Chapter 51: Faith (Second Update)

  Facing Yang Yongtai's counter-question, Mao Fengzi didn't have anything to hide and said frankly: "I'm not pretending to be ignorant, but I wanted to hear your opinion. Unexpectedly, you and I are on the same page!"

  Yang Yongtai saw through human nature and said indifferently: "Although Lin Hu has the kindness of promoting and rewarding Commander, Commander is not alone, but with a group of people following him. It's not that I'm stubborn, but sometimes it's just how it should be. If Lin Hu were in Commander's position, he would definitely take a path opposite to Commander's. This is not because Lin Hu is not good, but because this era requires people to be so. To achieve something, one must give up some things, even if they are still worthy of praise!"

  Yang Yongtai rubbed his eyes, and slowly said word by word: "What kind of person can sit in what kind of position, what kind of position is not something that anyone can sit on! Commander, an opportunity once lost will never come again!"

  It's not the first time, Maofeng is used to it. He has said what he should have said long ago. Every time he hears Yang Yongtai say this, he can't help but feel moved. But he really can't get past this hurdle.

  Looking at the hesitant Mao Feng, Yang Yongtai said loudly: "Hesitant and indecisive, being controlled by emotions, this is not what a superior should be. I didn't expect you, Mao Feng, to be such a person too. Since that's the case, there's no need for me to stay here either. Excuse me, I'll take my leave!"

  Yang Yongtai's words of farewell naturally meant resigning and leaving, when Mao Feng heard Yang Yongtai say this, he didn't have any hateful intentions, that was false, the anger immediately surged up, but at the same time he also deeply understood that Yang Yongtai did this out of a public heart, otherwise he wouldn't have had to do so.

  He restrained his own anger and stepped forward to block Yang Yongtai, Mao Feng bitterly smiled and said: "Sir, don't be so agitated, don't get excited!"

  Yang Yongtai saw the deep meaning in Mao Feng's eyes and let out a long sigh. He said, "Commander, forgive me for my rudeness earlier, but I really don't want you to waste such an opportunity, nor do I want to see you jump into the fire pit. Nationally speaking, Lin Hu or Chen Jiongming can't compare to Mr. Sun. This is the trend, the trend that everyone follows! What outcome can those who go against the trend achieve? Here in the two Guangs, it's not like the North China Plain, where the Beijing government's influence can't even reach! This place has long been made into a base by Mr. Sun, who can see a rebel appear in their own home? Regardless of whether a government is legitimate or not, the key is whether this government can grasp the trend here! Mr. Sun is just that way, if one only talks about loyalty and righteousness, what's the difference between that and foolish loyalty? Don't you know that history books are written by the winners?! Commander, you're so young, isn't it a pity?"

  Seeing Mao Feng's expression relax, Yang Yongtai was overjoyed in his heart. He had gambled on this and it seemed he had won the bet! He immediately spoke up and continued: "Commander, if arrangements can be made appropriately, you will definitely take a step forward in the new government, and the Chaoyang area will become your domain! As long as you show loyalty to Mr. Sun, who would dare go against you? If you quietly work on it for ten years, you will become a powerful regional leader. And if you use those ten years to build relationships, then becoming a cabinet minister is also highly likely!"

  Yang Yongtai, in order to boost Mao Fengzhi's confidence, continued without stopping: "In less than a year, Commander has reached his current position. Who can guarantee that after ten years, Commander won't be able to achieve that step? In this world, there is nothing that cannot be done, as long as he dares to think and dare to do!"

  Mao Feng lowered his head and thought, Yang Yongtai had said all he needed to say. At this time, he could only wait patiently for Mao Feng's decision. However, Yang Yongtai still had great confidence, staring at Mao Feng without blinking.

  Time passed like a cup of tea, and Maofeng suddenly lifted his head, smiling at Yang Yongtai. Seeing Maofeng's smile, Yang Yongtai felt relieved in his heart.

  Mao Feng smiled and said, "Sir, your words just now seemed a bit one-sided, but they sounded very convincing. I didn't expect you to be so eloquent. You've really hit the nail on the head, I have to admit!"

  Then, Mao Feng's gentle voice said: "So let's just watch the clouds drift by for now! Everything will wait until the situation becomes clear!"

  Yang Yongtai smiled and sat down at this time, after sitting down he said: "It depends on whether Chen Jiongming or Lin Hu can withstand it first, but in my opinion, Chen Jiongming will definitely not be able to withstand it first!"

  Mao Feng still smiled and said: "Then let's first compare wrists with Yang Ximin and Zhu Peide!"

  Yang Yongtai sneered, "They're not worth worrying about, they're just a bunch of thugs, at most they're just henchmen! In Guangdong, they're outsiders, and there aren't many locals who will welcome them. Commander, you have the geographical advantage and the upper hand, as for the timing, it depends on Mr. Sun's decision! If he still wants to hold onto his luck, then it's necessary to give these two a hard time!"

