5. Experimental Militia Training

In the early years of the Republic of China, Yuan Shikai proclaimed himself as emperor, [General] Zhang Xun made a show to restore [a past regime], and warlords ruled the countryside, who divided the areas. As a result, there were so many people in the countryside that the government couldn't deal with. Generally, there were scattered soldiers and vagrants who didn't work. There were bandits, often carrying guns and harassing the countryside. At the time, I thought to myself: only when there is a self-defense organization and military force can we then have peace.

During the period after I had graduated from the preparatory school at Peking University and before going to higher education, I established the "Watch Society". With the purpose of helping each other, I bought 50 guns and trained 50 brave villagers. Apart from training shooting skills, they were also trained to assault in hand-to-hand combat using martial arts. I personally led the militia, clearing the area of bandits by thoroughly pursuing them day and night. As a result, an area of 100 square miles was cleared of bandits and the people could live in peace. It was effective, so neighboring counties started doing the same thing, and the local people greatly benefited from it. This was the first time that I instigated a local undertaking. The results were good and are worthy of being recorded.