Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Mountain City, Command Headquarters.

The atmosphere in the small meeting room was somber.

Chang Ruiyuan sat upright in the main seat, his face ashen.

Two telegrams were placed in front of him.

One document, sent by Chu Yunfei from Yangon, suggested reprimanding Yan Xishan and ordering him to withdraw his troops.

The other document was an "explanation" sent by the Second World War Zone Command.

Army Commander-in-Chief He Yingqin, Minister of Military Affairs Chen Cixiu, and Political Minister Zhang Wenbai, who had just returned from Yangon, sat on either side.

These three are the core leaders of the Nationalist government's military.

At this moment, their faces all wore serious expressions.

"Tell me everything."

Chang Ruiyuan tapped the table, breaking the silence: "What are your thoughts on Zhao Chengshou's disobedience in heading south?"

"That's unreasonable!"

Chen Cixiu, who had the most fiery temper, was the first to slam his fist on the table and stand up: "What is Yan Baichuan trying to do?"

"Disregarding military orders, arbitrarily deploying a large army into the Fifth War Zone—what does this mean?"

"I suggest that a nationwide telegram be immediately issued, severely reprimanding Yan Xishan!"

"And in the name of the General Headquarters, Zhao Chengshou is hereby ordered to immediately return to Shanxi! Otherwise, he will be punished for treason!"

Chen Cixiu's views have always been hard-lined.

In his view, dealing with these unruly local warlords required swift and decisive action, and there could be no leniency.

He Jingzhi, standing to the side, shook his head; he had considered things more thoroughly.

"Ci Xiu, please be patient."

He said slowly, "A reprimand is inevitable, but the words should not be too harsh. After all, Yan Xishan was the commander of the Second War Zone, and he was a meritorious official in the War of Resistance against Japan in North China."

"The war situation in North China has just stabilized, and the Japanese invaders have not yet been defeated. If we start internal strife now, wouldn't that hurt our own people and please our enemies?"

"Moreover, Zhao Chengshou has already led two cavalry corps deep into Henan, where they are intertwined with the troops of the Fifth War Zone. If we forcibly order him to retreat, and he refuses, are we really going to send troops to attack him?"

"The lessons of the Central Plains War are still fresh in our minds."

He Jingzhi's view actually represents the thinking of most of the moderates in the military.

Punishment is necessary.

However, it is crucial to strike a balance and avoid escalating the situation to the point of triggering a civil war.

Chang Ruiyuan looked at him: "Then, according to Cixiu's opinion, what should be done?"

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Cixiu said, "I believe that a political solution should be the primary approach, with military pressure as a secondary measure."

"On the one hand, the General Headquarters issued a formal document reiterating the military order, pointing out the inappropriateness of Zhao Chengshou's actions, and ordering him to return to his post within a specified period."

"On the other hand, the Central Army troops of the Fifth War Zone and the First War Zone can be ordered to assemble in the direction of Luoyang to create military pressure and force Yan Xishan to back down."

This is a classic "carrot and stick" strategy.

This gave Yan Xishan a way out while also revealing its own bottom line.

After listening to their opinions.

Chang Ruiyuan did not express his opinion, but instead turned his gaze to Zhang Wenbai, who had remained silent throughout.

“Wenbai, you just came back from the front lines in Siam. What are your thoughts?”

Zhang Wenbai stood up, bowed slightly to Chang Ruiyuan, and then said, "Chairman, it seems we have all overlooked the most crucial person behind this matter."

"Oh?"

Chang Ruiyuan became interested: "Who?"

Zhang Wenbai uttered the name: "Chu Yunfei."

He Yingqin and Chen Cixiu both looked puzzled.

What does this have to do with Chu Yunfei, who is far away in Myanmar?

It was you, Zhang Wenbai, who told us that Chu Yunfei had become incredibly thin from the previous campaign to conquer Siam.

Zhang Wenbai calmly analyzed, "Consider this: Yan Xishan, though shrewd and calculating, never does anything that doesn't benefit him. Why would he risk breaking with the central government at this crucial moment to take such a risky move?"

"Is it really about seizing territory? I doubt it."

