Chapter 9 Summary and Analysis

There is no trip to the hills for Yue Daiyun's family this autumn, as opposition to the tactics of Nie Yuanzi's committee began to form. Instead of being elected, her committee members are appointed by her. This opposition causes two factions to develop at Beida. There is also a movement to encourage independent thinking. Many begin to feel that Nie Yuanzi's purpose is to promote her own advancement. One of the opposition groups is called the Jinggang Mountain Corps.

Both Yue Daiyun's children are acquainted with the opposition Red Guard groups, even though they are too young to be active members, thirteen and nine. Both factions claim to be loyal to Chairman Mao. The two factions in Beijing become known as the Heaven factions, which supports Nie Yuanzi and the Earth faction, which opposed her.

Lao Tang is still being interrogated...