Chapter 42: Lingering Melody (2)

  Tangshan Hot Spring Villa Nanjing

  Sunlight pours in through the window, sprinkling on Chiang Kai-shek, Chairman of the Military Affairs Commission of the National Government, who is working diligently, just like the warm spring water last night, warming people's hearts and making them feel a sudden surge of desire.

  Now, Chairman Chiang is pondering over the telegram of victory sent by Liu Jianxu last night. Indeed, one war has eliminated a red bandit army and a division, capturing more than 5,000 people, which is another great victory after the Xiangjiang Battle. Unexpectedly, this Baoding Military Academy schoolmate Liu Jianxu can really fight. How many of the main forces of the Red Bandits are left now? There won't be more than 20,000 people left. Where will they flee next? Xiangxi? That would be great, there is a defense line composed of 300,000 troops and fortifications waiting for them there. Fleeing to Guizhou? That's also good, yesterday the mobile headquarters ordered the 25th Army Wang Jialie Department to deploy defenses along the Liping and Jinping lines, strictly preventing the Red Army from entering Guizhou. If Wang Jialie dares not to follow orders and allows the Red Bandits to enter Guizhou, that would be great, Xue Yue is clear about the intentions of the General Headquarters, and will directly lead his troops to pursue the Red Bandits into Guizhou, let the Red Bandits serve as the vanguard for the Central Government to recover its power in the Southwest. It's best if the Red Bandits run amok in the Southwest and Northwest, then the Central Government can properly clean up those warlords in the Southwest and Northwest who appear to obey the Central Government but are actually independent.

  Niang Xipai, these warlords are not a single good thing, completely do not understand the overall strategy of central unified national, accumulating strength, and fighting against Japan. They always stretch out their hands to the central government, slightly dissatisfied and then rebel, the country's weakness is caused by this group of people who do not recognize the overall situation, only care about personal and family private interests, and bring disaster to the country and the people.

  After the Northern Expedition, the country was basically unified, but warlords of all sizes who held power in most areas under the banner of revolution. Considering that there were too many national troops and low equipment, poor quality, he himself opened a military reorganization meeting. Who knew it would bring together Feng Yuxiang, Yan Xishan, and Li Zongren to fight against the Central Government. First, Feng Yuxiang fought alone and was defeated, but instead of admitting his mistakes, he colluded with Yan Xishan and Li Zongren to launch a large-scale war in the Central Plains. Li Zongren, who had gained many benefits during the Northern Expedition, was still not satisfied and would take advantage of every opportunity to oppose the Central Government. Yan Xishan, this old slippery head, I secretly ordered Han Fuqu to arrest him, but he escaped after hearing the news and returned to Shanxi without repenting. He even dared to quarrel with me in the newspaper, saying that I was the source of internal war and wanted me to retire together. What a scoundrel! What's the point of talking about protecting the party and saving the country, opposing dictatorship, using people incorrectly, corrupting and degenerating? Isn't it just to maintain power, expand territory, continue to oppose the Central Government, and maintain personal and small group interests? Why talk so nicely? In the end, Yang Yongtai's plan was successful, using economic means to solve Feng Yuxiang's Second Group Army, political means to solve Yan Xishan's Third Group Army, military means to solve Li Zongren's Fourth Group Army, and implementing a policy of "fighting against warlords" to reduce their power. Due to the correct strategy, the Central Army fought bravely and defeated these local warlords, making them surrender. Feng Yuxiang became isolated, Yan Xishan retreated back to Shanxi, and Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi transformed from influential national military groups to local forces. Now they are all obedient?

  These guys are getting out of hand, the likes of Hu Hanmin and Wang Jingwei within the party have jumped out again, daring to force me to step down. You think you can just let me step down because you're a bunch of incompetent bookworms who can't even get things done? And you dare to set up another government in Guangzhou, betraying your own kind! Hu Hanmin has been directly imprisoned, now are you satisfied?!

  These bastards have caused huge losses to the Central Government. Busy with their own struggles, they allowed * to grow in strength in Jiangxi, and failed to eliminate them three times. Each time after the elimination, the bandits' territory expanded a bit more, and their forces grew stronger. It's like a prairie fire that can't be extinguished.

