Chapter Seventeen Central Spirit

  The rice fields are raising fish smoothly, and the carp and crucian carp seedlings of each team are growing vigorously like Liu Jun. Seeing the fish swimming in groups in the rice fields, the villagers who rarely have a chance to eat greasy food all year round are smiling with joy, praising Director Yan and Director Liu. However, few people know that Directors Yan and Liu's days are not easy.

  On February 7, 1977, the editorial "Study Documents and Grasp the Key" in People's Daily, Red Flag, and Liberation Army Daily put forward a new theoretical guideline. It said: "Whatever decisions made by the leader, we resolutely uphold; whatever instructions given by the leader, we unswervingly follow", two newspapers and one magazine were put forward according to the requirements of the then Party Central Chairman and Military Commission Chairman's No. 1 person.

  In his past life, Liu Jun didn't pay much attention to politics. The reason was simple - it wasn't his turn yet.

  A working-class grassroots, doesn't have that qualification.

  However, Liu Jun knew a thing or two about this theory. Anyone who came back to life from that gathering, as long as they were not foolish or stupid, had heard of it. This incident caused quite a stir and directly triggered a nationwide debate on the "standard of truth".

  Liu Jun didn't expect that this matter would also affect Yan Yucheng and Liu Jinchang. The director and deputy director of the commune's revolutionary committee, haha, the level is too old, right?

  So Liu Jun never thought about it, and like all the adults and children in the Liu family's mountain team, he day and night hoped that the fish in the field would grow up quickly. Apart from this, there was also Mr. Sui Zhou reading books unmoved by thunder.

  Until Yan Yucheng and Liu Jinchang came together again to talk to Mr. Zhou, Liu Juncai knew a little about it.

  When encountering major and sensitive political issues, the two directors would often discuss with Mr. Zhou, which gradually became a habit.

  Liu Jun didn't quite understand this.

  Mr. Zhou is a good teacher, but not necessarily a good politician. The old master has profound knowledge and is upright and unyielding, worthy of respect. However, this does not mean that he can grasp the direction of the times well. Otherwise, it would not have fallen to this point. Asking him for advice on policy issues won't lead us astray, will it?

  Liu Jun was indeed a bit worried about Yan Yuchen and his own father. It's not surprising, really - when you add up all the relatives, friends, and colleagues of the two families, they couldn't find anyone more knowledgeable than Mr. Zhou. When faced with difficulties, who else would they turn to but Mr. Zhou?

  Nature, Liu Jun is not a god, how can he know at once that Yan Yuchen and Liu Jin came to find Mr. Zhou for what? But they talked, Liu Jun was a must-listen. They were also used to it.

  It's also unknown when it started that they would bring some food every time they came to visit Mr. Zhou. This time, they brought a pig head and a jug of rice wine.

  At the sight of the pig's head, Liu Jun's eyes sparkled and his mouth watered uncontrollably. Pig's head meat was truly a delicacy; in his younger years, he could devour an entire pig's head by himself.

  "Little guy, are you jealous? Consider this a reward from your uncle."

  Liu Jun pouted and scolded: "Uncle is really unreasonable. Obviously came to see Mr., but a pig head asks for favors twice."

  Yan Yucheng was suddenly stunned and speechless.

  Mr. Zhou burst out laughing: "Yuchen, don't cheat the old and deceive the young, now you know who's formidable!"

  Liu Jincai scolded with a smile: "Xiao Jun, young man, you don't know how to speak properly, do you talk to Uncle Yan like this?"

  Liu Jun smiled and quickly walked over to take the pig's head and rice wine from Yan Yucheng's hands, then turned around and ran towards the house: "Master mother, master mother, delicious food is here..."

  The mistress's hands and feet were quick, and in a moment the pig's head was already in the pot. Although it didn't have many seasonings like later generations, just plain water with some salt, it still had a strong aroma that made people's fingers move greatly.

  "You three drink first, it'll be fine in a while, it'll be fine in a while..."

  The mistress smiled and said repeatedly.

  "Teacher's wife, don't worry, we just came to chat with the teacher... Ah, it's been a while since we last visited the teacher."

  "Your teacher Zhou has taught so many students, but it's all been for nothing if you're the only one who understands benevolence and righteousness..."

