Chapter 207: A New Beginning 1

July 16, 1949, morning, Yanjing Gongde Lin. Summer sunlight filtered through the locust tree leaves, dappled across the courtyard of Gongde Lin. Li Yuxuan was standing by the vegetable plot, watching Du Yuming and Wang Yaowu tending the tomatoes — this was their third crop, the first two having been eaten by insects.

"Director, look, these tomatoes are finally red," Du Yuming said, picking a fist‑sized fruit, feeling quite accomplished.

Li Yuxuan nodded, "Growing vegetables is harder than leading troops, isn't it?"

"Much harder!" Wang Yaowu wiped his sweat, "When you lead troops you just issue orders; when you grow vegetables you must understand the seasons, the soil, pest control. After learning all this for months, I'm almost an old farmer."

Just then, Liu Guangzhi hurried out of the office, his face a little tense: "Jing Gong, Jing Gong! A senior official has arrived!"

"Why so nervous about who's coming?" Li Yuxuan asked.

"Zhou… Zhou Xiansheng!"

The courtyard fell silent at once. Du Yuming's tomato nearly fell from his hand, Wang Yaowu straightened his posture, and Huang Wei, sweeping the floor in the distance, also stopped.

A few seconds later, a black sedan eased into the Gongde Lin Gate. The car stopped, the driver opened the door, and Zhou Xiansheng stepped out.

He wore a light gray Zhongshan suit, glasses, and carried a briefcase. Seeing Li Yuxuan, he hurried over, a apologetic smile on his face.

"Jingxing, I'm late," Zhou Xiansheng extended his hand.

Li Yuxuan grasped his hand, feeling it firm and warm: "Xiangyu brother, this is …"

"I should have come to see you long ago," Zhou Xiansheng released his hand, scanning the courtyard, "Are the conditions here still good? Anything you need, just say it."

"All fine, Director of Office Liu takes great care of us."

"Good then," Zhou Xiansheng turned to Liu Guangzhi, "Director Li and I will talk alone, no need to prepare anything, just two cups of tea."

"Yes, Zhou Xiansheng!"

The two walked into the room together. The room was neatly arranged, and on the desk lay several books: On War, The Earth, and a Republic Declaration — study material issued by Gongde Lin.

Zhou Xiansheng sat in the chair, examined the room carefully: "Better than I imagined. Bright windows, clean floor, and a bookshelf. Jingxing, what have you been reading lately?"

"Just browsing," Li Yuxuan poured him tea, "Xiangyu brother, you should be called Zhou Xiansheng now; you handle countless affairs daily, why make a special trip?"

"No matter how busy, you must come." Zhou Xiansheng took the cup, said seriously, "Back then at Huangpu, you taught military matters, I taught politics; we were comrades fighting side by side."

Li Yuxuan felt warmth in his heart, but his face remained calm: "Those are all past matters. Now you are Zhou Xiansheng of Huaxia, I am a war criminal; our statuses have changed."

"Status may change, but bonds do not," he said, taking a sip of tea, "Moreover, you are not an ordinary war criminal. During the War of Resistance, the Third War Zone cooperated with the New Fourth Army, and you secretly released some of our captured comrades. We remember all that."

The room fell quiet for a moment. Outside, cicadas chirped sharply and endlessly.

"Xiangyu brother," Li Yuxuan finally spoke, "You didn't come today just to reminisce, did you?"

Zhou Xiansheng smiled, "Jingxing is still that perceptive. Indeed, first I came to see you, second to hear your view on the current situation. Huaxia is about to be established, many things need rebuilding. You are a military expert, led troops for decades, studied in Japan and Germany, well‑versed. I'd like to hear your advice."

"I'm just a war criminal; what advice could I possibly have?"

"Being a war criminal is temporary," Zhou Xiansheng set down his cup, "Huaxia needs talent in all fields. Someone like you, who understands military affairs, diplomacy, and has an international perspective, will have a place to serve in the future."

His words were understated, but the meaning was clear: reform well, and there will be opportunities to work again later.

Li Yuxuan was silent for a while, "What path will the current Huaxia take…?"

"The socialist road," Zhou Xiansheng replied firmly, "but it won't be a copy of the Soviet model. People say we must build socialism with Chinese characteristics. How exactly to proceed is still being explored. One thing is certain: we must let the people enjoy good lives, and make the nation strong."

"And the Kuomintang side…"

"That issue will eventually be resolved," Zhou Xiansheng said, "but how and when depends on timing. Right now the primary task is to build the Mainland, restore the economy, and improve livelihoods."

Li Yuxuan nodded. He recalled the Young Master's predicament in Taiwan, thought of his son Li Nian'an's pioneering in Nanyang, and also of his own dilemma‑ridden life.

"Jingxing," Zhou Xiansheng's tone became sincere, "I know you have concerns. But trust that the Republic keeps its word. Yanjing's peaceful liberation—how is General Fu Zuoyi now? The Changsha Uprising—how are Cheng Qian and General Chen Mingren now? They are all honored guests, all hold positions. As long as one is sincere to the country and the people, we will not mistreat you."

"I understand," Li Yuxuan said, "It's just that I'm at this age now…"

"Age isn't the issue," the gentleman laughed, "You're fifty‑nine this year, the time of greatest experience. In ancient times Jiang Ziya didn't emerge from the mountains until he was eighty."

Both laughed. The atmosphere became much lighter.

After chatting for over an hour, Zhou Xiansheng glanced at his watch, "Jingxing, I must go. There's a meeting this afternoon to discuss proposals for the national flag and anthem."

"National flag and anthem?" Li Yuxuan asked.

"Correct." He pulled several drafts from his briefcase, "These are the submitted designs, over three thousand. There's the five‑star red flag, the Yellow River flag, a design with a sickle, axe and hammer plus a five‑pointed star… each has pros and cons, and must be carefully considered."

Li Yuxuan flipped through the designs, finally stopping at the five‑star red flag illustration, "This one's good—simple, and the symbolism is fine."

"The leading comrades also favor this," Zhou Ming said, "The big star represents the Republic, the four small stars stand for the working class, peasant class, urban petite‑bourgeoisie, and national bourgeoisie. United as one, we will build New Huaxia."

"And the anthem?"

"The lyrics are by Tian Han, the music by Nie Er; during the War of Resistance it inspired countless people. Now the new Huaxia is established, we still need 'Advance, advance, advance forward', and cannot slack off."

Li Yuxuan nodded, "Well chosen. During the War of Resistance I also often heard this song."

The gentleman tucked away the documents, stood up, "Jingxing, take care of yourself. Gongde Lin is only a transition, it won't last long. If you need anything, speak directly to Director of Office Liu; he will convey it to me."

The two shook hands to part. As they reached the doorway, the gentleman suddenly turned back, "By the way, Phase One and Phase Four often visit you, right?"

"They've come a few times."

"That's good," the gentleman said meaningfully, "Talk with them more. They are all your students, the bond remains. In the future… many matters will still need them to speak up for you."

Li Yuxuan understood the implication in those words.