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

General Fu, representing the North China Suppression Headquarters, reached an agreement with our Party on the peaceful resolution of the Beiping issue.

Peaceful liberation.

For the two million citizens of Beiping who had endured months of torment on the edge of war, struggling to survive amidst hunger, cold, and fear, these four words were nothing less than the light that finally broke through the darkness, a lifeline extended from their desperate situation.

Although the specific details of the agreement were not yet known to ordinary people, and although the Kuomintang organs and the army were still in the city, and although there were still patrolling soldiers and martial law checkpoints on the streets, the suffocating despair and tension in the air seemed to have been quietly diluted overnight by something.

A subtle change is quietly taking place in the pulse of the city.

People walking on the street seemed to straighten their backs a bit more; when they looked at each other, there was a hint of unspoken understanding in their eyes; and the discussions behind closed doors were a little louder, and the content was no longer purely pessimistic.

Hope, like the tender shoots of grass that stubbornly emerge from the frozen soil, is full of vitality, though still immature.

The atmosphere inside the Beiping Radio Station was even more different.

On the very night the agreement was reached, Gao Tianlin secretly summoned Yang Guangming to his office. With the door closed and the curtains drawn, the usually composed deputy director's face was flushed with barely suppressed excitement.

"Guangming, great news! Incredibly great news!" Gao Tianlin gripped Yang Guangming's hand tightly, his voice trembling with excitement. "General Fu has reached an agreement with us. Beiping will be peacefully liberated!"

Although he was mentally prepared, hearing the confirmed news with his own ears still stirred a surge of emotion in Yang Guangming.

He took a deep breath to calm himself down and asked, "Director Gao, what are the specific arrangements for our radio station?"

Gao Tianlin walked to his desk, unfolded a sketch, and said in a low voice:

"According to the agreement and instructions from higher authorities, the defense of Beiping and important units will be gradually taken over by the People's Liberation Army. Our radio station is of utmost importance, and we must ensure a smooth transition without any mishaps."

He pointed to several locations on the sketch with his finger:
"It is expected that around January 30th, a platoon of the PLA's vanguard will be stationed at our radio station to be responsible for permanent security work."

Platoon leader and soldiers, you will temporarily be under your command and management—you are a Party member and the head of the security section, familiar with the situation, so it is most appropriate for you to be in charge of the liaison and arrangements.”

Yang Guangming listened intently, quickly calculating in his mind. A platoon, about thirty men, plus the existing guard section, would greatly enhance the security force.

With a platoon of soldiers as support, we can safely and smoothly get through this short but sensitive period.

"Director Gao, I understand." Yang Guangming nodded solemnly. "I will definitely do a good job in liaison and arrangements to ensure that the PLA comrades can enter smoothly and jointly protect the radio station."

"Good! I believe in you!" Gao Tianlin patted his shoulder hard. "These next few days, you need to review the work of the guard section again, and make sure you understand the internal situation of the radio station, the key protected areas, and any potential risks. When the People's Liberation Army comrades arrive, make sure they are familiar with the situation and get into their roles as soon as possible."

"Yes!"

“Furthermore,” Gao Tianlin’s expression grew even more serious, “there are still a few days between now and the official takeover. The closer we get to the end, the less we can afford to relax. Although the enemy agents have suffered heavy losses, they are still fighting like cornered beasts. We must prevent them from making a desperate last stand. The security of the radio station must not be compromised in any way!”

"Please rest assured, Director Gao! All comrades in the security section will remain vigilant and steadfast in their posts until the very last moment!" Yang Guangming stood tall and spoke with a firm tone.

As Yang Guangming walked out of Gao Tianlin's office, he walked steadily down the empty and quiet corridor, but his heart was filled with turmoil.

Peaceful liberation is truly on its way.

This city is about to bid farewell to war and darkness and usher in a new dawn. And I, as a part of this historical tide, am so fortunate to be able to personally participate in and safeguard this important moment.

Instead of going straight back to the guard section, he walked to the end of the corridor on the third floor and opened a small window.

A cold night wind swept over me, carrying the dry chill unique to a winter night in Beiping.

In the distance, the city slumbered in darkness, with only a few scattered lights, like steadfast hope. Further away, to the southeast, a faint glimmer of light appeared on the horizon—the approaching dawn.

He stood there for a long time, until his hands and feet were numb from the cold, before gently closing the window and turning to leave.

