Years of the Republic of China 1913

Chapter 120 The Unexpected Arrival

"Zhang Ming, is Zhong Yang planning to join the war?"

Wu Peifu asked anxiously, and Huang Kaiyuan also leaned forward with a surprised expression.Since the outbreak of the European War, various factions in the country have reacted differently. There are those who advocate participating in the war, and those who advocate neutrality, because the voice of neutrality has an absolute upper hand in the matter of Germany's return of Qingdao. He also chose to remain neutral.However, as the war continued, the opinion that asked to participate in the war gradually emerged, and they were divided into two distinct factions. One group wanted to join the Allied Powers. They believed that Germany’s powerful army would definitely be able to defeat Britain and France. China now has a good relationship with Germany. After joining the Allies, Britain and France will be able to successfully recover the concessions in China after they are defeated.The other faction advocated joining the Allied Powers, believing that Britain and France were old empires, and that Germany was definitely not able to compete with them. Although Germany was strong, its offensive was already showing signs of decline. As long as Britain and France could hold the line of defense and rely on a strong navy, they would surely win the war.What's more, Britain and France are powerful in the Far East. It is definitely not a good idea to turn against Britain and France.In recent days, these two opinions can be said to be tit-for-tat, and each has its own reasons, causing a lot of trouble.

In the military, there are also these two voices. There are people who are optimistic about Britain and France and those who are optimistic about Germany. However, no matter which side it is, it is not a good thing for China to remain neutral in this war. Only by directly participating in it can the country be unified. Sweep away the decadence and stand up again in the world with the help of the final winner.

"What? Ziyu also agrees to join the war? Judging from Ziyu's judgment just now, you are optimistic about Britain and France?" Fang Zida asked with a smile.

"It's good to be optimistic, but no one can judge the real result, otherwise the battle will not be fought." Wu Peifu shook his head and said cautiously: "As for the point of view of participating in the war, I think the choice of Zheng Fu is very appropriate. Remaining neutral, sitting on the hill and watching the tigers fight, this is the strategy of a certain country. Those guys clamoring to join the war have ulterior motives, but you must not listen to their instigation! The country has been weak for many years, and finally has the opportunity to cultivate and recuperate now. Isn’t it a joke to bet the fate of the country on the gambling table at this time? It’s okay if you win, but what if you lose? We are sinners through the ages!”

Fang Zida was very relieved that Wu Peifu's anxiety and worry came from his heart.At least, Wu Peifu's mind is very clear, and he looks at affairs from reality.Shouting slogans can strengthen the country?Can the country be rejuvenated by talking about war on paper?This is simply a joke. Participating in the war is almost equivalent to a battle of national destiny. Once you make a wrong choice, you will be doomed. How can today's country stand such a toss?

"Brother Baochang, what do you think?" Fang Zida turned his gaze to the thoughtful Huang Kaiyuan and asked.

"I think what Ziyu said is right. If a country wins a weak country, reckless war will not benefit the country at all. Why don't we take advantage of the European war and let us bury our heads and develop for a few years to increase our national strength."

"Brother Baochang, Shibie has been admiring you for three days!" Fang Zida didn't expect that Huang Kaiyuan, who usually only knew about franchisees, would have such insight, so he praised him on the spot with a smile.Huang Kaiyuan's face turned red immediately, and he quickly said modestly that this was just his own humble opinion and could not be taken seriously.

"Hehe, both of you are right. Going to war now does more harm than good. It is really not a good idea to start a war recklessly. The same is true of Zhong Yang's thinking. Whether it is the presidential palace or the government, they will still maintain a neutral national policy. At least, this national policy will not change within a few years."

Listening to Fang Zida's words, Wu Peifu and Huang Kaiyuan exchanged glances, and they both heard another meaning in the words. Everyone understood it and continued to listen to Fang Zida's words.

"Now the reorganization of various departments of the National Defense Forces is progressing well, but the reorganization of local armed forces in various places will be carried out next, which will encounter many obstacles. The two need to be prepared to go to the front line at any time. Once the local armed forces resist Zhong Yang's reorganization order, my first The Eighth Division will solve these problems by force with thunderous force."

"Yes!" As soon as Fang Zida finished speaking, Wu Peifu and Huang Kaiyuan quickly stood up and responded, showing excited expressions at the same time.When Shandong was pacified, Zhang Xun's powerful braided army could not resist the sharpness of the Eighth Division's soldiers. What about the two-pistol soldiers in the southwest with a bong in one hand and a rifle in the other?

Squeeze your hands and signal for them to sit down.Fang Zida said again: "Domestic affairs need to be done, and foreign affairs also need to be paid attention to, especially the European war is so fierce. Although our country is neutral, we can't stand by. In my opinion, taking advantage of the opportunity of the European war now, by The Zhongyang Military Academy and various ministries of the National Defense Forces sent elite officers to Europe to participate as military observers. Firstly, they obtained first-hand information about the European War for national decision-making. Look at how they use their troops. Of course, our country is a neutral country after all. The dispatch of military observers is not only from the agreement countries, but also from the allied countries. As for who will lead the team and how to operate it, it needs to be carefully discussed. "

"That's a good idea!" Wu Peifu immediately agreed. There have been military observers from various countries in China for a long time. Since the Taiping Rebellion in the Qing Dynasty, Western countries have sent observers to the Qing army and even the Taiping army to understand the military strength and tactics of the two warring parties. etc.During the First Sino-Japanese War, Western countries also dispatched military observers during the Sino-Japanese War, and conducted detailed analysis of naval battles as a reference for the navies of various countries.Nowadays, it is only natural for China, as a neutral country, to send military observers to European countries. This is of great benefit to both the country and the military.

