141 Blood Red, Snow White (2)

The news of the Japanese attack on Qinhuangdao was finally proven to be a false alarm. It was already three days later when the news that "this was a feint" arrived. Pu Guanshui, who had fallen asleep lying on his desk, was shaken awake. Looking up, the one who shook Pu Guanshui awake was the Logistics Minister. His eyes were red, and his eyelids were swollen like a goldfish.

"Commander Pu, the preliminary plan for building the railway is finally out. Sign it if you see no problems." The Logistics Minister handed a document to Pu Guanshui.

Pu Guanshui thought for a long time before remembering this matter from a few days ago. He roughly looked at the document and then asked: "Why did it take so long?"

"The calculation department put the decimal point in the wrong place. They calculated it repeatedly several times before finding the problem," the Logistics Minister said while yawning.

"Oh?" Pu Guanshui also had a hard time understanding the Logistics Minister's words.

"Then how could such a simple mistake be made?" Pu Guanshui asked.

The Logistics Minister shook his head. "I also asked the comrades in the calculation department. Seeing their situation, I almost cried. These comrades haven't had a normal holiday for more than two hundred days. The responsible comrade just sitting there had his limbs twitching randomly. He said that when he and the comrades close their eyes now, what flies in front of their eyes are numbers. The data waiting to be processed on the responsible comrade's desk alone is more than two feet high. And this is only a small part of the urgent data."

Only in these two years did Pu Guanshui understand how much use mathematics, or the limits, differentiation, integration, and matrices in "higher mathematics," actually had. Those comrades doing mathematics could use things like ghostly talismans to perform effective calculations on various logistics and engineering operations. Pu Guanshui himself had also done logistics work. Let alone not resting normally for more than two hundred days, just doing calculations during the march for a few days, Pu Guanshui felt numbers and formulas flying before his eyes and his limbs twitching uncontrollably. As for placing the decimal point wrong, that was an all-too-common mistake. When extremely tired, Pu Guanshui could even calculate the addition of two-digit numbers wrong. He also couldn't remember that three times seven should equal twenty-one.

Pu Guanshui agreed very much with the Logistics Minister's complaint. "How about we apply for more personnel from the rear?"

The Logistics Minister replied with a grin: "I say, Commander, we should be burning high incense just to scrape together the six hundred people in the calculation department now. Commander Chai curses daily in the headquarters to ask for people from the rear. It's not enough just to understand mathematics; being able to sit there calculating all day is really not something ordinary people can do. Those comrades dragged in to make up the numbers would go crazy after working for a day or two at most."

Hearing this, Pu Guanshui understood the Logistics Minister's meaning. "You mean you are preparing to give the comrades a holiday?"

"It really won't do without a holiday. We can have rotating holidays, but we can't have no holidays. If it really doesn't work, we can drag people in to make up the numbers first, but we don't need to count too much on these comrades being able to work for long." The Logistics Minister gave his thoughts clearly.

"This basic education! Fuck!" Pu Guanshui swore a rare curse. He could command thousands of troops and horses, and a single order could decide the fate of thousands of enemy and friendly soldiers, so Pu Guanshui understood science exceptionally well, or more accurately, how big a role mathematics played in the People's Party. How much practical guiding significance the "Chen Ke Equation" (the Lanchester combat equations plagiarized by Chen Ke) in military deduction had was needless to say now. The handful of young people proficient in mathematics, firmly held in the hands of You Gou, Director of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, although they couldn't use the large number of equations they summarized to completely simulate combat details in the post-war replay deduction, they could roughly simulate the overall logistics, combat, and supply using the numbers submitted after the war. They could even deduce errors in part of the submitted numbers in reverse.

Every unit commander wanted such treasures, but You Gou actually said that there were simply no conditions in various units to exert the calculation ability of these comrades. The result was that someone unknown gave You Gou the nickname "Old Witch" after a rage, and this nickname spread like wildfire in the troops.

Pu Guanshui naturally wouldn't be so rude as to publicly spread such a nickname, but he was very convinced by what You Gou had said: "These comrades were selected by us from tens of thousands of people. Only by expanding basic education can we get more excellent comrades." And basic education could only rely on time and accumulation. It was useless for Pu Guanshui to be anxious.

"Then take rotating holidays in three shifts. In short, we can't tire people out into illness," Pu Guanshui replied.

