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

After leaving Gao Tianqi's side, Gu Cheng went straight to the command post set up in the main hall and looked up at the Jinzhou city defense map.

The various signs and place names quickly formed a network in his eyes.

Shortly after, Ji Jinchun and Mu Haisheng walked in one after the other.

Both men were wearing brand-new military uniforms and looked very energetic. They saluted as they entered the room.

Gu Cheng first asked Ji Jinchun if he was adapting well to the regimental headquarters. After receiving a clear answer, he gestured for the two to sit down, and then quickly said, "The Lu family's matter can't be delayed any longer. Lord Min has only given us three days."

Ji Jinchun quickly exchanged glances with Mu Haisheng, then said, "Master Gu, just give the orders. We have the manpower and the guns. Just tell us what to do, and we'll do it."

Gu Cheng's expression suddenly turned cold: "No more nonsense. After dark, seal off the Lu family and arrest everyone from top to bottom."

Upon hearing this, Mu Haisheng was taken aback: "Master Gu, you mean... arrest them directly? Didn't you say you wanted to let the brothers fight like dogs?"

Gu Cheng's expression darkened: "We can't wait any longer... The brothers guarding the Lu family have already sent back news that after Zhao Quande caused trouble at the brigade headquarters, he only stayed briefly at the Lu family before leaving the city. He probably caught wind of something and went to inform the Japanese."

Mu Hai angrily exclaimed, "That bastard, he ran away so fast!"

Ji Jinchun frowned: "Master Gu, the Japanese will soon find out about Zhao Quande's escape. If we take action against the Lu family now, won't that provoke the Japanese into a corner? What if they destroy the evidence beforehand—"

Gu Cheng sneered: "So we have to be quick! And we have to make a big show of it! If Zhao Quande goes to inform the Japanese at this time, and we make a big show of capturing the Lu family, the suspicious and ruthless Japanese will kill him directly."

Even if the Japanese believed Zhao Quande, they wouldn't keep him alive.

Mu Haisheng felt a chill run down his spine: "So, whether Zhao Quande succeeds or not, he's doomed by this escape?"

Gu Cheng sneered: "This fool has no chance of survival, whether he's with the Japanese or with us... His only way out is to run far away. But he insists on going to inform the Japanese, which means they must have promised him something."

Ji Jinchun's eyes suddenly lit up: "I understand, Master Gu! Once we quickly take control of the Lu family, Zhao Quanfu will have to obediently confess everything; then, we just need to follow the clues to catch all these parasites!"

Gu Cheng laughed: "Absolutely right!"

But he quickly became serious and said, "However, this is also a lesson. We were tricked by the Japanese twice in a row because Jinzhou had just restored order... and all the work of reorganizing the army and building the camp was piled up in one place, which led to this mess."

So, this can be considered a lesson learned. Next, while reorganizing the army, I plan to select thirty to fifty capable and shrewd brothers to establish an intelligence department exclusively for Jinzhou!

Upon hearing this, Ji Jinchun immediately stood up from his chair, straightened his back, and declared loudly, "Leave this to me. However—"

I also have some updates to report on the recent training. But there's no rush; we'll discuss it after we've brought the Lu family under control.

Gu Cheng glanced at him and nodded: "Alright. Then let's take care of the Lu family's matter first. We'll discuss the training later... You two, go and make the arrangements!"

The two responded in unison, then saluted and left at the same time.

…………

The night was as dark as ink, the moon was hidden behind the clouds, and the white banners in front of the Lu residence fluttered gently in the night wind, while the ashes of paper money were blown and swirled all over the ground.

The lights in the mourning hall were still on, and the cries of several concubines were intermittent, mixed with the buzzing of monks chanting sutras. The whole house was filled with the mixed atmosphere of incense and sorrow.

No one noticed that the streets and alleys surrounding the Lu residence were being quietly surrounded by shadowy figures.

Gu Cheng stood in a dark alley diagonally opposite the Lu residence, dressed in a black short-sleeved shirt with a Mauser pistol at his waist, his gaze calm and serene.

Behind him, thirty strong men, also dressed in black, stood in a line against the wall.

There was not a sound; it was as if time had stopped in this alley.

Yang Song crouched low and crept back from the alley entrance, whispering, "Master Gu, we've checked both the front and back gates. There are four guards at the front gate and two at the back, both of them are dozing off. The wall isn't high; it's easy to climb over."

Gu Cheng raised his hand and looked at his watch; the hour hand pointed to nine o'clock.

"Let's do it."

As soon as the words were spoken, the men and horses, like unsheathed blades, silently pounced towards their respective targets.

main entrance.

Mu Haisheng led ten men, quickly approaching along the wall.

Two servants of the Lu family who were guarding the gate were dozing off against the door frame. One was holding a wine pot in his arms, and the other was nodding his head, with drool dripping onto his collar.

Mu Haisheng rushed forward, covered the mouth of the man on his left with his left hand, and slammed his right fist into his temple. The man groaned, his body went limp, and he collapsed to the ground.

Almost simultaneously, the brothers behind him also subdued another gatekeeper, who was dragged into the shadows before he even had a chance to struggle.

"Leave two people to guard the door, the rest of you come in with me!" Mu Haisheng ordered in a low voice, taking the lead as he stepped over the high threshold and disappeared into the darkness inside the door.

backyard.

Ji Jinchun led ten people and silently scaled the low wall.

At the base of the wall lay several paper figures and horses that had not yet been burned, their shadows looming in the night like a row of silent sentinels.

Ji Jinchun landed almost silently. He listened carefully to make sure no one was disturbed before gesturing behind him. Ten people filed in, their movements swift and efficient, without the slightest hesitation.

"Guard the back door and the two side gates, and don't allow anyone to enter or leave." Ji Jinchun ordered in a low voice, and then led two people to quietly sneak towards the main house in the backyard.

Accounting room and study.

Gu Cheng led his men straight to the east wing of the Lu family compound... that was where the accounting office and Lu Shoulian's former study were located, and also the core objective of tonight's operation.

The door to the east courtyard was ajar, and a faint light shone from inside.

Gu Cheng listened intently; he could hear people talking inside.

"Brother, please listen to my advice. Keeping those account books is just asking for trouble. Burn them!"

A man spoke softly.

"Burned?" Another weary voice asked. "Quan De, do you think burning the account books will solve everything? The Japanese still have their records. If we burn these, we won't even have any bargaining chips to negotiate with them."

Gu Cheng's brow twitched slightly—Zhao Quanfu and Zhao Quande were both there.

No doubt about it, this is the guy who's been yelling the loudest in front of his house all day; he's all too familiar with that voice.

But didn't Zhao Quande leave the city?

When did you get back?

He didn't have time to think it through, and raised his hand to make a preparation gesture behind him. Liu Xiangjiu understood, and led two people around to the side window of the study, while the rest of them dispersed, completely surrounding the east courtyard.