Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Mountain city, Huangshan official residence.

In the conference room.

On the huge conference table, each attendee had two thick documents in front of them.

The cover of one document reads "Preliminary Conception on Constructing an Air-Ground Command System".

Another book is titled "A Plan for Revitalizing the Northwest Horse Administration and Establishing an Army Cavalry Academy".

Chang Ruiyuan sat upright in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over all the attendees: "Take a look, everyone."

His voice, devoid of any discernible emotion, broke the silence of the room.

"This is a proposal sent by Yunfei. He gave us two big tests right after we won the battle."

"Now that he has already quelled the chaos in the Northwest, he wants to make trouble in that area again. What do you all think?"

Minister of Military Affairs Chen Cixiu picked up the document about "air-ground integration".

"Air Force forward guide... radio station downgraded to regimental level... for easier communication."

Chen Cixiu turned the pages, his brows sometimes furrowing and sometimes relaxing: "Chairman, although the air-ground integration has taken a big step forward, it is somewhat short-sighted, but it has hit the nail on the head. In the battle of western Hubei, if the land and air operations had not been so disjointed, the results could have been even better."

"This is the only way to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's top militaries."

"If we can continue on this path, our military's modernization level will take a big leap forward."

"I know what's going on with the Air Force."

Chang Ruiyuan nodded slightly, then pointed with his finger, his tone becoming somewhat meaningful.

"What interests me more is the matter of horse administration."

"The forces in the Northwest have long been completely wiped out, and the Northwest is now peaceful and tranquil."

"But what is Yunfei's proposal to revitalize horse administration and establish a cavalry academy at this time?"

The atmosphere in the meeting room instantly became subtle.

Chang Ruiyuan even had doubts.

This was because Chu Yunfei had received inside information that he wanted to transfer Zhang Zhizhong to X Jiang, and he deliberately did so.

He Yingqin pushed up his round-framed glasses, a glint in his eyes, and spoke first: "Chairman, although the Northwest has been pacified, we must be wary of the complexities involved."

He lowered his voice: "Although the Second World War Zone wiped out the Three Mas with swift and decisive measures, its prestige in the Northwest is soaring."

"But it's not so easy to manage horse administration, establish academies, and control warhorse and pasture resources."

"Although the cavalry is an old type of military unit, in the Gobi Desert of the Northwest, their mobility is no less than that of tanks. Moreover, given the current state of our army and overall national strength, it is indeed impossible to achieve mechanization in a short period of time. Therefore, the use of mules and horses is our inevitable path."

"However, to put it another way, if we really want to achieve the complete use of mules and horses in the army..."

"Our national strength and finances cannot maintain the corresponding support. If we selectively reorganize and adjust the troops, the military strength in North China will inevitably rise to another level, and it is very likely to become too big to handle."

"Brother Jingzhi, you are mistaken."

Sitting opposite him, Chief of the General Staff Bai Jiansheng picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and a faint smile appeared on his lips: "Now that the Northwest has been liberated and incorporated into the central territory, someone has to manage it."

Bai Jiansheng put down his teacup, tapped his knuckles lightly on the table, and analyzed, "The Russians' supply route passes through the northwest. The local people are fierce and the forces are complex. Chu Yunfei's suggestion to build a cavalry is based on actual combat and also to consolidate national defense. It's better than having more than 300,000 infantry stationed in the northwest, isn't it?"

"More importantly, this plan is not just a military consideration."

Bai Jiansheng turned to the second half of the plan, referring to the data above: "Revitalizing the horse administration means improving pasture, introducing superior breeds, and establishing veterinary stations and leather processing plants."

"This involves the livelihoods of millions of herders in the Northwest."

"Although the three horses have fallen, the people's hearts have not been completely settled for a long time."

"If we can use economic means to bind the herders and horse administration in the Northwest to the nation's war machine."

"Perhaps that is the true path to lasting peace and stability."

"Brother Jiansheng has hit the nail on the head."

Song Ziwen interjected, "Everyone knows that the national treasury is empty."

"However, there is potential in the business in the Northwest."

"Chu Yunfei mentioned in his plan that he would use the leather and wool from the horse administration to conduct border trade with the Soviet Union, and even export them to earn foreign exchange."

"If you calculate it that way, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is willing to lend start-up funds even if it has to squeeze out some money."

As Chang Ruiyuan listened to the discussions, he tapped his fingers lightly on the table, making a series of tapping sounds.

He is weighing the pros and cons.

Air-ground coordinated integrated operations are the reason for requesting equipment from the Americans, and it is also something that the Americans are currently exploring. This is something that must be promoted, but it will also require a lot of money and resources from our own Republic of China's finances.

