In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

"Okay." Yang Guangming smiled, and the atmosphere eased a bit. "Besides chatting, I also have something I'd like to ask you for a favor today." He got to the point.

"Mr. Yang, just give the order! We'll go through fire and water for you, no doubt about it!" the two said in unison, their chests puffed out.

“It’s nothing serious,” Yang Guangming said, his tone becoming more relaxed. “I want you to help me quietly rent a detached house nearby. It doesn’t need to be too big, quiet and secluded would be best, and I’ll pay the rent.”

Rent a house? Jiao Da and Jiao Er were both stunned. They looked at each other, not understanding why Yang Guangming wanted to rent another house, and why he wanted to do it "secretly".

Mr. Yang is living comfortably at home, isn't he?

“This needs to be kept secret.” Yang Guangming looked at them, his tone becoming serious. “You can’t tell anyone, including your parents. If anyone asks, just say you rented it for a friend. You’ll find out the specific purpose later. Can you do that?”

Sunlight shone through his eyes with a scrutinizing gaze.

Although Jiao Da was filled with questions, like cat scratching at his heart, seeing Yang Guangming's solemn expression, he immediately suppressed all his curiosity and nodded emphatically:

"Yes! Mr. Yang, don't worry, we promise to keep our mouths shut! We won't tell anyone!"

Jiao Er patted his chest vigorously, "I promise I won't tell! If anyone tells, may I be struck by lightning!"

"Okay, I believe you."

Yang Guangming nodded, satisfied with their statement. "I'll pay for the rent. Brother Jiao will handle the renting; I won't show my face to avoid attracting attention."

After renting it out, I'll tidy it up a bit. We might need to meet there quite often in the future, and I might need your help from time to time.

He paused, then added, "To outsiders, including to your family, you can say that I use my connections to occasionally introduce you to some odd jobs that will pay better than what you have now. That way, you'll have a reasonable explanation for going out so often, and it won't arouse suspicion."

Jiao Da's mind raced. Yang Guangming's words, coupled with their previous conversation about the current situation and the Red Party, made his vague guess increasingly clear.

Renting a secret house, keeping it a secret, meeting frequently in the future, and having a reasonable excuse... this series of arrangements is anything but ordinary.

A surge of heat welled up in his heart, and he was so excited that his palms were sweating and his blood seemed to be flowing faster.

After calming down, Jiao Daqiang nodded solemnly, "Mr. Yang, we understand. We will definitely handle this well and there will be no mistakes! Just you wait and see!"

Although Jiao Er was a beat slow to react, seeing how serious his elder brother and Yang Guangming were, he realized that this matter was not simple. His honest face also became serious, and he imitated his elder brother's expression.
"Mr. Yang, we'll listen to you! Wherever you point, we'll go!"

"Hmm." Yang Guangming was satisfied with their reactions; a preliminary trust had been established. "The situation is chaotic right now, so finding an empty house should be easy. Go and get it done as soon as possible, be careful, and don't attract attention."

"Hey! We'll go and inquire first thing tomorrow morning!" Jiao Da immediately agreed, eager to get started right away.

The two brothers left the east wing with excitement, trepidation, and a strong sense of mission.

On the way back, the moonlight was cold and clear, and the courtyard was deserted.

Jiao Er couldn't help but lean close to his elder brother's ear and ask excitedly in a very low voice, "Brother, is Mr. Yang... is he... that kind of person?"

He didn't dare say those two words, and instead gestured vaguely with his hand.

"Shut up!"

Jiao Da immediately whispered a warning, cautiously glancing around the dark courtyard to make sure no one was there, before lowering his voice and speaking sternly:
"Don't ask what you shouldn't ask, and don't guess what you shouldn't guess! Just keep it in mind! Do whatever Mr. Yang tells us to do, and keeping your mouth shut is better than anything else!"
Remember, from today onwards, our lives are tied to Mr. Yang's! We can't cause him any trouble!

His voice was low, but it carried an undeniable resolve.

Jiao Er shrank back, not daring to ask any more questions, but the inexplicable excitement and sense of honor of participating in a major event lingered in his heart, and his steps became much lighter.

Looking at his younger brother, Jiao Da sighed inwardly, but at the same time, he felt a strong sense of mission and an overwhelming excitement.