"In addition, regarding the railway construction work, Comrade Li Runshi doesn't think we can fully utilize the Beiyang Army," the Logistics Minister replied.

"Why?" Pu Guanshui was very surprised.

"The Beiyang Army is used to being supported with high salaries. Now they want to go home, so they have to work hard. But railway construction work is too hard, so they can't be counted on much. So Comrade Li Runshi suggested that labor is not a punitive measure, but transforming people through labor. Since this is the case, it's better to disband those who perform relatively well, and we will specially recruit railway workers and coal mine workers."

Although in his heart he still wanted to use a large amount of unpaid labor, Pu Guanshui knew that Chen Ke's view was also so. He sighed, "Let Comrade Li Runshi decide this matter."

Just as they were speaking, there was suddenly a bit of commotion outside, and soon a guard ran in. "Commander, it's snowing outside!"

Hearing this news, Pu Guanshui and the Logistics Minister both got up and walked out of the headquarters. Sure enough, snowflakes were dancing in the sky. Snowflakes fell on faces and necks and melted instantly, feeling cool and very comfortable. But neither Pu Guanshui nor the Logistics Minister looked good. Snow itself wouldn't cause too much impact on military and other operations, but once the snow water soaked the ground, various difficulties would follow. Especially for things like railway construction, huge trouble would be encountered.

"Yujian, I heard that railway workers are being recruited now. I think you might as well apply," Li Hongqi said to his son at dinner. At this time, the heavy snow had been falling for two days, and Li Hongqi's courtyard was snow-white. Cabbage, tofu, meat slices, and bones bobbed slightly in the boiling soup on the stove, and the room with the fire lit had a warmth peculiar to a family.

"Dad, I can naturally find a job; you don't need to worry." Although Li Yujian pretended to be calm in tone, that unhappines simply couldn't be hidden.

Li Hongqi persuaded slowly: "I asked you to go to the meat processing plant, you didn't go. I asked you to teach, you didn't want to go either. Garment factories, transportation firms, you looked down on all of them. I think this railway worker job is not bad. Work hard for a few years, and if there is a chance, go to school for further studies. This is surely a livelihood for a long-term meal."

Li Yujian was really impatient listening. He put away his smile and said seriously: "Dad, I have studied for so many years and also worked in the government office. Asking me to do these laboring livelihoods, wouldn't it be losing your face if mentioned by others!"

"What's shameful about working?" Li Hongqi's tone finally couldn't help but rise. "Yujian, don't listen to those people outside talking nonsense. I don't think it's anything even if you sweep the streets or pick up manure. Working to eat, what is shameful about this?"

It wasn't once or twice that Li Yujian heard his father say this. This time he finally couldn't bear it somewhat. With considerable resentment, Li Yujian said: "Dad, I never wanted to say it, but I think you are partial. You look down on me!"

Li Hongqi was really a bit angry. "You are my son. If I look down on you, who do I look up to?"

Li Yujian was stimulated by Li Hongqi's anger. He simply said loudly: "I think you only look up to Senior Brother Shang Yuan. When you talk to him about what to do, you always ask him to have lofty aspirations and do big things. As soon as you mention me, it's these completely insignificant small things. It has always been so!"

Listening to his son's complaints, Li Hongqi fell silent. He just closed his eyes slightly, trying to adjust his breathing which began to be a bit disordered.

Li Yujian completely misunderstood his father's attitude. Moreover, mentioning Shang Yuan, this senior brother, made Li Yujian even more annoyed. "I was doing fine in the government office. If it weren't for Shang Yuan, how could I be looked at differently? Originally, how many opportunities for promotion were ruined because I knew Shang Yuan? He is impressive now, with a resounding reputation in the People's Party. Chen Ke became the Emperor, Shang Yuan can at least be a Prime Minister. You always asked him to do big things, and he has done it! You always said I can't do anything, look, it also fulfilled your words!"

The more Li Yujian spoke, the more aggrieved he felt. At this time, his eyes were already full of tears. "Dad, you are my dad, I am your son. Shang Yuan is not your son!"

"Are you finished?" Li Hongqi's voice became stern. His wife wanted to say something, but Li Hongqi waved his hand, and Mrs. Li didn't dare to try to say anything anymore.

Li Yujian was often scolded by his father, so he wasn't too afraid.

