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

Hearing this, Gao Tianqi finally realized what was going on, a chill running down his spine: "So, we've become pawns in the Marshal's mansion's game of balancing factions?"

"We are indeed chess pieces, but it depends on how we play them." Gu Cheng said calmly, "The commander-in-chief wants to balance Tang Yulin and Brigade Commander Sun, so let's take advantage of this momentum to gain a foothold."

"Tang Yulin wants to seize Jinzhou, but we'll stop him; Brigade Commander Sun wants to take back all of western Liaoning, but he'll also need us to hold Jinzhou in check."

Zhang Tingshu frowned: "But if we do that, Tang Yulin will definitely see us as a thorn in his side. Once his 11th Mixed Brigade arrives in Jinzhou, he'll probably try to trip us up at every turn, withholding our food and equipment, finding excuses to transfer us to guard dangerous areas... These are all possibilities."

"It's not just a possibility, it's a certainty that he will do it."

Gu Cheng said calmly, "We all need to be aware that he is the highest-ranking officer in the war zone. He has the authority to control defense and coordinate supplies, so we cannot disobey him on the surface."

"But organizationally we belong to the 54th Brigade, and our personnel, manpower, and organizational structure are not under his jurisdiction, so he can't just absorb us directly."

Aside from these, Gu Cheng, who was well-versed in history, also knew that Sun Liechen's defense of Shanhaiguan and the Fengtian Army's successful withdrawal to Northeast China were of great merit.

Once the area around Jinzhou is completely stabilized, the commander-in-chief will send him to Jilin to be promoted to provincial governor.

If he and his 105th Regiment fail to firmly control Jinzhou by then, they will inevitably be swallowed up by Tang Yulin...

When that time comes, even if he is still a staff officer of the 54th Brigade, he will be subject to Tang Yulin's control and may even completely lose his autonomy.

Therefore, he was well aware that the 105th Regiment only had six months to develop, and he had to lead his brothers to seize the opportunity.

Thinking of this, he glanced at the two men, his tone becoming more serious: "The current situation is very clear:"

Tang Yulin wanted to use the garrison in Jinzhou to control us and gradually sideline and incorporate the 105th Regiment.

Commander Sun is far away in Yuguan. He wants to take care of things but it is inconvenient for him to directly intervene in the defense of western Liaoning. He can only rely on us to guard the base of Jinzhou for him.

The commander-in-chief was happy to see the two sides locked in a stalemate, preventing either side from gaining significant power.

Gao Tianqi said anxiously, "Then how should we handle this? We can't just sit in the middle and let others manipulate us, can we?"

Gu Cheng's lips curled into a cold smile: "It's simple. We won't take sides, nor will we engage in direct confrontation. We'll focus on growing stronger!"

"First, whether it's conscription or incorporation, do it quietly and make sure the 105th Regiment has enough soldiers."

Secondly, the equipment transported from Fengtian was intercepted by people halfway through the journey and was never handled by Tang Yulin, so as to prevent him from intercepting or deducting it.

Third, the firearms seized in Lianshan, especially the four light machine guns, will continue to be secretly stored without revealing a word. This is our backup plan.

Fourth, outwardly be respectful and courteous to Tang Yulin, avoid openly clashing with him, uphold the rules of the war zone's control, while secretly maintaining firm grip on city defense and military power... Also, inform the brothers that they should be more courteous to the people in the city from now on; the support of the people is also very important.”

Zhang Tingshu slammed his fist into his palm: "That's right! That's exactly it—as long as we have more soldiers and more equipment, anyone who tries to control us is just dreaming!"

Seeing their confident expressions, Gu Cheng stepped forward, putting an arm around each of their shoulders, and said with deep emotion, "Good brothers! Besides my brother Feng Yong, the only people I can rely on right now are the two of you. In these chaotic times, military power is the foundation of confidence. Only when we brothers are of one mind can we seize real power among these various forces!"

