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

Unexpectedly, the officer made his point so directly, and the officers exchanged glances.

Gu Cheng noticed their gazes and continued, "What happened earlier was because someone, relying on being the Marshal's confidant, disregarded military discipline and allowed his subordinates to commit crimes."

I, Gu Jingchuan, don't like to dredge up old grievances... From now on, as long as the brothers work hard under my guidance, I guarantee they'll all have something to eat!

Cai Changyuan bowed slightly and said, "Now that Master Gu has said this, the brothers can rest assured... I'd also like to express my stance to you: just as Qingshan said, from now on, the brothers will all listen to you."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Shen Yi casually remarked, "What you said warms our hearts... but we really don't quite understand what you mean by 'do a good job.'"

As he spoke, he looked around again, a meaningful smile appearing on his face. "Hehe, we have long ears, and we've heard that you've studied abroad... but we still have our brothers, who are all rough men who only know how to fight and don't understand any of that fancy stuff."

If someone doesn't understand your laws in the future, will they also be executed?

These words were barbed, and everyone present understood them perfectly.

Zhang Tingshu immediately became displeased: "Staff Officer Shen, what do you mean by this? Does Commander Gu think he can interfere without permission?"

Shen Yi started the conversation but then fell silent, while the quartermaster Li Mao quickly put on a big smile: "Young Master Zhang, please don't blame the chief of staff for saying such unpleasant things... In this mixed brigade, let alone those who can read the regulations, there are very few who can even count."

These brothers are aware of their own dullness and fear they might not satisfy Commander Gu and the higher-ups; besides, the provisions, pay, and equipment... all cause headaches for any commander, so these were just casual remarks, and we hope Commander Gu will forgive any offense they may have."

Gu Cheng understood more and more as he listened: saying that they were just uncouth people who didn't know the rules was actually a way of saying that they didn't want to follow the military orders and that they wanted to form their own small group within the 11th Mixed Brigade.

"You two speak frankly and directly, so you must be honest people. How could I possibly be angry?"

Gu Cheng raised his glass. "Although I studied in Japan, I grew up in the military with my uncle, so I know a thing or two about military life. Don't worry, I, Gu Jingchuan, will never make things difficult for you with some empty formalities."

After saying that, he drank the cup in one gulp, and then laughed, "As for what Chief of Staff Shen said, that he was executed for not understanding the rules... Heh, I can guarantee you all: if someone were to kill or set fires for a trivial matter, the first person I would not tolerate would naturally be the Marshal."

Then, he poured himself a glass of wine, got up, walked around behind Shen Yi, and gently patted his shoulder twice until even Shen Yi became a little nervous before continuing, "However, since Chief of Staff Shen is so frank, I might as well lay my words bare:

If some people knowingly violate the rules and go against me and the higher-ups, then even without my intervention, the Marshal's Mansion will not let them off the hook!

Gu Cheng downed his drink in one gulp, slammed the glass down in front of Shen Yi, and said in a calm yet authoritative voice, "Alright everyone, I can't hold my liquor, so I'll have to excuse myself. Ting Shu and Hai Sheng, you two stay and keep the seniors and brothers company for a few more drinks, and make sure they are well taken care of!"

The two quickly stood up and agreed.

In fact, they both knew perfectly well that their boss was deliberately keeping them around to maintain order, and also to add a bit more intimidation by taking advantage of their departure.

Gu Cheng said no more, turned his head and gave Gao Tianqi a wink, then gestured with his chin toward the door.

Gao Tianqi immediately understood and followed him silently.

As the two reached the door, Gu Cheng stopped without turning around, simply saying, "Enjoy yourselves. From now on, we'll need everyone's concerted efforts to handle matters at the brigade headquarters."

As soon as he finished speaking, he stepped out of the main hall, where Yang Song was already waiting.

"Jingchuan, these bastards, they've got some nerve!"

Even the usually bookish Gao Tianqi rarely swore, "We just executed so many people, and today we're giving them face by treating them to dinner... and they're all still trying to go against their superiors!"

Gu Cheng glanced back, shook his head, smiled, and said, "Killing a few people, even if Tang Yulin's illegitimate son is among them, do you think that will intimidate these old fogies? Think about it, how did they all get to their current positions? They've all taken far more lives than that."

Gao Tianqi, his anger subsiding, asked with a hint of doubt, "But I still don't understand. They've changed so many people, even Tang Yulin has been sent away. What's their reason for opposing us?"

Gu Cheng picked up his teacup and took two gulps to suppress his slight tipsiness, then said, "It's about money... Think about it, how many people are in the 11 Mixed Brigade, how much equipment do they have, how many silver dollars can they get from all that?"

Hearing this, Yang Song, who was following closely behind, chuckled and said, "Our master is going to have to pry silver dollars out of their mouths, of course they're not happy about it."

Gao Tianqi took the strong tea that Gu Cheng handed him, thought for a moment, and then said, "I've been watching closely, and Shen Yi and that quartermaster Li Mao seem to be the most unhappy... while Lu Qingshan is quite enthusiastic, and as for that deputy brigade commander Cai Changyuan, he's quite honest."

Gu Cheng plopped down in the armchair, bowed his head with his fists clasped, and closed his eyes to rest: "Your observation is good... but from what I see, Cai Changyuan does seem to be observing from the sidelines. I think he's probably similar to Lu Qingshan; he obviously didn't get much of a share of the spoils."

Gao Tianqi immediately understood: "So you mean—"

Gu Cheng slowly looked back at him, his eyes meeting his: "That's right. We'll start with these two... I need to make a good start with my three fires upon taking office. I just wonder which unlucky guy will be burned to death by them."

The banquet lasted until late at night. Zhang Tingshu didn't drink much, but Mu Haisheng was toasted repeatedly and got so drunk that he passed out and went home first.

After taking him back to his room, Zhang Tingshu came over to report the situation—

Just as Gu Cheng had thought, the 11th Mixed Brigade was not a monolithic entity.

The reason why Deputy Brigade Commander Cai Changyuan was not dismissed was related to the Marshal: he was originally the deputy brigade commander of the Marshal's guard brigade... Later, when Zhang Xueliang took over as brigade commander, Cai Changyuan did not get along with Guo Songling, so the Marshal forced him into Tang Yulin's team.

Later, Tang reorganized the troops multiple times and established the 11th Mixed Brigade. He was promoted again and became the "perennial runner-up".

As for Lu Qingshan and the other newly promoted young people, they were all pretty much the same, belonging to the marginal figures in the original team.

"So, my sudden change of personnel made them think this was an opportunity?"

Gu Cheng rubbed his chin and smiled. "Interesting."