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

Sun Liechen's face was somber, and he spoke in a low voice, enunciating each word clearly: "Absolutely right. In my opinion... this was probably done by our own people."

"What?!"

Zhao Enzhen's expression changed drastically. "Brigadier, you mean... but who is so bold as to provoke the Japanese?"

Sun Liechen sternly interrupted him: "Silence! No wild speculation! This matter is of great importance. If it leaks out, at best it will anger the Kwantung Army, at worst it will lead to the Marshal holding you accountable, and the Zhili clique will seize on it and make a big fuss about it!"

He calmed himself down and looked toward Jinzhou: "We must immediately compile the details of the changes here and report them to the General's Office in secret. Also, we must write down all the hidden dangers in the defense of western Liaoning."

In addition, I have set aside some time these past few days to personally travel to Jinzhou to investigate the situation in person and stabilize the situation there.

Zhao Enzhen's expression hardened, and he immediately bowed and replied, "Understood!"

…………

The war had just ended, and people were already returning to Jinzhou amidst the ruins.

They carried tattered bags, some searching for their remaining belongings in the rubble, others clearing away stones and spent bullet casings from the street, and occasionally conversations could be heard:

Besides cursing the chaotic world, many people were more concerned about how to live their lives from now on.

Gu Cheng, dressed in Fengtian Army uniform, was accompanied by Mu Haisheng and Yang Hao. The three of them personally patrolled the streets.

The newly appointed garrison commander walked slowly, looking with a touch of pity at every dilapidated house and the faces that were either fearful or pleading.

When he encountered the elderly, the weak, women, or children, he would always stop and either go up to inquire about their family situation or take out the candy he had brought from Fengtian and share it with the poor children.

Seeing the crowd gathering, Mu Haisheng immediately tensed up and quickly turned around to signal Yang Hao to be on guard. However, Gu Cheng placed his hand on Mu Haisheng's shoulder, gently pushed him aside, and loudly addressed the crowd:

"Don't worry, everyone. As long as I, Gu Jingchuan, am here, no one will be able to invade Jinzhou again, and no one will be forced to leave their homes again!"

His voice was powerful and penetrating, immediately calming the unease in everyone's hearts. "I am a Northeasterner just like you all... Those Zhili soldiers coveted our black soil. After the war, we lost our homes! But remember, Jinzhou is our root, the place where our ancestors lived for generations. Even if our houses are destroyed and our belongings are gone, as long as we are still alive, as long as we are united, there is no home that cannot be rebuilt!"

The crowd gradually quieted down, and all their weary eyes fell on Gu Cheng.

The initial unease and confusion were gradually rekindled by the young officer's words, giving them renewed hope.

At the front of the crowd, a shirtless man couldn't help but step forward half a step: "Sir! Are you serious? We can really hold Jinzhou and never have to hide in the countryside again? Will those bearded men still steal our things—?"

This question echoed everyone's sentiments, and the crowd readily agreed: "Yes, sir, you have to stand up for us!"

"If those soldiers attack again, we'll have nowhere to go!"

Gu Cheng raised his hand, gesturing for everyone to quiet down: "I, Gu Jingchuan, assure you all: from now on, I will lead my brothers to guard the city gates and defend the city. Even if it costs us our lives, we will never let the enemy set foot in Jinzhou again! You can rest assured and live your lives well from now on—as long as we are here, you will have a peaceful life!"

He paused, then continued, "I know everyone is having a hard time right now... So, I've petitioned the Fengtian Marshal's Office to urgently allocate a batch of grain! In three to five days, everyone will be able to receive their life-saving rations!"

In addition, the regiment will distribute food to all villagers who participate in clearing the ruins and rebuilding the city wall, ensuring that everyone's efforts are not in vain!

As for those stragglers and bandits who take advantage of the chaos, I have already arranged for my brothers to patrol the entire city. If they dare to harass the people, they will be killed without mercy!

From now on, military discipline will be strict within Jinzhou City, and officers and soldiers will be treated as one. I will show absolutely no leniency to anyone who breaks the rules!

No sooner had he finished speaking than a loud cheer erupted from the crowd: "Well said! Well done!"

Cheers erupted like thunder, instantly spreading throughout the entire street.

An elderly woman with gray hair walked forward shakily, so moved she almost knelt down before Gu Cheng: "Sir, you are truly a savior from suffering... If there is no more war, I, I will send my son to join the army and serve you like a slave every day!"

"Yes, yes! With that from our superior, we have confidence!"

"We'll follow our commander, and no matter how tough or tiring it gets, we must hold Jinzhou!"

"Defend Jinzhou! Defend our roots!"

The voices of the people grew louder and louder, their previous weariness and fear completely replaced by fervor and fighting spirit.

Everyone looked on with admiration, and some even took out their last eggs and fruit and gratefully gave them to Gu Cheng and the others.

Gu Cheng declined repeatedly, then turned around and asked Yang Hao to distribute the food to the children and injured civilians, and a warm feeling welled up in the crowd.

Mu Haisheng stood aside, trembling at what he saw, as memories of his youthful passion quietly surged within him.

That year, he had just joined the army and was full of enthusiasm, harboring the idea of ​​"defending the land and protecting the people," hoping to enable his family and fellow villagers to live a peaceful life.

But later, having witnessed so much deceit and treachery, and tolerating his superiors' withholding of his rations... gradually, that passion was replaced by numbness.

The youthful vigor that once belonged to soldiers has been worn down by reality, leaving only a perfunctory existence.

Even now, looking at the young officer, he couldn't help but think of himself back then.

I definitely chose the right person to follow!

Gu Cheng turned his head and caught a glimpse of the other man's expression, vaguely guessing his thoughts. He chuckled lightly, "What are you standing there for? We've seen enough. Tianqi should have finished inventorying the equipment over there too. Let's head back to headquarters!"

Mu Haisheng snapped out of his daze, quickly stood at attention, and then jogged after him, saying, "Master Gu, what you said is excellent! I haven't heard such inspiring words in years. With the brothers following you, we truly have a pillar of support!"

Gu Cheng turned to look at him with earnest eyes, nodded and said softly, "No matter how well you speak, you must do things well—when you get back, you and Haozi should list out the details: food is a major issue and cannot be delayed."

Mu Haisheng nodded repeatedly, but then hesitated: "Will the Marshal's Mansion agree? I not only sent a telegram before, but also sent people to Fengtian, but the approval still hasn't come through."

Gu Cheng turned onto the main street and headed towards the regimental headquarters: "Then let's see if my influence is big enough—"

Mu Haisheng was filled with respect: "Master Gu is the person personally sent by the Marshal to take charge. Your words naturally carry different weight than ours... The Marshal will definitely agree!"

Gu Cheng glanced at him sideways: "It's best to avoid this kind of flattery in the future; it's getting too much for me."

Mu Haisheng quickly changed the subject, and the group chatted about the city's defenses as they returned to the Jinzhou regimental headquarters.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, Gu Cheng went straight to his office and instructed Mu Haisheng, "Old Mu, quickly compile a report on the situation in Jinzhou, including the surrounding terrain, the distribution of villages, and especially whether there are any bandits near Jinzhou. Give me all of that information."