The Rise of the Writers of the Republic of China

Zhu Shaoliang used to be in charge of the military and political power in Gansu. When he first took office, the Nationalist Government had basically no sense of presence in Gansu, and local affairs were controlled by warlords such as Ma Buqing, Ma Bufang, and Ma Bukang.

In order to establish his prestige, Zhu Shaoliang used a combination of methods such as winning over local gentry, befriending local warlords, coaxing and threatening, and finally solved the separatist situation in Gansu. At least it has been solved on the surface, central government orders can be issued, local public security is improving, especially the provincial government's finances are rapidly filling up.

However, the lives of ordinary people have not been improved in any way.

Zhu Shaoliang launched the anti-smoking campaign with great fanfare, but his wife Hua Defen was the "number one addict" in Lanzhou, and his five daughters were also extravagant, dissolute and notorious.

Zhu Shaoliang often boasted that he was honest and upright, advocating Huang Lao's rule of inaction, but his own life was extremely particular. When he smoked, he only smoked Garlic, and when he drank, he only drank brandy. In order to satisfy his luxurious enjoyment, Zhu Shaoliang allowed his wife Hua Defen to plunder in Lanzhou.

His wife not only accepted bribes on a large scale, but also openly engaged in loan sharking and smuggling. During the Anti-Japanese War, a major corruption case caused a sensation in Lanzhou. Ban Gan, the director of the Eighth Theater Military Station who was shot, was taking the blame for Hua Defen's money-making behavior.

Zhu Shaoliang had a servile nature as an official. He regarded himself as Chiang Kai-shek's slave and his subordinates as his own slaves. He appoints officials not based on their background, talent, or connections, but only based on whether the person is sincere to him.

Zhu Shaoliang has a hardcore loser named Zhang Liangchen. This guy has no abilities. His only advantage is that he is absolutely obedient. After Zhu Shaoliang took office as the deputy commander of the Eighth Theater (the commander was Chiang Kai-shek), he immediately appointed Zhang Liangchen as the chief of staff of the theater.

An idiot who was considered insufficient to be a company commander was actually appointed as the Chief of Staff of China's Eighth Theater. He simply regarded the great cause of the Anti-Japanese War as child's play.

Just six months ago, Zhu Shaoliang took Zhang Liangchen to Chongqing for a meeting. Zhang Liangchen was obese and mentally depressed. He actually fell asleep during the meeting and snored loudly, which attracted the attention of everyone in the room.

Lao Jiang was talking happily when he suddenly heard someone snoring, and the Three Corpses Gods jumped out of anger. He asked Zhang Liangchen a basic military question on the spot. Zhang Liangchen was dumbfounded and had no idea what to ask, which made all the generals at the meeting laugh and become angry.

Despite such a big joke, Zhu Shaoliang actually still trusted Zhang Liangchen. Until Chang Kaishen personally sent a telegram to Zhu Shaoliang and reprimanded: "...How can such a person be the chief of staff? Brother Wen is the only person who destroys corruption..."

As a last resort, Zhu Shaoliang dismissed Zhang Liangchen.

Now Zhu Shaoliang is in charge of the military in Gansu, and the provincial chairman has been replaced by Gu Zhenglun. The two men had private conflicts. Gu Zhenglun overthrew all policies implemented by Zhu Shaoliang before, and replaced all county magistrates appointed by Zhu Shaoliang before.

This approach caused political chaos in Gansu, and the separation of military and political affairs, each doing its own thing, seriously affected Gansu's anti-Japanese forces.

At this time, Gu Zhenglun, the chairman of Gansu Province, was not a good person. Because the land tax did not accept legal tender, the price of grain skyrocketed. The people's lives were already difficult, so Gu Zhenglun took the opportunity to introduce various wealth-raising policies, which forced businessmen to be reluctant to purchase grain from other provinces. As a result, the food supply became even more insufficient, and hungry people spread all over Gansu, leading to the massive "bandit disaster" in Gansu in 1943.