Zhang Tingshu patted his shoulder: "Don't worry, Tianqi is meticulous, and I'm well-informed... With the three of us working together, we'll definitely be able to secure Jinzhou, and no one will be able to take our power!"

After discussing the recruitment and the specific actions for receiving the equipment, Gu Cheng told the other two that he would meet Wang Yongjiang at six o'clock in the evening.

Gao Tianqi was quiet by nature and never liked socializing, so he volunteered to stay at the regimental headquarters that night.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tingshu immediately offered to accompany him, and then said to Gu Cheng, "We can't go to see him empty-handed, can we? I'll go to those shops and see if I can find some calligraphy, paintings, or antiques to give him as gifts?"

Gu Cheng smiled and said, "How could I let you, Young Master Zhang, go to all that trouble? Don't worry, I prepared everything before coming to Jinzhou."

In fact, all three understood that after Zhang Zuolin took control of Fengtian, he specifically invited Zhang Zuolin to come out of retirement to manage civil affairs. Later, Zhang Zuolin also took charge of the grain and finance of the three northeastern provinces. He was extremely capable and the most trusted confidant of the warlord. This man was both capable and held financial power, so he could not be neglected.

As the sun began to set, Gu Cheng instructed Yang Song to prepare, in addition to the "Bamboo and Rock Painting" given by Feng Delin, to also prepare some silver dollars.

It is widely believed that Duke Min was an upright and self-disciplined official. However, in chaotic times and officialdom, silver dollars are always the real hard currency, far more effective than a few polite words.

"Jingchuan, I heard from my father that this Scholar Wang has a very strange temper: he is aloof and arrogant, intolerant of any wrongdoing, and cautious and suspicious... When we meet him later, we must be careful in our words and actions."

After leaving the house, Zhang Tingshu said with a serious expression, "If we can get his support, our regiment will have a place to go for food and supplies as well as equipment; but if we displease him, and he just leaves a word of gossip at the Marshal's Mansion, our days in Jinzhou will be much more difficult."

Gu Cheng said calmly, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

In terms of seniority, Zhang Tingshu and I, relying on our friendship with Feng Delin and Zhang Zuoxiang respectively, will not only show proper courtesy but also, as the garrison commander, explain our plans for the future development of Jinzhou to him one by one, working together to improve the situation in Jinzhou. Wang Yongjiang will naturally give his full support to the 105th Regiment.

When the two arrived at the Jinzhou official residence, the afterglow of the setting sun enveloped the dilapidated city that had just been ravaged by war... Gu Cheng knew very well that tonight's meeting would be enough to influence the future of the 105th Regiment and Jinzhou.

It is not only a polite visit, but also a subtle test, a game of strategy, and a statement of one's principles in life.

The guards at the official residence had already received orders that the garrison commander, Gu Cheng, was coming to visit, and that they should be immediately ushered in.

They walked through a somewhat deserted but tidy courtyard and were led into the reception room.

The interior was simply and elegantly furnished, with writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstones on the table, and a display shelf in the corner displaying a few simple and elegant porcelain pieces, exuding the restrained elegance of a scholar-official, which was completely different from the rough and sturdy style of Tang Yulin's military residence.

Butler Li Mingshan greeted him with a humble smile: "Please forgive our lack of hospitality, gentlemen. Lord Min has been unwell lately, so please have a seat and wait a moment."

After saying this, he gestured to the servants to bring warm tea, and then stood aside with his hands at his sides.

"Min Gong's dedication to governance has taken a toll on his health, and Ting Shu and I admire him greatly..."

After calmly taking their seats, Gu Cheng looked worried. "I'm afraid I might have disturbed Lord Min's peace and quiet today. May I ask how he is, Steward?"

Li Mingshan bowed and replied, "Commander Gu's consideration is deeply appreciated. Lord Min has recently caught a cold and is suffering from a persistent cough and wheezing. Miss has been taking care of him and he was just taking medicine and resting. I estimate he will come to see you two officers in a little while."