Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Mount Wutai, Xiantong Temple.

A solitary lamp illuminates an ancient Buddha statue, and the sounds of chanting fill the air.

Inside the main hall of this ancient temple, a figure dressed in gray casual clothes is kneeling devoutly on a prayer mat, chanting sutras with eyes closed.

This person is Yan Laoxi, who just announced his "retirement and recuperation".

Gone were the days of military uniforms and entourages.

At this moment, he looked just like an ordinary country gentleman or lay Buddhist who had come to worship Buddha and pray for blessings.

just.

The glint of light in those eyes that occasionally opened still spoke volumes.

This former "King of Shanxi" never truly let go of everything in the world.

A middle-aged military officer, also dressed in civilian clothes, tiptoed in.

He did not disturb Yan Xishan, who was chanting scriptures.

He simply stood silently behind him, like a rock, motionless.

The visitor was Xie Ming.

He was Yan Xishan's most trusted senior advisor.

It is also his most important channel for maintaining contact with the outside world.

time.

It slips away little by little amidst the wisps of smoke.

More than twenty minutes passed.

Yan Xishan slowly finished reciting the last line of the sutra, gently closed the Diamond Sutra in his hand, and placed it on the table beside him.

then.

He slowly stood up, stretched his slightly numb knees, as if he had only just noticed Xie Ming behind him.

"Yufa?"

His voice carried a peacefulness that came from living in the mountains: "When did you arrive?"

"Go back to Lord Yan."

Xie Ming replied respectfully, "I have been here for more than twenty minutes. Seeing that you were chanting scriptures, I did not dare to disturb you."

"Ah."

Yan Xishan nodded, walked out of the main hall, and came into the courtyard.

yard.

An ancient Bodhi tree, with lush branches and leaves, full of vitality.

"Go ahead."

Yan Xishan stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the Bodhi tree: "What's new happening down the mountain?"

Xie Ming immediately stepped forward and gave a concise report on the purpose of his trip.

"Reporting to the Chief, it concerns the latest developments regarding Chief Advisor Chu in western Henan."

"Oh?"

Yan Xishan became interested.

"Chief Advisor Chu, with lightning speed, wiped out Wu Tinglin and his cronies in one fell swoop."

"Their methods were so ruthless and their public opinion campaigns so skillful that they were watertight."

"Now, the people of western Henan are at peace, and military discipline has been completely renewed. The reorganization of the 15th Army is expected to be completed quite smoothly."

Xie Ming recounted in detail how Chu Yunfei launched the military coup, how he ignited public opinion, and how he purged the remaining rebels.

Yan Xishan listened quietly, a satisfied smile involuntarily appearing on his face.

"Good! What a brilliant example of 'killing the chicken to scare the monkey,' what a brilliant 'public opinion storm'!"

Old Yan exclaimed in admiration, "Yunfei is becoming more and more methodical in his work; he has already surpassed this old man."

“However,” Xie Ming’s tone changed, his expression becoming serious, “Commander, I have come here today to report something even more important, which concerns our Shanxi.”

"Oh?"

Xie Ming took a deep breath and said, "Chief Consultant Chu has entrusted me to convey one of his ideas to you."

"He decided to take the lead in establishing a 'Shanxi Construction Group,' a state-owned company, to introduce funds from the central government and the United States to carry out a comprehensive and thorough upgrade and transformation of the infrastructure of our entire Shanxi province."

"Among them, the most important one is the railway."

Xie Ming paused, carefully observing Yan Xishan's expression, and then uttered the most crucial sentence.

"Chief Consultant Chu believes that the existing narrow-gauge railway in Shanxi has severely restricted the exchange of goods and economic development between Shanxi and the outside world."

He hoped to convert all railways within Shanxi Province to standard gauge and fully connect them with national trunk railways such as the Pinghan, Tongpu, and Zhengtai lines.

As soon as the words were spoken, the atmosphere in the courtyard froze instantly.