  Mao Feng nodded and said, "If they want to invade by force, then there's nothing more to say! Let's just compare whose granary is fuller, and whose soldiers are less afraid of death!"

  Yang Yongtai said confidently: "The scorched earth policy, combined with guerrilla tactics, will inevitably cause the enemy's supply lines to be disrupted. As long as we can hold off their attack on the front line for just one week, these two will definitely start to waver. Once a gap appears, our commander can seize the opportunity and defeat them in one blow!"

  Mao Feng's low voice said, "What I'm afraid of is that there won't be seven days! I'm worried that General's side won't give us seven days either. When the time comes, we'll be attacked from both sides and the situation will become dangerous!"

  Yang Yongtai said with confidence: "In seven days, it is certain that Commander-in-Chief will see the commander resisting Yang Ximin and Zhu Peide's troops. Then the commander must also decide to die and hold back Xu Chongzhi's troops. Commander Lin Hu still hopes that the commander can provide assistance! If not, he can also go through the commander's territory to take refuge in Hong Kong!"

  His eyebrows rose and he said: "So be it! After Meizhou is over, we'll immediately hold a military meeting. We must expand the army now!"

  Yang Yongtai nodded in agreement and continued: "If we are to expand the army, I suggest that we first recruit those tenant farmers and personal guards from large households! Of course, excluding those who smoke opium or have bad habits! Select the best ones for recruitment! This way, we can save a lot of time and also allow these big households to arrange their own trusted sons and younger brothers to join the army, thus thoroughly binding them together!"

  Mao Feng nodded and said, "Not only that, even those who smoke opium must be recruited. They can still let their people lead them. After all, this is war, and when the time comes, they can be sent to fight!"

  Yang Yongtai's eyes lit up, and he nodded, saying: "High insight! Although it can't be used often, it's suitable for the current situation! Not bad, it can not only let these big households get stained with blood but also consume the opponent's strength. A clever plan!"

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  Sitting alone in the house, Yang Yongtai sat in contemplation for a long time. He let out a sigh and smiled wryly, muttering to himself: "Fortunately, I have this habit of thinking deeply every time, otherwise I would have been fooled by you! Commander, commander! I didn't expect you to be so formidable after all! It wasn't until now that I understood your true intentions. I didn't realize that your test of my abilities and stance had never ended! You probably only let your guard down a bit now! I suspect you wanted to surrender from the very beginning!"

  Yang Yongtai picked up the teacup, tilted his head and took a big sip of tea. He wiped his mouth vigorously with his sleeve, then muttered: "I was wrong to think I was extraordinary, always complaining about being talented but not meeting the right opportunity. Who would have thought that in the end it's you who values me, and still at such a young age as Commander! Who would have thought that when I was testing you, you were also testing me! If you can gain enough benefits from the current situation, then why shouldn't I be loyal to you?"

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  In the grand hall of the Ding family, after Ding Xiaoya and Mao Feng had dinner together, they were whispering to each other here. From the private words between husband and wife, they gradually talked about big things, from the Ding family to the current situation.

  Ding Xiaoya said to Mao Feng, "Feng, are you very satisfied with Mr. Yang now? If he knew you didn't believe him all along, wouldn't he be furious?"

  With a faint smile, Mao Feng said: "He won't get angry, he must have known by now. After our conversation today, if nothing unexpected happens, he should have thought of my changes before and after. He should think that I've been testing him! If he's really talented, he should have this kind of tolerance. Those who are talented but not yet recognized choose a wise lord, so shouldn't the wise lord test these talents? Now he might be even more eager to show off his abilities, not because he values me more, but because he doesn't want me to look down on him. If I don't use him, how can he save face? If word gets out, his political enemies will laugh at him and make a big deal of it!"

  Ding Xiaoya couldn't help but let out a light laugh, saying: "I didn't expect it, you're really bad enough! If I didn't know better, I'd think you were truly loyal to the Grand General."

  Mao Feng's upright color said: "I have always been very loyal to the commander, but the commander secretly transported most of the property confiscated from the Gu family to Hong Kong. I no longer have much loyalty to the commander. If he could use all this money for the troops and construction, I would not be like this! Unfortunately, reality tells me that everyone has their own private heart. I don't blame the commander because everyone's choices are different, so my choice is also okay! When he thinks of himself, then don't expect others to not think of themselves."

  Ding Xiao Ya said softly: "Feng Zhi, can we get through this?"

  Mao Feng let out a light laugh and said with great confidence, "It's not that I can get through it, but I'm definitely going to get through it! Why would others call me crazy for no reason?"