Years of the Republic of China 1913

Japan, Tokyo.

Although the economic problems brought about by the counterfeit banknote crisis in Japan have been temporarily resolved by Okuma Shigenobu's tough measures, the consequences are extremely serious.With the ensuing trade penalties launched after the protests by countries such as the Allies with huge losses and the neutral country the United States were invalid, the Japanese economy suffered another wave of major blows.Although the new currency is relatively strong in Japan and its circulation is not a problem, without the support of overseas markets, the lack of raw materials and the loss of sales markets have had a great impact on several pillar industries in Japan.As Shigenobu Okuma's term of office drew nearer, the consequences became more and more serious. Looking at the data summarized below, Shigenobu Okuma felt dizzy in his eyes, a pain in his forehead, and an unknown fire in his heart.

These days, bad news came one after another, because of these things, the major consortiums and factions have strongly demanded Okuma Shigenobu to resign and apologize, and immediately get out of the prime minister's throne, in other words, his cabinet has been crumbling.While he was temporarily serving as prime minister, the new cabinet plan agreed by his political opponents was also under the nose of Okuma Shigenobu. If he left like this, Okuma Shigenobu would inevitably lose his reputation and become a sinner of Japan. Situation and reputation, Okuma Shigenobu was going to think about it for a long time to put all his eggs in one basket. He summoned Lu Xiang Dashanyan and others to discuss secretly for many days, and finally persuaded other members of the cabinet to formally formulate a plan to launch a war. After many discussions, the war goal was finally decided. Choose the poor and big old neighbor across the sea to the west - China.

Ri himself has always had a heavy gamble, and Shigenobu Okuma, as a veteran politician, is no exception in this case.Once this idea arises, it is absolutely impossible to get rid of it. Moreover, because of the Qingdao incident that year, the entire Japanese resentment towards China is getting deeper and deeper, and they all think that China is "despicable and shameless" in the hands of Japan. Qingdao was taken away, which caused Japan's current depression.Once started, there is no stopping. Ri himself made his own decision, and everyone immediately started preparing with this goal.Their idea is very simple, that is to start the war as soon as possible.Annexed the entire northeast of China with lightning speed, and extended Japan's tentacles directly from the Korean peninsula to the entire mainland, so as to solve Japan's domestic problems once and for all.

Just today.A guest suddenly came to Lu Xiang Da Shanyan's office, and this guest was Yusaku Uehara, Chief of the Army General Staff.

The door of the office was closed tightly. Except for Dashanyan and Yusaku Uehara, there were no outsiders in the room, including the adjutants and staff who were inseparable from the two chiefs at ordinary times, and the two sides just had a separate meeting.

"How sure are you at the General Staff Headquarters about the westward expansion plan?" Dashanyan and Yusaku Uehara are old friends and colleagues, and they have a very good relationship with each other, and their private conversations are not as polite as usual.

Frowning slightly, Uehara Yusaku said frankly: "If everything goes well, the plan is still very sure. However, the weather is an important issue. According to the weather changes, it may be later if it is launched after October."

"Yes!" Da Shanyan nodded slightly. As Japan's leading wise general, he certainly knew how much trouble it would be to send troops to the north to fight when the severe winter came.Especially Dashanyan once served as the commander-in-chief of the army in the Russo-Japanese War.I have a deep understanding of the coldness of that land.

"Uehara-kun, no matter what, this war is inevitable, and please arrange it as soon as possible. It would be best if the assembly can be completed in advance."

"Your Excellency, please rest assured, I can guarantee the army side. But... the navy side...."

"I will discuss with His Excellency Dongxiang on the navy side. You just need to do a good job in the army." Da Shanyan said with confidence, Yusaku Uehara showed a relieved smile on his face, and nodded again and again.

"In addition, the massing of the troops should not be too big, and everything should be done in secret, so as not to prevent the opponent from taking precautions." After thinking about it, Da Shanyan specially reminded him.

Yusaku Uehara was taken aback for a moment, and he wondered: "Your Excellency, this is not easy? According to the plan of the General Staff Headquarters, eight divisions must be mobilized in the early stage, with a total of more than 20 troops. In addition to the No.19 division and the existing division in Kanto Prefecture, more than five divisions must be mobilized from China. If the follow-up military force and the cooperation of the navy are added, it is absolutely impossible to do such a big move quietly. Silently, your request is a bit difficult."

"Of course I understand." Da Shanyan said with a blank expression: "But no matter how difficult it is, we must do this. This is related to the outcome of the entire war and the future of the empire. Over the years, the speed of China's defense force construction Very quickly, their military enterprises have been greatly improved, and the overall national defense strength has developed rapidly. Compared with China, although our Great Japanese Empire still has an advantage in overall strength, please don't forget, Mr. Uehara. After all, China has With a huge population and a vast country, once they are put on guard, even if they win this battle, it will be a miserable victory. As excellent soldiers of the empire, you and I must use the least cost to obtain the greatest benefit, not just like Nogi. Guys who know how to charge pigs will only do it recklessly."

