Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 550 Why Did the Chairman Go to Such a Thing? Chang Ruiyuan: It Was Yan Xishan's Fault! (Please Subscribe)
"bandit?"

Chu Yunfei's eyebrows shot up, his anger raging, but his face remained calm.

"Yes, in the Henan region, bandits (those with beards, i.e., bandits) were rampant, just as you mentioned before. The people suffered greatly from them."

Sun Ming stroked his chin: "But this matter is really strange."

"There have been previous incidents of military vehicles being attacked in the Fifth Theater Command, but they usually collapsed quickly after encountering fierce resistance, but this time..."

“Some people don’t dare to openly deal with us, so they’re thinking of targeting the people around me.”

After a moment of silence, Chu Yunfei slowly said, "Send a telegram to the Second War Zone Command and the Shancheng authorities, asking Commander Yan and Chairman Chiang Kai-shek to take good care of our families."

“Your Excellency.” Sun Ming was speechless.

The person behind this was so afraid of dealing with even a mere adjutant like Zhao Pengcheng that they resorted to using local armed bandits to cause trouble.

Do you really think you can reach out to their families?
"Could it be local troops?"

Chu Yunfei calmly analyzed, "The most anxious people right now are naturally these local warlords, but it could also be a divisive tactic by other stakeholders. We are in the middle of this vortex, and in fact, everyone could be our enemy."

"It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. They dare not do anything about me at the Fifth War Zone Command Headquarters, but those who go out to do things are very likely to be affected by it."

"This matter cannot be left unresolved."

After a moment of silence, Chu Yunfei continued, "Report to the mountain city and, in the name of the North China Joint Command, transfer the cavalry division directly under the Second War Zone, led by Wang Qifeng and Ma Keying, as well as the Third Regiment of the War Zone's directly subordinate garrison regiment, to the south to quell the bandits."

"Sun Ming, draft to be sent to the Second War Zone by telegram, for Commander Yan’s personal attention."

"Yes!"

Chu Yunfei paused, organizing his words: "Commander Yan, my adjutant Pengcheng was attacked in western Henan. His guards suffered heavy casualties, but fortunately he has escaped danger."

Yunfei is away fighting, so please take care of things at home, sir.

Please remind all generals in Shanxi that during this special period, their own safety must be the top priority. Also, please take good care of my daughter, Jiang Chuchu. Yunfei bows respectfully.

Sun Ming's pen trembled slightly.

This telegram was not only a notification of the situation, but also a personal entrustment.

The safety of Shanxi's rear was placed directly on Yan Xishan's shoulders.

Chu Yunfei sighed slightly. Besides Yan Xishan, the only other forces that could be entrusted with the Shanxi region were the 18th Group Army.

Given TG's prideful nature, he would risk his life to protect his family.

However, Chu Yunfei would not do that.

"The second letter."

"From the mountain city, personally opened by the Chairman."

"Your Excellency Chairman: My student Yunfei's adjutant, Zhao Pengcheng, was recently ordered to go to the Fifth War Zone. While passing through Henan, he was openly ambushed by bandits. His accompanying guard platoon fought a bloody battle for three days, and only one in ten survived. Pengcheng himself almost died for his country."

In the heart of the Central Plains, banditry has become rampant. Where is the law? Where is the military might?
Reports suggest there are many suspicious circumstances surrounding this, and it's possible that someone is behind it all.

The student's wife and children are currently in the mountain city.

The war at the front is not over, and the families at home are in turmoil.

The students were extremely worried and unable to eat or sleep.

I earnestly request that the Chairman consider my loyalty and send capable people to protect my wife and children.

"Student Chu Yunfei, with tears streaming down his face, kowtows to report this."

Chu Yunfei sighed softly: "Let's just send it like this."

Sun Ming's fingers, which were straining so hard that his knuckles turned white, read: "Your Excellency."

"Go."

"Yes!"
-
The morning after Zhao Pengcheng was attacked.

Sichuan Army, 125th Division, Wang Shijun's Command Post.

He was promoted to deputy commander of the 45th Army just last year, but he is still in charge of the 125th Division.

He also held the position of commander of the divisional district.

Of course, it's just a temporary posting.

When the direct telegram from the Fifth War Zone reached his command post.

He was quite old (a veteran from Baoding Phase II, but with no notable achievements) and suddenly sat up in bed.

"Damn it, who dares to mess with us!"

"Commander, Commander Li's order is to assemble the troops immediately upon receiving the telegram... but the brothers only arrived at their post today and have just gone to sleep."

Wang Shijun quickly got out of bed and put on his clothes: "Who cares about all this now? Sound the emergency assembly call immediately, assemble all combat troops, and surround Baiyun Mountain!"

"Yes!" The adjutant, seeing Wang Shijun's anxiety, had already made up his mind.

A loud emergency assembly call sounded.

