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

That night, the three drank and reminisced, discussing the future development of Northeast China until late into the night. Zhang Xueliang's suppressed emotions were finally relieved, and he unknowingly became completely drunk.

Gu Cheng and Feng Yong exchanged helpless glances, and had no choice but to lift him up from either side and carry him to the bedroom on the third floor.

Unexpectedly, just as they turned the corner of the corridor, they saw that the house was brightly lit, and Yu Fengzhi was sitting upright at the table in the front hall, checking the family accounts.

The maidservant, having already informed Qiu of the commotion, immediately put down her brush and hurried over.

"Wow, how much did you drink this time?"

His words carried a hint of reproach, but he smiled gently at the two of them, "Hearing that you two were coming, Hanqing started preparing at noon... Thanks to you brothers for your thoughtful company, he can finally relax a bit."

Feng Yong replied with a smile, "Sister-in-law, you don't need to be so polite with us! Hanqing is feeling really down, so it's good for him to have a good time today."

After he finished speaking, Gu Cheng also indicated that he would not disturb the two of them to rest, and then he was about to leave from the corridor.

"Hey you two, wait a minute."

Yu Fengzhi called out to the two of them, and then said to the maid, "Jianqiu, go and get the things."

Seeing the maid quickly bring over two exquisite red velvet boxes with gold trim, Feng Yong was immediately taken aback: "Sister-in-law, what good things have you prepared for us this time?"

Yu Fengzhi smiled and took the gift from the maid, opening one of them: "Knowing that you two were coming, Hanqing asked me to get these from the Fengtian Foreign Firm—he said they hadn't been seen for years, so consider them a gift."

Gu Cheng followed her gaze: inside the box was a dazzling gold watch... a simple, unadorned enamel dial paired with a dark brown leather strap, the latest Western style currently trending among the elite.

He immediately recognized the brand as Vacheron Constantin: even in the 21st century, when material conditions are better, many business people still flock to it, let alone in the Republic of China more than a hundred years ago.

The price of this watch is enough to buy a spacious courtyard house in Fengtian City. Its value is far more than just a "gift" as she described it.

This shows how much he and his wife valued their child.

"Sister-in-law, you're too kind! We didn't bring any gifts when we came, but instead..."

Before Gu Cheng could finish speaking, this strong woman, known as "Big Sister," forcefully shoved the box at him: "If you don't accept it, you're being polite to me; actually, you two should know what Hanqing means—"

There are some things I can't say outright, but it won't work on just the father and son. You brothers who grew up together need to work together and support each other.

Upon hearing this, Gu Cheng quickly said, "Since you say so, sister-in-law, then we'll accept it. Actually, as long as it's just a word from the Marshal and Hanqing, we have no reason to refuse."

Feng Yong added, "Sister-in-law, don't worry! Putting everything else aside, we'll do our best just for these two watches!"

After they finished speaking, they smiled at each other. Yu Fengzhi told the two to rest early. Zhao Xishun was already waiting in the corridor and bowed to lead Gu Cheng and Feng Yong to the guest rooms on the west side.

They walked in silence. After the door closed, Feng Yong put on his watch and looked at it over and over, clearly admiring it: "Look how polite this lady is. We haven't even done anything yet, and she's already given me a luxury watch."

The Feng family was considered wealthy, but young people of this age were powerless against these ingenious gadgets.

Gu Cheng examined the watch under the lamp and quickly discovered that his name was engraved in clerical script on the back cover of the movement.

These two watches were not only a token of goodwill and a way to win them over, but also a testament to the Marshal's Mansion's genuine appreciation and trust in them.

Gu Cheng did not sleep well that night. The pomegranate tree outside the window rustled as he pondered the current situation of the Fengtian Army.

A major battle exposed too many problems in Northeast China, and military reform was imminent... But how could those old-fashioned people who had vested interests easily give up their power?

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but turn over. Feng Yong was already snoring loudly, while Gu Cheng was wide awake.

According to historical development, the Fengtian Army's reform has achieved certain results, with both combat effectiveness and weaponry being greatly improved.

However, the Fengtian Army's rise to power relied on the rough-and-tumble generals led by Zhang Zuolin, so the limitations of its development and reforms are self-evident.

The victory in the Zhili-Fengtian War two years later marked the last glorious moment for these old warlords:

Whether it was the Sino-Russian conflict over the Middle East Railway or the Japanese invasion of September 18th, both were disastrous defeats.

Their family fortune was completely lost, and the Northeast fell into the hands of the Japanese invaders... What a humiliating fourteen-year war of resistance!

In any case, since I am familiar with history and have access to the Fengtian Army's power center, I have to do something.

He secretly made up his mind: this military reorganization is the best opportunity... With the background of the Feng family, he will surely be able to enter the Northeast Army and resist those hateful invaders in the future!

The next day, just as dawn broke, Zhao Xishun brought them breakfast and a brand-new set of military uniforms, but the rank insignia were empty.

Zhao Xishun seemed to notice Gu Cheng's hesitation: "The commander said that once the plan for the organization department is finalized in the next day or two, we will make specific arrangements for the two of you."

As he spoke, he gave a mysterious smile, "But I've inquired, and the minimum offer is a regimental commander position—the handsome guy said he still wants you two to gain real-world experience."

Gu Cheng expressed his gratitude, then asked, "Have the handsome young master and uncle gotten up? Who else is here today?"

Zhao Xishun said that the two of them got up early in the morning and had already finished breakfast. They were discussing matters with Yang Yuting in the Tiger Hall.

"Yang Yuting?"

Gu Cheng was straightening his collar when he heard the name and turned around. "Our chief of staff is here early!"

He didn't have much affection for Yang Yuting: the man was exceptionally talented, known as the "Little Zhuge Liang of Northeast China," and was one of the key figures behind the rise of the Fengtian clique.

But this guy was even more arrogant than the book described. When the other students were studying at the military academy, he always acted like an elder and lectured them regardless of the occasion.

Most importantly, this man was also power-hungry. In the early days, he and Xu Shuzheng formed a private army; after the old marshal passed away, he colluded with Chang Huaiyin... Therefore, despite his considerable contributions to Northeast China, he ended up being shot.

Zhao Xishun, however, could not possibly know any of this. He simply replied, "With the battle turned out this way, he, as the chief of staff, naturally bears responsibility. He hasn't left the marshal's residence during this period and has been running to you every day."

Gu Cheng nodded silently, then turned and beckoned Feng Yong to head to the Tiger Hall.

This Tiger Hall is the most central military and political meeting hall in the Marshal's Mansion. Its original name was "Third Meeting Room"... It is said that it was named Tiger Hall because it contained two tiger specimens given to it by Wu Junsheng.

The Tiger Hall runs through the entire history of the Fengtian clique, and many major events and important decisions are related to it.

The two changed into military uniforms, quickly finished breakfast, and followed Zhao Xishun through the corridor to the Tiger Hall.

But just as they approached the door, they heard Zhang Zuolin's furious voice: "Damn it all, a bunch of old foxes, are you all going to abandon me? They should be the ones holding things up at this crucial moment, and you've all dropped the ball!"