Chapter 212: Founding Ceremony 2

The gentleman passed over a cigarette and lit one for himself: "Old Li, I came today because I have some news I want to tell you in person."

"Please speak."

"In October, we will hold the Founding Ceremony at Tiananmen Square," the gentleman said, his tone steady and clear, "to announce Huaxia's establishment to the whole world. About three hundred thousand people are expected to attend."

Li Yuxuan pondered briefly, "Has the date been set?"

"It is set. October 1st at three in the afternoon," the gentleman paused briefly, his gaze sincere, "We sincerely invite you to attend the ceremony together."

Li Yuxuan was slightly startled, then smiled, "My current position may not be suitable."

"You will always be my teacher," the gentleman said with respect, "Back then at Shifan School, you taught world military history; those insights have benefited me to this day."

Li Yuxuan waved his hand, "Those are all things of the past."

"The light of thought never becomes outdated," the gentleman said.

Li Yuxuan examined the student before him. At fifty‑five, his temples were already dusted with frost, yet his eyes remained as clear and sharp as in his youth, flashing with a light of seeking.

"Very well," Li Yuxuan finally nodded, "I'll go."

Amid the lingering tea fragrance, the two fell silent for a moment. From outside the window came faint sounds of study and discussion inside Gongde Lin—today's reading was "On the People's Democratic Dictatorship."

The gentleman set down his teacup and spoke slowly, "Old Li, you have weathered decades of turmoil, commanded troops, witnessed dynastic changes and era shifts. In your view, what is the true nature of power?"

Li Yuxuan looked out the window, his gaze distant, "Power… is like a meticulously crafted attire; the world knows its weight, yet some still yearn for its glory."

"Insightful," the gentleman nodded slightly.

"In my life, I've seen many changes on and off the stage," Li Yuxuan said evenly, "Some seek to cement the throne forever, some plot to seize power over the court, some claim the Mandate of Heaven… Slogans are lofty, but often in the end, means become the goal, and authority itself becomes the end of the chase."

He turned to the gentleman, his gaze profound, "Now, history entrusts a heavy responsibility to you. This responsibility is unprecedented. Have you deeply considered how you will wield this power?"

"I have thought it over," the gentleman sat upright, his tone firm, "To use it to build an independent, self‑reliant nation, improve the lives of billions of Fellow Countrymen, and let Huaxia Nation truly stand tall in the world."

"And after that?" Li Yuxuan asked softly.

The gentleman fell into a brief silence.

"Throughout history, many have been eager to grasp authority," Li Yuxuan continued, "but those who know when to advance or retreat, who uphold the system, are rare. There are examples of voluntary retirement to the fields, but that requires a deep institutional foundation and tradition. In our long historical scroll, more stories end with exhaustion or decline. How to establish a new, healthy succession is a task more arduous than seizing victory."

He sipped his tea, "No one in the world is perfect; any great idea has its historical conditions and limits. The pioneers' cause needs inheritance, and also continual development according to the land beneath our feet."

The gentleman listened quietly, the smoke from his fingertips curling.

"Teacher," he began again, his voice a bit low, "My time may not be much longer."

【5】 Li Yuxuan stared at him.

Li Yuxuan stared at him.

"Fifty‑five, not young in this era," the gentleman continued, "One's own life and death are not frightening. What I worry about is whether the cause we have poured our heart into will fall back into old cycles. I fear new privileges will arise, the revolutionary ideal be forgotten, and the hopes of the people be unfulfilled."

Li Yuxuan let out a light sigh, "Your thoughts reach far. Right now the pressing priority is nation‑building and securing the people, restoring life to the war‑scarred earth, ensuring the populace has food and clothing. The rest must be planned and achieved step by step."

"But the direction must be clarified now," the gentleman shook his head, "After the Founding Ceremony, power returns to the people, testing those at the helm. How to use it, how to supervise it, how to pass it on… these issues need to be explored at this moment."

"Have you found the answer?"