After all, it was his own son. Li Hongqi was truly angry. He wanted to speak nicely, but he still couldn't help but slap the table fiercely. "When your Senior Brother Shang Yuan studied under me, he already had an academic degree. His family was much richer than ours! Did you see that every time he hauled coal for our family, he stood there watching people carry it? When did he not do it himself, carrying it together with those coal-transporting masters, and then moving it to the position? And you! When have you ever done a bit more when you could do a bit less?"

Li Yujian was still unconvinced after hearing this. He said angrily: "That was just him wanting to curry favor with you! Besides, I moved coal more times anyway!"

"You are right, he just wanted to make me happy." Li Hongqi said, "However, Ziyou asked about filial piety. The Master said: 'Nowadays filial piety means being able to support one's parents. But even dogs and horses are supported; without reverence, what is the difference?' Your Senior Brother Shang Yuan not only took on the burden when there was work, he genuinely respected me. He did that thing for me! Which time you did things was it not either forced by helplessness or wanting others to know you did these things, wanting others to know you are capable of being good to others? Is this reverence? You also tried hard to mix in officialdom, but do you think others didn't know you were deliberately currying favor? You always say people in officialdom look down on you. They don't need to do anything; as long as they ignore you, you jump out to do things for others yourself. Doing this, who can really respect you?"

Hearing his father actually accuse him of being unfilial, plus his father unceremoniously poking straight at his shortcomings, Li Yujian's face became even uglier.

Li Hongqi sneered. "The Master said: 'In serving one's parents, one may gently remonstrate. If one sees that they do not follow one's will, one should still be reverent and not disobey, and work without resentment.' I just said a few words to you, and your face changed. Can this be called filial piety? Do you have reverence in your heart? You don't even understand reverence yourself, so how can you make others respect you?"

Hearing these words, Li Yujian's face became even uglier. He suppressed his anger and said: "Dad, according to you, I am neither filial nor reverent. So I am good-for-nothing!"

Li Hongqi raged: "Do you still think you aren't good-for-nothing?!"

Seeing the father and son making such a scene, old Mrs. Li couldn't watch anymore. She slapped her chopsticks on the table with a pa sound. "Old man, you didn't let me speak, but I must speak now."

Li Hongqi was angry enough at this time, so he simply turned his head away and didn't make a sound.

Old Mrs. Li ignored Li Hongqi. She said to her son: "Yujian, you think your dad looks down on you. I have to say, you really don't understand your dad. Your dad's expectations for you are higher than for Shang Yuan. It's just that your dad really doesn't understand you. Don't act out of spite, and don't smash a cracked pot. Let me ask you, with what you think of your own ability, what rank of official would you be satisfied with?"

Li Yujian had always respected and loved his mother. Hearing his mother say this, he thought about it very seriously. "A sixth-rank official, I guess."

Old Mrs. Li smiled. "About there. I think you only have this much ability in this life." Old Mrs. Li laughed. "But what does your dad want you to do? Cultivate yourself, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world. With your nature, you wouldn't do hard labor even if you died, and you don't have the aspiration and guts to do big things. Cultivating yourself naturally won't go anywhere. Regulating the family is just keeping the family from starving. But your dad wants you to walk down step by step, and finally be able to govern the state and bring peace to the world."

The mother's words were reasonable in every sentence. Li Yujian was greatly astonished at first. In his impression, his old dad Li Hongqi had always been extremely strict and didn't look like he had high hopes for him at all. But his mother's statement was absolutely not unreasonable. Moreover, his mother pointed out directly that Li Yujian actually had no ambition for advancement, and Li Yujian just bragged about not being inferior to Shang Yuan. At this time, Li Yujian blushed with shame instead.

Old Mrs. Li smiled and said: "Yujian, you have the cleverness. In terms of reciting books, you are much better than Shang Yuan. Let alone Shang Yuan, you are much better than your dad. After I married your dad, when your dad was in his twenties and became a private school teacher, he still often walked and read in the room holding a book before lectures. I asked him why. He said he couldn't remember and always forgot. He read so much that I could recite it just by listening."

Hearing old Mrs. Li talk about these anecdotes, Li Yujian was extremely surprised. Li Hongqi remembered past events and couldn't help but have a trace of a smile on his face.

