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

Yang Song felt a chill run down his spine.

During the day, Gu Cheng noticed something was wrong with the woman, but in order to cure the seriously ill Wang Yongjiang as soon as possible, he pretended not to notice and let the old Japanese man continue to treat him, while in reality he arranged for them to follow and monitor him.

"Yes, I will arrange it immediately!"

Yang Song was about to leave for the guard platoon when Gu Cheng stopped him. "Send a few more brothers. Before you set off, make sure you agree on the contact methods, the final rendezvous point, etc... Don't underestimate them just because they're a woman. These Kwantung Army soldiers are ruthless!"

Hearing his master's solemn attitude, Yang Song naturally dared not be negligent and repeatedly agreed before leaving the room.

The only sound in the bedroom was Zhang Tingshu's thunderous snoring. Gu Cheng went out but did not rush back to his room. Instead, he stared at the dark night sky with a furrowed brow.

He knew that although it was unlikely that Zhang Suo had been attacked, the purpose of this well-trained Japanese female spy infiltrating Jinzhou was intriguing.

Especially now that he has just taken full control of Jinzhou and is also acting as the agent for the 11th Mixed Brigade... At this critical juncture, no matter what the Japanese want to do to Jinzhou or the surrounding areas, he has to lead his brothers to defend it to the death.

…………

The following evening, the Gu residence was brightly lit, and two banquet tables in the main hall were already prepared. Local specialties from Jinzhou were laid out on the tables, wine jars were open, and the aroma of the delicacies filled the entire courtyard.

The summer night in Jinzhou was cool and clear. Gu Cheng, dressed in a crisp Fengtian Army uniform, sat in the main seat, while Zhang Tingshu, Gao Tianqi, and other leaders of the regiment took their seats in turn.

To show his respect, Gu Cheng sent Mu Haisheng to pick up the guests. Since they hadn't arrived yet, Gao Tianqi quietly reported the list of guests invited today to her superior.

Besides Lu Qingshan, whom Mu Haisheng mentioned, there were also Cai Changyuan, the deputy brigade commander who was not dismissed this time, Shen Yi, the chief of staff, Li Mao, the quartermaster, and several regimental commanders, a total of more than ten people.

Gu Cheng listened and nodded: "It seems that Old Mu has more influence than me. He made a trip during the day and found all the leaders of the 11th Mixed Brigade... Not bad, he is reliable. Later, you can give him a reward in my name, just say it's for his wife and children to buy some new clothes."

Gao Tianqi agreed, and was about to speak when he saw Yang Song running over: "Commander, something's happened."

Gu Cheng turned to look at him, signaling him to get to the point, as the guests should be arriving soon.

"Your subordinates are incompetent! The brothers we sent out have searched every road and path from Lianshan to Jinzhou, as well as the surrounding villages and barren slopes, but we haven't found any trace of the Japanese nurse, let alone the two brothers who were first sent out to follow her!"

Hearing his words, Zhang Tingshu was secretly startled and turned around abruptly to look at him: "What did you say? How could they have disappeared without a trace... I parted ways with them under the old locust tree outside Lianshan Station, and I saw them with my own eyes taking their weapons to go with that bitch! This isn't right, they must have discovered something and haven't had time to come back and report!"

Yang Song nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, yes... They are both veterans who have been through many battles. They were carrying weapons and only following from a distance. Perhaps they were hiding in the shadows and keeping watch, or..."

Gu Cheng interrupted him softly: "I repeatedly warned you not to underestimate the enemy just because you see a woman. Every spies in the Kwantung Army is ruthless and cunning. Those two brothers haven't returned yet, and I'm afraid they're in grave danger."

A hint of regret flashed in his eyes, but he quickly composed himself. "Old Yang, send more people to continue the search... Also, pass on my message: keep a close watch at the city gates. I suspect that woman will re-enter the city."

Then, turning to Gao Tianqi, he asked, "Has the woman's portrait been distributed yet?"

Gao Tianqi replied, "I found an artist early this morning and prepared the portraits according to Ting Shu's description. They have been distributed to the city gates and are being guarded at all times."

Gu Cheng nodded: "Alright. Old Mu should be bringing the people back soon. Let's arrange things with the 11th Mixed Brigade first, and we can discuss the rest after the banquet."

Yang Song bowed and replied, "I will send more men to expand the search area. Once there is any news, I will immediately report to you. I will not dare to make any more mistakes."

"Go on, and tell the brothers to be careful and not to underestimate the enemy or advance rashly again." Gu Cheng waved his hand, and Yang Song responded and withdrew.

Before long, footsteps and Mu Haisheng's hearty laughter came from outside the courtyard gate: "Master Gu, all the officers from the brigade headquarters have arrived!"

Gu Cheng looked up and saw Mu Haisheng walking in front, followed by a group of about fifteen or sixteen people. The leader was a middle-aged man with a calm face, wearing an old Fengtian Army uniform. He was none other than Deputy Brigade Commander Cai Changyuan.

Following closely behind was Chief of Staff Shen Yi, tall and sturdy with sharp eyes; Quartermaster Li Mao followed quietly behind him, looking timid and cowardly.

Lu Qingshan, with a big smile on his face, heard Mu Haisheng call out "Master Gu" and quickly took two steps to come over and greet Gu Cheng.

In just half a minute, Gu Cheng could tell that each of these people had something on their mind.

"Master Gu, I've brought all the officers here." Mu Haisheng stepped forward quickly, then turned to introduce them one by one, adding, "They're all old brothers from the brigade headquarters."

Cai Changyuan stepped forward first: "Master Gu, we are honored by your invitation. We apologize for our intrusion."

He was a highly experienced deputy brigade commander and one of the few high-ranking officers among Tang Yulin's former subordinates who were not dismissed.

Gu Cheng grasped his hand and gestured for him to sit down with him, saying with a smile, "Gentlemen, there's no need for formalities. Please take your seats! I am honored by the Marshal's trust in allowing me to temporarily act as the head of the 11th Mixed Brigade... From now on, we are superiors and subordinates on the surface, but brothers in private—come on, sit down. I'm younger than everyone else, and I've always been unconventional with Hanqing and the others, so please don't be shy."

His words sounded approachable, but they conveyed all the important information, such as "acting," "commander-in-chief," and "Zhang Hanqing," making even Cai Changyuan more reserved.

Everyone echoed this sentiment and took their seats cautiously according to their assigned positions.

The two banquet tables were just full. Cai Changyuan stood upright, but kept glancing at Gu Cheng, clearly trying to figure out what the young superior was thinking.

Lu Qingshan, all smiles, sat down next to Mu Haisheng. As soon as he was settled, he stood up to pour Gu Cheng a drink: "Master Gu, you've only just taken over the brigade and you're already thinking of us brothers. We'll remember that kindness. From now on, wherever you point, we'll go without hesitation!"

Mu Haisheng smiled and smoothed things over: "Brothers, Master Gu is young and promising, and he is highly regarded by the Marshal and Young Master Hanqing. If we follow Master Gu from now on, our 11th Mixed Brigade will definitely be able to regroup and never have to suffer the humiliation we suffered before again!"

Zhang Tingshu carried a wine jar and filled everyone's cups with wine: "Brothers, there's no need to be polite. Commander Gu just wants to have a good chat with everyone, regardless of rank, just based on brotherhood."

Gu Cheng raised his wine glass: "I invited everyone here today for no other reason than this. I have just taken over Jinzhou and am temporarily in charge of the brigade affairs. I know that you all have some concerns, worrying that I will settle old scores and that the brothers who followed Master Tang in the past will not have a good life."