Episode 13 recap: Mao Zedong left Shanghai and returned to Shaoshan.
Sun Yat-sen asked Mao Zedong to look at something. He told him that they revolutionaries were practical individuals but dreamers before becoming practical. Sun Yat-sen took out a map he had drawn of the national railway lines, envisioning a development of one hundred thousand miles, although there were still very few at present. He didn't know if he would live to see that day, but even if he couldn't, Mao Zedong could, and if Mao Zedong couldn't, then their future generations would surely witness it. As Sun Yat-sen spoke, the blueprint in his hand fell to the ground, and he picked it up with great difficulty.
Sun Yat-sen told Mao Zedong to work hard. Mao Zedong looked at Sun Yat-sen, who was already in poor health, working so diligently and bowed deeply. Mao Zedong fell ill and lay in bed, and Qu Qiubai and Yang Zhihua came to visit him.
Mao Zedong looked at the people before him and said that they had gathered together once again. Mao Zedong bid farewell to Qu Qiubai, Cai Hesen, and others, reminiscing about his ambitious aspirations when he first arrived in Shanghai and feeling deeply moved at this moment.
Cai Hesen suggested that Mao Zedong should return home to rest and not worry about things here. Mao Zedong felt that their revolutionary path was extremely treacherous at present but believed that they would ultimately succeed. Qu Qiubai believed that Mao Zedong should stay in Shanghai, and he wanted to discuss this matter with Chen Duxiu.
Qu Qiubai felt that they should not tolerate the actions of the Rightists and that they should not remain silent, especially considering that the Fourth Party Congress was about to convene. However, Chen Duxiu said that Mao Zedong himself requested to go home and that he always said, "When it rains, it pours," so let him go. Ye Chucang and others compelled Mao Zedong back to his hometown, where they held a lively New Year banquet at home.
From January 11th to 22nd, 1915, the Fourth National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held in Shanghai, but Mao Zedong could not attend due to illness. The congress explicitly raised the issue of the proletariat's leadership in the democratic revolution and the issue of workers and peasants for the first time. It also specified that the party's grassroots organization would be based on branches.
Mao Zedong stood before his parents' graves and spoke to them about their current lives. He said he would stay in Shaoshan for a few more days this time and teach the local people knowledge. Mao Zedong gave lectures in the classroom while outside, people were discussing and saying that Mao Zedong had become wealthy and even held a high government position.
Mao Zedong looked at his companions standing outside and told them to bring chairs and listen because standing was tiring. However, they replied that Mao Zedong was also standing and delivering lectures to them, and they didn't feel tired. Yang Kaihui distributed meals to the villagers who came to study, and they were delighted to finally have a hot meal.
Suddenly, they noticed Fourth Sister-in-law in the corner, and they all said that women were not allowed in the ancestral hall. Yang Kaihui questioned whether they considered having a hot meal more important or following the rules. If the rules were more important, she would take the pot outside. Upon hearing this, the villagers disagreed and immediately chose to have the hot meal.
Mao Zedong returned to Shaoshan and encountered difficulties from others when establishing the agricultural school. Zeng Shiye instructed Cheng Xusheng to deal with those "mud-legs" properly. Zhou Enlai wrote scripts for the students at the military academy, allowing them to perform in plays. Jiang Xianyun renamed their organization as the Youth League. Some people remarked that they wouldn't be considered youth anymore when they turned thirty.
Jiang Xianyun explained to them that youth wasn't just about age but also about youthful spirit. Zeng Kuoqing expressed disbelief that he joined, as he would be overshadowed. However, He Zhonghan argued that they could establish their own organization, so why couldn't he? Mao Zedong worked in the fields with the villagers, and Yang Kaihui brought him food. Mao Zedong invited them to eat together.
After the meal, Third Uncle and Fourth Uncle started smoking pipes and asked Mao Zedong to join them. Mao Zedong told them that he didn't know how to smoke. Third Uncle and Fourth Uncle explained the benefits of smoking, but when Mao Zedong took a puff, he coughed. Zhang Xueliang visited the ailing Sun Yat-sen, and Song Qingling informed him that Sun Yat-sen's condition wasn't suitable for receiving guests. However, upon learning that Zhang Xueliang had come, Sun Yat-sen insisted on meeting him.
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