The smile that had just been on Yan Xishan's face vanished without a trace.

His face darkened.

Narrow-gauge railway.

These four words were the most sensitive nerve in Yan Xishan's heart.

That was the most important barrier he relied on for decades to "protect the territory and its people," resist foreign enemies, and prevent the infiltration of the central army.

Because of the different track gauge, trains from outside can't get in.

Shanxi was Yan Xishan's impenetrable independent kingdom.

just now.

Chu Yunfei, the junior he personally mentored, actually wants to dismantle the most important "firewall" he established?
"What is he going to do?"

Yan Xishan's voice turned icy cold, "He's trying to uproot me, Yan, and the very roots of the people of Shanxi!"

An invisible pressure emanated from his seemingly aged body.

"Lord Yan, please calm your anger!"

Xie Ming quickly explained, "Chief Advisor Chu, you absolutely did not mean that! He was only thinking about the long-term development of Shanxi!"

"Long-term development?"

Yan Xishan sneered: "Without the narrow gauge railway, what can Shanxi rely on?"

"At that time, the Central Army's trains will be able to reach the outskirts of Taiyuan within a single day!"

"What bargaining power do we, from Shanxi, have against Chang Ruiyuan?"

He considered countless possibilities.

Chang Ruiyuan used the pretext of railway renovation to thoroughly infiltrate every corner of Shanxi with the central government's influence.

The coal, iron, and arms factories in Shanxi will no longer be controlled by the people of Shanxi.

He was the "King of Shanxi".

It will become nothing more than a hollow decoration.

This is something he absolutely cannot accept!
Seeing Yan Xishan's resolute opposition, Xie Ming's heart sank.

But Xie Ming also knew.

He had to complete the task assigned to him by Chu Yunfei.

He mustered his courage and spoke again, repeating Chu Yunfei's other words verbatim.

"Sir, Chief Advisor Chu also asked his student to pass on a message to you."

He said that the investment in this infrastructure project is nominally combined with the upgrading and transformation of our Shanxi military industrial system.

"Investment obtained under the guise of providing military equipment and supplies for offensive operations."

"Chief Advisor Chu believes that the times will not give the people of Shanxi a second chance."

"This is our only chance to secure such a massive amount of funding from the central government and the Americans under the pretext of 'national defense construction' to develop our local Shanxi."

"If we miss this opportunity..."

Xie Ming's gaze fell upon the Taihang Mountains in the distance, which stretched endlessly like a natural barrier.

"Chief Advisor Chu said that once the war is over, everyone knows that the development opportunities in plains, riverside and coastal areas will be far greater than those in inland mountainous areas like ours."

"After the victory in the War of Resistance against Japan, the country will enter a period of peaceful construction."

"All resources will be directed toward places where it is easier to achieve results."

"At that time, what will Shanxi have to compete with others?"

"Are we to let our descendants in Shanxi forever guard this barren yellow land, trapped here by the Taihang and Lüliang Mountains and die here?"

His words struck a chord with Yan Laoxi.

He was silent.

He slowly turned around and looked up at the majestic Taihang Mountains.

This mountain has protected Shanxi, but it has also imprisoned Shanxi.

He recalled his original intention to "protect the territory and ensure the safety of the people".

He recalled the life's work he had dedicated to building Shanxi.

He wanted Shanxi to become prosperous and strong, and he wanted the people of Shanxi to live a good life.

But his methods, his schemes, and the numerous barriers he erected for the sake of "independence" are all examples of his tactics.

In the long run, is it really the right thing to do?
Chu Yunfei's words were like a sharp knife.

It dissected the deepest contradiction in his heart that he had always been unwilling to confront.

They are clinging to that pitiful old dream of an "independent kingdom."

Are we just going to watch helplessly as Shanxi is completely abandoned in the tides of the future?

still.

Put aside personal power and pitiful selfishness, and strive for a broader future for Shanxi and for future generations.
A long time, a long time.

