Industry began in 1937

Chapter 34: They've Got Reached the Organization

After listening to Chen Yuan's idea of ​​"manual bullet reloading machinery," Zhang Xianyue's eyes suddenly became profound, as if he could see the Eighth Route Army soldiers having ample ammunition and not having to conserve bullets.

But he knew it wouldn't be that easy.

He didn't speak immediately, but slowly paced around the workshop, his gaze sweeping over the simple yet sturdy tools before finally settling on the flickering flames in the furnace.

As a commander who had experienced countless trials of blood and fire from the Soviet areas to the Long March, he instantly grasped the weighty significance of this idea and immediately realized its complexity and sensitivity.

He stopped and turned to face Chen Yuan, his face regaining its usual composure, but his tone carried an unusual solemnity: "Master Chen, your intentions are good. Everyone has a responsibility to contribute to the resistance against Japan, and craftsmen have their own ways of contributing."

He changed the subject, adopting a questioning and inquiring tone: "However, making those tools and machines you just mentioned suitable and reliable is not a simple matter. Some experienced workers in our Eighth Route Army are also thinking about similar things, but conditions are harsh, and many ideas are not easy to implement. Your idea, however, is quite... ingenious."

He looked at Wen Shizhou, his words carrying a deeper meaning: "Mr. Wen, you are an educated man with broad knowledge. If Master Chen's idea can truly succeed, it will naturally be a good thing for our continued resistance behind enemy lines. But haste makes waste, especially for something like this that requires meticulous thought. My opinion is that we shouldn't rush things, and we shouldn't publicize it. Master Chen can rely on his interest and skills to slowly research and experiment. If there's anything he needs to understand or consult, Mr. Wen, please take the time to help him find some usable blueprints or listen to the experience of true masters. Everything should prioritize being safe, secure, and producing something truly tangible."

These words, seemingly an explanation to Wen Shizhou, actually clearly expressed the attitude and principles: acknowledging its value and supporting its exploration, but it must be carried out discreetly, prudently, and under the cover of being a member of the public.

Having Wen Shizhou, the "middleman," to handle the specific liaison and support maintained the cooperation channels with Chen Yuan while also conforming to the discipline of underground work and the delicate situation of the current united front.

Wen Shizhou understood immediately and nodded: "Representative Zhang is right. Brother Chen is enthusiastic about resisting Japan and is willing to study. I will do my best to help him keep an eye out for any useful information. Blacksmithing and tool making are his profession, so it wouldn't be strange for outsiders if he tinkered with some new and ingenious tools in private."

Zhang Xianyue nodded slightly, then looked at Chen Yuan again, his tone becoming gentle and encouraging: "Master Chen, you have such a good skill and are willing to do your best for the war against Japan, which is very rare."

Right now, the most important thing for our entire nation is to unite all forces that can be united and persevere in the war of resistance. The fact that your Gouzi Village was able to spontaneously organize to defend your home is the most practical action against Japan.

"Just focus on your work. If you encounter any difficulties, talk to Mr. Wen. Our Eighth Route Army is the people's army. As long as it's genuinely about resisting Japan and beneficial to the war effort, we will support it and do our best to provide assistance. Of course, we adhere to the Three Main Rules of Discipline and the Eight Points for Attention, and we will not begrudge the price we must pay."

He did not mention any specific "difficulties" or promise any unrealistic support; he only emphasized the principle of united resistance against Japan, affirmed the anti-Japanese actions of the masses, and the principles of the Eighth Route Army.

This statement not only demonstrated his stance but was also watertight, consistent with his identity as a representative of the Eighth Route Army and a Party cadre.

Chen Yuan naturally understood the deeper meaning and the appropriate tone, and solemnly replied, "Representative Zhang, rest assured, I understand. I'm just a craftsman, and I feel at ease if I can help in my own way. I will definitely think it through carefully and strive not to let down Mr. Wen and Representative Zhang's trust."

Chen Yuan could probably understand his current situation. The Eighth Route Army continued to replenish its ammunition, but due to many factors beyond their control, that was all they could say.

"Okay." Zhang Xianyue smiled, asked some more questions about the details of forging bayonets and repairing ordinary firearms, and reiterated the principle of fair exchange before ending the meeting.

He was busy with military duties and could not stay long, so he left Gouzi Village that same day.

After Zhang Xianyue left, Gouzi Village seemed to return to its usual hustle and bustle, but invisible changes had already taken place.

The Red Spear Society flag at the village entrance had long since turned to ashes, but the arrival and recognition of the Eighth Route Army representatives were like a reassurance and a guiding light.

Although the village protection team and blacksmith shop in Gouzi Village remain "independent" in name only for practical reasons, the will of the people and the possible path for the future are already clear.

A few days later, Wen Shizhou found an opportunity to visit the blacksmith shop again.

This time there was no one else around, only the crackling of the fire.

"Brother Chen," Wen Shizhou said directly, his tone both consultative and concerned, "you understand what Representative Zhang meant. Things need to be done, but they can't be publicized. Right now, to keep things running, you need to think about what to do next. The most important thing is, what's missing? See if I can help you in any other reliable way."

Chen Yuan knew that this was just the beginning of the substantive cooperation phase.

He didn't need to mince words; he went straight to the core requirement: "Mr. Wen, everything else is fine for now. The main issue is materials. We need iron, copper, tin, and lead. The quantity may not be large, but we can't do without them."

He did not explain the specific purpose of each material, which was both a form of secrecy and a reflection of his trust in Wen Shizhou—believing that the other party would understand that these were "useful" and not prying into the details.

Wen Shizhou carefully noted it down and nodded, saying, "We have connections with iron materials, so we can pick out the best ones. Copper, tin, lead... these odds and ends are precious, I've noted them down. I'll try to find some reliable sources to see if we can gather some."

"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Wen," Chen Yuan said.

He knew that in this era of extreme scarcity and tight blockade, collecting these specific metals would not be easy. Wen Shizhou's promise meant that he would use the Party and the Eighth Route Army's network and channels to complete this task.

"It's all for fighting the Japanese devils, let's not talk about that." Wen Shizhou waved his hand, looked at the vast mountains outside the cave, and spoke with a profound tone.

"The sparks from our little stove in this mountain valley might fly a little higher, and who knows, one day they might just connect with the big fire outside."

Chen Yuan didn't speak, but simply picked up the iron tongs and steadily sent a piece of good coal that was jet black, shiny, and dense into the depths of the furnace.

With a whoosh, the flames shot up, their light growing brighter and hotter, illuminating not only the workshop piled high with iron but also seemingly illuminating the unknown road ahead, a road full of challenges yet closely linked to the fate of the nation.