When my father was in junior high (初三）, his family received a letter from 黄埔军校经理处 just as my grandpa was out of town for business for a few months. My father was the only man in the house. The letter said your real estates were in the restricted location. Please move yourself out of the area within two months.... My grandparents had more than a dozen houses for rental by 南京黄埔 Road, near 皇城角，太平门. The areas were considered 军事禁区 because it was next to 黄埔军校. My dad 大吃一惊，the rentals were one of the major source of income to cover their family expenses and for the kids' educations. With profound 国学根底 and 湘西“土匪“DNA, my dad wrote a long letter reasoning with 黄埔军校. A few days later a soldier came to ask my dad to have an interview with 经理处处长陈良将军。He talked to my dad for more than two hours and told him not to worry about this matter. Study hard to become a useful person to the country and society, etc. My dad was really touched and he still remembers the conversation. A general had a serious talk with a young kid and agreed not to demolish the houses. My father still thinks this was one of the few things he can write home about! General Chen became my dad's 忘年交。In 1949 Mr. Chen became the Mayor of Shanghai, but only for two months before he flew to Taiwan. Then, 赵祖康 became 代市长 until 陈毅 arrived.