In the following days, the city of Beiping appeared calm on the surface, but beneath the surface, a torrent of change was surging.

The Kuomintang soldiers still patrolled the streets, but their expressions were less arrogant than before, and more bewildered and uneasy.

Some government agencies began quietly destroying documents and moving supplies. The wealthy and powerful were tormented by panic and difficult choices.

Meanwhile, ordinary people are cautiously observing and quietly making preparations.

The long line in front of the grain store shortened a bit, because many people knew that soon they wouldn't have to worry about buying grain anymore. In the alley, people began to hum unfamiliar but stirring tunes.

Yang Guangming's family also felt this change.

Yang Huai-ren went out every day to "purchase" and "gather information," and the information he brought back was increasingly exciting.

"I heard... General Fu's troops might be heading out of the city..."

"The grain store manager said privately that the price of grain might be lower in a few days..."

"The soldiers on the street seem a bit nicer to the civilians..."

As Chu Yuanjun listened to her husband's story, the worry on her face gradually faded, replaced by an expression of mixed anticipation and trepidation.

Jingwan and Jingyi didn't quite understand the specifics of what the adults were talking about, but they could sense that the atmosphere at home was becoming more relaxed every day, and their parents were smiling more often.

The two girls studied and practiced writing even harder because their brother had said that once the situation improved, he would send them to a proper school.

When Mr. Guan came to our home to teach Jingwan and Jingyi, although he was still thin, the melancholy between his brows had dissipated considerably, and his voice was filled with more passion and hope when he explained the poems.

He knew that the education cause he had been dedicated to was about to usher in a true spring.

When the Jiao brothers were on duty at the radio station, they stood up straighter and their eyes became sharper.

They knew that what they were protecting was not just a job, but a new world that was about to emerge.

When Jiao Zhenshan was sunbathing in the yard, he would occasionally stroke the pistol that Yang Guangming had given him in his arms, look up at the southern sky, and his eyes would be full of anticipation.

On January 30, 1949, Gao Tianlin convened another meeting with Yang Guangming and key members of the guard section.

"Tomorrow, January 31st." Gao Tianlin's gaze swept over every young and resolute face present. "The vanguard of the People's Liberation Army will officially take over the defense of Beiping. A platoon of our radio station will be stationed there."

He looked at Yang Guangming: "Guangming, is everything ready?"

Yang Guangming stood up and reported to his supervisor: "Director Gao, everything is ready. The internal situation of the radio station, key locations, personnel distribution, and emergency plans have all been compiled into brief materials."

All comrades in the guard section are of one mind and high spirits, ready to cooperate with the People's Liberation Army comrades at any time. Logistical matters such as accommodation and meals have also been coordinated with the logistics section.

"Good!" Gao Tianlin nodded in satisfaction and said to everyone, "Comrades, a historic moment is about to arrive. Starting tomorrow, our radio station will officially return to the hands of the people! This is the result of all of us protecting it with our loyalty and sweat! I am proud of you all!"

Those present, including Zhao Zhenwu, Jiao Da, Jiao Er, Wang Tiezhu, Li Shitou, and Zhang Jianjun, were all excited, their chests heaving.

"At this crucial moment, we must be extremely cautious!" Gao Tianlin emphasized in conclusion. "Tonight, strengthen vigilance and ensure that nothing goes wrong!"

"Yes!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices echoing powerfully in the small conference room.

As night fell, Beiping City welcomed its last night after the peace agreement was reached.

The radio station was brightly lit, both inside and out.

All members of the security team were on duty, the footsteps of the patrols became more frequent, and vigilant eyes swept over every corner. Gao Tianlin and Yang Guangming took turns on duty, overseeing the operation.

Front yard, back yard, inside the building, key areas... overt and covert sentries intertwine to form a tight security network.

Jiao Da and Jiao Er each led an armed patrol team to conduct a final comprehensive inspection. They checked every door and window, tested every alarm device, and verified every sentry post.

In the early hours of the morning, all was quiet. The only sounds were the whistling of the cold wind whistling through the power lines and the occasional, sporadic firecrackers in the distance, whether for celebration or farewell.

Yang Guangming stood at the window of the third-floor corridor, looking down at the guards standing at attention with guns in the courtyard below, and at the sleeping city in the distance, his heart was filled with clarity.

He knew that tomorrow, everything would be different.

