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

Before Zhang Tingshu could react, the other party suddenly let out a heavy cough, which made the girl hurriedly stand up: "Father, calm down, getting angry will harm your health, let's talk slowly."

Wang Yongjiang caught his breath, and when he looked at Gu Cheng again, his gaze had become sharp: "Commander Gu, don't worry, I'll be the first to stop Tang Yulin from causing trouble in Jinzhou."

Your 105th Regiment is guarding Jinzhou to ensure the stability of western Liaoning. You are helping me and Liu Chen share the burden, and also helping the Commander-in-Chief stabilize the western Liaoning defense line. I will never allow him to make things difficult for you at will.

Then he looked at Mo Dehui and ordered in a deep voice, "Liu Chen, I'm entrusting this matter to you. You must contact the Fengtian Military Supply Department in advance regarding the military equipment approved by the Marshal's Office, and secretly report the departure time and route to Regiment Commander Gu so that he can arrange for people to meet them halfway. The entire journey must bypass Tang's defense zone and must not pass through Tang Yulin's hands, lest he intercept and confiscate it."

The rations and pay for the 105th Regiment will be allocated in full according to the established quota. You will personally oversee the process each month, ensuring that the supplies are delivered to the regimental headquarters on time, without the slightest delay.

Mo Dehui bowed and replied, "Your subordinate will keep in mind Lord Min's instructions. Commander Gu, tomorrow morning, I will have someone deliver the detailed information about the shipment of military equipment to the regimental headquarters... As for the rations and pay, I will calculate them as soon as possible to ensure that they are paid on time and in full starting next month, without delaying the regiment's defense."

A huge weight lifted from Gu Cheng's heart. He immediately stood up and bowed solemnly: "Thank you for your consideration, Lord Min, and for your thoughtfulness, Mr. Liu Chen! Ting Shu and I will next focus on rectifying military discipline and pacifying the people. The peace and tranquility of Jinzhou are entirely entrusted to me and my brothers—we will never fail to live up to the trust placed in us by Lord Min and the Commander-in-Chief, nor will we cause you any trouble!"

Wang Yongjiang waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down: "You don't need to thank me. My arrangement is not out of favoritism towards your 105th Regiment, but for the stability of Jinzhou and, more importantly, for the overall situation in Northeast China."

Jingchuan, you must understand that military power is a source of confidence, but discretion is the foundation. Although Tang Yulin is arrogant, he dares not openly defy the orders of the Marshal's Office, much less easily harm my civil administration personnel.

He then changed the subject, adding, "I know you're capable and have guts, but remember, never confront Tang Yulin directly. On the surface, you must still treat him with courtesy and not give him any excuse to find fault."

Mo Dehui chimed in, "That's true. This Tang Yulin is reckless and doesn't get along with many of his colleagues. If he catches you making a mistake, he'll definitely cause a big uproar. It's better to save face and give him some benefits. As long as he doesn't cause trouble for your 105th Regiment, that's fine."

Gu Cheng and Zhang Tingshu solemnly agreed, and then told the other party about their next steps. In addition to city defense, they also planned to recruit and train soldiers to suppress bandits, and to incorporate scattered soldiers, etc.

Wang Yongjiang listened with a smile and nodded, occasionally telling Mo Dehui that if the 105th Regiment had any requests, he would certainly meet them as appropriate.

Seeing that today's plan had been achieved, and knowing that Wang Yongjiang was indeed unwell, Gu Cheng stood up and said, "Min Gong is not feeling well, so Ting Shu and I will take our leave today and visit again the next day."

As he spoke, he gestured for Zhang Tingshu to take out the "Bamboo and Rock Painting" that he had prepared beforehand and handed it over. He said with a smile, "When I was transferred from Fengtian, my uncle mentioned repeatedly that Lord Min was a man of refined taste and loved these kinds of calligraphy and paintings very much... It just so happens that my brother has obtained a scroll of Zheng Banqiao's original work, so I'm using it to present to the Buddha."