Frowning, Yusaku Uehara remained silent.As the chief of the army's general staff, he is different from ordinary generals. Like Da Shanyan, he is a figure with a clear mind and strong judgment ability among the generals of the Japanese army who have received advanced western military education.For Da Shanyan's reminder, he agrees in his heart. Although China has experienced short-term chaos since the founding of the Republic of China, since 1914, the Chinese government has successively pacified the separatist regimes in various places, and then began large-scale military and political, Separation of civil administration and construction of the National Defense Forces.Coupled with China's rapid development of industry and commerce through the European War in the past two years, the strength of the entire country has increased extremely rapidly.Yusaku Uehara, who is familiar with "Sun Tzu's Art of War", of course knows that surprise is the best way to win a war, but this kind of thing is easier said than done.Modern wars are not like ancient wars. The mobilization of troops on this scale cannot be concealed from the opponent. Moreover, this war in preparation was launched hastily for political reasons. Unconsciously.

After rolling his eyes and pondering for a long time, an idea suddenly popped up in his mind.

"Your Excellency, it is impossible to keep it completely secret, but we can do it."

"Oh, does Uehara-kun have any good suggestions?" Da Shanyan asked with great interest.

"According to the usual practice, there will be an army exercise around October this year. According to the original exercise plan, it is arranged in Fukuoka. If we adjust this plan, we will mobilize the army in the name of the exercise, and then change the location of the exercise to..."

"That's a good suggestion!" Dashanyan suddenly laughed. Yuzuo Uehara's suggestion was indeed a lie. Using the excuse of the exercise to mobilize the army can completely make the other party defenseless.If the navy is dispatched at the same time, and the army's exercise is changed to a joint army-navy exercise, of course it suddenly launches an attack on China during the exercise. Anyone who thinks will be surprised?

Thinking of this, Da Shanyan immediately proposed to Uehara Yusaku the idea of ​​adjusting the exercise plan by the navy in cooperation with the army, directly combining with the war plan of the staff headquarters, and launching a war on the day of the exercise.Uehara Yusaku nodded again and again after hearing this, and praised Dashanyan for his thoughtfulness. If this is the case, then there is nothing wrong with it.

After talking for a few words, Dashanyan and Uehara Yusaku basically settled the matter. Dashanyan, who was a little complacent in his heart, was afraid that the plan would not be enough to confuse the world. Ri's activities, and he will also accompany Emperor Taisho to attend as Lu Xiang and Minister of the Interior.

After finalizing the matter, the two sides split up to prepare.Da Shanyan then met with Dongxiang Heihachiro. Although the Japanese navy and army were a little uncomfortable, Dongxiang Heihachiro was still very enthusiastic about this kind of thing. He immediately stated that the navy could cooperate with the army and that the navy could block it after the war started. The opponent's ports, and use naval guns to support the army's attack.If necessary, the navy can also be dispatched alone, based on the Lushun military port in Kanto Prefecture, to undertake the heavy task of attacking Qingdao alone, and carry out a north-south pincer attack with the army to make further achievements.

For the navy's enthusiasm, Dashanyan of course raised his hand to welcome it.However, he was scheming and sneered at the plan of Dongxiang Heihachiro's navy to attack alone. From Dashanyan's point of view, it is true that your Dongxiang's naval fleet is strong, but just relying on the navy's small Marine Corps is trying to win the defense. The permanent fortifications built in Qingdao are so strong that even the navy and the army have to spend a lot of effort to take them down. What's more, after China took back Qingdao, it not only strengthened the fortifications, but also added more cannons and roadbed positions. Now Qing It is no exaggeration to say that the island fortress is impenetrable.Does Dongxiang Heihachiro think that his warship can directly land on land?In war, no matter what, they still have to rely on their army in the end. This is an eternal truth.

With the support of the navy, Dashanyan immediately went to the palace to see Emperor Taisho.The "brain flooded" emperor has always had some intellectual problems. As long as his temper is right, he can be easily fooled. The strength persuaded the Emperor Taisho, and the Emperor Taisho agreed to inspect the exercise in person at that time to show his support for the Imperial Army.

After several days of tossing back and forth, Dashanyan's plan has no obstacles at all after several arrangements are made. The next step is to see the implementation of the General Staff Headquarters.Regarding Uehara's ability to act bravely, Dashanyan is still very relieved. With him sitting in the staff headquarters, everything will not be a major problem. (To be continued..)

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