Chapter 41 of Part One

  Looking out at the white clouds floating outside the flight cabin and the shrinking villages and towns on the ground, Zhu Xiao massaged his head while listening to Lin Zhexing, a confidential secretary from the Southwest Third Group Army, who was speaking. Occasionally inserting a few words, Zhu Xiao raised his head, touched his newly shaved flat-top haircut, picked up the military cap on the tea table, put it on, and adjusted it. He looked at Lin Zhexing and sighed, saying calmly: "Zhexing, actually all of this is due to the shortcomings of Comrade Peng's past efforts to rectify the army. At this time, our troops' rotation has greatly affected the morale of some soldiers and officers. Moreover, Comrade Peng underestimated the resistance ability of the Hui people too much, which is now a major reason why he cannot smoothly advance in the Northwest." After finishing speaking, his tone turned serious: "Peng's vigilance towards ethnic minority soldiers in the Southwest is too severe, fundamentally affecting the dissatisfaction of ethnic minority groups. We have always believed that it is no longer necessary to have too much vigilance towards ethnic minorities in the Southwest region. After all, they are living well now, and we respect their national customs. The preservation of national customs is a more direct and effective method for ethnic minorities than living a good life. Now that the Ninth Army has been deployed in the Southwest, an invisible crisis has formed." He paused and looked at Lin Zhexing: "You tell me, do you know what kind of crisis it is?"

  At this time, Lin Zhenxing looked at Zhu Xiao who was already furious. The sweat beads on his own forehead also started to seep out one by one. He glanced at Zhu Xiao with the corner of his eye and said in a low voice: "Commander-in-Chief, I think these soldiers have lived too comfortably. However, they haven't caught the attention of headquarters, and Chief of Staff Peng Ying has no intention of sending them to the battlefield, so...

  Zhu Xiao relaxed his expression and smiled at Lin Zaixing, saying: "This isn't a formal meeting, it's just the two of us having a private conversation. Whatever you want to say, just go ahead and say it. It's fine."

  Lin Zhaoming let out a sigh of relief and said, "So the intention of the Ninth Army is very clear. They want to make the General Command notice their existence, so they dispatched them northward."

  Zhu Xiao was very satisfied with this clever person, and nodded slightly. "Not bad. I've been thinking about it on the road just now, why the Ninth Army would appear in such a situation. From what I can see now, I think this is the most fundamental reason, of course we can't rule out that there are people with ulterior motives inside. But as far as I'm concerned, at this time there isn't much danger at all. On the contrary..." Zhu Xiao's expression turned firm and said: "The Ninth Army, since it was originally from the Ming dynasty and has been stationed in Guizhou, is a minority ethnic army with rich experience in dealing with minorities. If we send them directly north now, they will smoothly open up a completely different situation for the Northwest battlefield. At the same time, since the navy and air force can be freed up, our Central Plains battlefield and Eastern battlefield will also proceed smoothly." Zhu Xiao said this, and couldn't help but think of his past life and the hardships of the Qing dynasty. He sighed and said: "With Shi Lang's naval forces directly heading north to Tianjin, the day when the Qing dynasty leaves the pass is not far off."

  Lin Zhaixing also visibly let out a sigh of relief, smiling as he said to Zhu Xiang: "Commander-in-Chief, according to the confidential information we've obtained, the Hui people are not actually willing to fight us. During the Ming dynasty, the Hui were also under our rule. Now, the Qing dynasty is oppressing the Han people and doesn't care about the lives of other ethnic minorities either. So, based on the intelligence from the Mingfeng troops, we've concluded that the strong resistance from the Hui people was caused by the Qing army. That's why General Peng didn't deploy all his troops to the battlefield."

