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

On January 31, 1949, the transfer of power in Beiping (Beijing) was quietly completed.

Without fierce fighting or chaotic destruction, this ancient capital, with its thousand-year history, was peacefully liberated thanks to the superb political wisdom of our Party and General Fu's choice to follow the will of the people.

The vanguard of the People's Liberation Army quietly and efficiently took over key locations such as city gates, important government offices, warehouses, power plants, water plants, radio stations, and newspaper offices.

In accordance with the agreement, the Kuomintang troops inside the city orderly marched out of the city to accept reorganization.

On the streets, the sentry posts of the old regime disappeared, and the flag of the Republic of China was lowered. In their place were disciplined People's Liberation Army soldiers wearing red stars, and more and more smiling faces of citizens.

A new order, like the warm current of spring, began to flow through the veins of the city.

Although some corners still retain traces of the old era, and although many people still harbor hesitation and trepidation, hope and vitality have become the dominant theme of this city.

Beiping Radio Station, as one of the first important units to be taken over and resume normal operation, was immersed in a tense yet exciting atmosphere of busy work.

Gao Tianlin officially took full control of the radio station's operations.

He quickly formed a new leadership team, with underground party members and reliable progressive masses as the backbone, and retained all the technical backbone to ensure that the radio station's professional technology was not interrupted.

The administrative department, the technical department, the broadcasting department... all departments are undergoing a handover process, learning the new work discipline and propaganda policies.

Although busy and chaotic, everything was done in an orderly manner and full of energy.

With the cooperation of Yang Guangming and Zhou Zhigang, the security department operated smoothly.

PLA soldiers and existing guards were mixed into groups, performed duties together, learned from each other, and quickly formed an organic whole.

Inside and outside the radio station, security was tight, yet order was maintained.

February 1st, early morning.

Before dawn, the radio station was already brightly lit.

Today is a historically significant day—Beiping Broadcasting Station, as the People's Broadcasting Station of the new China, will broadcast its official message to Beiping, North China, and the whole country for the first time.

Gao Tianlin arrived at the main broadcasting room early.

Technicians are performing final equipment checks to ensure everything is working perfectly.

The original announcer, Bai Yulan, has been detained. The new announcer is a progressive female college student with a sweet voice named Lin Xue. She is currently sitting in front of the broadcasting desk, reviewing her script over and over again. She looks slightly nervous, but her eyes are bright.

The draft was personally prepared by Gao Tianlin and approved by his superiors. The content was simple, yet every word carried immense weight: it proclaimed the peaceful liberation of Beiping, introduced the policies implemented by the People's Liberation Army after entering the city, and called on citizens to live and work in peace and contentment, jointly maintain urban order, and welcome the arrival of the new China.

"Chief Gao, the equipment is all working properly and we can start at any time," the technical section chief reported.

Director Gao glanced at the wall clock; the hands pointed to 7:50 a.m. He took a deep breath, nodded to Lin Xue, and then looked at Yang Guangming and Zhou Zhigang standing at the entrance of the broadcasting studio.

Yang Guangming gave him a "everything is safe" gesture. Zhou Zhigang straightened his back, indicating that the security was foolproof.

It was exactly 8:00 AM.

Gao Tianlin nodded to the technicians in the control room.

The technician pushed the control lever.

In the main broadcasting studio, the red light came on.

Lin Xue spoke into the microphone, her voice clear, steady, and full of emotion, beginning her historic broadcast:
"Citizens of Beiping, compatriots across the country, this is Beiping Radio Station. We are now broadcasting important news..."

Her voice, transmitted via radio waves, reached every household in Beiping, the North China Plain, and even more distant places.

"...Thanks to the Party's efforts and General Fu's understanding of the people's will, Beiping was peacefully liberated yesterday. The Chinese People's Liberation Army has now entered the city and taken over its defenses..."

"...The People's Liberation Army is the people's army, with strict discipline and impunity. We urge all citizens to live and work in peace and contentment, maintain order, and not believe rumors..."

"...Beiping, this historic city, has thus escaped the ravages of war and darkness, and ushered in a new dawn. Let us jointly welcome the birth of the new China and build a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous new Beiping..."

The sound echoed in the air, clear, powerful, and full of hope.