"Not yet fully found," the gentleman said frankly, "But I have established a fundamental principle: power comes from the people and must be used for the people. If one day I can no longer effectively practice this tenet, or a more capable person can assume the role, I will calmly follow the natural order."

Li Yuxuan's face flashed a complex smile, both approving and concerned, "That is precisely what makes you most valuable and most worrisome—the sincere idealism. Yet in the face of power's massive inertia, ideals are often exceedingly fragile."

He paused, "Deep‑seated habits are like a mountain, not shifted in a day. The road is long, requiring wisdom and stamina. You indeed have extraordinary will and belief, but the weight of history must be shared by generations through reason and institutions."

The gentleman's gaze flickered.

"I did not fully understand you in the past," Li Yuxuan said gently, "I once thought you were too extreme. Later I gradually realized you truly seek a new path for this land. Your insight, boldness, and responsibility are indeed the era's choice. Yet a healthy nation cannot rely solely on an individual's wisdom."

"Teacher, I differ on this point," the gentleman pressed out the cigarette stub, his eyes clear and firm, "The nation sees talent rise in each generation. Our cause is an endless relay. In my life I strive to run my leg well. I trust that successors will see farther and do better. We must trust the people, trust future comrades."

Li Yuxuan stared at him for a long while, then slowly nodded, "Then let history bear witness."

The conversation had unknowingly stretched to nearly two hours. The setting sun sank westward, golden light spilling over the window panes.

The gentleman rose, "Old Li, I must take my leave; there is still much preparation work."

Li Yuxuan also stood, "Allow me to see you off."

The two walked side by side out of the room, strolling through the courtyard. Some War Criminals saw them, halted their activities, and stood at a distance watching, but no one approached.

Reaching the gate, the gentleman stopped, "On the morning of October, I will arrange a car to pick you up. Directly to the courtyard, as convenient for you."

"Very well," Li Yuxuan replied, pondering briefly, then added, "Before parting, I have a few words to give you."

"The student listens attentively."

"First, cherish the myriad. Your health concerns the nation's destiny."

"Second, keep the channels of speech wide open. The higher the position, the more one must hear voices from all directions; never let only the flattery of those nearby remain."

"Third," Li Yuxuan paused slightly, "Know the times and the situation, have a beginning and an end. This may be premature to speak, but I hope you always keep this thought."

"Your teachings, Teacher, I keep etched in my heart," the gentleman solemnly nodded.

The two hands clasped tightly. The gentleman's hand was warm and strong; Li Yuxuan's hand already showed a hint of frailty.

The carriage drove away from the Gongde Lin Gate. Li Yuxuan stood at the doorway, watching the vehicle's silhouette vanish at the street corner before turning back into the courtyard.

Du Yuming, Huang Wei and others gradually gathered around.

"Director, the gentleman's trip…?"

Li Yuxuan looked toward the brilliant evening glow on the horizon, and said slowly, "We talked about history, we talked about the future."

"Then… how will we be arranged in the future?"

Li Yuxuan turned, looking at these former commanders of thousands of troops, now dressed in the same cloth, his old subordinates and students, "The gentleman said, earnestly reform, learn new knowledge; in future nation‑building, various talents will be needed. There will always be a place to put one's abilities."

The crowd fell silent. The setting sun cast their long silhouettes upon the mottled wall of Gongde Lin.

In the distance, toward Yanjing City, faint strains of song drifted, the newly formed cultural troupe rehearsing for the ceremony.

A brand‑new era rises gently with that song. And they, people from the old era, will within the high walls witness this great beginning with their own eyes, then learn how to stride toward rebirth.

Li Yuxuan returned indoors, spread out fresh xuan paper again, lifted his brush. He steadied his mind for a moment, then gently set the brush down again.

Some sentiments are hard to fully write. Some burdens only those who have lived through them can truly feel.

Outside the window, dusk deepened. The lights of Gongde Lin lit up one after another. Ten li away, at Tiananmen Square, countless workers were lighting lamps through the night, constructing the towering viewing platform.

October 1949, day by day, walking steadfastly.