Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, Headquarters of the Second War Zone Commander.

"Snapped!"

A newly translated telegram was slammed heavily onto the table by Yan Xishan.

This "local tyrant," who had operated in Shanxi for decades and weathered countless storms, now wore a solemn expression and a hint of barely perceptible fatigue on his face.

"Let's take a look."

He pushed the telegram to the center of the table, addressing it to his most trusted confidants.

Chief of Staff Chu Xichun, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Yang Aiyuan, and Liang Huazhi, who happened to be reporting to the headquarters.

Chu Xichun picked up the telegram, glanced at it, and immediately frowned deeply.

The telegram contained the latest personnel appointments announced by the Chongqing authorities:
Chu Yunfei was promoted to Chief Advisor of the Military Training Department of the National Government Military Commission.

"Chief Advisor of the Military Training Department".

Chu Xichun muttered to herself, "A promotion in name only, a demotion in reality, is this a case of 'releasing military power over a cup of wine'?"

Yang Aiyuan also came over for a look and immediately understood the implication: "What a brilliant move! The Chairman is trying to completely sever Yunfei and his expeditionary force."

The military training department sounds prestigious, but when there are no soldiers in it, who will listen to it?
However, it's unlikely that this will completely sever Chu Yunfei's connection with the military.

Liang Huazhi remained silent, simply watching Yan Laoxi and awaiting the judgment of this pillar of the state.

Yan Laoxi leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and unconsciously tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest.

He is reviewing the game.

Let's review his series of seemingly risky actions.

From tacitly allowing Zhao Chengshou to lead two cavalry units south to subtly pressuring the mountain city, every step he took was meticulously calculated.

His purpose was very simple.

First, to "raise the price" for Chu Yunfei, granting him a powerful position commensurate with his illustrious military achievements, thereby giving his power a greater voice in the central government.

Second, test Chang Ruiyuan's bottom line and see how much he can tolerate from him, a "local warlord".

And now, the results are in.

Chang Ruiyuan's response was more sophisticated and ruthless than he had imagined.

Chang Ruiyuan dismissed the matter of sending troops south under the pretext of "cooperating in suppressing bandits," and did not pursue it further.

This is giving him a huge favor.

Leaving him speechless.

As for Chu Yunfei's promotion, it was handled with utmost care.

The title of "Chief Advisor of the Military Training Department" sounds like a position of great power and influence.

That's enough to shut up all those who felt indignant on Chu Yunfei's behalf.

In reality, Chu Yunfei was transferred from the front lines of military power to a nominal and insignificant position.

This was both a warning to Chu Yunfei for his overbearing influence and a threat to the emperor.

This is also a direct counterattack against Yan Xishan's political maneuvering.

Chang Ruiyuan used this tactic to "kill two birds with one stone," clearly conveying a signal to him:
I, Chang Ruiyuan, have seen right through your little scheme, Yan Laoxi.

I will continue to use Chu Yunfei.

He will never become a "local tyrant" like you.

And you, Yan Baichuan, should also stop here.

Yan Laoxi picked up his teacup, gently blew on it, and took a sip.

The tea is good, Pu'er.

It was Chu Yunfei who sent it from Yunnan.

But at this moment, he tasted a hint of bitterness.

Yan Laoxi slowly opened his eyes again.

Those eyes always gleamed with shrewdness and calculation.

At this moment, a sense of desolation, like that of a hero in his twilight years, is revealed.

He realized what was happening.
Chang Ruiyuan could no longer tolerate him.

As the dawn of victory in the War of Resistance against Japan drew ever closer.

This supreme leader will inevitably begin to address the issue of factionalism within the country.

And Yan Laoxi is the biggest and most conspicuous among these many strongholds.

His "rashness" this time.

Although it achieved part of the goal of securing a better position for Chu Yunfei, it also completely touched Chang Ruiyuan's sore spot.

They'll just stay in this position forever.

It seems that what awaits him is not the "releasing military power over a cup of wine" incident.

It's a true case of "the bow is put away when the birds are all gone, and the dog is cooked when the rabbit is dead."

Yan Laoxi naturally knew that Chu Yunfei would definitely protect him.

But as an elder, he was unwilling to put Chu Yunfei in a dilemma.

"Qingbo." Old Yan's voice carried an unprecedented weariness: "Nicodian Bar."

Chu Xichun's heart tightened: "Commander-in-Chief, what's going on?"

Yan Laoxi waved his hand, "Know when to advance, and also know when to retreat."

This play, having been performed so far, should now come to an end.

"I, Yan Baichuan, have spent my whole life fighting and struggling."

"Now that I'm old, it's time for me to take a break."

the most important is.

