Chapter 6: The Crackdown of 1983

Fang Mingyuan's words ultimately convinced the old Mr. Fang and his wife. With the old man's support, although Fang Sheng and his wife, as well as Fang Mingyuan's two aunts, were somewhat skeptical of the outcome, in the Fang family, the old Mr. Fang still had the authority of the head of the household. Once he made a decision, it would not be easily changed. Of course, due to Fang Mingyuan's insistence, the old couple did not reveal his role in the matter to their children.

After much consideration, the old Mr. Fang decided to let Fang Bin set up a breakfast stall near the factory gate, starting with baozi and porridge, and then decide on the next steps based on the situation. Since it was decided that Fang Bin would become an individual entrepreneur, at least a greeting should be made to all aspects of the factory. The old Mr. Fang decided to have Fang Sheng invite a few relevant small leaders from the factory for a drink, which would also help build relationships for Fang Bin, making it easier for him to operate without much interference from the factory. In 1983, a small place like Hai Zhuang didn't have many good restaurants, so the drinking session was set at Fang Sheng's home. Fang Sheng bought more alcohol and meat, and had Bai Ping and his mother prepare a few dishes, making it quite a feast.

"Fang Brother, this is quite a spread! Your sister-in-law and mother are really skilled in the kitchen. I'm in for a treat today." The first to enter was Zhu Hongjun, who lived next door to Fang Sheng. He was a big man, standing nearly 1.8 meters tall. He worked at the town police station and was a minor leader, familiar with many people in the factory. His wife was a worker at the rolling mill, and the two families had a good relationship. Inviting him also had the intention of having him help maintain order.

"Zhu, come in, come in!" The old Mr. Fang smiled and pointed to the Golden Monkey cigarettes on the table, "We're close, so help yourself, don't be shy."

Zhu Hongjun's eyes lit up. The Golden Monkey cigarettes were considered quite good in Shaanxi Province in 1983. Zhu Hongjun didn't hesitate, lighting one and taking a couple of satisfying puffs before saying, "Old Mr. Fang, this is quite a gesture. How much did this cost? It must have taken your entire month's pension."

The old Mr. Fang nodded helplessly and sighed, "Zhu, it's all because that good-for-nothing kid isn't making any effort. If he were to behave, I wouldn't have to go to such lengths. I'm not so rich that I can throw money around like this." Since the two families were close, there was no need to hold back in conversation. Zhu Hongjun nodded, having learned from Fang Sheng over the past few months about Fang Bin's situation, understanding the old man's intentions.

"Ha, Old Mr. Fang, don't worry too much. I think this might not be such a bad thing," Zhu Hongjun continued after another couple of puffs. "Fang Bin is a decent person, but if he goes to the factory, he might just get by for a long time. On the other hand, being an individual entrepreneur, though it's tiring and risky, can be a good path if done well! The Sun family's donkey meat stall at the factory gate makes at least a hundred to eighty yuan in pure profit every month! On average, each member of their family earns 30% more than my salary! Honestly, if I knew anything else besides catching people, I'd be tempted. You know, 23.5 yuan a month, what can you do with that? Fang Brother has told me, and I really admire your decision, Old Mr. Fang. It's not easy to make such a decision."

Hearing this, the old Mr. Fang felt more reassured. Zhu Hongjun had worked at the police station for many years, and his words were not without basis.

Zhu Hongjun looked at the others who were busy outside and then lowered his voice, "Old Mr. Fang, to be frank, it's a good thing that Fang Bin has something to do. Wandering around the town all day, he might get into trouble. I tell you, you need to keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't cause any trouble. Recently, it feels like good people are being bullied, and bad people are getting away with it. The police are demoralized. Gangs of all sizes are rampant, committing all sorts of crimes, dominating the area, and oppressing the people. The public dares to be angry but not to speak, and the police can only deal with each case individually, unable to keep up. But I don't think this situation will last. The government won't tolerate it. I feel that there might be some action from the higher-ups soon. We mustn't make a fuss!"

Hearing this, Fang Mingyuan, who was listening in the inner room, was suddenly moved. He suddenly remembered the famous "Crackdown" of 1983!

In the years following 1978, social security in China became a significant issue. In June 1983, a rare and major murder case occurred in the new China. Eight criminals committed a series of crimes over 10 hours, killing 27 innocent people, including 19 men and 8 women, and several children. Multiple young women were raped and molested. The gang also committed robbery and explosions. In July, the then Minister of Public Security reported the severe security situation to the national leadership, who immediately pointed out: "We must severely crack down on all serious criminal activities, with heavy and swift punishment." Thus, in August 1983, the "Decision on Severely Cracking Down on Criminal Activities" was issued from Yanjing. From mid-August 1983 to July 1984, public security agencies across the country quickly launched a severe crackdown on criminal activities. It seemed that a popular actor at the time was also executed for hooliganism during this period.

To combat crime and ensure social stability, in the less than four months from August to the end of 1983, relevant departments dismantled over 70,000 criminal gangs, seized more than 18,000 guns and over 420,000 bullets. This crackdown was a massive mass movement, with 1.5 million tips provided by the public, and over 47,000 criminals were handed over to the police by the public. Under this pressure, many criminals turned themselves in to the police. The rampant criminal activities were suppressed within a few months, and reports showed that public places were secure, and women no longer needed to be escorted to and from night shifts or evening classes. Even some children of military and high-ranking officials were sentenced to prison or even executed.

However, in the age of information explosion, Fang Mingyuan knew that the crackdown, while severely punishing various crimes, also had some overreach, leading to many wrongful convictions. For example, in the 1983 crackdown, if a person was dressed provocatively, they could be sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison. A young man who took some provocative photos of his girlfriend was sentenced to death, and the girl received a prison sentence. In Luzhou, Sichuan, a young man named Wang kissed a girl on a bet and was executed, causing a stir locally. Years later, the police reportedly compensated the family with 200 yuan. In another case, a young man was executed for jokingly blocking a girl on the street. Another young man was sent to Xinjiang for urinating on the street, charged with "current hooliganism."

Thinking about this, Fang Mingyuan broke out in a cold sweat. How could he have forgotten about the 1983 crackdown? It was already June, and the crackdown was less than two months away!

Although his uncle had safely passed through 1983 in his previous life, with his own rebirth, who could guarantee that the butterfly effect wouldn't affect him!

At that moment, laughter and chatter could be heard from outside the door...

Page break for AD

Page break for AD end