“A barren western Henan is not enough to warrant such a huge investment from him.”

"In my opinion."

Zhang Wenbai's gaze sharpened. "Yan Laoxi's move is more like a political gesture."

"He was speaking out on behalf of someone."

"Or rather, he is using this method to express a strong sense of dissatisfaction with our mountain city!"

The meeting room fell silent instantly.

He Yingqin and Chen Cixiu were both astute and immediately discerned the hidden meaning in Zhang Wen's words.

Chen Cixiu gave Chang Ruiyuan a deep look and understood why Xu Cichen, the Minister of the Military Affairs Department, was not present at this meeting.

What could make Yan Xishan, that old fox, risk everything to "speak out against injustice"?

Who else could it be but Chu Yunfei, who also hails from Shanxi and has just made an unparalleled contribution?

Zhao Chengshou's southward journey was a pawn.

Stirring up the situation in the Central Plains is a means to an end.

Their real purpose is to "raise prices".

This was because Chu Yunfei was asking him, the supreme leader, for a higher position.

A political status more befitting his illustrious military achievements!

Chang Ruiyuan's voice was devoid of emotion: "Wenbai, continue."

Zhang Wenbai continued, "Chairman, you see, the great victory at Binmana was a feat of unparalleled merit."

But so far, our rewards for him, apart from the telegram of commendation, have not amounted to any substantial promotion.

He still held only a nominal title of "Chief Advisor of the Yunnan Advisory Group."

"If the name is not correct, the words will not be proper."

"Yan Baichuan's actions, seemingly a provocation by local forces, are in fact a reminder to Chu Yunfei."

“If we delay in giving him the status he deserves, then local power figures like Yan Baichuan, who have deep ties with him, may express their ‘dissatisfaction’ in various ways.”

"Today there is a Zhao Chengshou, tomorrow there may be another Li Chengshou, Wang Chengshou."

"At that time, we will be extremely troubled, and it may even shake the stability of the entire war effort."

Zhang Wenbai's words, by peeling back the layers, have completely analyzed the political logic behind the entire incident.

Chang Ruiyuan remained silent.

In fact, this is what he was worried about.

As former political rivals.

Chang Ruiyuan knew Yan Baichuan's character all too well.

What Zhang Wenbai said was actually what he was thinking.

Chang Ruiyuan did indeed have some intentions of "balancing" and "giving a warning" before.

We must utilize Chu Yunfei's talent.

They also feared that his achievements would overshadow the emperor's and make him difficult to control.

But now it seems that this tiger is no longer something he can simply lock up.

Rather than passively dealing with various troubles.

Instead, we should take the initiative and invite him to a higher stage.

He Jingzhi remained silent for a long time.

Chen Cixiu hesitated for a long time before slowly shaking his head.

See this situation.

Chang Ruiyuan slowly spoke, making his final decision: "Jingzhi, Cixiu, Wenbai."

His gaze was lost in thought, as if he were looking towards a more distant future.

"Promotion is inevitable, but how to promote someone requires strategy."

He pondered for a moment and said, "Draft two telegrams immediately."

"The first document was sent to the Second World War Zone. It stated that the General Headquarters had understood Commander Yan's painstaking efforts to share the nation's burdens."

Zhao Chengshou's troops can remain in Luoyang temporarily to assist in suppressing the bandits.

However, military expenses and supplies had to be raised by the Second World War Zone itself.

Once the banditry in the Central Plains has been eradicated and the people's hearts have been stabilized, we must immediately return to our homeland.

This matter ends here; let it not happen again.

This is both reassurance and a warning.

They gave Yan Xishan face, but also drew a line.

"The second one."

Chang Ruiyuan's voice became serious: "Sent to Yangon, Siam."

"Chu Yunfei is proposed to be promoted to chief advisor of the Military Training Department of the National Government Military Commission."

"Bai Jiansheng, the former Minister of Military Training, has been transferred to the position of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the South China Joint Command."

Once this order was issued...

He Yingqin, Chen Cixiu, and Zhang Wenbai were all shocked.

Military Training Department.

Although this is not a core position with real power like the Chief of the General Staff or the Minister of War.