He knew he had done all he could.

Through a series of political maneuvers, he successfully propelled Chu Yunfei to the center stage.

This made him more than just a commander with a distinguished military record.

But he was a truly influential figure who could impact Guo Ce.

This is tantamount to driving the strongest wedge into the heart of Shanxi Province from the central government's perspective.

Yan Laoxi has achieved his goal.

If he doesn't know when to retreat, all that awaits him is utter destruction.

Yan Laoxi picked up a brush and wrote a few lines on a blank sheet of telegram paper, stroke by stroke.

It was no longer a military order requiring strategic planning, nor a political decree demonstrating shrewdness and foresight.

Instead, it was a telegram requesting resignation.

"Chairman of the Military Commission of the National Government, Jiang Junjian:"
Yan Baichuan held power in Shanxi for decades.

Thanks to the trust of the Chairman, I was able to serve the country in North China.

However, after years of arduous struggle, he was exhausted and his old illness relapsed.

To avoid jeopardizing important national affairs, I humbly request Your Excellency to grant me permission to step down from my post and return to Mount Wutai for quiet recuperation.

The position of Commander-in-Chief of the Second War Zone will be temporarily filled by Chief of Staff General Chu Xichun.

Qingbo is loyal, reliable, and capable of undertaking great responsibilities; he will surely live up to Your Excellency's trust.

He wept as the telegram arrived, unable to utter a coherent sentence.

"This is Yan Baichuan, reporting with utmost respect."

After finishing writing, he gently put down the brush, as if he had also let go of all the burdens on his shoulders.

Chu Xichun and Yang Aiyuan looked at the telegram, their hearts filled with mixed emotions.

They knew this was more than just a resignation letter.

This marks the end of an era.

This marks the end of an era in which Yan Xishan, belonging to the Shanxi-Suiyuan clique, held absolute power and carved out a territory in North China.

"Commander Yan," Chu Xichun's voice was choked with emotion.

Liang Huazhi then spoke up to advise, "Is there still room for reversal?"

"No need for further words." Yan Laoxi glanced at Liang Huazhi, then waved his hand: "Send it out."

"This is also to protect Yunfei."

“If I step down, the Chairman’s suspicion of him will certainly lessen.”

Yan Laoxi stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the bustling city of Taiyuan.

At this moment, a relieved smile appeared on his face: "Qingbo, please tell Yunfei in a while."

“I have paved the way for him this far. As an elder, this is all I can do with all my strength.”

"The rest is up to him to decide what to do next."

……

The next afternoon.

Mountain City, Command Headquarters.

Chang Ruiyuan received Yan Laoxi's resignation telegram.

He stared at the telegram, remaining silent for a long time.

Chen Cixiu, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but say, "Chairman, is that old fox Yan Xishan trying to advance by retreating?"

Chang Ruiyuan shook his head, a complicated smile on his face: "No, Yan Baichuan has most likely really retired this time."

"He's a smart man; he knows when to advance and when to retreat."

He knew that if he didn't retreat, he would face utter ruin.

Chang Ruiyuan picked up a pen and personally drafted a reply telegram.

Chen Cixiu seemed to be deep in thought.

Given Chang Ruiyuan's level of fear and importance placed on Yan Xishan.

Within the Nationalist government, Yan Xishan and Li Zongren posed almost the same threat to Chang Ruiyuan.

From Chang Ruiyuan's perspective.

There was a possibility that Yan Xishan and the Japanese army could make peace, and the Guangxi clique also had a possibility of making peace with the Japanese army.

Here's a side note.

I've actually worked in both of those places.

anyway.

The telegram drafted by Chang Ruiyuan was full of "concern" for Yan Xishan's health and "affirmation" of his achievements.

Brother Baichuan: I was shocked to hear that you are unwell, and I am very worried.

My brother has worked tirelessly for the country and made great contributions to the nation; he should rest and recuperate.

Your request has been granted.

The affairs of the Second World War Zone will be temporarily handled by Chief of Staff Chu Xichun.

I hope my brother can rest assured and recover soon.

Brother, Zhongzheng.

The telegram was sent, and a political storm that could have ignited in the Central Plains was averted through the unspoken understanding between the two men.

Chang Ruiyuan put down his pen and let out a long sigh of relief.

They removed Yan Laoxi, the most troublesome thorn in their side in North China.

Chang Ruiyuan felt extremely happy.

Regardless of whether Yan Laoxi has Chu Yunfei's backing or not.

The people of Shanxi, all the military factories and production capacity in Shanxi, and even other armed forces.

Chang Ruiyuan knew perfectly well whether he supported Chu Yunfei or himself.

but.