  Zhu Xiao looked at Lin Zai Xing with a surprised expression. After a moment of contemplation, he said: "Alright, it's almost time now. Let's first settle the matter of the 9th Army, and then we'll report back to the commander of the 9th Army on the battlefield. The 7th and 8th Armies must immediately change direction and march towards the Great Wall Fortress, occupy the Great Wall Fortress, and then you will follow the Great Wall towards Beijing, striving to keep Shunzhi and those Eight Banners royal families in Beijing, not letting them escape back to the White Mountain Black Water. After finishing speaking, he looked at Lin Zai Xing's thoughtful expression and said: "After returning, convey my intentions to Chief of Staff Peng Ying."

  Lin Zai Xing also seemed to have understood and nodded: "Yes, Commander-in-Chief."

  At this time, the guard walked over and reported: "Commander-in-Chief, we have arrived at our destination. Please sit tight, we are preparing to disembark from the airship."

  As the cabin door opened, Zhu Xiao had already walked down in military uniform. Also coming to the airport to greet him were government officials from Panzhihua and officers of the Garrison Command. An officer wearing a garrison uniform came up and gave a military salute: "Colonel Xiong Jian, Commander of the Third Group Army's Garrison Brigade, greets the Supreme Commander."

  Zhu Xiao returned a serious military salute and asked, "What is the morale of the soldiers in the 9th Army now that this situation has occurred?"

  Xiong Jian respectfully replied beside him: "Report to the Commander-in-Chief, the 9th Army has been surrounded by our garrison troops and local troops. Every day, we send food and water in to solve the soldiers' eating problem. For the time being, there is no major action, but they have sent a message saying that they must see you, Commander-in-Chief, so Secretary Lin consulted with Chief of Staff Peng before sending you the telegram and personally welcoming you in Changsha."

  At this time, the government officials of Panzhihua also came up and said: "Your Highness, I am Huang Tianxiang, the mayor of Panzhihua City. I beg for your forgiveness." After finishing speaking, he stood with a respectful attitude, waiting to be punished.

  Zhu Xiao had always been strongly opposed to being called "Your Highness" and now hearing Huang Tianxiang call him that so smoothly, he subconsciously furrowed his brow. With a hint of displeasure in his tone, he said: "Mayor Huang, from now on, please don't call me 'Your Highness' again. I prefer it when people address me by my military rank. Why don't you just call me Commander-in-Chief? Hehe, that way I feel more at ease." After finishing speaking, he also chuckled to himself.

  Zhu Xiao looked at Huang Tianxiang, who still had a look of being taught a lesson, and continued: "Mayor Huang, what crime have you committed? The 9th Army doesn't take orders from anyone. Originally, it didn't have any relationship with the local government anyway. You, as the mayor, have made great contributions to our guns and warships. If you say you're guilty again, that would be intentionally making things difficult for me."

  Huang Tianxiang also smiled awkwardly and said, "Commander-in-Chief, are you going directly to the Ninth Army's garrison or resting at the municipal government first before heading there?" After finishing speaking, he looked at Zhu Xiao with inquiring eyes.

  Zhu Xiao raised his wrist to look at the time, thought for a moment and said: "Mayor Huang, I appreciate your kindness. But things are urgent. After solving this matter, I must rush back to Hubei immediately. I think Mayor Huang's contribution to our steel production is still greater." After finishing speaking, he waved his hand towards Xiong Jian and said: "Go directly to the Ninth Army Headquarters."

  Arrived at the garrison of the Ninth Army. It's already crowded with people here. Since the outside has been completely sealed off by local troops, ordinary people can't see or hear anything exciting. Inside, the military police battalion is also guarding the headquarters of the Ninth Army in a tight and impenetrable manner, with sentries every ten steps and patrols every five steps.

  Passing through the layers of encirclement, Zhu Xiao had already walked out of the last checkpoint of the Ninth Army. This checkpoint was also drawn by the Ninth Army itself. After all, it's a field army, and its combat effectiveness is no longer on the same level as that of local troops. Moreover, after the equipment upgrade, this so-called checkpoint hasn't been withdrawn for the time being. The soldiers of the Ninth Army are standing guard with guns inside. Every time things were delivered to here, they could be returned, and other matters were also handled by the Ninth Army itself.