However, it is in charge of the training, manual compilation, and military education of the national army.

This is a department that operates in abstract terms, yet is of paramount importance.

More importantly, it was subordinate to the Military Commission and was a legitimate member of the General Staff!
The Chairman's move was truly brilliant. On the surface, it was a huge promotion, giving Chu Yunfei and all his supporters immense prestige.

Actually.

However, it also has the flavor of "releasing military power over a cup of wine".

He distanced himself to some extent from his expeditionary force, which was extremely powerful in combat.

Chang Ruiyuan's calculations were equally meticulous.
-
Meanwhile, Chu Yunfei was far away in Siam.

After waking up, I heard a system notification in my ear.

[Congratulations, host, on achieving the hidden achievement: Under One Person]

[Current Auxiliary Function: The unit overview function is now enabled. Please explore it on your own.]

The current 3D combat map submodule meets the conditions for a hidden upgrade and has now been upgraded to version 7.0.

The current map radius has been increased to 500 km.

The current accessibility module can be upgraded. Please select:

① Artillery fire guidance: Significantly reduces energy and physical exertion.

② Anti-aircraft artillery guidance: significantly reduces energy and physical exertion.

③ Weather forecast: accurate to the hour, and the forecast period extended to 15 days.

Chu Yunfei glanced at the upgraded auxiliary functions.

They then decisively chose to use anti-aircraft artillery for guidance.

From his perspective.

China's modern military industrial system is now taking shape, and artillery shells will certainly not be a strategic resource that gives them a headache in the future.

The training of pilots, the manufacturing, research and development, and assembly of fighter jets were all problems that the Republic of China could not solve in a short period of time.

As for the last one.

Chu Yunfei no longer needs to precisely micromanage every small unit. Moreover, such an improvement is indeed very helpful for commanders who command unconventional forces.

However, for someone commanding a large-scale operation, weather forecasts accurate to the hour can indeed be helpful. But this kind of influence often has a great margin for error when facing an opponent like the Japanese army, which has relatively poor mobility.

The current artillery guidance skill support module has been successfully enhanced.

After selecting these...

Chu Yunfei immediately focused his attention on the system's main interface.

Currently, the number of modules that are actually activated in the system in my mind is not actually that many.

Part 1: 3D Combat Map (Version 7.0)

Part Two: Base Construction Submodule
Third, the diplomatic system
IV: Military Technology Tree System

Part Four: Overview of the Troops
The first four don't require much attention; he's quite familiar with them.

Chu Yunfei directly used his consciousness to open the last module.

The document clearly lists the current army units of the Nationalist government, including their unit numbers, troop strength, commanders' names, garrison locations, specific details, main weapons and equipment, and organizational structure, all in order.

The army, at the corps level, was numbered from one to one hundred, from the newly formed First Army to the newly formed Fourteenth Army.
From the First Cavalry Corps to the Sixth Cavalry Corps.

As for the division-level designations, there are even more, with details including the designations of the existing twenty-odd provisional brigades, as well as the designations of newly formed brigades, their war zones, the names of their commanders, and their troop strengths—all of which can be readily accessed.

This overview perspective seems to be at a higher level.

In other words.

Even Chang Ruiyuan himself probably doesn't understand the current state of the Nationalist army as well as Chu Yunfei.

The only slight pity is that Chu Yunfei can't see any progress in the air force and navy for the time being.

Chu Yunfei had not met the upgrade requirements for a long time.

Even when Teraichi died.

The 3D combat map has not been upgraded.

At the time, Chu Yunfei suspected that it was because Teraichi had committed suicide, rather than being killed by them.

That's why there was no response.

As for the merit points accumulated by eliminating Japanese troops during the battle.

As of now, it is still insufficient to exchange for military equipment that is relatively "common" for the National Revolutionary Army.

As a result, Chu Yunfei has been accumulating merit points for the past three months.

So I basically didn't pay much attention to it.

So what is the reason?

"Why is this system suddenly acting up? Could it be that something I don't know about has happened?"

Chu Yunfei habitually got up quickly, put on his clothes, and prepared to go outside the tent to wash up.

As soon as he stepped out the door, he saw He Shuyu, the head of the confidential office, looking at him excitedly.