Chang Ruiyuan preferred to believe that Chu Yunfei had no such intentions or ambitions. Otherwise, the domestic war situation would never have been so stable.

He wouldn't have had such an easy time as chairman.

As for Yan Laoxi...

You should just obediently go back to Wutai Mountain to eat vegetarian food and chant Buddhist scriptures!
-
The rainy season in Yangon.

It seems to have ended prematurely because of the end of the war.

Sunlight streamed through the huge glass windows, casting a warm glow on the teak flooring of the Allied command post.

Chu Yunfei was sitting at his desk dealing with a mountain of documents.

Most of the file.

It concerns the complex affairs of reorganizing and replenishing the various units of the expeditionary force, as well as the military control of the occupied territories.

The appointment of the chief advisor of the military training department has been made.

But Chu Yunfei himself was also very clear about it.

As long as he remains with the expeditionary force, he will still be the de facto decision-maker here.

Even after leaving his post, he could still command frontline combat troops through Stilwell and Du Yuming while retaining his official position.

Just as Chu Yunfei was struggling with how to adjust the Sixth Army's defense zone...

A series of steady footsteps approached.

Look up.

It was Zhao Pengcheng, weary from his journey.

"Sir, Lieutenant Zhao has arrived."

"Let him in." Chu Yunfei put down his pen and slowly stood up.

Zhao Pengcheng quickly entered the office.

Chu Yunfei glanced at the bandage on his left arm.

Beneath the bandages were the wounds from the previous attack.

Clearly, Zhao Pengcheng was not fully recovered at this time.

"Lord Yun".

He gave a standard military salute, his expression serious.

"Pengcheng, have a seat." Chu Yunfei gestured to the sofa opposite him. "Your injury should be mostly healed, right?"

Thank you for your concern, I'm almost fully recovered.

Zhao Pengcheng stepped forward, took out a thick file from his briefcase, and placed it in front of Chu Yunfei.

"This is the preliminary investigation result from Commander Sun Ming in the Fifth War Zone regarding the attack on me and the guard unit."

Chu Yunfei did not immediately look through it, but calmly looked at Zhao Pengcheng, signaling him to continue.

Zhao Pengcheng took a deep breath and laid out his analysis in detail.

"Lord Yun, according to the clues that Commander Sun Ming has gathered from various channels, the matter may be more complicated than we imagined."

"Although the bandits who attacked us have been wiped out, the weapons, equipment and sources of funds they left behind clearly show signs of Japanese support."

"but."

He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious: "We also found a very subtle clue."

"This gang of bandits seems to have some connection with certain people in the Second World War Zone Command."

Chu Yunfei raised an eyebrow slightly, but did not speak.

Zhao Pengcheng continued, "I dare say that this matter was likely instructed by Commander Yan behind the scenes."

"His purpose was to use this attack as a pretext to create a pretext."

"A legitimate reason that would allow troops from the Second World War Zone to legitimately leave Shanxi and extend their influence into the Central Plains!"

Zhao Pengcheng became more and more excited as he spoke. He stood up and walked to the map: "Lord Yun, think about it, the two cavalry armies under Zhao Chengshou's command..."

"I even have my doubts."

Zhao Pengcheng pointed to the Sichuan-Shaanxi Highway on the map and said, "The real reason why Commander Yan was so heartbroken about the construction of the Sichuan-Shaanxi Highway was to prepare for seizing territory after the war!"

“Those inconspicuous military outposts on the Sichuan-Shaanxi Highway actually control the throat of entry into Sichuan.”

"Once the country changes, whoever controls it will have the initiative."

"Commander Yan is very likely planning ahead, laying the groundwork for a future civil war."

Zhao Pengcheng's analysis is clear, logical, and well-organized.

The book thoroughly analyzes the deep scheming and political skills of Yan Xishan, a veteran warlord.

Done.

Zhao Pengcheng looked at Chu Yunfei, waiting for his judgment and instructions.

However, Chu Yunfei's reaction was completely unexpected.

He showed neither anger nor surprise.

He simply listened quietly to Zhao Pengcheng's report.

Then, there was a moment of silence.

After a long while, Chu Yunfei slowly picked up a telegram from the table and handed it to Zhao Pengcheng.

The telegram was short; it had just been forwarded from the mountain city.

Zhao Pengcheng took it with a puzzled look and looked down at it.

"Commander-in-Chief Yan Baichuan of the Second War Zone has requested to resign from all his posts and return to Mount Wutai for recuperation due to poor health."

"The Chairman has given his approval. The affairs of the Second World War Zone will be temporarily handled by Chief of Staff Chu Xichun."