  What's most detestable is that, due to the struggle with these guys, the Japanese invaders took advantage of the situation and gained a huge advantage. The "9/18" Incident staged by the Kwantung Army resulted in the occupation of thousands of miles of land in Northeast China. Zhang Hanqing, this good-for-nothing, was busy dancing with beauties, allowing tens of thousands of troops to retreat from Northeast China without firing a single shot. In the end, some people in the Northeastern Army even claimed that they were ordered not to resist. Damn it! Warlords are worthless, and their sons who become warlords are even more worthless. I had said before that when encountering conflicts with the Japanese, we should not fight back or retort, in order not to provide an excuse for Japan's large-scale invasion and avoid escalating the situation. But you, on the other hand, gave up Shenyang to the Japanese when they attacked Beidaying, gave up Liaoning when they occupied Shenyang, and eventually gave up all three provinces of Northeast China. This is simply outrageous! As a result, people did not understand and said that Zhang Hanqing was a non-resistance general, which is fine. But public opinion was overwhelmingly one-sided, saying that I had ordered the Northeastern Army not to resist. Damn it! When the incident occurred, I was on a ship from Nanjing to Nanchang deploying troops to suppress the Communists and didn't even know about the incident at the time. Moreover, the Northeastern Army never listened to orders in peacetime, so would they listen to orders when running away?

  Japan has occupied the Northeast, so be it. It can't be recovered for a while, let's eliminate the red bandits first. In recent years, with the slogan of "down with local tyrants and divide land", they have deceived ignorant people, developed the Red Army to 300,000 people, formed six larger base areas, and their influence has spread across several provinces, becoming a more terrible threat than warlords and Japanese invaders. The local troops in Hunan, Jiangxi, and Hubei can no longer control the situation. There is no way out, let's concentrate our forces to encircle and annihilate them!

  Just cleared the Red Bandit's Hubei, Henan and Anhui, Hunan and Hubei western base area, making it impossible for them to support each other. The troops advancing on the eastern front were eaten away by the Red Bandits, losing three divisions. How tragic! How heart-wrenching! Just thinking about how to concentrate our forces to sweep through the Jiangxi bandit area, those greedy Japanese devils started attacking Rehe again, triggering the Great Wall War, fighting for several months, and finally signing the Tanggu Agreement.

  It seems that the original policy of resisting Japan and eliminating the Reds at the same time is not feasible. Fortunately, the Japanese are temporarily inactive, so let's hurry up and adjust our strategy to focus on eliminating the Reds first. As the ancient saying goes, "One must stabilize the interior before warding off external threats."

  This time, we drew lessons from the previous failures and grasped both military encirclement and political construction. We allocated three parts to military affairs and seven parts to politics. Militarily, we concentrated tens of thousands of troops, adopted the tactic of fortress siege warfare, moved mountains and rivers, repaired fortresses and highways, advanced steadily with our main forces, constantly compressed the space for the Red Bandits' activities, forced them into a frontal battle, and made their elite gradually dwindle in positional warfare. Politically, we launched the New Life Movement, using Confucianism's Four Virtues and Eight Virtues to purify people's thoughts, starting from daily life reforms such as food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, realizing the militarization, industrialization, and aestheticization of people's lives, achieving the goal of transforming society and reviving the nation.

  The New Life Movement is slowly taking root in people's minds, the Red Bandits are exhausted and Li Jishen has instigated the 19th Route Army to create the Fujian Incident, setting up another government under the banner of resisting Japan. Resisting Japan is one thing, but setting up another government is just creating division. Fortunately, ** is now in power and did not collude with the 19th Route Army, allowing him to quickly quell the incident.

  Finally, the four sides are stable, and we can concentrate our forces to clean up the Red Bandits. The German advisor has also formulated a rolling tactics, and we can launch a lightning strike against the Red Bandits immediately. Who would have thought that the cunning Red Bandits would escape at the critical moment, starting what they called a strategic transfer, and even calling it "going north to resist Japan". Seeing their big-headed ghosts, resisting Japan? Do you think you are qualified to resist Japan? Your greatest contribution to resisting Japan would be to surrender to the Central Army and let them wipe you out! After a long time of turmoil, we finally determined the direction of the Red Bandits, hastily deployed troops, set up four layers of blockade lines, and managed to inflict heavy losses on the Red Bandits at the Xiangjiang River.

  Now that Liu Jianxu has made this move, the number of people eliminated is secondary. The key is that it has revealed the intention and direction of the main force of the Red Bandits. As long as Bai Chongxi and Chen Jitang on the southern route can pursue quickly, Wang Jialie on the western route can block them, and Xue Yue and Liu Jianxu's armies squeeze from the east and north, it is estimated that the time to close the net has arrived.

  If Wang Jialie can't stop it, sorry to say, his twin guns won't be of much use either, and the matter will be settled directly. As for whether Bai Chongxi and Chen Jitang will do their best, it doesn't matter, as long as they clean up the Red Bandits, their secret dealings with Japan should also be thoroughly investigated. Bai Chongxi is not a big deal, whether he colludes with Long Yun or communicates with Wang Jialie, he just wants to dominate Guangxi alone. Chen Jitang is different, not only secretly collaborating with the Red Bandits, but also daring to defy the heavens and accept weapons donated by the Japanese, inviting Japanese military advisers, does he think the central government is blind? Let's wait and see.

