Chapter 58: Laying the Foundations in Eastern Gansu and the Return of the Political Commissar

In the operational conference room of the Qingyang Independent Brigade headquarters, the ink of the reorganization plan was still fresh when a new round of topics regarding the consolidation and construction of the base area was placed on the agenda. On the massive map of eastern Gansu, the red area representing the Red Army's controlled zone had expanded from the single corner of Wuqi to a vast territory encompassing Qingyang, Huanxian, Yuancheng (already incorporated into the Huachi regional administration), and Wuqi proper. This land, crisscrossed by gullies and ravines, possessed a simple folk culture yet remained remote and impoverished due to long-term oppression. It served not only as the foundation upon which the Independent Brigade depended for survival, but also as the strategic rear area for its future eastward march against the Japanese invaders.

Wang Lin’s finger slowly traced the boundaries of these four counties on the map. With a solemn expression, he said to Wang Guangdao, Zhong Guangbang, and newly appointed regimental commanders such as Chen Ahai and Li Yunlong:

"Comrades, reorganizing the army and sharpening our swords is done for the sake of a better offensive. Yet, no matter how sharp a sword is, it still requires a solid scabbard and someone strong to wield it. The region we now control has a population of over two hundred thousand. Although the land is barren, it is vast in territory. Ma Hongbin’s military threat has been temporarily lifted, but how to truly transform this new area into an impregnable stronghold of our Red Army—into a stable base that can continuously provide us with manpower, grain, fodder, and civilian laborer support—is a struggle far more complex and arduous than winning a single battle."

Political Commissar Wang Guangdao agreed deeply and chimed in, "The brigade commander is right. Military victory merely opens up the situation; the true foundation lies with the masses and with political power. In the past, when we carried out 'Three-Defenses' construction and mass work in Wuqi, we accumulated some experience. However, our territory has now expanded several-fold, the conditions are more complex, and our tasks are heavier. Relying solely on personnel from the military to concurrently manage local affairs will inevitably stretch us thin, making it difficult to penetrate deeply. We must have a complete and viable governance plan, and even more so, a large contingent of party and government cadres who are proficient in local work and skilled at mobilizing and organizing the masses to take the lead in implementing it."

"We need an overall construction plan," Wang Lin concluded. "This plan must conform to the Party Central Committee’s land and economic policies while also being integrated with the local reality of eastern Gansu. Our goals are clear: to rapidly stabilize social order, deeply mobilize the masses, establish consolidated Soviet political power, restore and develop production, improve people's livelihoods, and thereby win the sincere support of the people to provide the most solid backing for our Independent Brigade."

The meeting decided that Political Commissar Wang Guangdao would take primary charge, with the participation of Zhong Guangbang, the political commissars of each regiment, and capable cadres from the brigade's political and logistics departments, to immediately begin drafting the "Construction Plan for Consolidating and Developing the New Qingyang, Huanxian, Huachi, and Wuqi Soviet Area."

Over the next few days, the brigade headquarters was brightly lit. Wang Guangdao organized personnel to study and draft the plan tirelessly, drawing upon the experiences of the Central Soviet Area, the policies of the Shaanxi-Gansu Border Region, and on-the-ground investigations in eastern Gansu. Although Wang Lin was primarily responsible for military reorganization, he frequently participated in discussions, offering suggestions from the perspective of military requirements, such as the repair of vital roads (to facilitate troop maneuver and material transport), the stockpiling of strategic supplies, and the construction standards for local armed forces.

Days later, a detailed draft plan was placed before Wang Lin. Its main contents included:

1. Political Power Construction:
Establish a four-tier Soviet political power system: Promptly establish the Qing-Huan-Hua-Wu Border Region Government (tentative name) as the highest local administrative organ. Under it, county Soviet governments would be established respectively in Qingyang, Huanxian, Huachi, and Wuqi. Below the county level, Soviet organs at the district, township, and village levels should be universally established as soon as possible.
Principles of political composition: Resolutely implement the Party's class line to ensure that Soviet political power remains firmly in the hands of workers, peasants, Red Army soldiers, and other toiling masses. Extensively absorb activists who emerged during the agrarian revolution and the anti-bully struggles, as well as locally prestigious representatives of poor and hired peasants, into Soviet organs at all levels.
Clearly defined functions: Governments at all levels must clarify their duties and establish committees or departments for land, grain, finance, military affairs, culture and education, and health to manage various local affairs.

