When the sea breeze, carrying salty moisture, hit the car window, the bus was driving along the coastline of Shanwei towards the Red Palace and Red Field. The sunlight in November made the banners reading “Red Legacy, True Purpose” shine brightly. The 23 members of the Longan Guangzhou Party Branch, with enthusiasm beyond their usual duties, went to this “promise of true purpose”.

1. In the Red Palace and Red Field, touching the “heartbeat” of history

When we stepped through the doors of the Red Palace and Red Field, the wind suddenly stopped. The blue brick walls, red-painted pillars, the old desks and chairs of the Soviet government in those days, and the old photos with cracks from time—in 1927, countless ancestors raised the red flag here and engraved the promise of “serving the people’s happiness” into the land.

“Look at this photo. It was here that Comrade Peng Pai held the farmers’ meeting. The people below raised hoes and shouted slogans…” The guide’s voice was filled with emotion. The members listened carefully. The “history” before their eyes was vivid: the bullet holes in the corners, the faded red scarves in the display cases (the symbols of the children’s group back then), and the old slogan that said “All power belongs to the farmers’ association”—like eyes, they looked at these “legal professionals of the new era”.

One lawyer said, “In textbooks, we read about Peng Pai burning land deeds. But now, standing here, I understand what ‘true purpose’ means—it’s not just slogans, but putting one’s roots deep in the people.” Yes, as lawyers, shouldn’t we, like our ancestors, turn “serving the people” into patience in every meeting, rigor in every document, and responsibility in every court session?

2. By the Red Bay, warming up the “team” with fire and fun

If the Red Palace and Red Field is “mental recharge”, then the barbecue by the Red Bay is “team warming”.

The lawyers put down their cases and rolled up their sleeves to become “barbecue masters” and “singers”. Lawyer Ye Peng started barbecuing chicken wings, handing them to his colleagues, and used songs to create a lively atmosphere. When the barbecue got cold, Lawyer Zhou Junwei heated it up, then sang warm songs. Lawyer Huang Qingfeng sang several unique dialects, his voice deep and touching—the laughter among the people was louder than the fire in the grill.

People started talking. One lawyer said, “I thought everyone was great at handling cases. I didn’t know barbecue was so fun!” “Our team has not only ‘strengths in court’, but also ‘fire and fun’ on the beach.”

After dinner, people had more fun: some danced around the fire, becoming a beautiful sight on the beach; others walked along the road by the sea, with wind blowing their hair messily, but they said, “It’s better than working overtime.” Some sat on beach chairs, talking about work, from “how to help the village handle contract disputes” to “where to go next time for party activities.” When the moon rose, the shadows on the beach overlapped, like a group of “always young members”.

3. Back to work: bringing the warmth of the Red Palace back to serving the people

At the end of two days of activities, the smiles on the members’ faces were brighter than when they started.

“I thought ‘party activities’ were just tasks. Now I understand they’re a form of ‘recharging’.” Many lawyers felt that the blue bricks of the Red Palace told them what “true purpose” is, and the sea breeze of the Red Bay told them what “team” means. Back at the law firm, I’ll turn this warmth into motivation to help clients.

Yes, the members of Longan Guangzhou never do party activities just for party purposes. This visit to the Red Palace and Red Field was to remember why they started. This gathering by the Red Bay was to unite for “going forward together”. Because we know that the best “red legacy” isn’t just posters on the walls, but turning “true purpose” into patience in every meeting, “unity” into teamwork in every case, and “enthusiasm” into dedication in every public service activity.

The sea breeze keeps blowing, and the car heads back to Guangzhou. In the rearview mirror, the coastline of Shanwei becomes farther away, but the light of the Red Palace and Red Field, the laughter of the Red Bay, and the warmth of the team are like seeds, planted in every heart of the members of Longan Guangzhou. Next time they encounter clients or complex cases, they’ll remember the wind and light of today, and the promises of their ancestors. Then they’ll say, “Don’t worry, we’re here.”