"Lord Yun, you're awake."

Chu Yunfei's heart tightened as he glanced at the telegram in He Shuyu's hand.

Could it be that something has happened again?

Just as he was about to take the telegram, he saw Stilwell, and Du Yuming and the others quickly walked towards him.

Chu Yunfei raised an eyebrow and asked, "What exactly happened?"

"This morning's telegram announced your promotion from Commander of the Expeditionary Forces and Chief Advisor of the Yunnan Garrison to Chief Advisor of the Military Training Department of the General Headquarters!"

Chu Yunfei looked slightly surprised.

Military Training Department.
Although its power wasn't that great, it was still one of the four ministries.

The General Headquarters comprises: Military Administration, Politics, Military Orders, and Military Training.

Like Chu Yunfei, who previously served concurrently as the deputy director of the military law department.

In reality, it was simply a subordinate unit set up under the Political Department.

Many outstanding individuals strive their entire lives for a position they never get the chance to achieve.

As for the current chief advisor of the military training department.
What kind of location is it?

First, I need to give a brief introduction to the military training department.

In addition to the permanent advisors, secretaries, and general affairs officers.

These include infantry, cavalry, supply troops, artillery, engineers, communications, and transportation troops.

Xu Tingyao, who is hailed as the "Father of the Armored Forces of the Republic of China".

Nowadays, he's just a traffic police officer.

How these combat troops are trained, how schools are managed, how organizational structures are adjusted, and how equipment is researched, etc.

All of these require the approval of the military training department.

Can be imagined.

Although the military training department is mostly a nominal position, it is quite important for the development of the army.

The minister was previously Bai Jiansheng.

As for the Deputy Minister of Military Training, he is Liu Shiyi.

This is the executive vice minister who has deep ties with the new Guangxi clique.

Now they are also involved in the case of stealing and selling foreign yarn.

This matter has been handed over to the military law department for special handling.

Chu Yunfei was naturally aware of this matter as well.

This was due to the intercession of Chief of the General Staff He Yingqin, President of the Military Advisory Council Chen Diaoyuan, and Bai Jiansheng, the then Minister of Military Training.

In addition, a number of mid- to low-level staff members, including Lan Tengjiao, the director of the Proofreading Committee's office, were also implicated.

He Guoguang, a former warlord general, is adept at assessing situations, and so far, there has been no resolution to this matter.

What exactly happened in this matter?

Under the pretext of improving the lives of their employees, the two organized their families to open a small spinning factory.

Liu's wife, Rao Xiulan, borrowed 5 yuan from the proofreading committee.

He then purchased a batch of imported yarn from the Ministry of Finance's Material Management Bureau at the official price, but subsequently stored it in his own warehouse and handed it over to businessman Chen Shouxin for resale.

Fifty thousand yuan is indeed not much for military spending.

But for an individual, 50,000 yuan is not a small amount.

In particular, this involves the misappropriation of public funds, and the purchase was made at the "official price" but sold at the market price.

Given the inflation rate during the Republic of China era, the profit from a round trip would be at least six times the initial investment.

This matter was also investigated by the economic inspection team, and naturally it came into the open.

How to handle this situation is also troubling Chang Ruiyuan.

Dealing with Liu Shiyi, who had deep ties in the military and was closely associated with the New Guangxi Clique, required careful consideration.

If the measures are too lenient, it will inevitably have a significant negative impact on the anti-corruption efforts.

However, if the punishment is too severe, it would be showing no respect to the new Guangxi clique.

The Fifth War Zone is currently cooperating with the reorganization work, and Bai Jiansheng has not caused him any trouble in the Central Committee.

If the new Guangxi clique starts making trouble.

Chang Ruiyuan is currently unable to handle the situation.

The thought of this.

Chu Yunfei understood completely.

Although the case of illegally selling foreign yarn is an extremely difficult hot potato to handle.

But this was also an opportunity that Yan Laoxi had secured for him at great risk.

Chu Yunfei not only needs to handle the situation, but he also needs to handle it well.

otherwise.

This time, he's going to stand directly against the new Guangxi clique. (End of Chapter)