That night, Beiping was sleepless.

Countless people, filled with anticipation, trepidation, excitement, and prayer, awaited the arrival of dawn.

January 31, 1949, early morning.

The sky was overcast with low-hanging leaden clouds.

Inside the courtyard of the Beiping Broadcasting Station, it was quieter than usual. All the staff had arrived early, and although they hadn't officially started work yet, everyone stood guard at their posts, their expressions tense yet expectant.

All personnel of the security department stood at attention, armed and guarding, at key posts in the front yard, back gate, and inside the building, their postures upright and their eyes sharp.

Yang Guangming and Zhao Zhenwu stood in front of the main building, with Jiao Da, Jiao Er, and other key members behind them. Gao Tianlin stood slightly behind, his expression solemn.

Time passed little by little.

At 8:00 a.m. sharp, the sound of orderly footsteps, powerful and resounding, came from outside the radio station's gate, growing louder as it approached.

The door slowly opened.

More than thirty soldiers stood outside the door.

They wore khaki cotton military uniforms, leggings, cotton caps adorned with red stars, long rifles slung over their shoulders, and hand grenades at their waists.

Although their faces were young, and some still bore the marks of war, each of them had bright eyes, strict discipline, and stood as still as pines, exuding an aura of inviolability.

The leader, about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, of medium build, with a resolute face and an air of competence and composure between his brows, stepped forward and spoke loudly into the room:

"Report! The 3rd Platoon of the 1st Battalion of the Advance Detachment of the Northeast Field Army of the Chinese People's Liberation Army has been ordered to take over the defense of Beiping Radio Station! Platoon Leader: Zhou Zhigang!"

His voice was loud and clear, with the crispness and decisiveness characteristic of soldiers.

Gao Tianlin strode forward, followed closely by Yang Guangming.

"Welcome! Welcome, comrades of the People's Liberation Army!" Gao Tianlin extended his hands and shook hands firmly with Zhou Zhigang. "I am Gao Tianlin, deputy director of Beiping Radio Station. This is Comrade Yang Guangming, head of the station's security section." Yang Guangming stepped forward, stood at attention, and gave a standard military salute.

Zhou Zhigang's eyes lit up, and he returned an even more standard military salute: "Comrade Yang Guangming, hello! Orders from higher command have placed my platoon under your temporary arrangement and management, jointly responsible for the radio station's security. Please give your instructions!"

His attitude was straightforward and decisive, without any hesitation, demonstrating a high level of military competence and discipline.

Yang Guangming inwardly praised him, and without any formalities, said directly, "Platoon Leader Zhou, welcome! Please lead your comrades into the compound first, and we will briefly introduce the situation and then assign positions."

"Yes, sir!" Zhou Zhigang turned around and waved to the soldiers behind him. "Attention, all men, listen to my command—guns at the ready, march in step!"

More than 30 soldiers marched in neat formation into the radio station compound.

Their footsteps echoed in the courtyard in the early morning, carrying a new and powerful aura.

The original guards in the courtyard looked at these spirited and well-equipped People's Liberation Army soldiers with admiration and a hint of envy in their eyes. But more than anything, they felt a sense of security, as if they had found their leader.

After a simple welcoming ceremony, Yang Guangming, Zhou Zhigang, Gao Tianlin, Zhao Zhenwu, and others arrived at the guard duty room.

Yang Guangming spread out the prepared materials and began to introduce the radio station in detail:

"The radio station occupies approximately five acres, with a three-story main building, a warehouse in the backyard, and some staff dormitories. Currently, there are 64 staff members, and about 40 more people live in the staff housing..."

"Key protected areas include: the main broadcasting studio, recording studio, and archives on the third floor; the administrative office area and archives on the second floor; and the transmitter room, power distribution room, and guard duty room on the first floor..."

"Current security force: 15 personnel, including both permanent and temporary staff, equipped with 15 pistols and approximately 800 rounds of ammunition. They have previously successfully thwarted three sabotage attempts by enemy agents..."

"These are our radio station layout and defense plan. Please take a look, Platoon Leader Zhou."

Yang Guangming's presentation was clear and concise, highlighting the key points. Zhou Zhigang listened very attentively, nodding occasionally and asking a question or two, all of which were to the point.

After listening to the introduction, Zhou Zhigang said, "Section Chief Yang is very well prepared, and the situation is very clear."

