Republic of China, 1922: Rise from the Post-Zhili-Fengtian War

Zhang Zuolin was immediately displeased upon hearing this: "What did you say? The main structure will only be completed before winter? When will people be able to live there? When will troops be able to be stationed there?"

Do you know that the Zhili army at Shanhaiguan is still watching us closely? Without a proper military camp, the defenses of Jinzhou are nothing but paper!

Gu Cheng thought for a moment, then spoke truthfully: "Sir, it's not that Jingchuan is being slow, but Jinzhou is short of manpower and resources, and the area isn't very peaceful... Furthermore..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Zuolin started cursing again: "Stop talking nonsense! What do you mean by insufficient manpower and resources? Where did the money I approved for you go?"

Besides, if Jinzhou is peaceful and prosperous, what use would I have for you? I don't have time for your nonsense, so just tell me—what are you planning to do next!

His shout made the teacups in the hall vibrate.

Zhang Tingshu shrank back, not daring to breathe.

Gu Cheng understood that the commander-in-chief was angry not only because he had lingered in Jinzhou for too long—

Rather, this situation arose from multiple factors: his funds were being embezzled, and the Japanese were constantly causing trouble in the surrounding area.

In addition, there are numerous factional struggles and cliques within the army... Looking at the entire Fengtian Army, nowhere is more troublesome than Jinzhou.

Gu Cheng was also well aware that the commander-in-chief didn't actually have many capable people at his disposal.

So he carefully considered his words and quickly reported to his superior: "General, the first thing I will do after I get back is to rush the construction schedule."

The building materials allocated by Fengtian are already on their way, and with the batch of reparations from the Japanese, there is no shortage of materials.

"I already had the brothers undergo on-the-job training... Don't worry, this matter with the Japanese is over. After I return, I'll supervise the construction of the main camp. Here's what I'll say: I assure you, the main camp will be ready for occupancy before the first frost!"

Zhang Zuolin stared at him without saying a word, clearly waiting for him to continue his report.

Gu Cheng continued, "The second thing is to reorganize the army... As for the veterans, as long as they haven't made any major mistakes, none of them have been laid off."

Hearing this, the old fox immediately sat up straight, frowned, and said, "No layoffs? Liu Zi and that Guo Guizi are all smiles, and the reorganization department has laid off quite a few people... If you don't get rid of those old veterans, are you going to support them yourself?"

Zhang Tingshu, who was standing nearby, replied, "Commander, our 11th Mixed Brigade is also adjusting its organization—but Jingchuan's idea is that those who are not qualified in the team will be dismissed, but we will leave them a way to survive."

When Zhang Zuolin heard the words "way out," he was stunned for a moment.

This battle was painful for him inside the Great Wall, and after the establishment of the provincial autonomy, he vented his anger on those incompetent troops.

However, as the reorganization progressed, soldiers who had fought for half their lives were laid off. Some of them expressed their dissatisfaction, some led riots, and some even took their own lives.

These things naturally reached the ears of the warlord... This warlord from the Northeast, who came from humble beginnings, naturally felt somewhat reluctant to hear about these things.

Keci is not leading troops, and the order to "reorganize the army" has already been issued. She cannot be reluctant just because a little blood has been spilled.

Clearly noticing the subtle emotional changes on the commander-in-chief's face, Gu Cheng immediately said, "Commander-in-chief, many of our Fengtian Army brothers have been with the troops for many years. Some are wounded, while others are getting old."

Laying off everyone at once feels a bit like kicking someone after they've served their purpose... and it's also bad for our future recruitment. I'm thinking of keeping watch on the warehouses and doing logistics. That way, the requirements of the reorganization order will be met, and the old brothers won't end up homeless.

Zhang Zuolin stared at Gu Cheng, the anger in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by something indescribable, like surprise, or perhaps satisfaction.

"Was this your own idea?" he asked, his voice lower than before, but deeper.

Gu Cheng nodded: "It was something my subordinates and a few older brothers came up with."

Zhang Zuolin snorted, his tone no longer as fiery as before: "You can do it, but don't create any trouble. If those veterans act arrogantly in Jinzhou City because of their seniority, I'll be the first to hold you accountable."

Gu Cheng replied solemnly, "General, rest assured, I have already had people keeping an eye on them. Anyone who dares to cause trouble will be dealt with according to military law, without any leniency. In addition, after these veterans are transferred to the main camp construction site and logistics department, they will be under the unified management of Ji Jinchun. He has been leading troops for many years and knows how to conduct himself properly."

Zhang Zuolin nodded, leaned back in his chair, his gaze lingering on Gu Cheng's face for a moment before shifting away.

Seeing that he was no longer pressing the matter, Gu Cheng continued, "General, there is one more thing I would like to report to you—I have already made proper arrangements for the Jinzhou Chamber of Commerce."

Li Mao, the former head of the quartermaster department, will take over as president of the Chamber of Commerce in the next few days. Although he is timid, he is reliable, obedient, and unlikely to act recklessly. With him in charge of the Chamber of Commerce, the recovery of commerce in Jinzhou will be much faster.

Zhang Zuolin raised an eyebrow: "Li Mao? The quartermaster who exposed Lu Shoulian?"

"Exactly." Gu Cheng nodded. "This man is timid and cowardly. He has worked under Tang Yulin for many years and never dared to lay a finger on anything. After Lu Shoulian's incident, he took the initiative to come to me to confess and atone for his crimes. I thought that instead of finding someone from outside to manage the Chamber of Commerce, it would be better to use this person we know well. We have leverage over him, so he won't dare to do anything reckless."

Zhang Zuolin snorted: "You certainly know how to use people. The timid and cowardly are obedient; those with leverage won't dare to act recklessly. Fine, you handle it. As long as trade in Jinzhou can recover and they don't cause me any trouble, you can use whoever you want."

Gu Cheng smiled slightly: "Don't worry, General, Li Mao will take office tomorrow. I've already had Zhang Tingshu make the arrangements. All the prominent figures in Jinzhou's business community will be there, making quite a grand occasion. Firstly, to support Li Mao, and secondly, to show those businessmen that the Jinzhou Chamber of Commerce has changed its leadership and rules."

Zhang Zuolin waved his hand, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes: "Alright, you can handle these things yourself when you get back. I don't care about the details; I only care about the results. By the end of the year, the markets in Jinzhou must be even more bustling than before the war. If they're deserted, I'll settle accounts with you."

Gu Cheng saluted: "Yes, sir!"

Zhang Tingshu quickly chimed in, "Don't worry, General. In the past two months in Jinzhou, Jingchuan has sorted out the three things: the Chamber of Commerce, the main camp, and the army reorganization. If you have some free time at the end of the year, come and see Jinzhou. I guarantee you'll be very impressed."

Zhang Zuolin opened his eyes and glared at him: "Go to Jinzhou? I still have to go to Jilin! Sun Liechen is going to take up his post, and there's a ton of work waiting for me there. You guys guarding Jinzhou well is more important than anything else."

Zhang Tingshu quickly shut his mouth, not daring to say anything more.

Zhang Zuolin rose and walked towards Gu Cheng, raising his hand to grasp his shoulder: "Jingchuan, the stage is set. How this play continues is up to you. You two grew up together with Liu Zi, and you are invaluable talents in our Fengtian Army... I'm entrusting Jinzhou entirely to you two!"