2. Agrarian Reform:
Universally carry out the movement to strike down local tyrants and distribute land: Deepen this movement in areas where mobilization has already begun, and rapidly roll it out in newly liberated areas. Resolutely confiscate landlords' land, livestock, farm tools, surplus grain, and housing, and levy rich peasants' surplus land and production materials.
Distribution principles: Taking the township as the unit, make adjustments to balance surplus and deficit, and equalize fertile and barren land, distributing it equally per capita to landless or land-poor peasants, farmhands, and families of Red Army soldiers. Middle peasants' land would remain untouched, and they would be welcomed to join the poor peasants' league to participate in distribution discussions, protecting their interests.
Issuance of land deeds: Upon completion of distribution, the county Soviet government would issue land deeds, legally confirming peasants' ownership of the land and stimulating their enthusiasm for production.

3. Economic Development and Livelihood Improvement:
Restoration of agricultural production: Issue loans for seeds and farming tools (primarily utilizing captured materials), and organize labor mutual-aid cooperatives and work-exchange teams to improve farming efficiency. Construct small-scale water conservancy projects to combat drought and prevent waterlogging. Promote the experience of livestock farms and encourage farming households to raise domestic animals and poultry.
Development of handicraft industries and commerce: Protect legitimate industry and commerce, and encourage the restoration and development of domestic handicrafts and workshops such as weaving, oil pressing, salt production, and iron and wooden utensil making. Establish consumer cooperatives to ensure fair trade, resist exploitation by unscrupulous merchants, and vitalize the base area's economy.
Finance and taxation: Establish a unified financial system, levy a unified progressive tax, and abolish all miscellaneous and exorbitant taxes imposed by the Kuomintang. Financial expenditures would primarily be used to support the revolutionary war, the operation of the Soviet government, and the improvement of people's livelihoods.
Culture, education, and health: Establish Lenin elementary schools, night schools, and literacy classes to eradicate illiteracy and popularize revolutionary principles. Set up simple clinics and hospitals (expanding upon the brigade's field hospital), train medics, and provide disease prevention and treatment for the masses.

4. Local Armed Forces and Mass Organizations:
Universally establish Red Defense Guards and Young Pioneers: Establish non-detached Red Defense Guards (composed of young men) and Young Pioneers (composed of teenagers) universally across villages, townships, and districts. Equipped with old-style weapons and a small number of rifles, they would be responsible for standing guard, conducting patrols, rooting out secret agents, assisting the Red Army in combat, and maintaining local security.
Form full-time county and district guerrilla units: Draw backbone personnel from the Red Defense Guards and Red Army reserve forces to form full-time guerrilla units of varying sizes, under the command of county military departments or district soviets, responsible for guerrilla warfare and bandit suppression within their regions.
Strengthen mass organizations: Establish and improve mass organizations such as poor peasants' leagues, hired farmhands' unions, women's representative assemblies, and children's corps, making them powerful pillars of the Soviet political power.

5. Request for Central Support:
At the conclusion of the plan, the difficulties faced were specially emphasized: the new area was vast, cadres were extremely scarce, and existing military cadres excelled in military affairs yet lacked experience in local work. Therefore, the Central Committee was earnestly requested to urgently dispatch a batch of Party and government cadres with rich experience in local work, especially key leading cadres capable of presiding over the border region government, to lead the comprehensive construction work of the base area in eastern Gansu. "Only thus," the plan stated, "can our Independent Brigade be extricated from burdensome local affairs, allowing us to concentrate on military training and combat readiness, ever ready to execute the new strategic tasks assigned by the Central Committee."

Wang Lin carefully reviewed this plan, picked up his pen to make revisions and additions regarding certain details, and particularly emphasized the construction of transportation lines and strategic material stockpiles. He let out a long breath and said to Wang Guangdao, "Old partner, the plan is comprehensive. It all depends on whether the Central Committee can support us. Especially this candidate to head the government—it is of paramount importance and must be an old comrade with strong principles, rich experience, and the ability to hold his ground."