Our superiors assigned us the task of ensuring the absolute security of the radio station, maintaining normal work order, and preventing any sabotage activities.

I suggest that our two forces be combined into a single unit, under unified command, and deployed jointly.

“I agree.” Yang Guangming nodded. “Platoon Leader Zhou is more familiar with the soldiers, so you will be in charge of assigning specific posts and patrol routes. Deputy Section Chief Zhao Zhenwu and Comrades Jiao Da and Jiao Er will be responsible for coordination and cooperation.”

“Okay!” Zhou Zhigang did not refuse and immediately began to make arrangements.

He brought a platoon, which consisted of three classes, each with about ten people.

He assigned one squad to patrol the outer perimeter wall and maintain fixed posts at the front and back gates; another squad to guard key areas inside the building and act as mobile sentries; and a third squad to serve as a mobile force, ready to respond to any emergencies.

The original personnel of the guard section were dispersed and reorganized into various squads to lead the People's Liberation Army soldiers in becoming familiar with their new positions and discipline.

Jiao Da and Jiao Er were assigned to the mobile squad and the building guard squad, respectively, as key members. Zhao Zhenwu assisted Zhou Zhigang in overall coordination, while Yang Guangming was responsible for overall command and liaison.

Once the deployment was complete, Platoon Leader Zhou immediately ordered each team to take up their designated positions.

The soldiers acted swiftly and with strict discipline. In less than half an hour, the new defensive system was established. Inside and outside the radio station, sentries, both visible and hidden, were strategically placed, making the defense far more formidable than before.

Seeing all this, Gao Tianlin felt much more at ease.

He said to Yang Guangming and Zhou Zhigang, "With the People's Liberation Army comrades here, I feel completely at ease. I entrust the safety of the radio station to you two!"

"Please rest assured, Director Gao!" Yang Guangming and Zhou Zhigang said in unison.

The takeover was smooth, swift, and orderly. There was no noise, no chaos; everything proceeded according to plan.

The radio station staff looked out the window at the unfamiliar yet familiar green figures in the courtyard, watching them stand guard and patrol meticulously. Their last trace of unease vanished, replaced by an unprecedented sense of security and belonging.

At noon, the radio station's canteen prepared a simple welcome lunch for the People's Liberation Army soldiers—cabbage stew with vermicelli and unlimited mixed grain steamed buns.

The soldiers lined up for their meals, ate quietly, and washed their own dishes afterward. Their strict discipline and their practice of not harming the people left a deep impression on the radio station staff.

In the afternoon, Yang Guangming and Zhou Zhigang conducted another inspection of the entire deployment and made minor adjustments to some details.

Zhou Zhigang spoke highly of the radio station's original security section: "Section Chief Yang, your previous work was very solid. You thwarted enemy sabotage three times, which is remarkable. The soldiers are very impressed after seeing your deployment maps and combat records."

Yang Guangming humbly replied, "It's the result of everyone's joint efforts. Now that we have the People's Liberation Army comrades, our strength is even greater, and we can definitely ensure the radio station is foolproof."

In the evening, Gao Tianlin convened a meeting of all staff members of the station.

At the meeting, he officially announced: From this day forward, the defense of Beiping Radio Station will be taken over by the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and its work will be fully taken over by the new management organization under the leadership of our Party.

"Comrades," Gao Tianlin's voice trembled slightly, "from today onwards, our Beiping Radio Station has truly returned to the embrace of the people! Our voice will no longer be the mouthpiece of the old society, but will become the clarion call of the new China, the mouthpiece of the people!"

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience, and many veteran employees were moved to tears. They had endured so much turmoil and hardship, and now, they finally saw light and hope.

Sitting in the audience, Yang Guangming looked at the excited Director Gao on stage and his equally excited colleagues around him, his heart filled with emotion.

After more than two hundred years of vicissitudes, he finally witnessed and participated in this great historical moment. The feeling of his personal destiny intersecting with the torrent of the times was quite special.

After the meeting, Yang Guangming approached Gao Tianlin.

"Director Gao, the radio station has been safely taken over. I would like to ask for leave to go home and let my family know I'm safe."

Gao Tianlin nodded understandingly: "Of course. Go back quickly and tell your family that Beiping is about to usher in true peace! Don't worry, Platoon Leader Zhou and his comrades, as well as Zhao Zhenwu and the others, are here at the radio station."