Instantly, a continuous cacophony of noise erupted from various campsites.

Many officers and soldiers walked out of the courtyard in small groups, complaining all the while.

"What's going on? I just fell asleep, why do we have to assemble again?"

"Could it be that the Japanese have invaded?"

"Stop talking nonsense! How come we didn't hear any gunfire when the Japanese attacked?"

As the company commander pulled up his trousers and slowly walked into the courtyard, he saw Wang Shijun, who had a cold expression on his face, looking down at his wristwatch in the moonlight.

"Commander!"

Before he could even open his mouth to explain, Wang Shijun had already lashed him with his riding whip.

Pa~!

A crisp crack of a whip rang out.

"Commander..."

The previously noisy sounds in the courtyard instantly fell silent.

Wang Shijun's voice was icy cold: "It took you ten minutes to assemble. If the Japanese had attacked, your entire pistol company would have been dead!"

"Commander, it's me."

Wang Shijun gave him no chance to explain: "A cowardly soldier is one coward, a cowardly general is a whole army of cowards. Drag him away and execute him!"

"Yes!"

"Commander! Commander! Commander!"

Outside the courtyard.

There was a bang.

The accompanying guards then stepped into the courtyard.

Wang Shijun's voice was extremely cold: "You are all my old brothers who have followed me for so many years. We have gone through thick and thin together, but many of you have also made mistakes."

I treated you leniently before because of past relationships; now it seems that was indulging you.

The veterans looked at each other, not daring to utter a sound.

When it comes to fighting, they are indeed skilled.

But when it comes to doing bastardly things, none of them will be spared.

Wang Shijun paused, stepped forward, and looked at everyone: "Destination: Baiyun Mountain. Let's set off immediately."

"Yes!"
-
Four hours later.

early morning.

Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, the headquarters of the Second World War Zone Commander. Yan Xishan was slowly sipping his signature covered-bowl tea.

I just woke up not long ago.

Then we received a telegram of approval from the mountain city.

The comprehensive training ground in Linfen also needs to be built.

He was inspecting Linfen a few days ago.

Although he was traveling by train, the thriving scenery along the way put him in a good mood.

Just as he was wondering who he should share his joy with.

Chief of Staff Chu Xichun strode in with a solemn expression.

"director."

Chu Xichun's voice was filled with suppressed anger: "Zhao Pengcheng is in trouble!"

Yan Xishan's hand, which was holding the teacup, suddenly paused, and the gaiwan collided with the teacup, making a crisp sound.

He raised his eyelids, and a glint of light flashed in his seemingly cloudy old eyes: "Qingbo, what exactly is the situation?"

Chu Xichun handed over the brief telegram she had just received from Zhao Pengcheng.

Yan Xishan glanced at it only once before slamming the covered bowl in his hand heavily onto the table!
He was completely unaware that the scalding tea had splashed out.

"Outrageous!" Yan Xishan's face was no longer composed as usual, but instead ashen with rage: "Have those bandits in Henan lost their minds?"

He stood up abruptly and paced back and forth in the room, his gray robe trembling slightly with anger.

"Yunfei was risking his life for the Party and the country on the front lines, but his adjutant suffered this terrible misfortune in the rear!"

"How can the soldiers on the front lines feel at ease? How will the world view our Nationalist government?"

He abruptly stopped and shouted at Chu Xichun, "Prepare pen and ink! I want to personally send a telegram to that person in Shancheng!"

Yan Xishan walked to the desk, pushed aside the documents on it, and personally drafted a telegram with unprecedentedly strong wording: "Mountain City Military Commission, Standing Committee Chairman."

Zhao Pengcheng, adjutant of General Chu Yunfei of the Second War Zone, was ambushed by bandits in western Henan and narrowly escaped death!
The heartland of the Central Plains, a non-war zone, has become a lawless land. Where is the law?

If we cannot even guarantee the safety of our soldiers fighting against Japan, how can we reassure the world?
Commander-in-Chief of the Second World War Zone, Yan Baichuan

Chu Xichun glanced at the telegram, hesitated slightly, and seemed to have a hidden meaning in her words: "Director, won't this add fuel to the fire in the current situation?"

“Qingbo, we have no other choice,” Yan Laoxi sighed. “Even if we are willing to relinquish our power, it is unlikely that someone like Chang Ruiyuan will let us go.”

The telegram was sent quickly.

Mountain City, Chairman's Residence
The atmosphere in the official residence's study was extremely oppressive.

Chang Ruiyuan stared blankly at the telegram from Taiyuan in his hand, the wording of which was almost tantamount to an accusation. His fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the rosewood tabletop.

"Yan Baichuan is supporting Chu Yunfei, and also taking this opportunity to make trouble for me."

He snorted inwardly, but had to admit that the matter was indeed troublesome.

Chu Yunfei's prestige was at its zenith when his trusted adjutant was attacked in the rear.