Inside the radio station compound, almost all the staff stopped what they were doing and listened quietly. Many had tears welling up in their eyes.

This is the voice of the people, the voice of the new world!
The broadcast lasted for about thirty minutes. When Lin Xue announced, "This broadcast has come to an end," the entire radio station erupted in a long-suppressed burst of enthusiastic applause!
It was a success! My first broadcast was a success!
Gao Tianlin excitedly walked out of the control room, shook hands with Lin Xue, and hugged the technicians. Then, he strode over to Yang Guangming and Zhou Zhigang, and firmly grasped their hands:
"Comrade Guangming! Platoon Leader Zhou! Thank you! Thank you to all the comrades in the guard section! It is because of you that the radio station was able to be broadcast smoothly today!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Director Gao, this is what we should do. From today onwards, Beiping Radio Station will truly be the people's radio station."

“Yes! The people’s radio!” Gao Tianlin nodded emphatically. “Our work has only just begun! In the future, we will use radio waves to transmit the Party’s policies, the people’s voice, and the achievements of the new China throughout the country and to the world!”

In the following days, Beiping Radio Station entered a completely new work rhythm.

The program broadcasts daily at set times, covering policy announcements, news reports, and cultural performances. Although the equipment is rudimentary and the programs are simple, its refreshing, down-to-earth, and hopeful atmosphere quickly won the hearts of the citizens.

In the streets and alleys, many families turned on their long-dormant radios, or gathered in front of shops and teahouses that were able to receive broadcasts, to listen to the voices from "People's Radio."

News broadcasts became the most important channel for people to learn about the new government and to reassure the public.

Yang Guangming's work became even busier. In addition to daily security duties, he also assisted Gao Tianlin with some administrative and external liaison matters. His composure, competence, and excellent organizational and coordination skills earned him high recognition from Gao Tianlin and his superiors.

With Zhou Zhigang's assistance, the guard section underwent more formal military training and political study. The soldiers forged deep camaraderie with their original guards. Jiao Da and Jiao Er made rapid progress and were now able to independently lead their teams on missions. Zhao Zhenwu was completely convinced of Yang Guangming's abilities and fully cooperated with his work.

The atmosphere in the courtyard gradually brightened up.

Yang Huai-ren started going out every day, no longer to "purchase" or "inquire about news," but to genuinely understand the new policies and see what legitimate things he could do. He heard that the government was organizing the cleanup of the city and the resumption of production, so he planned to register and see.

Chu Yuanjun was finally relieved of her anxieties. She, along with Jingwan and Jingyi, began to confidently venture out of their home to queue at the nearby cooperative to buy government-rationed, affordable food and daily necessities. Although supplies were still scarce, prices were stable, and there was no longer any worry about overnight price spikes.

The two little girls' faces were much rosier, and their smiles were especially bright.

They were finally able to play in the alleys like normal children and listen to the teacher talk about the principles of the new society in the nearby open-air classroom.

Grandpa Jiao Zhenshan carefully wrapped the pistol that Yang Guangming had given him in red cloth and solemnly handed it to his son, Jiao Da. "Now that things are peaceful, this gun should be returned to Mr. Yang. You two should protect the people's property well at the radio station."

Everything is moving in a positive direction.

Everyone felt it; a brand new era had truly arrived.

And this prelude will reach an exciting climax on February 3rd.

February 3, 1949, the sixth day of the first lunar month.

This day is destined to be recorded in history.

After several days of gloom, the sky revealed a rare azure blue.

Although the winter sun is cold, it is exceptionally bright, shining on the ancient city walls, on the gray-tiled alleys, and on the faces of every Beijing citizen who wakes up early and is filled with excitement.

Since yesterday, the news has spread throughout the city: Today, the Chinese People's Liberation Army will hold a formal entry ceremony into the city!

The route into the city has already been announced: enter the city through Yongdingmen, pass through Zhengyangmen, Dongjiaominxiang, Dongsi, Xisi and other major streets, and finally exit the city through Xizhimen.

Hundreds of thousands of citizens spontaneously organized themselves to welcome the long-awaited army.

As dawn broke, Yang Guangming and his family got up.

Chu Yuanjun changed into his most presentable dark blue cotton-padded jacket, his hair neatly combed. Jingwan and Jingyi also put on new cotton-padded jackets, their little faces washed clean, tied with red ribbons, their faces flushed with excitement.

