Chapter 47: The Wind Rises in Ji Nan (10)

  Han Fuyou, who was a bit tired, sat back on the sofa, stroking his increasingly thinning hair, and continued to think about his concerns: "Was it easy for Han Fuyou to walk step by step to today? Only he knows the joys and sorrows in his heart. He is an extremely proud person, with his intelligence that allowed him to become a 'posting writer' at the county government office when he was just over ten years old, yet he had to pretend to be stupid in front of those illiterate soldiers, what for? Wasn't it to make everyone look down on him and belittle him, so he could play dumb and eat the tiger? Who would have thought that this Feng Huanchang actually took him as a fool, thinking that being the chairman of Henan Province would be enough to deceive his 20th division?"

  He greatly admired Zhang Zuolin, who was blown up by the Japanese in Huanggutun. As a bandit-turned-military leader, he not only became a prominent general but also controlled almost half of China at his peak. This was partly due to Zhang's own intelligence and cunning, as well as the unique characteristics of the Northeast region. However, Han Fuju believed that Zhang's success was mainly due to his ability to utilize the authority and prestige of those in power at every turn. If he had not gotten along with the new governor of Shenyang, Xu Shuzheng, he would still be a bandit; if he had not won over General Zhao Erxun and Governor Xu Shuzheng, he would not have become the commander of the Fengtian Defense Battalion; if he had not obeyed Yuan Shikai, he would not have become the military governor of Fengtian or the governor of the province. After Yuan's death, if he had not supported the Northern Warlord government, he would not have been appointed as the military governor and provincial governor of Fengtian, nor would he have become the inspector general of the Three Eastern Provinces, effectively becoming the king of Northeast China. Han Fuju admired Zhang Zuolin but did not worship him. He believed that his own abilities were no less than Zhang's, but he was simply unlucky and had not been given the opportunity by fate. He thought that Chiang Kai-shek in Nanjing was now the embodiment of authority and prestige, and that his own position as provincial chairman meant nothing to Chiang. If Chiang became displeased with him one day, a single document would be enough to strip him of everything. Even if he had guns and troops occupying Henan Province, it would still be illegitimate and unjustified, and ultimately, he would have to flee to the poor and remote Northwest region. Therefore, he never openly defied Chiang's authority, even when ordered by Feng Yuxiang. He was also ambiguous in his attitude towards Nanjing's overtures, never explicitly rejecting them. This time, when Lu Zongyu came to Kaifeng, although Han had long been fed up with Feng Yuxiang, he still hesitated to take a stance, waiting for Nanjing to offer better terms.

  Han Fuqu's thoughts were a thousand miles away, and he let out a deep sigh! He now needs to quickly resolve the 55th Division's affairs, as his troops are his foundation. If Old Chiang in Nanjing doesn't think he still has control over the 20th Division, he won't have sent Lu Zu all the way from Kaifeng. Looking for Shang Zhen? Probably won't work, Shang Zhen opens his mouth and it's always about 1 million yuan, as if Han Fuqu is running a bank. Looking for Yan Xishan? No good either, everyone knows that Shang Zhen has a grudge against Yan Xishan, he might not buy into Yan's account. How about looking for Old Chiang in Nanjing? Ah, Han Fuqu slapped his forehead, how did he just think of Old Chiang! Nanjing had just promoted Song Zhiwu, the head of the Security Guard Army, and with one word, turned a security brigade into a security army. Over the New Year's holiday, they even sent Zhang Zhizhong and Lin Yu, two trusted generals, to that mountain valley in Taoyuan. It seems that Song Zhiwu has defected to Old Chiang. Thinking of this, Han Fuqu decided to go find Lu Zu to test the waters.

  Han Fuqu was just about to go find Lu Zuo, when his deputy came in to report that Lu Zuo had requested an audience. Han Fuqu thought to himself, "This is truly a case of thinking about sleep and someone bringing you a pillow." He immediately ordered him to be brought in quickly.