But old Mrs. Li put away her smile. "I still remember a few passages in the books your dad read. 'The learning of the gentleman enters his ear, attaches to his heart, spreads to his four limbs, and manifests in his movement and stillness. His straight speaking and subtle movements can all be models. The learning of the petty man enters his ear and exits his mouth; between mouth and ear is only four inches. How can it be enough to beautify a seven-foot body! Ancient scholars learned for themselves; today's scholars learn for others. The learning of the gentleman is to beautify himself; the learning of the petty man is to make himself a beast to be offered. Therefore, telling without being asked is called impetuousness; asking one and telling two is called loquacity. Impetuousness is wrong; loquacity is wrong; the gentleman is like an echo.'"

Li Yujian knew these were words from "Xunzi," and he now completely understood in his shame what exactly his mother wanted to say. Sure enough, old Mrs. Li said: "Your dad and your Senior Brother Shang Yuan both have one advantage: they use what they learn for themselves. You, child, learn to show off! Your dad knew his ability wasn't enough, so he honestly became a teacher. Your Senior Brother Shang Yuan never thought of learning any dragon-slaying skills to govern the state and bring peace to the world; he is the kind of person who cherishes the world in his heart. So Shang Yuan is unswerving; he asks if he doesn't understand, learns if he doesn't know. On the road, if he meets a god, he kills the god; if he meets a Buddha, he kills the Buddha. But you, you see a god and learn from the god, see a Buddha and learn from the Buddha! As long as you see others being good, you want to make yourself look like that good thing from the outside. Even if you look exactly like a god or Buddha, aren't you still incompetent yourself? When people ask you to cast a spell for rain, your true form is revealed immediately."

Speaking of this, old Mrs. Li sighed. "Yujian, don't think your dad looks down on you by asking you to do some laboring livelihood. Your dad feels you are flashy and unsubstantial, but he is still dead set on wanting you to walk the path of cultivating yourself, regulating the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world. But breadth of mind is probably innate. You are really inferior to your Senior Brother Shang Yuan in this breadth of mind and bearing; you don't fit this path. But the dragon has nine sons, each different. There is no need to wrong yourself to do things you don't like. You might as well think carefully about what exactly you want to do and what you like to do. Don't act out of spite, and don't deceive yourself and others. You are over thirty, read so many books, seen so many things, and mixed in the government office; you should always know what you want to do."

Li Yujian pondered for a good while before saying somewhat embarrassedly: "I know, Mother."

Seeing Li Yujian's attitude was fairly sincere, old Mrs. Li then said: "Let's stop here. If you still want to eat some, hurry up and eat. If you don't want to eat, go back and think about it properly first."

Li Yujian naturally couldn't eat anymore. Hearing his mother say this, he hurriedly got up to take his leave and went back to his own home.

Li Hongqi's second son, Li Yuce, hadn't made a sound since the meal started. At this time, he said: "Dad, I want to go repair the railway and be a railway worker."

"What railway are you going to repair? Go study properly! You are over twenty; studying is also the last chance. If you don't take this opportunity to go to school quickly, life will be hard in the future," Li Hongqi replied. This second son was obedient, but his reading was mediocre. With Li Hongqi's understanding of the People's Party's new education system, he would rather let his second son hurry to get a degree so he could have a better life in the future.

"Dad, didn't you also say just now that being a railway worker also gives a chance to go to school? Wouldn't it be fine if I go to school when I have the chance? I actually really want to be a worker." Li Yuce obviously didn't sympathize with his old dad's mood.

Li Hongqi wanted to say something more, but felt his wife push him under the table. He had to temporarily stop his plan to scold. "We'll talk about this in a couple of days."

After finishing the meal, with no one else in the room, old Mrs. Li said: "Old man, you aren't willing to use Shang Yuan's connections easily. I ache for my sons; I can lower this face. Your temper is too proud; you never look at ordinary people. So you can't teach students, let alone teach sons. Everyone has their own aspirations. At this point, let them go. Aren't you content to have met the child Shang Yuan?"

Li Hongqi pondered for a long time before sighing deeply. "Concern leads to confusion. Things I can't do, I always hope they can do. I always hope they can do better."

"How do you know it's bad for them to live according to their own way of living? If everyone were like the child Shang Yuan, would this world really be better? Some things the child Shang Yuan doesn't feel are suffering, but for others, it would be a living hell." Speaking of this, old Mrs. Li pondered for a moment, and finally couldn't help but say: "Actually, if you had understood Yujian's nature earlier..."

Old Mrs. Li could only speak up to here. The couple looked at each other, and both saw a silent sigh in each other's eyes.