Old Master Yang Hanzhang also got up early, changed into his old-fashioned long gown that was washed until it was faded but ironed, and looked solemn.

"Dad, Mom, Grandpa, shall we go?" Yang Guangming had changed into clean casual clothes. He had asked Gao Tianlin for leave today to accompany his family to witness this historic moment.

"Let's go!" Old Master Yang Hanzhang was the first to step forward, his back ramrod straight.

The family left the courtyard house and found that the alley was already bustling with activity.

Almost all the neighbors came out, dressed in their best clothes, their faces beaming with smiles, greeting each other. "Mr. Shen, you're going too?"

"Go! How can we not go to such a grand event!"

"Master Liao, your strength in 'snagging neck' won't be of any use today!"

"Haha, I'm going to go see it all today! I'll see as much as I want!"

Front yard, middle yard, back yard... people, whether they knew each other or not, all joined the flow of people and headed towards the main street.

The closer you get to the main road, the more people there are. It's absolutely a sea of ​​people, a massive, bustling crowd.

People, young and old, came together with friends and family, their faces filled with barely suppressed excitement and anticipation.

Many families brought their own small stools, hoping to secure better viewing spots. Children weaved through the crowd, their joyful shouts echoing.

The streets were already packed with people. Many shops along the street had their second floors and rooftops filled with people. Windows were open, and heads were peeking out.

People held small, makeshift colorful flags and red banners with slogans such as "Welcome the People's Liberation Army!" and "Long live the Communist Party of China!"

Many others carried gongs, drums, and trumpets, ready to sound them as soon as the procession arrived.

Sunlight protected his family, and they finally found a slightly more spacious spot near Zhengyangmen Street—it was a bit far from the main road through which the procession entered the city, but the view was still quite open.

Chu Yuanjun held her two daughters' hands tightly, afraid of being separated by the crowd. Jingwan and Jingyi, however, were not afraid at all. They stood on tiptoe, looking around curiously, their little faces full of excitement.

Yang Huai-ren and Yang Han-zhang stood a little behind, their expressions solemn, their eyes fixed on the direction of Yongding Gate, as if waiting for a sacred moment.

It was exactly 10:00 AM.

In the distance, the sound of loud military music could be heard!

The crowd immediately stirred, everyone craning their necks to look in the direction from which the sound came.

"I'm coming!"

"The People's Liberation Army is coming!"

Cheers, applause, and the sound of drums erupted like a tsunami, sweeping across the entire street!

The first thing that catches the eye is a huge, bright red military flag, fluttering in the sunlight. The flag bearer is a tall soldier with firm and powerful strides.

Next up was the military band.

The soldiers, dressed in neat uniforms, played the stirring "March of the People's Liberation Army." That familiar melody, hearing it now, was so exhilarating.

Behind the military band were infantry formations.

The soldiers marched forward with neat, powerful steps, rifles in hand.

Their khaki uniforms, leggings, and red stars adorned their young, resolute faces, which gleamed in the sunlight. Their eyes were bright, fixed straight ahead, displaying discipline yet also a gentle warmth and simplicity.

"Long live the People's Liberation Army!"

"Long live the Communist Party!"

The cheers grew louder and louder. Many people were moved to tears, waving colorful flags and shouting their hearts out.

Chu Yuanjun couldn't help but shout along, his voice choked with emotion. Jingwan and Jingyi, though not very good at chanting slogans, clapped their little hands vigorously, their eyes wide as they looked at the majestic yet welcoming procession they had never seen before.

Standing beside his family, Yang Guangming looked at the team in front of him, his heart filled with emotion.

This is the people's army, the steel Great Wall upon which the new China was built. Compared to them, those enemy agents and thugs seem so insignificant and pathetic.

Following the infantry formations came cavalry, artillery, armored vehicles... Although the equipment seemed rather rudimentary to Yang Guangming, for the citizens of Beiping who had suffered greatly from war and were accustomed to the corruption and incompetence of the old army, this disciplined and high-spirited people's army was enough to shock and convince them.

The procession moved slowly, as if to allow the people of this ancient city to see them properly and get to know them.

The soldiers waved to the cheering crowds on both sides of the road from time to time, their faces showing simple smiles. Some of the bolder children ran off the road to offer the soldiers water, which the soldiers always accepted kindly, patted the children on the head, and continued on their way.