  Liu Jun broke out in a cold sweat!

  The teacher's wife directly ignored him. However... Comrade Liu Jun indeed didn't do anything for the teacher either.

  "It's nothing, I just happened to be closer."

  Yan Yucheng was polite with his words, but he winked at Liu Jun repeatedly.

  Hey! So Old Master Yan still has a childlike heart after all. Liu Jun was both angry and amused, so he simply gave him two big white eyeballs back.

  Everyone first chatted about some trivial matters, and Mr. Zhou highly praised the idea of raising fish in rice fields, saying that it was a commendable attempt to explore the development of collective productive forces. Everyone carefully avoided using words like "get rich" because at that time, the more impoverished you were, the more glorious it was.

  Yan Yucheng smiled and looked at Liu Jun, who shook his head repeatedly. Yan Yucheng chuckled and didn't say much more. After the commune's revolutionary committee collectively discussed it, "rice field fish farming" had already become an organizational decision. Putting the big hat of "initiator" on a young kid's head was somewhat inappropriate. Although the "celebrity effect" was what Liu Jun yearned for, considering his current age, becoming famous also required some restraint; being "smart and able to read books" was currently Liu Jun's most reasonable way to become famous. As for other things, it was better to attribute the credit to the leadership and organization.

  The braised pork head was finally served, and the teacher's wife favored him by first picking out a few pieces of lean meat and putting them in Liu Jun's small bowl with a loving expression. Liu Jun naturally didn't stand on ceremony and ate with gusto, not even bothering to wait for it to cool down, tearing at it with his hands and devouring it with relish.

  "What's your view on this spirit proposed by the Central Committee, teacher?"

  Yan Yucheng took a small sip of rice wine and asked casually.

  Just like a thunderclap on a clear day, Liu Jun's mouth was shocked to drop the piece of braised pork he was biting into back into the bowl.

  Alas, have I become so muddle-headed that I've even forgotten something as important as this? Could it be that Yan Yuchen and Liu Jincheng have already taken some action? This is no laughing matter. In the domestic official circles, from ancient times to the present, "standing in line" has been prevalent. If someone wants to stay out of the fray and curry favor with both sides, they will inevitably end up like a bat - unable to fly or walk, becoming the first casualty. The outcome of the struggle for power is often cruel, even if it doesn't involve life or death, at least it will affect an official's political future.

  The impending "standard of truth" debate will undoubtedly be a line struggle. The main leaders of all political organs, even as small as the commune revolutionary committee at the most basic level, will all be involved without exception.

  If this team makes a wrong move, the consequences will be very serious.

  Mr. Zhou's hand holding the wine cup stopped in mid-air, his eyes slightly closed, and he remained silent for a long time before saying, "Do you have any moves?"

  "Not for now, we...are still unsure..."

  Yan Yucheng said.

  Mr. Zhou nodded.

  Liu Jun let out a big sigh of relief. Fortunately, fortunately!

  "It was also inevitable for him to bring up this spirit."

  Mr. Zhou thought for a moment and said slowly.

  Everyone in the house except the teacher's mother perked up their ears.

  "Please instruct me, teacher."

  Yan Yucheng said respectfully, with a demeanor like that of a primary school student.

  "Hehe, Yuchen, don't flatter this old man anymore. I'm not worthy of your praise, let's just chat casually and see where the conversation takes us."

  Yan Yu is mature and knows his teacher's temperament, smiling but saying no more.

  "......Having received the Mandate of Heaven, may your longevity and prosperity be eternal..."

  Liu Jun was taken aback. He did not expect Old Man Liu to come up with such a phrase after hesitating for half a day.

  It is recorded that after Qin Shi Huang obtained the He Shi Bi, he carved it into a jade seal for passing down to future generations, engraving the eight characters "Receive the Mandate of Heaven, may your longevity be forever prosperous". Fortunately, Yan Yuchen and Liu Jincheng were not uneducated, so they knew where Mr. Zhou's words came from, but at that moment, they didn't understand the meaning behind them.

  "Teacher..."

  Yan Yucheng just said two words and suddenly understood, a faint smile appeared on his face, and he didn't say another word.