At this point, Wu Peifu suddenly understood why Fang Zida asked himself such a question in front of him. He rubbed his hands in excitement and couldn't help laughing.

"Zhang Ming, when will the reorganization of this local army start?" Wu Peifu asked impatiently.

"Why? Is it itchy?" Fang Zida knew what he was thinking, and he burst into laughter: "Don't worry, Ziyu, I will definitely not delay your trip to Europe. If possible, I would also like you to serve as the member of the military observation team." Head or deputy head, but can you tell me where you want to go?"

"Go to Germany, the German army is the most powerful. Of course, if I have the conditions, I would still like to go to Britain and France to have a look. After all, the two sides are tied now, and the mutual correspondence can be more rewarding." Wu Peifu thought for a while said with a smile.

"Your appetite is really not small." Fang Zida agreed, "Success! No problem, I will help you arrange it when the time comes."

Regarding sending military observers to Europe, Fang Zida had long thought about it.Although the construction of China's national defense force is in full swing, it is still far behind the western powers.Taking advantage of the opportunity of the European War, study hard to improve the combat effectiveness and command level of the army. This is an excellent opportunity.Of course, this matter is still under preparation. Fang Zida told Wu Peifu these things in advance to give him a briefing and prepare him. After he arrives in Shanghai, he will formally propose to Zhong Yang and start work in this area.

Shanghai * Naval Armament Factory has undergone several expansions and rebuilt a branch factory on the original scale of Jinling Manufacturing Bureau.In terms of output, the Jinling Ordnance Factory is not lower than the Shanghai * Navy Ordnance Factory, but due to the shortage of skilled workers and the lack of some equipment, Jinling Ordnance Factory is now only about 60% of the original output.

Since Nanjing is in the garrison area of ​​the Eighth Division, Fang Zida arranged for the Eighth Division to be responsible for the defense of the Jinling Ordnance Factory.The next day, accompanied by Huang Kaiyuan, he went there to have a look, and personally tried the weapons produced by the Jinling Ordnance Factory.

"The accuracy is not bad, it seems to be a little lighter than that in Shanghai, what's the matter?" After firing a few shots at the end of the shooting range, Fang Zida fiddled with the rifle in his hand and asked the technician accompanying him. .

"It's because of the gun stock. The materials used in Jinling are slightly different, mainly to save costs." This technician was transferred from the Shanghai * Naval Armament Factory. Hearing Fang Zida's inquiry, he quickly pointed to the gun stock with a slightly different color. replied.

After taking a closer look, Fang Zida realized that the guns in his hand were indeed slightly different from the first batch, no wonder the weight felt different in his hands.

"Will it affect the battle?" Fang Zida asked.

"Don't worry, this kind of wood is also hardwood. Although it is slightly lighter, it will definitely not affect the battle. And in some respects, the entire gun body is lighter, and soldiers can use it to improve accuracy."

Nodding his head, Fang Zida felt relieved.Military industry is the foundation of the country. He didn't want to affect the combat effectiveness of the army because of some small problems, so he asked very carefully.

I walked around the factory, except for grenades, etc., which need to be directly manufactured in Shanghai *, and other things can be directly produced in Jinling Ordnance Factory. The training of new technical workers is still in progress. According to the introduction, it will take about two months. Then it can reach the normal production status.

Generally speaking, Fang Zida is very satisfied with the Jinling Ordnance Factory. Now the Ordnance Factory is completely profitable, and the income of workers has also risen sharply. This is a very good start.It's just that Fang Zida is worried about the big bosses of the Shanghai *Shanghai Shipyard. Although the enterprise reform has already started there, Fang Zida will not know the specific situation and how the restructuring is going until he goes to Shanghai*Shanghai.

"Zhang Ming! Zhang Ming!"

Just as Fang Zida was wandering around the ordnance factory with great interest, Wu Peifu suddenly rushed over.Looking back at him, Fang Zida felt strange, because he knew that Wu Peifu was very busy in the army, so he only asked Huang Kaiyuan to accompany him, why did he come here on purpose?

In a blink of an eye, Wu Peifu came up to him and gave Fang Zida a wink with anxious eyes.Fang Zida's heart sank, he knew that something must have happened, but he still pretended to be relaxed in front of everyone, talked to the technicians around him, and then left.

"What's the matter, Ziyu?" Walking out of the gate of the armory, Fang Zida and Wu Peifu walked at the front side by side, asking in a low voice.

"A major event has happened!" Wu Peifu said with a serious face: "Civil riots broke out in Jiangxi, Fujian, Sichuan and other places, and nearly ten thousand mobs burned county offices..."

"What!" Fang Zida was startled, yesterday he was still talking to Wu Peifu about the reorganization of the local army, why did such a big event break out today?