  Zhu Xiao looked at the police line and said to the constable team leader Xiong Jian beside him, "You go and tell the soldiers inside to let Gao Wengu come out and see me."

  The soldiers inside didn't know whose ears were sharp, but they heard that this person dared to directly call their commander's name, and suddenly flames burst forth. They shouted towards him: "Hey, I'm talking about you, little pale-faced kid. What are you doing? You're calling our commander's name as if it's nothing. Hurry up and call the Commander-in-Chief over to talk to us. Don't send some insignificant child over here."

  Xiong Jian listened to this ignorant soldier shouting loudly here, and his heart was already sweating. He glanced at Zhu Xiao with the corner of his eye, seeing that Zhu Xiao's face was still calm, and he felt a little more calm: "You scoundrel, you don't know what's good for you. This is the commander-in-chief you've been looking for by name. Hurry up and go call your military commander over."

  The soldiers still looked at Xiong Jian and Zhu Xiao with puzzled eyes. However, the naturalness in their eyes was gone, replaced by a sense of awkwardness. It seemed as if they didn't believe it, saying: "You're saying he's the Commander-in-Chief?"

  Zhu Xiao didn't wait for Xiong Jian to respond. He walked up himself, smiled at the soldier and said: "I'm the 'little white face' you mentioned, but I am indeed the Commander-in-Chief of the Three Armies of the Chinese Empire, as well as the Crown Prince." Without paying attention to the soldier's stunned expression, he turned to another soldier beside him and said: "Let's go, take me to see Gao Wengui, Song Mang and Pan Zengwei."

  The soldier next to him also seemed to be in a daze, hastily saluting with a standard military salute, and excitedly said: "Yes, Commander-in-Chief." I guess being able to personally lead the way for the Commander-in-Chief is enough for him to brag about in the future. As for that soldier who was still stunned, his capital for bragging will be even more substantial, at least I scolded the Commander-in-Chief. Our army commanders don't have this privilege.

  Zhu Xiao followed the unknown soldier to a medium-sized military tent, and at a glance, he knew it was a third-phase military product manufactured by the 1708 factory in Hengzhou Prefecture, now renamed Hengyang City after the empire's founding. This tent features strong stability, easy disassembly, lightness, and portability, making it highly suitable for field battles. The entire army has basically popularized this high-end practical tent. As he lifted the canvas door of the tent, a strong smell of smoke wafted out. The soldier who led the way had already run off somewhere to brag. Zhu Xiao looked at Gao Wengui and his men discussing something inside. At that moment, Gao Wengui said without turning his head, "Who is it? Coming in without even reporting. I've said it many times before; we're not some miscellaneous army like before. We're now called the People's Army, under the jurisdiction of the Chinese Empire and led by the Republican Party. We must have discipline. You go out and run twenty laps, then report back and talk about your business."

  Zhu Xiaoqiang suppressed his smile and said in a deep voice: "Since it's an army under my leadership, how could there be a dereliction of duty? If the armed police unit hadn't taken over your defense duties in time, I think the people of Guizhou would have been panicked. Now you're still lingering in Panzhihua, eating and drinking idly. You've got your equipment changed, thinking you can win battles now. You want to see if you're a donkey or a horse? Can't wait any longer, even willing to stir up military unrest just to get rid of you."

  Gao Wengui at this time should have known who was speaking, even if he was foolish. They all hastily stood up, threw away the cigarette butts in their hands, and walked up with a flattering smile: "Commander-in-Chief, you really came over. Look, we're just responding to your words. We were thinking of taking a look at whether the 7th or 8th Army is weaker." As he spoke, he rubbed his bald head: "Actually, if you hadn't come, we would have had to withdraw immediately. We've been out for so many days now, and if something happens in Guizhou, it's my head that will be on the line!"