  As soon as Lu Zuo entered, Han Fuqu came forward with a smile all over his face, warmly shaking hands with Lu Zuo and repeatedly saying: "Cheng Dong brother, I've been busy with trivial matters these past few days, I'm late, I'm late! Cheng Dong brother mustn't blame me!" Lu Zuo thought to himself: "No matter how many things there are, it shouldn't take 10 days to see me? He's just trying to keep me waiting and get more benefits from the central government." Although he was a bit unhappy in his heart, he couldn't show it on his face. He also laughed and said: "Where's the need for courtesy, old brother Fang? As provincial chairman, you have many things to attend to, I'm just taking advantage of this opportunity to visit all the famous historical sites in Kaifeng; I've also tried all the local snacks. Every day I'm well-fed and well-watered at your residence. Look, my body has gained over 10 pounds, I really can't stay here any longer, if I do I'll have to be carried back to Nanjing."

  Han Fuqu heard that Lu Zu was going to leave, and he was a little surprised. For the past few days, he had not explicitly agreed to Lu's request, but only wanted to get more benefits. Had the old Chiang in Nanjing lost patience with him? Or had he already pulled someone else in? Han Fuqu felt a bit flustered in his heart. He changed his expression and smiled wryly: "Cheng Dong brother, I really have something on my hands! Look at this, it's enough to trouble me." As he spoke, he handed several telegrams to Lu Zu.

  Lu Zu was somewhat surprised that Han Fuju had been relieved of his position as commander of the 20th Division, and it was clear that he was not in a good position within the military. As there were no natural disasters or other incidents in Henan Province, what was bothering him? After receiving the telegram and reading it, he understood the situation. The chairman had seen Han Fuju relieved of his duties as commander of the 20th Division and was resentful towards Feng Yuxiang, so he sent someone to win him over. As for Han Fuju's organization of local troops, Nanjing was also aware of it, but since they didn't have to spend central government money on it, they turned a blind eye. This time, however, Han Fuju had somehow offended Song Zhiwu and lost 6,000 or 7,000 men, which had hurt his vital interests. It seemed that today was an opportunity.

  Lu Zuo pretended to be confused and asked, "Xiang Fang, what's going on?" Han Fuju knew that Lu Zuo was intentionally playing dumb, so he pulled him down to sit and said with a bitter smile, "Cheng Dong brother, I can't deceive the one in Xi'an, how can I deceive Chairman Chiang? To be honest, I want to get back the captured people and guns, but look at this Shang Zhen, he's asking for 10 million yuan right off the bat. Even if I sold this provincial government, I wouldn't have that much money! This matter still needs you, Cheng Dong brother, to think of a solution."

  Lu Zuo knew that Han Fuqu was being forced into a corner, and the 55th Division was his only remaining force, which was also the most important part of his heart. Last year's trip to Laiyuan, although he returned to Nanjing ahead of schedule, but he knew that Zhang Zhongzhong and Lin Wei, two committee members who were absolutely trusted by Han Fuqu, went to Laiyuan together, which meant they attached great importance to Song Zhiwu and would definitely invest heavily in winning him over. Later, the major newspapers in Nanjing and Shanghai all published articles praising Song Zhiwu's exceptional talent, outstanding literary skills, and excellent military leadership, saying he was a rare genius, a true prodigy. Without anyone else saying it, Lu Zuo knew clearly that Song Zhiwu had indeed turned to the central government. Han Fuqu wanted his men and guns back, which wasn't difficult; probably just one telegram from the committee chairman would settle the matter. As for the 1 million yuan, it was simply a case of Shang Jian asking an exorbitant price; as long as Song Zhiwu agreed to release the prisoners, given Shang Jian's relationship with the committee chairman, he wouldn't stand in the way. However, this was a good opportunity, and Lu Zuo had come to Kaifeng for over 10 days now. Han Fuqu appeared rough on the surface but was actually very cunning, always speaking evasively without revealing his true intentions. The price set by the committee chairman was already high enough, yet he still wasn't satisfied! Today was a good chance to confront him about this matter and force him to reveal his stance.

