Chapter 804
The Chinese were well aware of the power of people.
With so many individuals, they recognized that their value was diminished to the ground, and they understood that it was difficult for any single person to gain recognition. Moreover, they realized that if many came together to form a single force, that power could become boundless.
That’s precisely why the Communist Party keeps such a close watch on and controls the populace.
Just like in the ancient history of China, the moment turmoil arose, people would jump out claiming they had the Mandate of Heaven. To prevent those with a common purpose from coalescing and waiting for the ‘right time,’ they maintained a stance of dimming their light and hiding their talents.
A tree with deep roots won’t be uprooted by the wind, and a nail that is driven deep into the ground won’t easily come out even if the earth shakes. The rulers of China knew that even the strongest nations have their moments of weakness, and that no matter how thorough one might be, there are times when it will sway.
However, if a crisis arises and it is seized as an opportunity to stir chaos and expend the nation’s strength in a bid for power, can the nation truly progress? Just like in the days of warlords, they would wear themselves out fighting amongst themselves, sitting on a hollow throne, only to suffer a pitiful fate at the hands of external forces.
Such a fate was already evident in the humiliations experienced at the end of the Qing dynasty.
They boasted of being the center of the world, of being the symbol of civilization.
Ruffians with power invaded, bringing them continuous humiliation, stripping them bare until they fell into ruin.
Such a scenario must never happen again.
To prevent this, during any crisis, they must unite their strength to reclaim the glory of the past and demand reparations from those who wronged them.
Revenge is a virtue for the Chinese.
They cry out that they cannot live under the same sky as those who have killed their friends, so how can they comfortably sleep with the nation’s enemies at large?
As one.
All wills as one.
Like a single person.
They may be weak when in disarray, but when united, China can be stronger than anyone else.
Thus, all the people had to be under the control of the Party.
For their glory.
…But there are parts of the body that remain indifferent to such concerns.
From head to toe, can anything be deemed unimportant? While everything holds its significance, the levels of importance and pain must vary.
If a person’s head and toes are given the same value, would that not be extraordinary?
In a similar vein, the people of China were just the same.
Those in irreplaceable positions, representing the ‘head’, are the Party’s officers. If they were to disappear, the vital areas affecting life must be the power holders, gentry, and wealthy merchants. The ones akin to arms and legs would be those creating and leading the future the Party envisions.
So, what of the nails, hair, and dead skin?
Who might they be?
Those who feel no pain when cut, grow freely without any care, and if they grow excessively, they become a nuisance needing periodic ‘maintenance’?
Those who could diminish without great harm, and if they endure a little pain, could be entirely removed, who could they be?
“….”
“….”
“….”
The poor.
The underclass that emerged inevitably due to the dual structure of urban and rural China.
Known as migrant workers, laborers, or builders, they occupy the lower part of the pyramid.
A staggering wage gap between city and countryside, coupled with technological advancements, led many to flow into cities to make their bodies their assets for earning money, accepting abysmally low pay and terrible treatment while grateful just to be working.
“….”
“….”
They know.
They know they’re part of the lower class.
They are aware that they are worse off than serfs who existed in the West, and that even the hereditary serfs born to slaves during the Qing dynasty were likely in a more favorable position than they are. Once upon a time, Emperor Yongzheng had declared that slaves must forever obey their masters and could never escape servitude.
The Party teaches that they revolutionarily broke the bonds that forbid commoners from marrying while keeping concubines. They proudly proclaim the complete abolition of the class system, creating an era where everyone could live as equal citizens of the nation, establishing a time more equal and abundant than the ancient Yao and Shun era.
…But is it truly so?
Certainly, they are all citizens, yet the urban citizens enjoy greater equality, and those in power enjoy even more.
Even when riding on the subway, many avoid the sight of them as if seeing refuse or a homeless person; a hint of odor or dirtiness can prevent them from walking down the street.
Tourists might form negative impressions of China upon seeing them.
Marriage? Outside of marrying a fellow migrant worker, few dare to dream of marrying someone from the city.
It’s like the entire household would oppose any union with those of a lower status.
So, no matter how hard they struggle to elevate their status, every ladder is taken away.
Those with money and talent step into politics, scholars must enroll in Peking University or study abroad – which if one lacks funds isn’t even possible to attempt.
Even if one becomes capable, the hope for social mobility often ends in serving the power holders or being exploited in the army.
Are they exceedingly lucky and talented enough to break through?
Even then, it would be fruitless.
Due to a system that won’t accept clean hands, the necessary corruption they can’t avoid becomes a great weakness, and what comes in the name of support and sponsorship becomes chains and a collar. Thus, no matter how fortunate one may be, in the end, one becomes a dog of those in power.
If one is beautiful enough to venture into the entertainment industry, unless coming from a wealthy family or having powerful connections, one must be prepared to become a concubine of a power holder. Even then, it’s fortunate to catch the eye of just one; otherwise, disaster strikes, and like the tragedy of the commons, it could as easily become no one’s exclusive domain, becoming the fate of everyone.
…For all genders and ages.
Looking through history, it isn’t uncommon for power holders worldwide to indulge in relationships with beautiful youths. In Japan, this practice