He had a vague feeling that, starting tonight, the lives of the two brothers might embark on a completely different path, one that was both dangerous and full of hope.

He was excited about the possibility of imprisonment or even death on this path.

Jiao Da clenched his fists, feeling his whole body brimming with power.

Just as Yang Guangming had predicted, amidst the chaos of war, many houses in Beiping (Beijing) were vacant. Many people had fled south to escape the turmoil or sought refuge in the countryside, leaving behind numerous properties unattended, resulting in a sluggish rental market.

Jiao Da and Jiao Er found a suitable courtyard in just half a day in a quiet alley about a ten-minute walk from their courtyard house.

The courtyard is a detached house, not very big, with only three main rooms facing south, and a small courtyard.

The courtyard wall is fairly intact, and the gate is an ordinary wooden door that looks quite old with peeling paint, but it is still sturdy.

The location is ideal, with a secluded alley and few residents, mostly elderly people or low-level craftsmen who don't interact much with others. It's usually deserted and seems particularly quiet.

The landlord is a small businessman and doesn't ask for high rent.

Following Yang Guangming's instructions, Jiao Da negotiated the price, paid three months' rent in one lump sum using the silver dollars Yang Guangming had given him privately, successfully obtained the keys, and signed a simple lease agreement.

After renting the house, the two brothers spent half a day cleaning the yard inside and out while no one was looking.

Although it was still simple, it was much tidier and looked more like a "home".

After finishing all this, Jiao Dacai reported to Yang Guangming in the East Wing, his eyes filled with anticipation after completing the task.

Yang Guangming was very satisfied with the efficiency. He patted Jiao Da on the shoulder and whispered his approval: "Well done, thank you for your hard work."

Yang Guangming walked into the newly rented courtyard, closed the door, and walked around inside and out. He was quite satisfied.

His mind sank into the refrigerator space in his mind, and he took out two bags of grain, one bag containing five catties of cornmeal and the other containing five catties of rice, as well as a small piece of salted meat wrapped in oil paper, and a small packet of salt. He put them all into a slightly worn burlap sack and placed it in the corner of the main room.

Then, he returned to the courtyard house as usual, his expression unchanged.

After dinner, when it was completely dark, Yang Guangming told his parents that he was going to Teacher Zhu's house to discuss a translation and might be back late.

The parents were already used to their son's schedule and did not suspect anything.

Instead of going to Teacher Zhu's house, he took a roundabout route and, under the cover of night, arrived at the secret courtyard in Sesame Alley.

Jiao Da and Jiao Er were already waiting here as agreed.

The courtyard gate was ajar, and sunlight streamed in. He slipped inside and gently bolted the gate shut.

There were no lights on in the courtyard, only the hazy moonlight shining down, outlining the contours of the houses and the courtyard, making it appear tranquil and mysterious.

"Mr. Yang." Upon seeing Yang Guangming enter, the two brothers quickly stood up from the steps of the main room and greeted him in hushed voices.

"Let's go inside and talk." Yang Guangming nodded, and the three of them walked into the main room together.

A small oil lamp was lit in the room. The wick was not very large, and the light was dim and yellow, illuminating only a small area around the table, but it was enough to make people feel at ease.

"The house is nice, you've worked hard and cleaned it very well." Yang Guangming looked at the clean house and expressed his approval.

"Of course, Mr. Yang." Jiao Da rubbed his hands, a little embarrassed. "It's just a bit shabby, there's not even a decent table."

"That's enough. We're not here to enjoy ourselves." Yang Guangming waved his hand dismissively, pointing to the burlap sack he had placed in the corner beforehand. "There's some grain and some salt in there. You can take it home later to supplement your household income."

Jiao Da and Jiao Er then noticed the burlap sack in the corner. They hadn't noticed it when they came in because of the dim light.

Jiao Er stepped forward and opened it. By the light, he saw that inside were golden cornmeal, white rice, and a piece of glistening, tempting, and savory meat!

The two were stunned for a moment, their throats bobbing involuntarily.

In those years when grain was more expensive than gold, this sack of food was enough to sustain their family for several days, and even provided them with meat, something they rarely got to eat during the Lunar New Year!

