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

Gao Tianqi got up and walked to the door, took the strong tea that Yang Song brought up, and poured tea for everyone while scolding Zhang Tingshu: "I say you really need to change your temper! No matter what, he's a rank higher than you. What if you embarrass him and he holds a grudge?"

Zhang Tingshu took the tea but didn't drink it, saying angrily, "So what if he holds a grudge? What, does it mean if we indulge his bad habits, he won't take away our power? You can treat him like a Buddha statue and worship him, but that won't stop him from planning to devour us all at once!"

Gu Cheng almost choked on his tea upon hearing this: "Look, it's our second young master who has guts! I think we should shut him up with some words... Otherwise, he'll really think our 105th Regiment is full of cowards, and he'll only take advantage of us and dare to openly seize power."

Mu Haisheng frowned: "That's true, but we're still subordinates. He's a brigade commander and a veteran of the Fengtian Army. If we really offend him, will we have a good outcome?"

If they secretly sabotage us, withhold our supplies and equipment, or file false accusations against us at the commander's headquarters, things will get tough for us from now on.

Being a seasoned veteran, he succinctly revealed the crux of the matter in a single sentence.

It's easy to feel momentary pleasure, but in the long run, Zhang Tingshu was somewhat reckless today.

Gu Cheng glanced at Zhang Tingshu's slightly embarrassed expression and said, "Alright, let's stop criticizing our deputy commander... Think about it, the Marshal only ordered him to come and assist in the defense of the surrounding area, he didn't order him to settle down with his concubines:"

Although Ting Shu's words were unpleasant, they held true no matter where you looked! Even if Tang Yulin held a grudge, he couldn't openly pick a fight with us, much less dare to make false accusations at the Marshal's Mansion, since he was in the wrong.

Furthermore, he was just reprimanded by the Marshal in Fengtian, and it's time for him to keep a low profile; he wouldn't dare to really antagonize us.

What he wants is power, control of Jinzhou, not a fight to the death with us—if things really escalate, and the commander-in-chief investigates, he'll be the first to get away with it.

Hearing Gu Cheng speak up for him, Zhang Tingshu immediately chimed in, "That's right, with Sixth Master involved, I don't believe he'd dare to act recklessly."

Gao Tianqi looked at the two of them with concern: "Don't forget his nickname... Brigade Commander Sun won't act recklessly, but he's different."

Gu Cheng put down his teacup and said decisively, "So we absolutely cannot give him that chance: I will help him with the house, and he will be treated with the respect and flattery due to his position... but if he wants to discuss military affairs, we will accompany him."

But brothers, you must be quick to speak frankly, about everything, big or small, within the group.

Zhang Tingshu immediately added, "Also, he mentioned that you are his advisor. I think he probably also intends to place some people there... Even if he only sends a few people, he can leave his own men outside the city to guard the walls with Dazhu and the others!"

Everyone smiled knowingly, but a heavy weight seemed to press on their hearts: their first meeting with Tang Yulin had made them feel as if they were facing a formidable enemy.

From now on, they must be vigilant and careful in handling both big and small matters, and absolutely not let him seize the opportunity to take power.

…………

Early the next morning, Gu Cheng personally accompanied Tang Yulin to the courtyard in the south of the city.

The walls are made of blue bricks, the roof is covered with black tiles, and the vermilion gate is inlaid with copper rings. Two stone lions stand proudly on the side of the gate, exuding a sense of aristocratic style.

Inside the courtyard wall, lush green vines climbed, and the pavilions, flowers, and trees inside could be vaguely seen, much more elegant and orderly than he had expected.

"This house is quite grand."

Tang Yulin looked around and said, "Jingchuan, you have a good eye... but why is such a nice house left vacant?"

Gu Cheng made a "please" gesture, and Yang Song, who was standing next to him, quickly stepped forward and opened the door for the two of them.

"Fourth Uncle is joking. How could I possibly have such an ability?"

Gu Cheng led him inside. "This is a house my uncle bought. He said I was old enough to be independent, and besides, he was worried I'd suffer in the army, so he gave it to me!"

Tang Yulin followed him across the threshold, laughing heartily, "Oh, so I guess I've taken over this place!"

But as soon as he finished speaking, he was startled by the sight before him:

The spacious three-courtyard complex features a straight bluestone path leading to the main house, flanked by ancient cypress trees whose branches spread out to block out the sun.

The main building is a five-room carved hall with upturned eaves and doors and windows made of the finest sandalwood, carved with lotus patterns, exuding an extraordinary grandeur; the side rooms on both sides each have four rooms, neat and symmetrical, with gilded lanterns hanging under the eaves.

Walking through the covered walkways, he almost thought he was in Suzhou or Hangzhou, but then he quickly realized:

This arrangement not only allows for the placement of family members but also provides a few rooms for trusted confidants to guard the area. Furthermore, the courtyard gate faces the alley entrance, making entry and exit convenient and facilitating security.

Although the courtyard was nice, it was far from the Jinzhou regimental headquarters, making it inconvenient for him to reach out there.

"Your uncle is quite generous; such a grand courtyard is something ordinary families can't afford."

Tang Yulin withdrew his gaze from the couplet, "However, although this courtyard is nice, I'm afraid it will be too much for you to handle if my whole family moves in."

His words sounded polite, but he was actually testing Gu Cheng's attitude.

If this kid makes things difficult, he can then suggest moving to a house closer to the core area.

If Gu Cheng insisted on letting him stay, he would accept it and gain favor by being seen as "sensible".

How could Gu Cheng not know what he was thinking?

He smiled and said, "Fourth Uncle, you're too kind. My uncle gave me this house so that I would have a place to stay in Jinzhou."

Now that my fourth uncle has moved here with his family, it's the perfect time to put this house to good use; besides, it's been sitting vacant for a while, and having your distinguished family move in will only add to its grandeur!

As she spoke, she led him into the front hall, "Besides, if my uncle knew that you'd be staying in the house first, he'd be overjoyed... Don't forget, back when he was still in the 27th Division, you two were the closest of friends!"

Upon hearing this, Tang Yulin chuckled: "What? Your uncle mentioned this to you? Haha, in that case, your fourth uncle will gladly accept!"

I'll stay at the house for now. If there's anything that needs repair, I'll trouble you to take care of it!

Gu Cheng smiled and said, "Fourth Uncle, please don't be so polite! I've already had the brothers clean up the front and back yards. You can move your furniture and appliances in over the next few days, and your family members can move in one after another."

Tang Yulin grew increasingly pleased as he listened, nodding repeatedly: "Jingchuan is indeed thorough in his considerations and reliable in his work!"

Following his lead, Gu Cheng slowly added, "By the way, Fourth Uncle, Jinzhou has just experienced the ravages of war, and the city is still in chaos. It might be difficult for the family to find needles and thread—I'll have Old Mu from the regiment come over from time to time to help the women of the household with errands."

Tang Yulin's smile suddenly froze.

With his seasoned experience, how could he not hear the unspoken meaning?

What kind of errand running is this?

Isn't this just a way to plant people in his house?