Yan Xishan let out a long sigh, as if he had exhausted all his strength.

He looked at the rolling mountains, and in his cloudy eyes, a sense of desolation and relief that he had never felt before was revealed.

"That's enough. That's enough."

He muttered to himself, "Let that narrow-gauge railway, along with this old man Yan Baichuan, be buried in the dust of history." Hearing this, Xie Ming felt a great weight lifted from his heart—
Mountain City, Chairman's official residence.

Chang Ruiyuan, who just concluded his visit to India.

I'm not in a good mood.

Meetings with the British and Indians were clearly not a successful trip.

These British negotiators were filled with the lingering arrogance of colonialists and their greed for vested interests.

Wavell's poker face.

And the rhetoric implied that China should "respect" Britain's traditional influence in Asia.

All of this made Chang Ruiyuan feel a deep sense of disgust.

If it weren't for Pimmana's resounding victory...

If he had been given enough confidence, this visit would probably have turned out not just unpleasant, but humiliating.

He walked into the familiar office with a gloomy face.

Zhu Peiji, the current director of the First Rank and Fifth Rank Office, was already waiting there.

"Chairman."

Zhu Peiji bowed and respectfully placed a cup of warm water in front of Chang Ruiyuan.

"Go ahead."

Chang Ruiyuan rubbed his tired temples: "What happened while I was away?"

Zhu Peiji immediately took out a briefing from the folder and reported succinctly: "Reporting to the Chairman, the most important thing is about western Henan."

"The situation in western Henan has been quelled."

"Oh?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Chang Ruiyuan's eyes.

He knew how much trouble Wu Tinglin and the Fifteenth Army were.

If not handled properly, it could very well trigger a collective backlash from other local forces.

After all, even within the Central Army, many generals engaged in land grabbing.

He thought.

Chu Yunfei will need at least a month, or even longer.

Only through various political and military means can this "malignant tumor" be barely brought under control.

"Chief Advisor Chu, with swift and decisive action, first instigated a mutiny within the 15th Army, and then captured Wu Tinglin."

"This immediately sparked public outcry, exposing his crimes and completely ruining his reputation."

"Then, taking advantage of the situation, we joined forces with the First War Zone to uproot his family's influence."

"The whole process took less than seven days, without bloodshed or loss of a single soldier."

"Currently, the 15th Army is undergoing reorganization and has completed the corresponding defense handover with the Eighth Route Army."

After listening to Zhu Peiji's report.

Chang Ruiyuan's hand, holding the water glass, paused slightly in mid-air: "What's Liu Maoen's attitude?"

"I support your decision, Chairman."

A complex mix of emotions welled up within him.

First of all, I feel gratified.

The long-standing problem of the warlord Wu Tinglin in western Henan, which had troubled him for years, was thus resolved cleanly and efficiently.

This is undoubtedly a very gratifying thing.

But what followed was an indescribable unease.

So relaxing.

The methods and efficiency for solving this problem are simply too easy.

It was so easy that even he, the supreme leader, felt a sense of apprehension.

This kind of effortless ability can stir up trouble in a war zone.

The ability to make a local warlord's army change its flag and switch sides goes beyond mere military talent.

This is a terrifying force.

Chang Ruiyuan looked out the window at the continuous rain in the mountain city and remained silent for a long time.

finally.

All the unease and fear turned into a long sigh.

With that, Chang Ruiyuan drank the water in his cup in one gulp, as if he had also drunk away the doubts in his heart.

We are still at wartime.

The Japanese invaders have not been defeated.

The country still needs this sharpest knife. As long as this knife remains in its own hands, there's no need to worry about it for now.

"I see."

Chang Ruiyuan put down his water glass and resumed his calm expression: "Tell me Yunfei's suggestions as well."

Zhu Peiji immediately turned to the second page of the briefing.

"Yes."

"General Chu submitted a proposal to the General Headquarters on rectifying military discipline throughout the army and consolidating the rear areas of the War of Resistance."

