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

Hearing footsteps, he turned around, saluted Gu Cheng, and immediately put on an extremely ingratiating smile.

"Master Gu, I'm really sorry to bother you so late." He said, taking two steps forward and sitting down at the desk at Gu Cheng's gesture. "However, I do have something important I'd like to discuss with you."

Gu Cheng never liked formalities, so he smiled and said, "Brother Huisheng, there's no need to be so polite. Just speak your mind."

After hearing this, Cai Changyuan didn't beat around the bush: "Master Gu, I've been in the 11th Mixed Brigade for many years and know quite a few people. I recently heard that you're selecting officers and training new blood. I've been thinking about it for a few days and I think there are two people who might be of use."

Then, as if weighing the weight of his next words, he said, "Both of them graduated from the first class of the Northeast Military Academy and were classmates with the Young Marshal."

After graduation, they worked in the Fengtian Army for a while, but later left the army due to disagreements with their superiors. One was named Bai Yulin, and the other was named Chang Enduo.

Both of them had been idle for more than half a year. Hearing that Jinzhou was short-handed, they asked someone to find their subordinate, hoping he could pass on a message.

As he spoke, Cai Changyuan kept his eyes on Gu Cheng, clearly trying to catch any change in his leader's mood. He then quickly added, "Mr. Gu, if you agree, I'll have them come to Jinzhou to report for duty. Once they arrive, you can take a look and see if they're suitable."

In fact, Gu Cheng was scrutinizing him the whole time he was speaking.

Bai Yulin, Chang Enduo.

The two names swirled in his mind: Bai Yulin, a graduate of the first class of the Northeast Military Academy, who later rose through the ranks to become a regimental commander in the Northeast Army.

During the worst days of the Battle of Gubeikou, he led his entire regiment to hold the line and held off an entire Japanese regiment for two whole days. In the end, almost the entire regiment was wiped out, and he himself died on the battlefield.

Such people are tough at heart; they don't run away, they don't back down, and they don't back down. In today's terms, they are people who can handle things.

Chang Enduo was also a graduate of the first class of the military academy, and later rose to the rank of division commander in the Northeast Army.

After the September 18 Incident, he was determined to resist the Japanese and deeply resented Chiang Kai-shek's policy of non-resistance. In 1942, he led his troops in an uprising and died in office. He was not the kind of person who just shouted slogans; he actually took action.

Gu Cheng sat behind his desk, gazing intently at the other person: Cai Changyuan had recommended Bai Yulin and Chang Enduo; he knew their resumes better than anyone else—

One is tough and the other is spirited; both are capable of handling things. But the problem isn't whether these two are capable or not, but why Cai Changyuan chose this time and this method to push them out.

He looked up at Cai Changyuan and asked casually, "Brother Huisheng, I've heard of both of them. They're quite capable, and they'll definitely be of use here."

But I'd like to ask you—did you recommend them simply because you felt Jinzhou was short-staffed, or do you have other plans?

Cai Changyuan was slightly taken aback, as if he hadn't expected Gu Cheng to be so direct.

He opened his mouth, then closed it again, quickly going over his words in his mind before speaking again: "Master Gu, to be honest, I do have some selfish motives. One of these two men is straightforward, and the other is bold and responsible; both of them have offended their superiors."

The reason someone couldn't stay in the Fengtian Army wasn't because they committed a crime, but because they lacked social skills. Such a person would be destined to be overlooked elsewhere.

My subordinate thought that Jinzhou had no shortage of people who knew how to get things done, but it lacked people who could actually do the work. So I took the liberty of recommending them.

Gu Cheng didn't say anything, but took out a cigarette and lit it.

Looking at Cai Changyuan through the thin layer of smoke, he said softly, "Brother Huisheng, the fact that you're thinking about these things for Jinzhou shows that you consider this place your home. As long as you genuinely care about Jinzhou, you'll always have a place to speak here."

Cai Changyuan bowed slightly, then his voice deepened: "Master Gu, I am relieved to hear you say that. Actually, there is something I have been wanting to explain to you."

He raised his head and looked at Gu Cheng. "Regarding the reorganization of the army before, I did indeed act on my own. During that time, I was thinking that those old, weak, sick, disabled, and unruly people in the army would only be a burden if kept, so it would be better to get rid of them all at once."

So, taking advantage of the opportunity to convey the plan, he had Old Mu speak more strongly, wanting to see the reaction from below.

After he finished speaking, he gave a wry smile. "Looking back now, it was because my subordinates were too impatient. Reorganizing the army is not something that can be done in a day or two; matters within the ranks cannot be rushed."

Gu Cheng looked at him, took a couple of puffs of his cigarette, smiled, and said, "Since it's today, why don't you just say everything you want to say? Even if there's anything, I won't remember it."

Upon hearing this, Cai Changyuan remained silent for a while, as if organizing his thoughts, before continuing, "I have followed Master Tang for so many years and have seen how he leads his troops—spare the rod and spoil the child; anyone who dares to utter a sound will be dealt with."

Back then, I thought that's how you should lead troops; if you're not ruthless, you can't keep people in line. But after I came under your command and saw how you treated those veterans and how you left a way out for the brothers, I slowly realized that leading troops isn't just about intimidating people, but also about making them feel secure.

"My previous ideas were ultimately just the same old tricks of Master Tang, and they're not suitable for you."

He seemed to have finally spoken the words that had been stuck in his chest, and he looked much more relieved. "Master Gu, I know that what I did before was inappropriate, and I can see that you have given me face. I'm telling you this today not to absolve myself, but to let you know that I will not act on my own initiative again in the future."

"Whatever rules you set, I will follow them. I will no longer act recklessly based on my own ideas. As for Bai Yulin and Chang Enduo, I only dared to ask you for help because I genuinely believe they can be of assistance."

As soon as the last word was uttered, Gu Cheng immediately got up and walked to his side, and Cai Changyuan also stood up nervously.

"Brother Huisheng, I didn't really take your decision to heart."

Gu Cheng patted his shoulder and smiled, "But Lao Mu is an honest man, so why do you need to use him to do what you want to do?"

"It's fortunate I know Old Mu; otherwise, wouldn't you have put your colleague in a difficult position?"

Cai Changyuan's face flushed, and he was about to explain when Gu Cheng waved his hand to stop him from continuing: "Alright, now that we've talked things out, I, Gu Jingchuan, am not one to hold grudges—we'll discuss things from now on."

Cai Changyuan quickly bowed, his embarrassment still lingering on his face, but now replaced by gratitude: "Master Gu is so generous, I am truly ashamed. Rest assured, from now on, I will always consult with you first and will never act on my own again."

After he finished speaking, he paused slightly, "Master Gu, there's one more thing I feel I should let you know in advance. The autumn harvest is almost over, and it's time to finish selling the mountain products from western Liaoning."

Gu Cheng looked at him: "Oh?"