  Liu Jincai was about to step into the threshold of politics, but his reaction was half a beat slower, and he didn't come to his senses until he had been stunned for a while.

  Jianyu saw Liu Jun also slightly nodding his head, and Mr. Zhou was somewhat surprised, asking: "Little Jun, did you understand too?"

  "Uncle, you've forgotten what you told me. Emperors all have to claim they were appointed by heaven, to show their legitimacy."

  "Ah, the child is teachable, the child is teachable!"

  Mr. Zhou nodded repeatedly.

  Liu Jun secretly admired Mr. Zhou's cleverness and wisdom. In one sentence, eight words, he clearly explained the root of this theoretical guideline. The successor's foundation was too shallow, and by putting forward this political declaration, he clearly demonstrated his "orthodox position". Not long after the great leader passed away, his prestige still stood out, and adhering to this guideline was the most powerful weapon for the successor to maintain his position.

  "Teacher, what should we do?"

  Mr. Zhou smiled and asked in return: "What do you plan to do?"

  Yan Yucheng did not answer directly, but instead asked Liu Jinchai: "Jinchai, you are in charge of propaganda work, what do you think should be done?"

  Liu Jinchai thought for a moment and said: "Since it's the central government's opinion, we should..."

  "Slow down, Jin Cai, and regardless of whose opinion this is, let's talk about your own views. What do you think of this approach?"

  Mr. Zhou interrupted Liu Jincai's words and asked.

  Liu Jincai scratched his head and said, "This is hard for me to say."

  "It doesn't matter whether you say it well or poorly, as long as you express your true thoughts. There are no outsiders here."

  "Hmm... I think this proposal is a bit inappropriate..."

  "Oh? Why?"

  "All things are always in a state of change, according to this statement, it is affirmed that things do not change. This does not conform to objective facts."

  Liu Jincai slowly said with careful consideration.

  "That's right!"

  Yan Yucheng slammed his hand on the table, his expression somewhat agitated.

  "If we continue to follow the old ways and don't allow any changes, the masses will still be poor. In what year or month can we truly achieve prosperity for the country and strength for the people?"

  Seeing a clear attitude, Liu Jincai also let go and said: "That's right. After so many years of liberation, the common people still can't even get enough food and clothing, this guideline policy needs to be changed."

  Actually, the one who hopes for a change in policy is Mr. Zhou. He is now completely and thoroughly a member of the proletariat, so poor that he only has books left. Fortunately, his mind is very clear, and with a wave of his hand, he said: "County leaders, what do you mean?"

  "The document has been issued and we must conscientiously implement the spirit of the central directive."

  "Is it a document from the county revolutionary committee?"

  "It was indeed a document personally signed by Wang Benqing, the head of the county revolutionary committee."

  Mr. Zhou was taken aback and asked, "What's the background of this Director Wang? I seem to recall that he used to be the director of Gucheng Commune?"

  "Uh-huh, I heard he has a very close relationship with some leader in Baozhou region."

  "Oh... I see... Come on, let's have a drink..."

  Mr. Zhou just drank and ate meat, no longer mentioning this matter.

  Liu Jinchai couldn't sit still and asked, "Mr. Zhou, then what should we do?"

  "Politics, in the end, is also about strength deciding everything..."

  Mr. Zhou smiled slightly and suddenly said to Liu Jun, "Little Jun, why aren't you speaking?"

  "Uncle, I don't understand, what do you want me to say? I just know how to eat meat."

  "Alright, alright, it's settled then."

  Mr. Zhou burst out laughing.

  Yan Yucheng and Liu Jincan were unclear about it.

  "If you can't understand it, then don't do anything, just eat meat. Jin Cai, you really need to learn from your son."

  Liu Jincai scratched his head, seemingly having understood something.

  Mr. Zhou is right, politics is a contest of strength. As soon as this guideline comes out, it will conform to the interests of some people and inevitably not conform to the interests of others, and conflicts are inevitable. Before the situation becomes clear, the best approach is to remain silent and not meddle blindly.

  However, the ostrich strategy doesn't always work. In official circles, no one can be a fence-sitter forever. Director Yan and Liu Jincheng wanted to wait and see, but they couldn't avoid being found by others.