"Mr. Yang, this...this is too valuable! We can't accept it!" Jiao Da hurriedly declined, though his eyes still couldn't help but dart towards the sack. "You've already helped us enough; we absolutely cannot accept this grain!"

"Yes, Mr. Yang, I haven't repaid the kindness of the medicine you gave me last time!" Jiao Er waved his hand vigorously, but his eyes were firmly drawn to the piece of salted meat. His stomach rumbled involuntarily, and he immediately blushed with embarrassment.

"Take it."

Yang Guangming spoke calmly, yet with an air of undeniable authority: “In the future, you will be doing things for me, which may take up a lot of your time and affect your ability to find work and earn a living.”

Consider this a prepayment of part of my wages, to make things a little easier for your family.

If you don't accept it, I'll feel bad, and it will be difficult to contact you if I need anything in the future.

He used the same reason again, but this time with a deeper meaning.

Jiao Da looked at the heavy load of grain, representing hope for survival, and then at Yang Guangming's sincere and determined eyes under the lamplight. Thinking of the family's frequent food shortages and his parents' expectant gaze, his nose tingled, his eyes reddened, and his voice choked with emotion.
"Mr. Yang...you...what can we say...this...this is not just about wages..."

He knew that this was not just wages, but also Mr. Yang's timely help to his family, a debt of gratitude and trust that was hard to repay.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his turbulent emotions, and nodded heavily, as if making a vow:

"Mr. Yang, we can't thank you enough! From now on... from now on, our lives are yours! If you tell us to go east, we will never go west!"

Jiao Er was so excited he didn't know what to say, he just nodded vigorously, his eyes reddening, and murmured, "Yes! My life is yours!"

"Serious words."

Yang Guangming stepped forward and patted Jiao Da's sturdy shoulder, "Your lives are your own, so cherish them."

Following me may involve hardship and even danger, but what we need to do is ensure that millions of poor people like your family can have enough to eat and will not be bullied in the future.

This is more important than personal life!

His words struck Jiao Da and Jiao Er's hearts like a resounding bell.

To ensure that millions of poor people have enough to eat! What a spirit and vision this is!

The two brothers felt a surge of heat rush to their heads, washing away all their previous doubts and anxieties, leaving only unwavering determination and reverence.

"We are not afraid of hardship! Nor are we afraid of danger!" the two said in unison, their voices suppressed yet full of strength.

"Okay." Yang Guangming smiled with satisfaction. "We'll probably have to meet here often in the future."

He walked to the table and sat down, his expression becoming serious. "I called you here today not only to show you the house, but also for another reason. Starting today, I will take some time to talk to you about some things here."

"Talk about something?" Jiao Er blinked, somewhat puzzled.

"Ah."

Yang Guangming nodded, his gaze sweeping over the brothers' eager and earnest faces:

"For example, why is society so unfair now? Why are the poor always bullied? What are the root causes of China's poverty and weakness? How do landlords, bureaucratic capitalists, and foreign invaders exploit us?"
How can we truly change this cannibalistic world? Where is the way out for us poor people?

His voice wasn't loud, but in the quiet night, in this simple and secluded little house, it was like thunderclaps, or keys trying to open two long-obscured doors to the heart.

These issues are precisely the long-standing confusion and resentment in their hearts, the enormous injustice they vaguely sense but cannot clearly express.

“I…we are willing to listen!” Jiao Da said excitedly, his voice trembling. He pulled his younger brother to sit down on the stool opposite Yang Guangming, like the most devout students, afraid of missing a single word.

Jiao Er's eyes widened and his ears perked up.

Under the lamplight, Yang Guangming began his first formal "lesson" to the Jiao brothers.

Instead of directly discussing overly sensitive or profound theories, he started with the most familiar and painful examples from their own lives.

He began by recounting how the Jiao family rented land from a landlord and worked hard for a year but had little left, and then analyzed how the landlord exploited the farmers through land rent and usury.

It starts with Jiao Da's previous work at the docks, how the foreman deducted wages and oppressed workers, and how capitalists exploited the surplus value of workers;
The text describes how foreigners swaggered around on the streets, how Japanese goods flooded the markets, and how imperialism plundered China's resources and wealth through war and unequal treaties.