He had his own plans. From the moment he stepped into the Jinzhou official residence, he noticed that the furnishings were elegant and understated, low-key yet luxurious. It maintained a tranquil paradise amidst the war. Wang Yongjiang had always held a high position in Fengtian's civil and financial affairs, and had seen all kinds of wealth and treasures. His silver dollars were simply not worth his attention.

Moreover, giving away silver so openly in front of Mo Dehui, the deputy finance minister, would be too blatant and could easily give others cause for gossip or even attract criticism from officials.

It would be better to simply give this scholar's calligraphy and painting as a gift. It would not only suit his taste but also be elegant, appropriate, and perfectly measured.

Wang Yongjiang's gaze fell on the gift, but he did not reach out to take it.

Mo Dehui stepped forward and said with a smile, "Mr. Feng is really thoughtful. He knows that Master Min has always loved calligraphy and painting. This 'Bamboo and Rock' painting will surely suit his taste."

Wang Yongjiang coughed a few more times before forcing a smile and saying, "Jingchuan, your uncle and I are both subordinates of the Marshal, and given our relationship with the Assistant Marshal, it's natural that we should look after you and Tingshu... but this painting of yours..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Tingshu stepped forward and shoved the painting into Wang Yuyou's hands: "Miss Wang, I'm a few years older than you, so I have to say a few words to you—your father loves calligraphy and painting very much, you must keep this safe for him!"

Gu Cheng also laughed and said, "Ting Shu and I are both rough men who lead troops. Wouldn't it be a waste to leave such a good painting in our hands? Besides, it's a blessing for Min Gong that a painting can ease his mind a little."

With the gifts delivered and the business concluded, Gu Cheng once again took his leave.

Unexpectedly, Wang Yongjiang raised his hand and said calmly, "Don't rush to leave. I have a few private words I'd like to say to you alone."

As he spoke, he looked at Mo Dehui and said, "Liu Chen, take Ting Shu to the outer hall to wait for a while, and while you're at it, go over the details of the provisions for provisions and military equipment again."

Mo Dehui, being so perceptive, immediately understood and bowed, replying, "Yes, Lord Min."

He then gestured for Zhang Tingshu to proceed.

Zhang Tingshu was slightly taken aback. Although he was somewhat surprised, he knew the rules of officialdom and did not ask too many questions. He gave Gu Cheng a reassuring look and then left the reception room with Mo Dehui.

Wang Yongjiang then looked at the servants and steward standing to the side and calmly instructed, "You all step back and stand guard outside the courtyard. Do not allow anyone to approach and disturb us."

The servants dared not say a word, bowed in unison, and quietly left the hall, closing the door behind them.

In an instant, only Wang Yongjiang and his daughter, along with the newly appointed governor of Jinzhou, remained in the large reception room.

The room fell silent for a moment, with only the faint sound of the wind outside the window and Wang Yongjiang's occasional soft coughs and wheezes, and the atmosphere quietly became heavy.

Gu Cheng wondered to himself, could it be that Wang Yongjiang wanted to give him some advice because of Tang Yulin?

still is……

Before he could form any further guesses, the other person suddenly spoke up: "Jingchuan, tell me the truth, the Japanese Lianshan Police Station has recently run into trouble. Is it related to you and your brothers?"

Completely surprised by his question, Gu Cheng's eyebrows twitched, but he maintained his composure: "Min Gong, I don't understand what you mean by that. What is this Lianshan Post Station you mentioned? Could it be... the branch office of the Lianshan Station of the South Manchuria Railway?"

He feigned ignorance, "What, have the Japanese gotten into trouble lately? Your information network is quite impressive. I, a military officer, haven't even heard about it, yet you have."

Wang Yongjiang's gaze turned cold, and after a long while he said in a low voice, "Hehe, whether you and I have heard about it or not is not important. What is important is that it was the Marshal who heard about it first."