commission were all present.

"Start preparing for the first demobilization work?" Many comrades of the Military Commission didn't quite understand this term. Chen Ke took out a *Xinhua Dictionary*. Inside the *Xinhua Dictionary*, under the character "Fu" (recover/return), there were several commonly used words related to it, and demobilization (*Fuyuan*) was one of them. The comrades originally didn't understand why such a dictionary had to be compiled. If it was just for recognizing characters, having a teacher teach was enough. Seeing the usage of words, these comrades felt the dictionary was really useful.

This was the reason Chen Ke spent huge effort to compile the dictionary. This dictionary was not only for promoting simplified characters but also had the function of promoting modern words. Without a huge number of modern vocabulary words, the technology and culture of Chen Ke's era couldn't interface smoothly with the late Qing.

Moreover, these words themselves also had their meanings. "Demobilization" (*Fuyuan*) had the meaning of restoring the original status. This status involved the household registration issue again. Whether it was agricultural household registration or urban household registration, this was the key point of recent government work.

Having discussed with He Zudao and Hua Xiongmao in advance, and having discussed a certain result with the two, Chen Ke's meeting was convened very methodically.

"How to adjust this household registration? Is it assigning work, or letting them return to their original domicile?"

"Are the demobilized cadres and soldiers to serve as militia backbones?"

"What is the method for recruiting new soldiers? Once demobilized, is the troop replenishment transferred in before demobilization, or does recruitment start only after demobilization?"

"How long is the new recruit training time? Do the cadres and soldiers remaining in the troops need to undergo military academy training?"

The topics seemed simple, but the work involved was a multitude of loose ends. The Military Commission members raised questions one after another. Chen Ke was responsible for explaining and discussing these issues with the comrades. Compared with before, the Military Commission comrades' understanding of military work was really much deeper, no longer the look of only knowing how to fight with their heads down.

The result of the meeting was to recruit first, then demobilize. If the number of troops was weakened too severely, in case something special happened, having no soldiers available to fight would be too ridiculous. Moreover, after this great victory, if a grand celebration couldn't be held, there was simply no way to give an explanation to the troops.

The focus of the discussion quickly shifted to a question of "violating the principle of treating captives": whether to parade captured officers through the streets at the celebration meeting. Once this proposal came out, even Chen Ke had no reason to oppose it. How much the people of the base area could support depended on the people's confidence level. Duan Qirui and Wang Shizhen and others certainly had to suffer some humiliation, but since they chose the Manchu Qing, this was also their obligation of loyalty to the Manchu Qing. Finally, no one mentioned whether parading through the streets violated the policy. The Military Commission formulated the process of the grand parade. This bunch of people must be paraded through the streets to the public, proving the Workers' and Peasants' Revolutionary Army was invincible.

Participating in the ceremony were not only the common people of the base area, but also local government cadres from various places, especially the elected People's Representatives; not a single one could be missing. The Military Commission didn't trust these people at all; when it was time to knock (warn) them, they had to be knocked.

After the First Regiment returned from Xuzhou, the grand celebration prepared long ago was finally convened. When going to attack Xuzhou, the First Regiment walked on legs; when coming back, they came back by boat in the canal. The official granaries in Xuzhou didn't have much grain to begin with. The troops just swept the treasury silver, weapons, and equipment clean. Xuzhou local officials weren't arrested either. The only person brought back was Kong Zhang.

Kong Zhang was worthy of being from a famous family; since he was brought back to the base area, he was also free and easy enough. Chen Ke heard Kong Zhang actually studied electricity, so he had to meet him. China faced the challenge of the Second Industrial Revolution; talents in the electrical profession were extremely rare. Kong Zhang didn't disappoint Chen Ke. Chen Ke asked him if he was willing to exert effort for the base area. Kong Zhang opened his mouth and said: "Chairman Chen, I was brought here by you; I accept it. Letting me work is fine, but I have to figure out how much money you give me first. Pay how much money, do how much work."

Such a rogue intellectual's free and easy appearance was inexplicably liked by Chen Ke. "Mr. Kong, if you can rely on the conditions the base area has now to build a thermal power plant for me. You say how much money you want?"

Kong Zhang stopped making a sound then. His studies were actually quite good, which was also the reason Kong Zhang dared to challenge like this. And the reason Kong Zhang was brought here was mostly out of helplessness, and a small part was really that he wanted to come himself. After the Workers' and Peasants' Revolutionary Army First Regiment easily occupied Xuzhou, which was almost an empty city, the common people naturally closed their doors and windows. First Regiment Commander Yang Baogui "invited" Xuzhou's prominent figures to "discuss matters."