"Indeed," Wang Guangdao nodded. "On our side, we will promptly report the plan and the request to the Central Committee in the name of the Independent Brigade Party Committee."

Yan'an, the seat of the Northwest Revolutionary Military Commission and the CPC Central Committee.

The cave dwelling was hazy with tobacco smoke. Central leaders were reading through the reports of victories sent by the Independent Brigade, the reorganization plan, and the newly received "Construction Plan for Consolidating and Developing the New Qingyang, Huanxian, Huachi, and Wuqi Soviet Area."

"Splendid! This Wang Lin has truly sent us one great gift after another!" A leader held the base area construction plan, his face beaming with a gratifying smile. "The battles were fought brilliantly, and the train of thought for constructing this base area is also very clear! Political power, land, economy, armed forces, and people's livelihoods—every single aspect has been considered. It fully conforms to our Party's policies and integrates with local realities."

"The territory currently controlled by the Independent Brigade is not small," another leader said while looking at the map. "Qingyang, Huanxian, Huachi, and Wuqi are linked together, backed by the northern Shaanxi Soviet area and facing eastern Gansu and Guanzhong. Their strategic position is extremely important. Consolidating and building this place up will not only resolve the Independent Brigade's rear concerns, but also provide a solid forward base and a replenishment ground for material and manpower for our future eastward march against the Japanese."

Commander-in-Chief Zhu paid closer attention to the military significance: "They are requesting the Central Committee to dispatch cadres, particularly principal government officials. This request is entirely reasonable and extremely urgent. The military cannot substitute for the government for long; doing so both disperses energy and fails to manage local work well. We must send capable cadres to truly take charge of political power construction and mass work. Only then can the base area be consolidated, allowing the sharp blade of the Independent Brigade to be honed even keener."

"The question is, who should we send?" a leader pondered. "The situation in eastern Gansu is complex, with ethnic and class relations intertwined, and having just gone through a major battle, everything needs to be rebuilt. The chairman of this border region government must be a comrade with exceptionally strong Party spirit, rich experience, the ability to handle complex situations, and the skill to unite people of all ethnic groups."

The cave dwelling fell silent as several leaders contemplated suitable candidates. At that moment, a leader suddenly spoke up, "I have a candidate in mind. See if you think he is appropriate—Comrade Cheng Cuilin."

"Cheng Cuilin?" The gazes of several leaders turned toward him.

"Yes, the former political commissar of the 34th Red Division!" that leader explained further. "He possesses rich political work experience, strong Party principles, and was severely wounded during the Xiangjiang Campaign. Having endured hardships, his loyalty to the revolutionary cause has stood the test of the most severe trials. After this period of recuperation and study in the Central Committee's rear, his health has basically recovered. He has an emotional attachment to the Independent Regiment—the predecessor of this unit was the seed of the 34th Division. If he goes to work there, he will easily gain the recognition and support of former 34th Division cadres and fighters like Wang Lin and Wang Guangdao. Furthermore, his disposition is steady, his handling of affairs is fair, and he is adept at mass work and uniting cadres. He is precisely the right candidate to head the work in that region."

Upon hearing this, the leader nodded slowly, took another deep puff of his cigarette, and after a moment of thought, said, "Comrade Cheng Cuilin... is a good comrade. During the bloody battles of the Xiangjiang, the 34th Division was nearly wiped out. Both he and Comrade Chen Shuxiang went through narrow escapes with death. Dispatching him to preside over the construction of the new eastern Gansu area, in a certain sense, also allows the banner of the 34th Red Division to be re-erected on that new land. It is deeply meaningful."

He paused, looked around at everyone, and said, "I agree. Comrade Cheng Cuilin has strong principles and rich experience, making him fully capable of this heavy responsibility. Sending him there gives us peace of mind. At the same time, we shall pull a batch of cadres with local work experience from central organs and the northern Shaanxi Soviet area to form a working team, led by Comrade Cheng Cuilin, to rush to Qingyang as soon as possible to help the Independent Brigade set up the framework of the base area and launch various tasks."

"Agreed!"
"Agreed!"
"Let's decide it thus!"

A unanimous resolution was quickly reached at the meeting.

Days later, a telegram from the Central Committee arrived at the Qingyang Independent Brigade headquarters.

