Southern guerrilla warfare: I led the Red Seventh Army Corps to amassed a million troops.

The more silent these people became, the angrier the principal got. "What are you people doing with your high salaries and benefits?"

It's just about helping him solve his problem.

But when the time came, they all cowered like quails.

I can't even think of a solution.

He suppressed his anger as much as possible and said in a gentle tone, "Changqing, you've always been the most resourceful. Is there anything you can teach me this time?"

Upon hearing this, the others breathed a slight sigh of relief, while Yang Yongtai's face immediately turned ashen.

"Principal, I think we should prioritize resolving internal problems before addressing external threats. This is what is meant by 'to pacify the internal before resisting external aggression.' First politics, then military affairs."

The principal nodded. "That makes sense. So, what exactly should we do?"

Yang Yongtai's mind raced as he tried to figure out how to quickly gloss over the situation. "Specifically... we should first quell the student protests."

"They are the main force in this movement. The general public has a sympathetic and supportive attitude towards the students. If they cannot be allowed to go back to school as soon as possible, then the workers will also join the march and demonstration, and then it will be troublesome."

The principal's expression gradually brightened, and he clapped his hands, saying, "That's true. So how can we get the students back to school?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Yongtai's face stiffened, and the other staff members immediately showed expressions of anticipation.

Anyone can say those platitudes.

But what's the point of saying it?

It doesn't solve the actual problem!

With public opinion exploding like this, all sides are watching this bustling metropolis closely. Who dares to get involved in this mess?

They are all well aware of this, and there is only one real solution—to give in.

However, it wasn't the kind of verbal surrender.

Bow down, apologize, drink three cups of wine as a penalty, and make sure it doesn't happen again.

Such an insincere promise will only add fuel to the fire.

The conditions proposed by the students must be accepted directly and positively.

At least some of the conditions will be agreed to.

Otherwise, why would these young people let it go so easily?

The Red Army would also constantly stir up trouble behind the scenes, and would even use military action as a show of support when necessary.

It can be said that Jiang Dingwen's defeat did not result in a particularly severe military loss.

However, on a political level, it became an extremely sharp trigger.

Yang Yongtai had no choice but to continue repeating the same old arguments: "Actually, the solution is nothing more than a hard or soft approach. If we use the hard approach, we should have Liu Zhi launch a strong offensive immediately and quickly eliminate the Red Army troops in Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi. Once the frontal military threat is eliminated, we can free up our resources to focus on resolving the internal instability."

The principal snorted coldly, "Changqing, what's wrong with you? Didn't you just say that internal strife must precede external resistance? Detention can only guarantee a victory in one battle, but it can't completely eliminate the Red Army in a short time. Tell me another way, a softer approach, how softer?"

Yang Yongtai sighed inwardly, "It's over, there's no escaping it now."

We can't just say, "How about we stop the civil war and go to peace talks?"

If he dares to say that, he probably won't be able to leave this room today.

He glanced around, thinking that he might as well change the subject, say something to provoke the principal, make him hit him, and then pretend to faint.

At least you won't be jumping off a deadly road.

After hesitating for a moment, he forced himself to say, "Principal, I think the crux of the matter lies with Mr. Song. Your feelings towards her..."

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

Those two thuds struck Yang Yongtai's heart like heavenly music.

He stopped speaking abruptly, looked at the principal, who glanced towards the door and said, "Come in."

The door was pushed open, and an adjutant walked in, seemingly oblivious to the tense and oppressive atmosphere inside.

The adjutant stood at attention with his legs together and head bowed, reporting: "Reporting to the principal, the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce has sent a petition requesting an audience. Mr. Rong Zongjing, along with several industry and finance colleagues from Shanghai, wishes to pay a visit to discuss matters related to the stability of the Jiangzhe region and the continued existence of industry and commerce."

The principal raised an eyebrow slightly, his suppressed anger flaring up again: "Rong Zongjing? Just him?"

The adjutant hesitated for a moment, then added with a forced smile, "The official document states that Mr. Rong was merely the initiator, and he was accompanied by Yu Qiaqing, Qian Xinzhi, Wang Xiaolai, and others, a total of seven business leaders from Shanghai, all of whom were waiting outside."

"Seven?"

The principal's heart sank. He reached out and snatched the letter of introduction from the adjutant's hand, his eyes quickly scanning the list.

A line of names came into view, all of them core figures of the Jiangzhe financial magnates who supported the financial lifeline of Southeast China and held the foundation of Shanghai's industry and commerce.

His fingertips tightened slightly, and his breathing suddenly became rapid.

Yang Yongtai, who was sitting to the side, felt a sudden unease, realizing that something terrible was about to happen.

Normally, when these business tycoons visit, they will send at most two or three representatives to discuss matters.

Now, a total of seven people have rushed in, which is definitely not as simple as ordinary business negotiations.

Zhou Zeyuan, who was hundreds of miles away, had no way of knowing what had happened at the Nanchang military headquarters.

But as a deep participant in the overall strategy, he has a clear idea of ​​what kind of effect will ultimately be achieved.

"It seems the political knowledge my teacher taught me is finally coming in handy," Zhou Zeyuan muttered to himself.

Su Yu, who was standing nearby, asked, "So what did you use when you used to prank people?"

Upon hearing the words "prank," Zhou Zeyuan instinctively glared at him.

"Those are just petty tricks, low-down methods used to deal with thugs and hooligans. How can they be compared to professional political knowledge? What my teacher taught me was profound wisdom."

Su Yu touched her nose, a little puzzled. "If I understand correctly, you mean that what you used before wasn't taught to you by someone else?"

"You guessed right. I figured it out myself. It's very simple, much easier than fighting a war. Let me tell you, over the years, I've devoted at least 80% of my energy to military affairs and only 20% to learning how to wage war."

Seeing the expression on Zhou Zeyuan's face that said, "You've really exhausted me," Su Yu was speechless.

He had never seen anyone stronger than Zhou Zeyuan in combat, and yet you tell me that in just a few years, you have become invincible and defeated all rivals, all with only 20% of your effort.

If your opponents heard this, they'd probably want to buy a block of tofu and smash their heads against it.

"Zeyuan? Actually, I've been thinking about this for a while now. Don't be upset if I tell you."

Zhou Zeyuan glanced at Su Yu, his interest piqued. His intuition told him that this question must be very interesting.

"Tell me, I've adjusted my mindset. No matter what you ask, I promise I won't get angry."

Su Yu hesitated, "Let's make a hypothetical scenario: what if you hadn't joined the army from the beginning, but instead joined the Political Security Bureau and then infiltrated the Kuomintang? What if... what if..."

Zhou Zeyuan immediately became anxious, "Stop stammering, what could it be? Tell me!"