"Its core recommendations are twofold."

"First, it is recommended that an internal document be issued in the name of the General Headquarters, requiring generals of all war zones and army groups across the country to conduct a comprehensive 'self-examination and self-correction' regarding the problems of corruption and military discipline within their respective units. Those who voluntarily confess their problems may be treated leniently."

Chang Ruiyuan nodded. This suggestion was standard and appropriate.

"second."

Zhu Peiji's tone became somewhat solemn: "Chief Advisor Chu suggested that the North China Joint Command take the lead in establishing a brand-new agency, the Joint Command Inspectorate, in conjunction with the Military Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics."

"The main responsibility of this inspection department is to inspect and examine the military discipline and integrity of military personnel and local officials at all levels."

"and."

Zhu Peiji emphasized, "Chief Advisor Chu specifically proposed granting the Inspectorate unique powers. Not only can it report directly to you, Chairman, but it also has the authority to supervise and investigate the Military Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics's dispatched agencies and personnel in various regions."

This statement came out.

The air in the entire office seemed to freeze.

A terrifying glint suddenly flashed in Chang Ruiyuan's usually somewhat cloudy eyes.

He stared intently at Zhu Peiji, as if trying to discern Chu Yunfei's true intentions in making this suggestion from his face.

To monitor the Military Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics?
What a bold and groundbreaking idea!

Dai Li's Military Intelligence Bureau, and Chen Lifu and Chen Guofu's Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

They were Chang Ruiyuan's two sharpest hounds, his most important tools for maintaining his rule and eliminating dissidents.

But that's why.

These two hunting dogs have become increasingly difficult to handle in recent years.

They schemed against each other, wielding immense power.

Locally, even the commanders of war zones had to give them some leeway.

However, these people dared not really offend the military, and even Dai Yunong had very close relationships with many officers.

The Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) and the Military Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Juntong) have become too powerful to be controlled.

It has already begun to appear.

Chang Ruiyuan had considered trying to check and balance them, but he had been struggling to find a good way and the right opportunity.

And now, Chu Yunfei has actually handed him the knife he's been dreaming of in such a way!

A brand-new agency led by the military, uniting two major intelligence systems, yet in turn able to monitor both systems!
This is simply a brilliant idea!

This is a perfect "three-legged" situation!
The Supervision Department, the Military Intelligence Bureau, and the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

The three parties supervise and check each other, and the final decision-making power will be firmly in the hands of him, the supreme arbitrator!

Chang Ruiyuan felt as if the blood in his body was boiling at that moment.

He seemed to see a more stable and centralized power structure.

It was slowly unfolding before him.

"it is good!"

He slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly: "What a fine Inspectorate! What a fine 'using the military to supervise special agents, and using special agents to supervise the military'!"

Chang Ruiyuan paced back and forth, the gloom on his face vanishing.

Instead, there is a sense of excitement and appreciation, like meeting a worthy opponent.

"You really are something, you always manage to surprise me!"

Chang Ruiyuan abruptly stopped and gave Zhu Peiji an unquestionable order.

"Immediately classify this matter as a top-secret matter!"

"In my name, draft a warrant that adopts Yunfei's suggestion!"

"Furthermore, immediately summon He Jingzhi, Chen Cixiu, Dai Yunong, and Xu Enzeng to a meeting at the headquarters!"

"I've come up with a completely new idea regarding the rectification of official corruption within the Party and the state!"

Zhu Peiji felt a chill run down his spine and immediately bowed to accept the order.

The weather in this mountain city is probably about to change again.
A bitter smile appeared on Zhu Peiji's face as he turned to leave.

Chu Yunfei is truly a troublemaker.

To date, these people haven't had a single day of comfort.

I'm so busy every day, I'm spinning like a top.

Fortunately, the country is getting better.

Thinking this, Zhu Peiji let out a long sigh, his face regaining its serious expression, and strode towards the telephone. (End of Chapter)