From the corruption and extortion of Kuomintang officials to how the bureaucratic comprador class sided with reactionary forces at home and abroad, betrayed national interests, and oppressed the people...

He spoke in a simple and straightforward manner, using plain language, and closely combined the personal experiences and daily observations of the Jiao brothers, gradually guiding their simple anger and dissatisfaction with the status quo towards a deeper and more systematic understanding of society and class consciousness.

He not only talked about suffering, but also about resistance, about the limitations of peasant uprisings in history, about the power of the working class, and about why only by completely overthrowing the three mountains weighing down on the Chinese people could true national independence and people's liberation be achieved.

Jiao Da and Jiao Er listened with rapt attention, sometimes clenching their fists in anger as they thought of the suffering of their own family and neighbors; sometimes their eyes shining with realization as they understood the root of their suffering; and sometimes they were thrilled and filled with fervor as they heard stories of resistance and hope for the future.

They had never heard anyone analyze the rules of the world and the root of their suffering so clearly and thoroughly.

Yang Guangming's words were like a strong light, shining into their previously chaotic and confused inner world.

Before we knew it, nearly two hours had passed. A little oil had gone down in the lamp, and a few wisps of oil had formed.

Around 10 o'clock, Yang Guangming finished his lecture for the day.

"That's all for today. Go back and think about it carefully. Compare what we've said with what you usually see and hear. Does it make sense?" Yang Guangming said.

He saw the fire burning in their eyes and knew that the seed of thought had been sown.

“From now on, we’ll meet here every day, and I’ll talk about it.”

At the same time, we will gradually teach you some other skills.

He continued, "For example, how to observe the surrounding environment more alertly, how to identify possible tracking and surveillance, how to calmly and without revealing any flaws when encountering military, police and special agents for questioning, and how to use everyday items to convey simple information, etc."

All of this is in preparation for possible future needs.

Jiao Da and Jiao Er finally came to their senses from the intense intellectual shock. It felt as if a door to a new world had been opened. Their heads were swollen from absorbing a lot of new knowledge, but their spirits were exceptionally high.

"We will definitely study hard!" the two said in unison, their tone extremely firm.

"Okay." Yang Guangming stood up and pointed to the grain in the corner. "Take this back, be careful on the way, and avoid people."

This time, the two brothers did not refuse. Filled with gratitude, excitement, and a sense of rebirth, they shouldered the heavy sacks, said goodbye to Yang Guangming, carefully opened the courtyard gate, peeked out and looked around to make sure it was safe before disappearing into the deep night.

On the way back, a cold night wind blew, and Jiao Er calmed down slightly from his excitement. He couldn't help but lower his voice again, his voice filled with disbelief, and said to his elder brother:

“Brother! What Mr. Yang said… he said it so well! So right! It turns out that our suffering isn’t because of bad luck, but because… um…”

Before he could finish speaking, Jiao Da covered his mouth with such force that he almost couldn't breathe.

"You are looking for death!"

Jiao Da whispered fiercely into his younger brother's ear, his heart pounding with fear:
"Have you forgotten what I just told you? Keep these words to yourself! Don't tell anyone, not even your parents! Do you want to kill Mr. Yang, and kill our whole family?"

"I...I understand, brother, I was wrong!" Jiao Er was also drenched in cold sweat and nodded hurriedly, realizing that he had almost caused a disaster.

Jiao Da released his grip and cautiously looked around again, only to hear the wind and the faint barking of dogs in the distance.

He took a deep breath, but his heart was in turmoil.

He was almost certain that Yang Guangming was one of "the people on the other side"!
He is someone who truly speaks for the poor, works for the poor, and wants to overturn this cannibalistic world!
He felt incredibly honored, excited, and burdened with a profound sense of responsibility to be able to learn these unheard-of yet absolutely correct principles from such a person, and even to potentially participate in the great cause of changing one's destiny in the future.

This excitement and sense of responsibility far outweighed the joy of receiving those life-saving meals.

For two consecutive nights, Yang Guangming used the excuse of going to Teacher Zhu's house to discuss translations to come to the secret courtyard in Sesame Alley to give lessons to the Jiao brothers.