When Kong Zhang was forcibly brought over, the doubts in his heart were far greater than fear. The officer who invited him didn't look like a scholar at first glance, but his bearing and temperament were very unusual. Facing those assistants who looked ashen and held weapons guarding the inner room, the officer just smiled kindly and didn't care. He announced the troops would absolutely not rob. But now Mr. Kong, who returned from studying abroad, must attend the meeting. Since returning from studying abroad, this was the first time Kong Zhang encountered such high-standard treatment and invitation. The other party knew his background so well, indicating the other party cared about him very much. Kong Zhang really felt a bit complacent.

Moreover, Kong Zhang was just a small grain merchant. If these bandit troops came to rob the grain shop, they could just rob it directly; there was no need to come specifically to take him away so solemnly.

The place for discussion was in Wang Shizhen's Jiangbei Provincial Commander's Yamen. As soon as he entered, he saw some familiar faces, all prominent figures locally in Xuzhou. Not only these figures, but the heads of the Xuzhou government office were also there. Everyone looked ashen but dared not whisper to each other. Seeing Kong Zhang enter leisurely, the crowd was somewhat surprised instead. But this surprise didn't last too long. A young man wearing a military uniform followed several people who were obviously big officers of the bandit army in. People familiar with Kong Zhang recognized him; this was Kong Zhang's personal helper Zhou Yong.

As if afraid this bunch of officials and powerful people didn't recognize him, First Regiment Commander Yang Baogui introduced himself, then specifically introduced Zhou Yong. "This Comrade Zhou Yong, presumably some of you have seen him. He is our intelligence officer. He stayed in this Mr. Kong Zhang's shop for a period." Hearing this, Kong Zhang saw the eyes of the Xuzhou officials and powerful people looking at him became very strange.

The content of the discussion was simple: first, no money; second, no grain. Just telling these prominent figures of Xuzhou that Wang Shizhen and Duan Qirui were finished. The Jiangbei New Army and Beiyang Army were also finished. He roughly introduced some policies and concepts of the Workers' and Peasants' Revolutionary Army. Then he told everyone that now the Workers' and Peasants' Revolutionary Army didn't have the ability to occupy Xuzhou, so the Workers' and Peasants' Revolutionary Army wouldn't forcibly occupy Xuzhou. And they wouldn't burn, kill, and loot in Xuzhou. Just taking away Xuzhou's treasury silver and weapons and equipment. To prove the innocence of the Manchu Qing officials, the Workers' and Peasants' Revolutionary Army gave the Manchu Qing officials a receipt, writing clearly the materials taken away. There would also be the seal of the First Regiment of the Workers' and Peasants' Revolutionary Army on it. If the Manchu Qing didn't believe it, they could send someone to the base area to verify the receipt. The Workers' and Peasants' Revolutionary Army wasn't the kind of people who dared to do but not dare to admit; they would absolutely not make things difficult for those who went to verify, or deny the account.

The people present heard this and only felt a strong sense of absurdity. Are bandits so humorous now too?

Yang Baogui didn't care what these people thought at all. He continued: "We can't gain a foothold this time, so we leave. Next time if we fight over again, everyone need not be afraid. We won't rob; we only strike the Manchu Qing army. I think everyone should prioritize protecting yourselves; sometimes messing around with things is meaningless. What do you say?"

The Xuzhou powerful people naturally refused to mess with idle matters. The faces of Xuzhou officials changed suddenly with anger. Being captured by bandits was already shameful enough; being warned by bandit troops not to mess with idle matters was too losing of face. But with bandit troops carrying live ammunition standing behind them, asking this bunch of officials to surrender to the bandit troops, they naturally refused. But being loyal to the Manchu Qing and standing up to curse the bandit troops at this time, they were also unwilling to do.

After finishing the lecture, Yang Baogui said: "This Mr. Kong Zhang is an overseas student and has learning. We want to take him away. Our People's Party Chairman Chen Ke said, doing things must have a beginning and an end. If you prominent figures and government office of Xuzhou trouble the Kong family because of the matter of Mr. Kong being taken away by me, then when I return to Xuzhou again, we won't care how many people participated; all will be beheaded. Even if heads roll, we don't care. Of course, if the Kong family people feel Mr. Kong is with us, and you join the Manchu Qing side fearlessly to serve them, then needless to say, after we fight back, the Kong family will also be arrested and killed as they should be. These are two different things; must be distinguished clearly. Our revolution is not for killing people, but, regarding enemies of the revolution, we will kill as many as there are; hands won't be soft, and eyes won't blink. So I hope everyone can recognize the situation clearly and don't look for trouble yourselves."