If this matter is not handled properly, it could easily lead to unrest within the military.

"Section Chief Dai," Chang Ruiyuan said to Wang Shihe at the door without looking up, his tone devoid of any emotion, "have him come to see me immediately."

"Yes!"

Zhang Zhizhong, who was standing to the side, took the telegram and asked, "Chairman, is this your arrangement?"

Chang Ruiyuan was taken aback, then slowly shook his head: "Wenbai, why do you think it's me?"

"Exacerbate the conflicts between the parties, and then intervene when they are all severely weakened. This will minimize your losses, and even if you cannot completely resolve the situation, you can still suppress all parties in a short period of time."

Zhang Wenbai offered a simple analysis.

Chang Ruiyuan sighed: "But this really wasn't my plan. Yunfei is different from others. He's very smart. If I let someone else do this, he'll definitely be able to trace it back to me. How am I supposed to face Yunfei then?"

As he spoke, he handed another telegram to Zhang Wenbai: "Take a look for yourself."

Zhang Wenbai was shocked when he saw the telegram of loyalty handed to him by Chang Ruiyuan.

Within half an hour, Dai Yunong, the director of the Military Intelligence Bureau, arrived in a hurry.

He was dressed in a sharp Zhongshan suit and had a shrewd and capable appearance.

But those eyes, always hidden in the shadows, revealed a hint of barely perceptible tension after glancing at Zhang Wenbai.

"Chairman."

Dai Yunong bowed deeply in respect.

Chang Ruiyuan pushed the telegrams from Yan Xishan and Chu Yunfei in front of him, his voice icy: "Yu Nong, what's going on? Explain this to me."

A fine layer of cold sweat instantly seeped from Dai Yunong's forehead.

He picked up the telegram, quickly scanned it, and in his mind, he was already cursing the person in charge of the Hebei-Henan intelligence station to the bone.

"Reporting to the Chairman."

“I had heard that bandits were serious in western Henan, but I never imagined they were so rampant.”

"It was our Military Intelligence Bureau's oversight that caused this; I deserve to die!"

"Oversight?"

Chang Ruiyuan slowly raised his head, his gaze sharp as a knife, piercing Dai Yunong: "You think you can get away with just one excuse of oversight?"

"Yunfei's adjutant almost died in Henan!"

"Yan Xishan's telegram demanding accountability is already on my desk!"

"Now, all the war zones in North China are waiting for me to give an explanation!"

Chang Ruiyuan slammed his hand on the table, his voice suddenly rising: "How long will it take you to find out the whole story?"

Dai Yunong took the telegram, glanced at it, and remained silent for a moment before saying, "Chairman, if there are any clues left, we may be able to continue the investigation. But if there are absolutely no clues, it will be difficult to come up with suitable investigation results."

"Section Chief Dai, I'm asking you how long it will take."

Chang Ruiyuan spoke coldly, emphasizing the word "time".

Dai Yunong naturally understood what Chang Ruiyuan meant.

The veracity of the investigation results is not important; what matters is providing a reasonable explanation and giving the public a satisfactory account.

"Please rest assured, Chairman, the truth will come to light within three months."

Chang Ruiyuan's voice turned even colder: "Three months? I can't give you that much time. One month. I need to see the whole story within a month."

"Yes, I resign from my humble position."

After Dai Yunong turned and left.

Chang Ruiyuan stroked his chin: "Wenbai, who do you think was behind this?"

Zhang Wenbai sighed silently: "If it's not what the Chairman said, it's most likely that it's one of the parties involved with vested interests, with the Fifth War Zone being the most likely, since only they can accurately track Chu Yunfei's whereabouts."

Chang Ruiyuan's eyes gleamed: "No, there is another party that can accurately track the group's movements."

Zhang Wenbai was taken aback: "Chairman, are you referring to the Second World War Zone?"

"Yan Baichuan is ruthless. In order to exonerate himself, he wrongfully killed Li Fuying and made the move of 'executing Ma Su with tears in his eyes.' He is capable of doing this even after so many years of being his old rival."

Zhang Wenbai nodded: "Commander Li is no pushover either. But then again, Chairman, the people in Henan and other places are suffering from poverty and rampant banditry. Perhaps we can take this opportunity to clean up the local areas and reshuffle the cards."

Chang Ruiyuan slowly got up and walked to his desk. He opened a drawer and handed one of the telegrams to Zhang Wenbai: "I'm considering this matter, but it's clear that Yunfei is planning to do the same."

"The directly subordinate cavalry division, Wang Qifeng's 4th Cavalry Division, has been largely out of touch since the suppression of the rebellion in the Northwest."

Chang Ruiyuan continued, "Yes, after two years of reorganization and restructuring, our combat strength has reached 8,000 men, with over 10,000 horses, making us the most formidable mobile force in North China."

(End of this chapter)