  Lu Zuofu said with difficulty: "Xiang, the appointment and removal of military officers is actually a matter of local factions reporting candidates to the central government, which then issues orders. Feng Yuxiang recommended you as the chairman of Henan Province, but the committee chairman did not say anything about it. This time, when your position as commander of the 20th Division was removed, the committee chairman hesitated for several days. The committee chairman said: 'This Han Fuju was called the flying general during the second Northern Expedition, and he is very capable in battle. Such a brave general, Feng Huanzhang does not use him, is it a mistake?' Later, the committee chairman knew that this was because Feng Yuxiang was jealous of you, and when he went to the Soviet Union, he had also defected to Yan Xishan, which made him very regretful. The committee chairman said at the time: 'Feng Huanzhang's tolerance is not even comparable to Liu Bei, Guan Yu also defected to Cao Cao, but he is still a good brother of Liu Bei and one of the five tiger generals.' However, the committee chairman had no choice, after all, this was your family affair. This time, the committee chairman asked me to come to Kaifeng, it was to pull you, Xiang, together with him. When I came, the committee chairman personally told me: 'Tell Xiang that as long as he joins the central government, we will not let him be just a provincial chairman, but also let him lead troops and be a brave general like him, Feng Huanzhang does not want him, I do.' To tell you the truth, you and Shi You San's people, guns, I can vouch for the committee chairman to take them back, maybe the committee chairman will even pay that 1 million yuan for you. However...

  Here is the translation:

  At this point, Lu Zuo intentionally stopped talking. Han Fuqu knew that Lu Zuo was deliberately being mysterious and simply said calmly: "Brother Chengdong, if you have something to say, please speak directly." Lu Zuo nodded and said: "Since Brother Xiangfang has spoken frankly, I will also speak directly. I can send a telegram to Chairman Chiang in Nanjing and ask him to intervene in this matter, but you, President Han, should also give me an assurance, otherwise the chairman will blame me."

  Han Fuju understood the meaning of Lu Zu's words. He stood up silently, walked to the window and gazed at a bare poplar tree in the courtyard that was shivering in the cold wind. Feng Yuxiang resented him and Shi You San because of their betrayal when they defected to Yan Xishan initially. When Feng Yuxiang returned to China and re-emerged, Han Fuju, Shi You San and Chen Xi Sheng were the strongest forces in the Northwestern Army. Feng Yuxiang had welcomed them with open arms at that time, valuing their strength. Now that the Northwestern Army was strong and powerful, they no longer treated them with courtesy, publicly scolding them on multiple occasions. Feng Yuxiang's resentment towards them was evident not only to Song Zheyuan, Sun Lianzhong, Sun Liangcheng and others but also to Fang Zhenwu, Ji Hongchang and other junior officers. Everyone began to distance themselves from Han Fuju and Shi You San subtly. The Northwestern Army had no place for him and Shi You San anymore. However, if he were to defect to the Central Government, he would have concerns that the Northwestern Army would never forgive him, making him a nobody in the Central Army, unloved and uncared for, and at risk of being eliminated at any moment. After a long pause, Han Fuju let out a deep sigh, turned around and said to Lu Zu: "Please inform Chairman Chiang that I, Han Fuju, firmly support the Central Government and Chairman Chiang." Seeing Lu Zu's great joy, Han Fuju waved his hand: "Don't be happy yet, brother Cheng. I still need Chairman Chiang to agree to three conditions from me. If Chairman Chiang can agree, not only will I, Han Fuju, but also Shi You San will follow Chairman Chiang; if Chairman Chiang cannot satisfy my conditions, then everything is off."

  All the words and deeds, life experiences and behaviors of historical figures in this book are presented as historically accurate as possible. The previous chapter and this chapter about Han Fuju are all based on reliable sources and not fabricated at all. For those who have doubts about this article, please check the historical records first before criticizing Deep Blue. Deep Blue welcomes any constructive criticism about this book.