Wang Lin and Wang Guangdao impatiently read the telegram. The Central Committee first highly affirmed the "Base Area Construction Plan" submitted by the Independent Brigade, deeming that "the plan is exceptionally sound and practically suited; it is hoped it will be resolutely implemented." Next, the telegram announced the Central Committee's decisions:

"1. To strengthen the leadership over the new areas of Qingyang, Huanxian, Huachi, and Wuqi and rapidly consolidate this region, it is hereby decided: To establish the Qing-Huan Border Region Administrative Inspectorate of the Shaanxi-Gansu Border Region (Note: At this time, Soviet designations were still frequently used, but for united front considerations, such titles were sometimes adopted while the substance remained unchanged), to uniformly administer the political affairs of Qingyang, Huanxian, Huachi, and Wuqi counties.
2. Comrade Cheng Cuilin is appointed as the Secretary of the Qing-Huan District Party Committee concurrently serving as the Administrative Inspector.
3. Comrade Cheng Cuilin shall lead the Central Working Team (composed of fifty experienced party and government cadres) to depart for Qingyang to assume office shortly.
4. The Independent Brigade shall render all-out assistance to Comrade Cheng Cuilin and the working team in carrying out their work, closely coordinating military struggle with local construction to jointly consolidate the new area."

"Old Commissar! It's Commissar Cheng!" Upon finishing the telegram, Wang Guangdao was so excited he nearly jumped, his eye sockets instantly moist. "The Central Committee has sent Commissar Cheng to head the government! Splendid! This is truly the most appropriate choice!"

Wang Lin was likewise experiencing surging emotions. He slapped the table forcefully and said, "Good! Wonderful! With the Old Commissar here to hold down the fort, we can have complete peace of mind! From now on, military matters belong to the military, and local affairs belong to the local government. We can untie our arms and focus entirely on training!"

He recalled that resolute figure, grievously wounded and on the verge of death by the Xiangjiang River, and remembered the arduous recovery following surgery in Daozhou city. His heart was filled with deep emotion and respect. The return of Cheng Cuilin seemed to render the soul of the Independent Brigade complete once more.

He immediately instructed Wang Guangdao, "Old partner, immediately transmit this good news down the line! Let the entire brigade know that the Old Commissar is coming back! Meanwhile, let us step up preparations to welcome Commissar Cheng and the Central Working Team with the highest standards! Clear out our best cave dwellings and ready the supplies; we must let the Old Commissar and the others feel the warmth of home!"

"Understood!" Wang Guangdao answered resonantly, his face glowing with heartfelt joy.

When the news spread, the veteran soldiers of the former 34th Red Division within the Independent Brigade were filled with uncontainable excitement, running about to share the news. For them, the return of Commissar Cheng was not merely the arrival of a senior leader; it symbolized a heritage and a homecoming.

Days later, a travel-worn contingent appeared on the road north of Qingyang city. Cheng Cuilin walked at the very forefront of the column. Though somewhat thinner than in the past, his gaze was deeper and steadier, and his stride resolute and powerful. Behind him marched over fifty spirited cadres of the Central Working Team.

Wang Lin and Wang Guangdao led all brigade and regimental-level cadres of the Independent Brigade, alongside representatives of the masses organized within Qingyang city, out of the city gates to meet them well in advance.

"Old Commissar!"
"Commissar Cheng!"

Wang Lin and Wang Guangdao strode forward quickly, saluting solemnly before firmly grasping Cheng Cuilin’s hands.

Looking at these two former subordinates who had long since matured into independent leaders with brilliant military achievements, looking at the neatly arrayed and imposing troops behind them, and looking at the bright red flags fluttering atop the city walls, Cheng Cuilin was overcome with a myriad of emotions. A thousand words ultimately converged into a single sentence:

"Comrades, you've worked hard! I am back. This time, together, we shall build our home even better!"

"Welcome home, Commissar!" Wang Lin and Wang Guangdao spoke in unison.

Under the sunlight, three pairs of strong hands gripped each other tightly. The military and the locality, the battle blade and the plowshare, were about to be closely bound together on this vicissitude-weathered land of eastern Gansu to jointly forge a brand-new chapter. The roots of the Independent Brigade were bound to sink deeper and grow more steadfast because of this.