Zhao Pengcheng was stunned when he received the telegram.

He felt that his brain was not working properly.

Commander Yan has stepped down?

After he had painstakingly and successfully extended his influence into Shanxi, he actually gave up on it?
This makes absolutely no sense!
If it really was Yan Xishan who did it, then why would he step down?

Could it be from the mountain city?

However, the mountain city side is not the biggest beneficiary.

Zhao Pengcheng was completely baffled.

He raised his head and looked blankly at Chu Yunfei, hoping he could give him an explanation.

Chu Yunfei's face remained as calm as a still well.

He looked at Zhao Pengcheng and saw the confusion in his eyes.

Then Chu Yunfei slowly spoke up to encourage him: "Pengcheng, first of all, your analysis makes a lot of sense."

"But sometimes, the truth of things is not necessarily what we see."

"To be frank about your attack, regardless of the final investigation results."

Chu Yunfei pointed to the investigation file in Zhao Pengcheng's hand: "The attack on you and the guards could only have been done by the Japanese. It had to be done by the Japanese."

Chu Yunfei spoke quite bluntly.

Regardless of who did it.

Yan Laoxi, or perhaps Shancheng, or even the Fifth War Zone or other forces.

However, due to Yan Laoxi's subsequent actions.

Chu Yunfei successfully served as the chief consultant of the military training department.

In terms of results and benefits.

To put it bluntly.

The guard company and Zhao Pengcheng were seriously injured in the face of huge profits.

It seems rather insignificant.

Yan Laoxi is capable of doing it, and Chang Ruiyuan is also capable of doing it in order to make Yan Laoxi retire completely.

Hu Zongnan was willing to do such a thing to stir up trouble in North China, and the various factions in the Fifth War Zone also had motives to ensure that local factions could continue to survive in the cracks.

Zhao Pengcheng understood instantly.

Everything is part of a scheme.

A tacit political understanding involving Chu Yunfei, Yan Xishan, and even the Chairman and others.

Yan Xishan's military campaign was a "hitting the mountain" tactic.

The person knocking was the chairman.

He was reminded that it was time to give Chu Yunfei an explanation.

His attack was the "trigger".

This gave Yan Xishan a reason to send troops.

The Chairman's promotion of Chu Yunfei and tacit approval of Yan Xishan's resignation were a move to "scare away the tiger."

He told everyone, "Chu Yunfei, I've given you a new role."

Yan Xishan, you tiger, I'll give you some face.

That's the end of this matter.

As for the two North China Mobile Corps that have already entered Henan?

That was nothing more than a small "dividend" that Yan Xishan had secured for himself and for Shanxi after this political game. Moreover, the mobile corps had to carry out its duties after leaving Shanxi.

If we can really solve the bandit problem in the Central Plains in one fell swoop.

On the contrary, it helped the mountain city save a lot of military expenses and corresponding relief costs.

After all, Zhao Chengshou's cavalry troops had access to a great deal of military supplies, food, and pay.

All of these need to be raised by the Second World War Zone itself, rather than provided by the mountain city.

Figured it all out.

Zhao Pengcheng felt a chill run down his spine.

He discovered how naive and laughable his supposedly sharp political instincts and analytical skills were in the face of these truly important figures.

He served as Chu Yunfei's adjutant.

He knew from the beginning that perhaps one day, he, Zhao Pengcheng, would also become a pawn in the power struggles of powerful figures.

But now, harsh reality is telling him.

Even Chu Yunfei himself, faced with the combined effects of the overall situation and various parties, would find himself in a passive position.

Take, for example, the present day.

Chu Yunfei's position puts him directly in opposition to the new Guangxi clique.

Not to mention his personal adjutant.

This is an eye-catching location, making it extremely easy for targets to come.

Thinking of this, Zhao Pengcheng lowered his head in shame: "Lord Yun...I..."

"Pengcheng" (meaning "a bright future").

Chu Yunfei stood up and patted him on the shoulder: "You've done very well."

"Being able to see this level means you've grown."

"You should understand now."

"Often, soldiers fight more than just battles on the battlefield."

"It is also a battle for the hearts and minds of the people and politics."

"Dai Yunong's Military Intelligence Bureau is still investigating this matter on the orders of the Chairman. Our investigation will proceed covertly."

"As for all the files and materials we currently possess, they will be sealed and destroyed on the spot."

Zhao Pengcheng raised an eyebrow, then nodded emphatically: "Yes!"

Chu Yunfei stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder: "But don't worry, I will give an explanation to the brothers who sacrificed their lives, and I will give you an explanation." (End of this chapter)