After finishing speaking, Yang Baogui waved his hand, and immediately soldiers dragged Kong Zhang out of the Yamen. "Gentlemen, our military affairs are busy; we are leaving immediately. After we leave, gentlemen are free; do whatever you need to do. Won't delay your affairs."

Kong Zhang, who was taken away, was very happy and very afraid. "I (Laozi) am finally taken seriously!" This was the reason Kong Zhang was happy. "What do these bandits want me (Laozi) to do?" This was the reason Kong Zhang was afraid.

Zhou Yong and Kong Zhang shared a boat. Looking at Kong Zhang's fluctuating face, Zhou Yong laughed: "Mr. Kong, our base area needs talents in electricity generation, so I specifically applied to invite you away."

"Hmph!" Kong Zhang hmphed but didn't answer. Zhou Yong betrayed Kong Zhang's trust; Kong Zhang didn't want to talk to him.

"Mr. Kong, I haven't studied for many days, just roughly heard a little knowledge about electricity. This coil cutting magnetic field produces electricity. And what alternating current, direct current. I heard to the end and didn't understand what was going on. Can you explain it?"

Kong Zhang was confused at the time. The understanding of electricity by Chinese people in these years was estimated to be at the level of "thunderstruck." Hearing words like coil cutting magnetic field from a bandit's mouth, Kong Zhang suspected if he had hallucinations. The mood of fear was instantly thrown to the nine heavens; Kong Zhang couldn't help snorting.

When Zhou Yong took out two magnets, a copper coil, and even a roughly made voltmeter with a glass cover, Kong Zhang could no longer turn a blind eye. He tentatively talked about electricity with Zhou Yong. Soon Kong Zhang discovered Zhou Yong wasn't talking nonsense; he really knew very little about electricity. Many concepts were chaotic and unclear. But Zhou Yong was willing to learn, and his attitude was very humble, without the slightest arrogance of a victor over a loser. This really suited Kong Zhang's temper. The more Kong Zhang spoke, the more excited he became, completely forgetting where he was. These people around were no longer bandits, or rather Kong Zhang didn't care what this group of people around him did. Only this group of people took the knowledge Kong Zhang studied hard seriously. Kong Zhang's depressed mood for several years was expressed today. His emotions became more and more agitated, almost hysterically recounting the great function of electricity.

After Kong Zhang stopped speaking with a dry mouth, the soldiers all over the boat suddenly applauded together. Looking at the excited and surprised faces, and the praise applause from the bottom of their hearts, Kong Zhang's face was covered with tears. I (Laozi) finally found people who can understand my value.

When Kong Zhang's emotions calmed down a bit, Zhou Yong took out two books. Kong Zhang was dumbfounded at a glance. "Junior High School Physics" and "Senior High School Physics" were written on the covers. After opening, inside was all physics knowledge. Kong Zhang naturally didn't know Chen Ke copied his own textbooks once. As an expert, Kong Zhang flipped through the books. Much of the knowledge inside was only taught in European universities. Various formulas were not wrong at all. The reasoning was clear, and the content was detailed. Asking Zhou Yong, Zhou Yong told Kong Zhang that this was part of the education system promoted in the base area. Four years of elementary school, three years of junior high, three years of senior high. There were no university courses for the time being, but they were also in preparation. The base area had only been established for two years, so many people only got elementary school diplomas; no one had got a junior high diploma for the time being. Inviting Kong Zhang to the base area wasn't to let Kong Zhang teach, but hoping Kong Zhang could help the base area build a power plant.

After being hit on the head by these two books, Kong Zhang no longer had the idea of lecturing. This group of bandits seemed to have really hardened their hearts to engage in industry. This answer made Kong Zhang himself disbelieve it. Expectation and fear existed simultaneously. Kong Zhang couldn't figure out why no matter what; he simply made up his mind: no matter what I am asked to do, if money isn't given, I absolutely won't exert effort for you.

However, this reserve didn't last too long. Chen Ke came up and smashed this bit of arrogance of Kong Zhang with a few sentences. Since talking about science, Chen Ke talked about power generation from the perspective of an engineering student. Theory and such could be discussed easily, but how to ensure power generation could run normally wasn't something one person could completely handle. Hydropower stations were easier to talk about; although Chen Ke hadn't done it personally, he had seen some blueprints and such stuff anyway. Using this to convince Kong Zhang was really an extremely easy thing.