More than 100,000 "bandits" were approaching Lanzhou, the provincial capital. Gu Zhenglun was so frightened that he "regardless of past grievances" and asked Zhu Shaoliang for help in solving the problem. Zhu Shaoliang originally planned to appease the victims, but the two of them had a conflict with Lao Jiang. Lao Jiang was so angry that he ordered Zhu Shaoliang to suppress the bandits immediately. Zhu Shaoliang could only lead his troops to kill the victims.

It has to be said that although Zhu Shaoliang was corrupt and bent the law and was a slave, he was much better than Gu Zhenglun in terms of administrative ability.

Gu Zhenglun's political performance in Gansu really ruined his reputation as the "Father of the Chinese Gendarmerie". Who knows why Chiang Kai-shek appointed the Gendarmerie Commander as Chairman of Gansu Province.

Then again, in history, the reason why Zhang Daqian left Dunhuang was that he couldn't borrow money anymore and he was forced to leave by Gu Zhenglun. Our Commander Gu not only founded the Chinese Gendarmerie, but also contributed to the protection of Dunhuang murals.

Back to Zhu Shaoliang, the reason why he was so enthusiastic about Zhou Hexuan had nothing to do with Lao Zhou's fame and status, but because Zhou Hexuan was a talent that Lao Jiang valued highly.

As long as there is no direct conflict of interest with him, Zhu Shaoliang will value the people Chang Kaishen values. This is his way of being an official, and he must always keep in step with his master.

Zhu Shaoliang personally made tea for Zhou Hexuan, handed him a Galic cigarette, lit it with a silver lighter and said, "Did Mr. Ming come to Gansu on business?"

Zhou Hexuan took a sip, nodded and said: "This British cigarette tastes good, Commander Zhu tastes good."

Zhu Shaoliang said with a smile: "To be honest, I have always been honest as an official, but my taste is a little tasteless, and all my salary is spent on tobacco and alcohol."

Zhou Hexuan said with a hint of sarcasm in his tone: "I have also heard of Commander Zhu's reputation for integrity. He is indeed a model for contemporary officials."

"No, no," Zhu Shaoliang said modestly, "Now that the country is facing a crisis, it is time to be self-denial and serve the country wholeheartedly."

Zhou Hexuan said: "I went to Dunhuang to stop Zhang Daqian from peeling off the murals."

Zhu Shaoliang said: "So that's it. I also know a little bit about Mr. Zhang's behavior in Dunhuang from the newspapers."

Zhou Hexuan smiled and said: "I met bandits on the way back, and I was kidnapped by the bandits into the mountain stronghold."

"This is unreasonable," Zhu Shaoliang was furious, "Ming Gong, where are the bandits that are so rampant? I will definitely lead the troops to kill them all."

"No need," Zhou Hexuan waved his hand, "Those bandits have been convinced by me. Right now, there are hundreds of people outside Lanzhou City who are willing to join the army and serve the country."

Zhu Shaoliang was a little surprised, and then praised him: "Ming Gong is so talented. He was trapped in a bandit den but remained calm in the face of danger. He influenced the bandits with his sharp tongue and recruited hundreds of athletes for the country. I admire him very much."

Zhou Hexuan said: "These bandits admire General Ma Biao and want to join the First Cavalry Division. I wonder if Commander Zhu can make it easier for them?"

Zhu Shaoliang pondered: "This is illegal. The recruits are all arranged in a unified manner, not to mention that the 1st Cavalry Division is far away from the front line. Although it belongs to the eighth theater, it is not assigned to the eighth theater for the time being."

Zhou Hexuan said: "I will be responsible for the money and food these people need to go to the front line. I guarantee that they will not cause trouble along the way. As long as Commander Zhu gives them an organization."

"I want to talk to Ma Bufang. The First Cavalry Division is his unit after all." Zhu Shaoliang did not refuse anymore.

"Thank you, Commander Zhu." Zhou Hexuan said, cupping his fists.

Zhu Shaoliang said with a smile: "It's a trivial matter. Let's take those bandits to the barracks first. Don't scare them into business trips. I have asked my wife to hold a family banquet. Please be sure to reward me tonight."