  How to reward He Jian and the Xiang Army? Expansion, promotion, or monetary rewards? Is it appropriate? Expansion is absolutely out of the question. It's best if after defeating the Red Army, He Jian's troops can be thoroughly centralized. Promotion? He Jian is already the commander-in-chief of the pursuit and suppression army, provincial chairman, and general of the land army. How can he be promoted further? If He Jian is willing to give up his position as provincial chairman, it might be possible to consider giving him a high-ranking position in the central government, like Feng Yuxiang. However, I estimate that He Jian will turn against himself, so it's not feasible. Can we consider promoting Liu Jianxu and his several division commanders? Let them know that all power is in the hands of the central government. Monetary rewards? That won't work either. The National Government can only take in 350 million yuan each year, which isn't even enough for its own direct-line troops. However, not giving anything at all is also unacceptable, so it's better to give a little. Thinking along these lines, the Chairman wrote on top: Reward this unit with 200,000 yuan. Have General He report the names of those who have made contributions and promote them accordingly.

  The chief guard came in just as Chiang Kai-shek had finished signing and closed the dossier.

  The Chairman, after a good night's rest, looked well. The Chief of the Guard reported cautiously: "Chairman, just now the Air Force called to report that this morning, Commander Liu Jianxu of the First Army Corps requested the Air Force to dispatch planes to search and reconnoiter the areas of Xikou and Xiaoshui in Tongdao County. After reconnaissance, many bodies of Nationalist soldiers were found in both places, but no signs of Red Army activity were discovered. The Air Force expanded its reconnaissance scope, but no signs of Communist bandit activity were found throughout the Tongdao area."

  "What? Is this really happening?"

  The attendant officer was even more cautious: "This is a telephone record draft, please review it, Chairman."

  Chiang Kai-shek took over the draft and read it carefully, asking: "Is there a new report from Liu Jianxu?"

  "Reporting to the committee chair, none for now?"

  "What is He Jian doing?"

  "He Zhong Commander is holding a press conference in Yueyang."

  "Niang Xi Pi, Liu Jianxu lied about his military achievements, He Yunqiao was deceived by the red bandits without realizing it, and still dared to hold a press conference, it's simply ridiculous! Idiot, big idiot!"

  After venting his anger, Chiang Kai-shek ordered the guard officer: "Go and inform Director Yang and Director He to come here immediately. Order the air force to take off immediately and conduct a thorough search of Tongdao County. We must find out the location of the main force of the Red Bandits. They won't be able to run far. As soon as there is a telegram from He Jian and Liu Jianxue, report it to me at once."

  The captain of the guard stood up straight: "Yes!" and then walked out.

  When Yang Yongtai and He Guoguang walked into the Tangshan Hot Spring Villa, Liu Jianxie's telegram had quietly lain on Chiang Kai-shek's desk.

  Seeing his two aides arrive, Chiang Kai-shek turned around from staring out the window with his hands behind his back: "You're here? Take a look at this telegram first. In just one day and night, three elite divisions have been wiped out. What a great fight! Truly brilliant command, soldiers sacrificing their lives! Like driving pigs into the red bandits' pockets, several tens of thousands of men were driven in! Shame, unprecedented shame!"

  Yang Yongtai sighed after reading the telegram: "I didn't expect it, I really didn't expect that the Red Bandits, who were at a dead end, could launch a desperate counterattack! I dare to conclude that * must have taken power again."

  He Guoguang sighed: "What a pity, if the three divisions of Xiang Army were replaced by Bai Chongxi's three divisions or Chen Jitang's three divisions, it would be much better."

  Chiang Kai-shek's reaction to the two staff members was not unexpected, as the policy of "one stone, three birds" was itself the result of secret deliberations in a closed room. These two were key participants and naturally understood the decision-making process regarding the central government's recovery of power in Southwest China and the creation of a strategic rear for the War of Resistance. In fact, this policy could not be stopped just because three divisions of the Hunan Army had been eliminated. The question now was how to continue to pull He Jian, Bai Chongxi, and Chen Jitang onto the bandwagon of pursuing and recovering from the Red Bandits, and not let them become turtles hiding in their shells.

  Chiang Kai-shek said: "Let's discuss it, what should we do next?"