This scene of close ties between the military and the people moved countless people.

As Grandpa Yang Hanzhang looked at everything before him, tears streamed down his face.

He lived for over sixty years, experiencing the late Qing Dynasty, the Beiyang period, and the Republic of China. He had seen all kinds of armies, from the arrogant Eight Banners troops to the undisciplined warlord forces, and the corrupt Nationalist army in its later stages... But he had never seen an army like this, an army so genuinely welcomed by the people.

“It’s different…it’s really different…” the old man murmured, wiping away tears with the back of his hand. “This is…our own people’s team…”

Yang Huai-ren's eyes also reddened, his lips trembled, and he couldn't speak.

He recalled his leg, which had almost been crippled, his experience buying grain on the black market, and those ruthless "enforcement teams"... Compared to the army before him, they were worlds apart.

The procession stretched on and on, seemingly without end. Cheers, drums, and slogans continued unabated.

The cheers reached their peak as the procession passed through Dongjiaomin Lane—the embassy district that symbolized the humiliation of old China.

Many people know that choosing this route means breaking the shackles of the old era and symbolizes that the new China has truly stood up.

The entry ceremony lasted for the entire morning.

As the last armored vehicle drove past and the procession gradually disappeared from the direction of Xizhimen, the crowd remained reluctant to disperse.

People gathered in the street, excitedly discussing and reminiscing about the thrilling scene that had just unfolded.

Many people spontaneously began singing the revolutionary songs they had just learned, such as "The East Is Red" and "Without the Communist Party, There Would Be No New China." At first, the singing was somewhat uneven, but it grew louder and louder, converging into a powerful wave of sound that echoed over the ancient city.

Yang Guangming and his family slowly walked back with the flow of people.

Everyone's face was etched with lingering excitement and a blush.

Jingwan held her brother's hand, tilted her little face up, and asked, "Brother, will those People's Liberation Army soldiers live in Beiping from now on? Will the bad guys never dare to come again?"

Yang Guangming patted his younger sister's head and said confidently, "Yes, they've come. Beiping will be peaceful forever. Bad people will never dare to bully ordinary people again."

Jingyi leaned over and whispered, "Brother, now that I'm all grown up, I want to be a soldier in the People's Liberation Army too!"

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Great! When Jingyi grows up, the new China will definitely need many, many capable people. Study hard, and you will definitely be able to do many meaningful things in the future."

Listening to her children's conversation, Chu Yuanjun wore a satisfied and gratified smile. She glanced at her husband, Yang Huai Ren, who was also looking at her. They smiled at each other, their hearts filled with a sense of peace they had never felt before.

Grandpa Yang Hanzhang walked beside him, his steps seeming lighter than when he arrived.

He looked around at the transformed city—the streets were still the same streets, the buildings were still the same buildings, but the feeling was completely different. The air was filled with hope, vitality, and the breath of new life.

Back in the courtyard house, the neighbors gradually returned as well. Everyone gathered in the front yard, excitedly sharing their experiences and feelings, filling the yard with laughter and joy.

Jiao Zhenshan said to Yang Guangming, "Guangming, after seeing this entry ceremony today, my heart is finally at peace. In the end, this world belongs to those who win the hearts of the people. You young people, following such a new government and such an army, have a bright future ahead of you!"

Yang Guangming nodded solemnly: "Master Jiao, you're right. A new era has begun, and each of us should contribute to the new society."

As evening falls and the sun sets, golden rays bathe the courtyard house.

Smoke curled from the chimneys of every household. The aroma of food filled the air, carrying the warmth and comfort of ordinary days.

Chu Yuanjun was busy in the kitchen, preparing a simple dinner. Yang Guangming helped out, while Jing Wan and Jing Yi played hopscotch in the yard, their clear laughter like silver bells.

Yang Huai-ren and Yang Han-zhang sat at the entrance of the main room, chatting quietly over a pot of coarse tea. They talked about the hardships of the past, their observations of the day, and their hopes for the future.

The radio broadcast the evening news from Beiping Broadcasting Station, reporting on the grand ceremony of entering the city, the various policies of the new government, and good news from all over the country.

The voice was clear, steady, and full of strength and hope. (End of Chapter)