"Thank you, Director Gao."

When Yang Guangming left the radio station, it was already close to dusk.

The atmosphere on the streets was noticeably different. The Kuomintang patrols were no longer visible; in their place were citizen pickets wearing "security" armbands.

The pedestrians seemed to walk more lightly, and long-lost smiles returned to their faces.

He quickened his pace and returned to the courtyard house.

Upon entering the east courtyard, one sees the whole family sitting in the main room.

"The light is back!" Chu Yuanjun was the first to stand up, his face filled with undisguised worry and anticipation. "How are you? Are you alright? We heard... we heard that the People's Liberation Army has already entered the city? The radio..."

Looking at the concerned eyes of his family, Yang Guangming smiled with relief and joy.

"Father, Mother, Grandpa, don't worry. The radio station has been officially taken over by the People's Liberation Army, it's perfectly safe. From today onwards, Beiping is peacefully liberated!"

“Peaceful liberation…” Yang Huai-ren murmured, repeating these four words, his eyes suddenly reddening. “Really…really peaceful? No more fighting?”

"Yes, there's no more fighting." Yang Guangming nodded firmly. "General Fu has reached an agreement with the People's Liberation Army. The PLA is taking over the city's defenses and key units in an orderly manner. Our radio station is one of the first key units to be taken over."

Chu Yuanjun clasped his hands together and repeatedly said, "Heaven help me... Heaven help me... Finally... Finally, this day has come..."

Old Master Yang Hanzhang stroked his beard, tears glistening in his eyes, but he smiled and said, "Good! Good! I, this old man, have finally lived to see this day! Guangming, you...you did the right thing! Well done!"

Although Jingwan and Jingyi didn't fully understand the meaning of "peaceful liberation," seeing the adults so excited and happy, they knew it must be something wonderful. The two little girls laughed along with them, surrounding their brother and asking him all sorts of questions.

"Brother, what are the People's Liberation Army soldiers like?"

Are they fierce?

"Will we not have to hide at home all the time anymore?"

Yang Guangming patiently answered the girls' questions, describing how disciplined the People's Liberation Army soldiers were and how kind they were to the people, making the two girls' eyes light up.

That evening, the Yang family had an exceptionally lavish dinner.

Chu Yuanjun took out the last bit of cured meat he had treasured at home, stir-fried some eggs, and steamed some white rice. Although it was still a simple meal, the family felt more relaxed and joyful than ever before.

At the dinner table, Yang Guangming recounted in detail the process of taking over the radio station, the style of the People's Liberation Army soldiers, and the speech of Director Gao.

Yang Huai-ren listened with great interest, occasionally exclaiming, "This is truly the people's army... It's different, just different..."

Chu Yuanjun was more concerned about her son: "Guangming, will you still work at the radio station after this? When the People's Liberation Army comrades come, will you, as the section chief..."

Knowing his mother's worries, Yang Guang explained, "Mom, don't worry. I'm still the head of the guard section, responsible for coordination and management. Platoon Leader Zhou from the People's Liberation Army and I work very well together. From now on, the radio station will be the people's own radio station, making the work even more important and glorious."

"That's good, that's good." Chu Yuanjun breathed a sigh of relief. "As long as you're safe, anything is fine."

Grandpa Yang Hanzhang drank a small cup of wine—it was Xifeng wine that Yang Guangming had brought back earlier, which the old man usually couldn't bear to drink.

With a radiant face, he said to his grandson, "Guangming, you've come at a good time. From now on, work hard under the new government! Our Yang family has always been an upright family; from now on, we must be even more honorable and contribute to the new society!"

“Grandpa, I understand,” Yang Guangming replied solemnly.

It was late at night, and the family had all gone to sleep.

Yang Guangming lay on his bed in the east wing, but couldn't fall asleep. He listened to the howling wind outside the window, his thoughts drifting far away.

Tomorrow, February 1st, Beiping Radio Station will, for the first time, serve as the mouthpiece of the new China and broadcast its message to the people of the whole country.

That will be a historic moment.

He will remain steadfast in his post, witnessing and participating firsthand.

This sense of participation and mission is unmatched by the wealth, glory, and academic achievements of the previous three lifetimes.

He closed his eyes, a smile on his lips, and fell peacefully asleep.

The sun knows full well that tomorrow will be a brand new beginning. (End of Chapter)