  Yang Yongtai met the Chairman's gaze with his dark, ink-like eyes and unconsciously straightened his back. He adjusted his slightly slipping glasses frame and spoke in his Cantonese accent in a slow and gentle tone: "Chairman, there is no need to get angry. Although the Red Bandits have temporarily gained victory in this battle, the unfavorable situation of being pursued has not changed. The top priority now is to urge Bai Chongxi and Chen Jitang to quickly advance, mobilize He Jian to push up with the remaining few divisions. Then, by having the Central Army sweep from behind, the Red Bandits will still be unable to escape their fate of being surrounded and annihilated."

  "Do you think He Jian can still bring out the remaining few divisions? Do you think Bai Chongxi will continue to pursue the Red Bandits?" Chiang Kai-shek's eyes flashed back and forth, making Yang Yongtai feel a surge of unease in his heart.

  Yang Yongtai took out his handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his bald head: "Report to the Chairman, He Jian is just a benefit. Didn't he lose three divisions? I'm afraid what he's most worried about now is that the Chairman will cancel the numbers of these three divisions. We can let him restore the establishment of these three divisions, the Central Committee can provide equipment, division and regiment-level officers can be nominated by He Jian, appointed by the Central Committee, but officers below the regiment level must be sent to Lushan Military Officer Training Corps for training."

  Chiang Kai-shek remained expressionless, and Yang Yongtai continued: "As for Bai Chongxi, I estimate that he will temporarily withdraw his troops and hold out. However, from the outcome of this battle, it can be seen that he has retreated, and he won't go to Xiangxi's pocket again. The most likely possibility is that he will flee to Guizhou, and then the Central Army can march into Guizhou. Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi won't just watch as the Central Army drives Wang Jialie out of office; they might intervene and form an alliance with Wang Jialie for self-protection. Didn't Li Zongren just give a speech in Guangzhou yesterday demanding to enter Guizhou to suppress bandits? Therefore, Bai Chongxi won't remain silent for long. The turtle will not be able to hide its head for much longer; as soon as the Red Bandits flee west and Xue Yue enters Guizhou, the Guangxi Army will definitely follow suit. At that time, if we cleverly take advantage of the situation, we can make Bai Chongxi unable to save Wang Jialie while also being forced to fight with the Red Bandits, ending up in a situation where he is not welcome anywhere.

  He Guoguang interjected: "I agree with Director Yang's analysis of the Red Bandits fleeing to Guizhou and his views on Bai Chongxi, but I disagree with his analysis of He Jian. This time, He Jian will definitely not attack; instead, he will immediately propose to the Chairman to withdraw troops to encircle and annihilate Xue Yue's bandit forces in western Hunan. After all, the loss of three elite divisions cannot be easily made up for. If we follow Director Yang's approach, it can only intensify He Jian's vigilance, which is not feasible. In my opinion, if He Jian wants to withdraw troops, let him do so; after all, the defense line in western Hunan is sufficient to block the Red Bandits' northward advance. The time for the Red Bandits to flee to Guizhou will not be long, and it may have already begun; we must make arrangements in advance. I have an idea: let's take advantage of the Sichuan Army, as they are powerful and Liu Xiang is extremely afraid of the Red Bandits entering Sichuan and joining forces with Xu Xiangqian's unit. When the Chairman formulated the plan to suppress bandits west of the Xiang River, he did not assign tasks to the Sichuan Army; now is the time to mobilize them. Additionally, we can also order Long Yun in Yunnan to send troops to Guizhou to intercept the Red Bandits."

  "After the two staff members finished speaking, Chiang Kai-shek thought for a while and finally said: "Order Bai Chongxi and Chen Jitang to speed up their pursuit; order He Jian and Liu Jianxu to strictly prevent the Red Bandits from going north to Xiangxi and continue to pursue and pressure them with at least two divisions of troops; order Xue Yue to lead his troops to continue pursuing, ready to enter Guiyang at any time; order Wang Jialie to firmly defend the line from Liping to Jinping, and order Liu Xiang to quickly mobilize and enter northern Guizhou to await orders. Order Long Yun to prepare to support Guizhou. You will go down and organize a specific battle plan. If necessary, I will personally fly to the front line to direct the battle."

  Chiang Kai-shek paused for a moment, then continued: "Responsibility for this defeat must be investigated. Liu Jianxu is to be relieved of his duties as commander of the First Army Corps and 28th Army, but will continue to exercise his powers and make amends by meritorious service. Allocate 200,000 yuan to He Jian for consolation of fallen soldiers."

  Yang Yongtai and He Guoguang looked at each other, saying in unison: "Your Excellency is wise and just, this move is a clear distinction between reward and punishment, showing concern for subordinates, it will surely achieve the effect of boosting morale and uniting against a common enemy."

  Two attendants left, Chiang Kai-shek called the chief of the guard: "You go inform Madame, get ready, we are going back immediately."