The following evening, he spoke about the humiliating history of modern China, from the Opium War to the defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War, from the Eight-Nation Alliance to the Twenty-One Demands.

It focuses on the arduous explorations and enormous sacrifices made by countless patriots in their efforts to save the nation from peril.

From the Taiping Rebellion to the Hundred Days' Reform, from the Xinhai Revolution to the May Fourth Movement...

He painted a magnificent yet tragic historical picture, making the Jiao brothers understand the profound historical background and significance of today's struggle.

On the third night, he continued to deepen his analysis of class oppression and began to interweave some simple but crucial common sense and skills of underground work.

He not only explained the theory, but also demonstrated simple practical exercises.

For example, he had Jiao Da and Jiao Er practice observing each other's clothing, expressions, and items in a crowd in a natural and unobtrusive way.

He simulated several scenarios of being suddenly questioned, training them on how to remain calm and respond with prepared, reasonable statements;

He also taught them several ways to convey simple messages using gestures and the placement of objects, and had them practice repeatedly.

Although Jiao Er was a little slow-witted, he was extremely serious about learning and had a tenacious spirit. He memorized every word Yang Guangming said and every action he taught, and practiced them repeatedly until they became muscle memory.

Jiao Da, on the other hand, showed his rough exterior but refined interior. He had a strong ability to understand things and was particularly keen at observing his environment. He could also analyze some suspicious situations he saw at the dock and on the street based on Yang Guangming's principles. His ability to draw inferences from one instance to another made Yang Guangming nod in approval.

As his studies deepened, even the slow-witted Jiao Er finally understood the identity that Yang Guangming represented and the nature of the cause they were engaged in.

He was incredibly excited and thrilled. His eyes, as he looked at Yang Guangming, were filled with an almost worshipful light and a firm conviction that he had found his direction in life.

Several times, after the lecture, he would look like he wanted to say something but hesitated, his face showing an expression that said, "I understand everything, just admit it," looking at Yang Guangming with longing eyes.

Yang Guangming saw all of this and felt both amused and touched.

However, he strictly adhered to the organization's discipline.

Before the probationary period is over and before the superiors have officially approved it, he will not reveal his true identity to the two men, nor will he make any explicit promises or recruit them into the organization.

Guessing it yourself and confirming it with him are two different things.

What he needs is their heartfelt recognition and conscious following, not gratitude towards him personally or momentary curiosity and excitement.

Jiao Da was clearly more composed; he thought things through more deeply and was better able to understand Yang Guangming's caution.

Privately, he once again strictly disciplined his younger brother, forbidding him from any rash words, actions, or glances.

He said to Jiao Er earnestly, "Second brother, some things are better left unsaid; we shouldn't be the ones to break the ice."

Mr. Yang's refusal to speak naturally stems from his reasons and difficulties.

What we need to do now is to absorb everything Mr. Yang teaches us, like a sponge absorbing water. We need to learn all the principles and skills he teaches us, and do every little thing he asks us to do well, so that we can prove that we are reliable people and people he can completely trust.

Don't overthink or ask too many questions about the rest, and definitely don't try to give any hints with your eyes or gestures!

This is not only to protect Mr. Yang, but also to protect ourselves, to protect this glimmer of hope we've just seen! Do you understand?

Jiao Er always believed in his elder brother's words. Although the sense of belonging that "I am already one" made him itch, he still nodded vigorously, firmly remembering his elder brother's admonition, and tried his best to control his expression and eyes.

This small courtyard became the secret base that the three of them tacitly agreed upon, and also the starting point for the Jiao brothers' intellectual enlightenment, skills learning, and spiritual sustenance.

Every time they stepped into this courtyard, they felt as if they had entered a space completely different from the dirty and dark world outside, a space filled with the light of truth, the warmth of comrades, and the power to change their destiny.

Yang Guangming knew that the evaluation and training of the two individuals would take time, but he had already successfully taken the crucial first step.

The ideological ground is being consolidated, the initial forms of skills are taking shape, and more importantly, an invisible trust and tacit understanding is being established among the three.

With this secret base and these two initially reliable and rapidly growing allies, his perilous operation against "Project Heart Piercing" finally had a solid foundation and support. (End of Chapter)