  Zhu Xiao didn't go to deny what he said, and with a hint of teasing, said: "Gao Da Pao, do you really want to sneak out?"

  Gao Wenguang is also a seasoned veteran, and judging from his tone, it seems like he's preparing to take his Ninth Army out for a spin. He patted his chest and guaranteed: "Commander-in-Chief, I'm not bragging. If our Ninth Army takes action, we won't need that barbarian Lei Ting or that kid Liu Tai's help. Just us alone, within a month, we'll definitely make the Western Regions submit to you."

  Zhu Xiao sank into thought for a moment. Intentionally with an expression of disbelief, he said: "Gao Da Pao, you can't just go around saying things like that. If you can't do it, you'll lose your head. Moreover, the Min brothers must willingly follow the Empire, and you can't just kill them at will. Can you still do that?"

  Gao Wengu heard this and knew it was almost settled. He gave a nod to Song Mang and Pan Zengwei beside him. Song Mang continued, "Commander-in-Chief, please rest assured that our Ninth Army can make a military order. Within a month, we will absolutely make the Hui people willingly follow us. If we fail to achieve this goal, you can immediately punish the three of us." Pan Zengwei also nodded in agreement.

  Zhu laughed loudly and said: "Alright, I'll give you two months to complete this task. If you do well, you can continue northwards, passing through Liangzhou Wei, and station yourselves in the Yishan and Juyanhai areas. You must get a clear understanding of the Mongolian forces there. Once you have gathered intelligence, you can take action from there. What do you think?"

  Gao Wengui and his three men stood at attention with their feet together. They saluted and said: "Mission guaranteed to be completed."

  Zhu Xiao glanced at the three of them, her eyes cold as she slowly said: "Who secretly sold you Chinese cigarettes? Hand it over quickly. Otherwise, military law will be enforced."

  At this time, Gao Wengui and the other two had a uniform expression and said: "All have been withdrawn, requesting the central government to allocate us a few more boxes. Thank you, leader, for your concern."

  Zhu Xiao looked at their clever appearance, sighed helplessly and continued: "Alright, just kidding earlier. Now, I'll send a telegram to Chief of Staff Peng on behalf of the Military Department. It says that according to the decision of the General Command, the 7th Army will head north from Xi'an, pass through Yan'an Prefecture and the Yellow River Plain, and rush towards Datong Prefecture along the Great Wall line towards Beijing. The 8th Army will go to Shanxi and join forces with the Second Group to launch a pincer attack on Shanxi. We aim to reach our destination within two months and prepare for an attack. Additionally, we'll dispatch the 9th Army to take over the Ningxia Hui people's war. General Command of the Imperial Chinese People's Military."

  Gao Wenguang saw the formal document and came out again to pay his respects: "Thank you, Commander, for your kindness in sparing my life."

  Zhu Xiao looked at these hot-blooded men, and his heart was also stirred. He suppressed it with effort and said: "Alright, alright, if we don't win the battle, I'll punish you all together. Now, notify the entire army immediately to prepare for a swift march. We will head back to the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region directly afterwards. Remember, no matter what time it is, this kind of situation can never happen again. Otherwise, it will be considered treason. After saying these severe words, Zhu Xiao patted the shoulders of the three men and said: "Alright, congratulations on your early victory return. Set off early."

  Apology statement: Recently, while searching for Taiwan-related materials, I discovered a huge and childish joke of mine. In fact, Taiwan was recovered by Zheng Chenggong in 1662, but I had already recovered it in my writing in 1657. To avoid some issues, I will temporarily leave the mistake as is. Finally, Blood Sea wishes everyone a happy New Year's with good health and smooth work. The task of updating three chapters every day is Blood Sea's responsibility. Blood Sea thanks readers from readbook, Iron Blood, Bayern 1980, and others for their concern. Blood Sea wishes you all a happy New Year with many red envelopes and joyful events.