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

Gu Cheng felt a chill run down his neck, especially when Wang Yongjiang's deep and cold gaze swept over him. Even with his two lifetimes of experience, he felt inexplicably uneasy at this moment.

He turned slightly to the side, picked up the teacup on the table without making a sound, and slowly sipped the tea that had already gone cold.

In moments like these, he needs to remain calm.

The telegram from the Marshal didn't contain a single hint about this matter... He wasn't sure if Wang Yongjiang was using the Marshal's name to trick him, and he had no idea what the hidden story was behind it.

But one thing is certain: Wang Yongjiang must have obtained intelligence about the Lianshan branch office, and it was directed at him.

He was thinking rapidly in his mind, but his face remained calm and composed, revealing no flaws.

As he was secretly considering this, Wang Yongjiang sighed, "Jingchuan, now that things have come to this, you shouldn't hide it from me anymore... The Commander-in-Chief has already sent word that the Lianshan Station of the South Manchuria Railway was looted and attacked, and he asked me to inquire whether it was related to you! Such a big matter, do you still want to take the blame alone?"

Gu Cheng paused, his hand holding the teacup still.

He put down his teacup and turned to the other person. Through those round glasses, he saw a pair of tired eyes that looked sickly... with a hint of anxiety, but also a touch of concern.

Although some doubts remained in his heart, Gu Cheng calmly asked, "In your opinion, if I truly did this, was my action right or wrong?"

Wang Yongjiang frowned slightly: "This isn't a simple matter of right or wrong; it concerns the overall situation in Fengtian and involves the potential disaster of negotiations with Japan!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he couldn't help but cough heavily again, and his face grew even paler.

Anxious, Wang Yuyou quickly stood up and gently patted his back to calm him down, her eyes full of concern: "Dad! Don't worry... If anything bad has happened, talk to Commander Gu slowly. Don't get upset and harm your health!"

Wang Yongjiang coughed and waved his hand, his expression and tone full of exasperation: "What do you know! These Japanese are not to be trifled with. Their influence is spread throughout the entire Northeast, and there must be their spies and informants hidden in Jinzhou City as well."

If this matter is exposed, Japan will have a legitimate excuse to provoke trouble, and then things will get really complicated!

He caught his breath, then his gaze returned to Gu Cheng. "You're still young, and it's good to have guts, but you can't act so recklessly just because you need some urgently needed equipment!"

Gu Cheng stood up and stepped forward.

Throughout their conversation, he maintained an expression of complete indifference, as if he were not the one leading the robbery, but some insignificant nobody.

"Lord Min, I understand what you mean."

He stopped in front of the other party and said, "But don't forget, since the Sino-Japanese War, Japan has been encroaching on the territory of China... These invaders, through the South Manchuria Railway, which is like a poisonous snake, have been running rampant in Northeast China, constantly sucking the flesh and blood of the Northeast."

Along the South Manchuria Railway line, the Kwantung Army transformed it into a state within a state, where countless people were oppressed and countless resources were seized.

Wang Yongjiang was about to speak again, but Gu Cheng spoke slowly instead, "I know that even if it's to solve Jinzhou's immediate crisis, my actions might backfire—"

But I want to ask Min Gong a question: even if I didn't do that, even if we kept giving in, would the Japanese have a change of heart and give up their ambition to continue invading Northeast China?

These words carried weight, and the large reception room fell silent instantly, with only Wang Yongjiang's still slightly heavy breathing remaining.

Wang Yuyou was stunned.

This girl, who was not yet seventeen, was familiar with the situation in Northeast China because her father knew a bit about it... She was used to flattery and fear and concessions to the Japanese.

The calm and collected young officer before her was actually full of passion; every seemingly restrained word he uttered concealed a sharp edge, so intimidating that she dared not look him in the eye.

Wang Yongjiang's gaze remained fixed on him the entire time. The anxiety in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a complex mix of surprise, agreement, and, more importantly, deep helplessness.

He knew perfectly well that Gu Cheng was telling the truth, but being in a high position, he had to consider not only momentary impulses, but also the overall situation of Fengtian and the stability of millions of people.

"So, why did the commander restore the 105th Regiment's designation so quickly and allocate equipment? Is it because he's worried that my brothers and I will starve and then try to attack other sites?"

Gu Cheng suddenly changed the subject, "Then I understand a little better... Sometimes, you have to cook for yourself to make the food taste good!"

Wang Yongjiang gave a wry smile: "You make it sound so easy! Although I haven't seen the Commander-in-Chief, I can foresee that he must be furious—"

But you were personally appointed by him to Jinzhou, and the work of the Army Reorganization Office has only just begun. If you cause a major disaster in Jinzhou, how can the reorganization and military strengthening proceed? The Marshal won't touch you for now, but if you can't achieve merit later, will he tolerate your recklessness?"

Gu Cheng took a deep breath: "That's why I set my sights on Japan. But don't worry, Min Gong, I've done a clean job. Besides, I've already left clues for the Japanese. Once they get the 'evidence,' they'll stick to it. Unless they can hold onto the key evidence, they won't bother us."

He then recounted the entire incident, including how he had shifted the blame to the Zhili Army, to the other party.

Wang Yongjiang was initially shocked, but after hearing Gu Cheng's reasonable and well-founded explanation, he quickly showed some approval.

But after he finished speaking, Wang Yongjiang seemed to be thinking about something, and after a moment he said, "It doesn't sound like there are any loopholes. You even thought of the rice issue."

However, we must be extremely careful of Japanese informants. Furthermore, the Zhili Army has been unfairly framed, and they are unlikely to let this go easily.

Gu Cheng nodded: "Don't worry, I've already taken precautions. The Zhili Army currently has no major forces in western Liaoning; their main force is far inside the Great Wall. Even if they know the 'clues,' they might not dare to rashly send troops to Jinzhou—"

If they dare to come, they will fall right into my trap. I can take this opportunity to expand my military equipment, show my loyalty to the commander-in-chief, and prove that our 105th Regiment can defend Jinzhou.

As for the Japanese spies, I have ordered a covert investigation of suspicious individuals within Jinzhou City, especially around the South Manchuria Railway office. I have arranged for people to patrol 24 hours a day to ensure those Japanese don't find a single trace.

Seeing his confident demeanor, Wang Yongjiang's tense expression eased slightly. He coughed lightly twice, and Wang Yuyou quickly handed him some warm water: "Dad, have some water to soothe your throat."

Wang Yongjiang took the teacup, took a sip, and then slowly said, "Since you have such plans, I will not try to persuade you any further. But you must remember to leave room for maneuver in everything, and never go to extremes."

If you encounter any trouble you can't handle, send someone to deliver a message to me immediately. Although I am physically disabled, I still have some influence in Fengtian and can help you out.