The problem was that Anhui lacked water conservancy resources. Hydropower stations could be built in mountainous areas, but long-distance power transmission was a big problem. Kong Zhang originally thought he was already a rare electricity expert in China. Compared with Chen Ke, Kong Zhang could fully understand that Chen Ke's words were proof of his proficiency in electricity.

Regarding hydropower, how to build dams, how to install water turbines, how to ensure dam water storage, how to calculate these data—the two talked with jubilation, yet felt it was extremely difficult. As for thermal power stations, that was even high-tech work. Chen Ke stated clearly that he only knew the surface. With just this bit of surface, Kong Zhang also felt what he knew wasn't much more than Chen Ke.

Chen Ke poured water into the big bowls in front of himself and Kong Zhang. The two picked up the bowls and drank a lot before putting down the bowls. Having talked for so long, both had dry mouths. Chen Ke wiped the water from the corner of his mouth and said: "Mr. Kong, you and I share a common view: electric drive is the direction of future industry. Without developing the electric power industry, there is no future. So, I hope you can work here with us."

Kong Zhang was exhausted. Don't look at it as discussion; the knowledge he learned in his mind was almost completely mobilized and combed through once. This mental labor really consumed Kong Zhang's physical strength greatly. He leaned on the chair and answered almost in a state of collapse: "Mr. Chen, I'm convinced by you. Letting me work here is fine, but you have to give me money. Working for free won't do."

"How much do you want?"

"How much do I want? Let's put it this way, my request isn't high. However much you take, Mr. Chen, I'll take that much." Kong Zhang wanted to put on an air.

"Haha, however much I take, you take that much? Hahahahaha!" Chen Ke laughed out loud.

"What's so funny?" Kong Zhang asked strangely.

Chen Ke managed to hold back his laughter with difficulty. He looked at Kong Zhang with a pitying gaze. "Mr. Kong, how about this? I'll give you a chance. After you understand my income, I'll let you quote a salary request to me again. If you take as much as I do, I'm afraid you'll feel you suffered a loss."

"Eh!? Mr. Chen, you even have an Emperor's style!" Kong Zhang was very smart; he immediately heard the meaning in Chen Ke's words.

"How do I have an Emperor's style?" Chen Ke asked with a smile.

"Emperor, well, the whole world is his. Of course he can take not a single cent."

"Ugh~~! Then I don't have that. I also eat on salary. But government personnel here eat in the cafeteria; as long as you don't order extra dishes, it basically costs no money. Clothing..." Chen Ke patted his military uniform, "This is also provided by the government; you don't need to spend money either. But it won't be provided to you limitlessly. Just these few sets of clothes every year. My monthly income, calculated according to the outside, is about five silver dollars. My wife also works; our combined income is about eight or nine silver dollars a month. Mr. Kong, I'm afraid you can't accept that."

Kong Zhang's face changed after hearing this, but he still said stubbornly: "When Mr. Chen sits on the world (rules the country), this world will all be yours. At that time, what you get will be much more."

"What our People's Party wants to build is a republic; no one will be Emperor. Even if I become the leader, I also work and take a salary. This is a system. The state's property belongs to the state; I have no qualification to turn the state's things into mine."

Kong Zhang knew talking about this with Chen Ke was meaningless. Chen Ke made it clear he wanted to do big things; it was meaningless for him to argue about this with Chen Ke. He nodded. "Then like this, I want 50 silver dollars a month."

"50 silver dollars a month, okay. Then you have to take responsibility; you have to complete the tasks handed to you."

"Of course I will take responsibility, but you can't restrict my personal freedom. When I want to leave, you have to let me leave."

"Wanting to leave is no problem, but we have to sign a contract each time. Starting from five years. After the contract terminates, if not renewed, you are free. You can go wherever you want." Chen Ke answered fluently with Kong Zhang.

Kong Zhang knew it was impossible for him to leave now, and he might not really want to leave either. However, Kong Zhang couldn't help asking: "Mr. Chen, if your base area can't withstand the court's encirclement..."

Chen Ke laughed: "Don't worry, we don't have the dirty idea of pulling people to be buried with us. And we are currently in flourishing days, so we are exceptionally confident. I'll tell you now, if we reach that stage, no matter how long the contract has left, you, Mr. Kong, can leave."

Kong Zhang nodded. He couldn't help asking: "Mr. Chen, why don't you want money? When I studied, I read about this kind of person recorded in books, but I never understood why."

"I don't know about others. As for myself, I feel I don't need money to prove my value. I established merit and career; I created a new era and new life for the people. This is the result that proves my value. What do I want money for? Piling a pile of money at home, don't you think it's boring?"