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

Gu Cheng could easily discern the tacit approval and consideration in those words.

He immediately bowed and said, "Thank you for your consideration, Lord Min! Rest assured, I am grateful for your care for this junior. I will certainly act cautiously and will never put you or the Marshal in a difficult position, nor will I let Jinzhou fall into danger... After all, the safety of Jinzhou is also my responsibility."

Looking at Gu Cheng's tall and upright figure, Wang Yuyou's astonishment gradually turned into admiration.

This young officer possesses both courage and daring, as well as strategic thinking and meticulousness; no wonder he was personally appointed by the commander-in-chief to garrison Jinzhou.

Wang Yongjiang waved his hand, his expression regaining some of his usual composure: "That's enough, things are as they are, there's no point in saying more. You don't need to worry too much about the Marshal, I will personally deliver a secret letter to him and try to smooth things over for you. Just say that although this matter was somewhat reckless, the initial intention was for the defense of Jinzhou, and no evidence has been left behind, so it will not affect the overall situation of the army."

Gu Cheng felt warmer and warmer inside. Just as he was about to express his gratitude, Wang Yongjiang stood up and said, "No need for polite words... I'm not helping you, I'm helping myself, helping the people of Jinzhou, and helping the commander-in-chief guard this vital passage in western Liaoning."

Remember this: only when Jinzhou is stable can the Northeast be stable. Protecting Jinzhou means protecting the gateway to Fengtian.

Gu Cheng understood.

Wang Yongjiang has seen the current situation in Northeast China, but he knows in his heart that relying on those old-fashioned ideas will not help the current situation.

Because, despite their loyalty to the Marshal, all the old guard, including Tang Yulin, were only willing to stick to their own little territory when it came to conflicts of interest.

It's easy to imagine how far the Fengtian Army could go if these old warlords continued to control the military and political affairs.

Wang Yongjiang, who harbored ideals and devoted his life to Northeast China, was the last person who wanted to see this.

However, his strength was limited. He could not single-handedly pull Northeast China out of the quagmire following the Zhili-Fengtian War and prevent its development from being controlled by those despicable invaders.

The commander-in-chief's military reforms gave him hope, and young people like Gu Cheng and Zhang Tingshu were sure to change everything.

That's why he was willing to help these young people with ideals and a strong sense of righteousness take control of Northeast China.

Having understood this, Gu Cheng immediately said, "I understand what you mean. The new look of Jinzhou must be achieved through everyone's concerted efforts... The future of Northeast China depends on our hard work, and Jingchuan will keep this in mind!"

Wang Yongjiang finally revealed a relieved smile: "Jingchuan, you're really good... Coming from an old-fashioned Northeastern background, you've taken the initiative to shoulder the heavy responsibility of reform; you know, this is a job that can offend a lot of people!"

Gu Cheng smiled and said, "A short period of radical reform has drawn reactions from all sides; but as long as there are no changes in the Marshal's Office and the General Staff Department, and everyone works together, we can withstand even the biggest criticisms and push forward even the most difficult reforms."

After saying that, he bowed slightly and said, "Lord Min, it's getting late. The defenses of Jinzhou still need to be settled, so I won't disturb your rest any longer."

Wang Yongjiang nodded and smiled: "Go ahead, business is important. Remember to think things through before you act."

Then, turning to his daughter beside him, he said, "Yu'er, see Commander Gu off for me."

Wang Yuyou responded softly, first carefully helping Wang Yongjiang back to his chair, then straightening her clothes and walking lightly to Gu Cheng's side, gesturing "please" towards the door.

Gu Cheng first bid farewell to Wang Yongjiang, then followed her slowly out of the reception room and walked out along the quiet covered corridor.

A gentle evening breeze blew under the eaves, the lanterns cast swaying shadows, and all was quiet except for the soft sound of two people's footsteps.

Wang Yuyou kept her eyes down the whole way, not saying much, but in her heart she was still thinking about Gu Cheng's generous and frank words, his face-to-face confrontation with the Japanese invaders. That courage and vision was something she had never seen among the officials, nobles and military generals.

As she approached the moon gate of the courtyard, she raised her eyes and said softly, "Commander Gu, the night air is chilly, please take care."

Gu Cheng turned around, just as a cool night breeze blew in from the edge of the corridor, carrying the fresh fragrance of the girl's hair.

The two walked slowly out of the study, one after the other, and strolled along the covered corridor with lanterns hanging on it.

The warm light under the eaves cast shadows of the two figures, flickering between light and shadow. A gentle evening breeze caressed the eaves, carrying the faint fragrance of grass and trees from the courtyard, as well as the slight chill of post-war Jinzhou, just like the rare tranquility amidst this turbulent situation.

The two remained silent throughout the journey, their only sound the soft rustling of their footsteps and the gentle swaying of the lanterns.

Wang Yuyou lowered her eyes, her mind still replaying Gu Cheng's words about the invaders and his resolute expression during the reform movement—

Despite his old-fashioned background, he was able to break free from the shackles of vested interests and willingly shoulder the criticism to promote reforms for the future of Northeast China. This magnanimity and sense of responsibility are far more admirable than those of warlords.

As she approached the moon gate of the courtyard, she slowly raised her eyes: "Commander Gu, the night air is chilly, please take care."

Gu Cheng turned around.

Just then, a cool night breeze blew in from the outer edge of the corridor, ruffling a few strands of hair on Wang Yuyou's forehead and gently carrying the fragrance hidden in the girl's hair to his nose.

The fragrance was clean and refreshing, completely different from the ink and tea scents in the official residence, and also unlike any woman he had ever met in the 21st century.

He was not cunning or calculating, but possessed an innocent and gentle nature that had been hardened by power struggles, which unexpectedly cracked his heart.

He took a half step back and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Miss. It's chilly at night, so please stay here and tell Lord Min to take good care of himself."

Having said that, he turned around, walked steadily through the moon gate, and headed out of the courtyard.

Wang Yuyou watched that tall, straight figure gradually disappear into the distance. The young man's composure and perseverance had already been deeply imprinted in her heart.

As soon as Gu Cheng stepped out of the courtyard, he saw Mo Dehui and Zhang Tingshu waiting under the eaves.

The two men looked anxious and rushed to greet him when he came out.

Mo Dehui spoke first: "Commander Gu, does Duke Min have any further instructions?"

Gu Cheng replied politely, "This is asking about some old matters... I'm sure Mr. Liu Chen is aware of them as well."

Upon hearing the words "old story," Mo Dehui immediately nodded in understanding: "It's that old story... It seems that Lord Min is worried that Tang Erhu will use this as an excuse to stir up trouble in Jinzhou."

Gu Cheng remained noncommittal, casually offering an excuse to brush it off, and quickly left after saying goodbye to Mo Dehui.

As soon as they turned out of the alley, Zhang Tingshu lowered his voice: "Is it because of what happened at the police station by Fourth Master back then? Could Wang Yongjiang be trying to use us to settle this personal grudge?"

Gu Cheng paused in his steps.

He looked up at the night sky, where dark clouds filled the sky, much like the current uncertain situation inside and outside the pass.

"I think that's the intention... but I feel that Wang Yongjiang is more open-minded, and I believe he is the one who most wants things to be better for Northeast China."

At this point, his expression darkened. "Ting Shu, the Marshal already knows about the Lianshan incident."