The Northwest Horse Administration was key to managing the frontier and consolidating the gains of victory.

However, there are also certain risks involved.

The deterrent power of the North China Mobile Corps.

It is not only sufficient for suppressing bandits and quelling rebellions in North China, but also for other purposes.

Chang Ruiyuan was inherently suspicious, and he had to make sure he had control of the reins.

What about diplomacy?

Chang Ruiyuan turned to look at Foreign Minister Kong Xiangxi.

After a moment of contemplation, Kong Xiangxi said, "The Americans have always been very sensitive to our policies in the Northwest."

"They were always worried that we would side with the Soviet Union."

"However, the development of cavalry, a relatively 'backward' branch of the military, is defensive in nature, so it shouldn't arouse excessive vigilance from the US."

"If we can stabilize the Northwest and ensure the smooth flow of supplies, it will naturally benefit the overall Allied strategy."

"This is also conducive to deepening our cooperation with the Soviet Union and seeking greater benefits from the Soviet Union."

"Air-ground integration, led by the Ministry of Military Affairs, should be implemented immediately by establishing a 'Land-Air Liaison Training Class.' The necessary radio equipment should be included in next month's US aid list, and US advisors should be invited to jointly study the Air Force's strategic concept."
-
Many people have expressed their opinions on this.

Zhu Qiyuan, who was in charge of horse administration at the Ministry of Military Affairs, also expressed his opinion.

On the one hand, he affirmed the hard work and resilience of the people in Northwest China, and indicated that Shanxi, the Central Plains and other regions are likely to have a bumper harvest this year.

In addition, their Horse Administration Division had been invited by the Second and Eighth War Zones three years prior.

He conducted a comprehensive investigation of the four northwestern provinces.

They drew the corresponding conclusions.

The necessary objective conditions exist for revitalizing horse administration in Northwest China.

Hear this.

Chang Ruiyuan's lips curled into a cold smile: "Since everyone has reached a consensus, then the 'Northwest Horse Administration Office' shall be established, directly under the Executive Yuan. The horse administration of Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia and Qinghai provinces, as well as the money and horses, must be under the control of the central government."

"As for that cavalry academy..."

His gaze swept across everyone's faces, finally settling on He Yingqin.

"Brother Jingzhi, go and give Brother Cichen a call."

"Let him serve concurrently as the principal of the cavalry academy."

Everyone was shocked.

Xu Yongchang was a veteran of the Shanxi clique with extensive experience, and he was sent to the Northwest.

This would both appease Chu Yunfei, a general from the Jin faction, and represent the central government in preventing Chu Yunfei from becoming too powerful in the Northwest.

Chang Ruiyuan: "Tell him that when he goes to the Northwest, he should travel around and see more of the sights."

"Yes, Chairman Chiang is wise!"

The generals responded in unison.

Chang Ruiyuan sat back down in his chair, looking at the two documents on the table, but felt completely relaxed.

Chu Yunfei's move actually took into account both the overall situation and promoted practical matters.

Such a proposal.

As the leader, Chang Ruiyuan had no choice but to both criticize and reward him.

This overt strategy is more difficult to deal with than a covert one.

"in addition."

Chang Ruiyuan thought of something and added, "Call Chu Yunfei."

"The Battle of Qiongzhou is imminent, and that's the main event."

"Let him focus more on how to deal with Americans."

"We must tell him that no matter how fast the horses in the Northwest run, or how great their role in the current military construction, we must wait until he has paved the way at sea and cut off the Japanese maritime lifeline before he can get involved in these things."

"Yes!"
-
With Chang Ruiyuan's final decision, this conference, which concerned the modernization of the military and the management of the border regions, came to a close in just a few days.

Personnel appointments and removals, and resource mobilization were all completed in a timely manner.

The third day after the meeting ended.

Yichang, South China Joint Command, Special Office.

At this moment, Chu Yunfei, having just finished inspecting the 30th Army's situation at Sun Lianzhong's invitation, returned to the operations room.

Pang Junming hurriedly walked in with an encrypted telegram in his hand.

"Your Excellency, the situation in Shancheng has been decided."

Pang Junming passed the telegram over with a happy expression: "The two major strategies, 'Air-Ground Integration' and 'Northwest Horse Administration,' have been approved. The experimentation and training of the Air Force Liaison Class will be included in the key US aid next month. The Northwest Horse Administration is directly under the Executive Yuan, and the funding and provisions have also been relaxed. In addition, the troop reduction plan is also being carried out gradually. The unqualified soldiers who are discharged can receive ten dollars for travel expenses and a year's military pay, plus thirty dollars for resettlement in the same month."

Chu Yunfei took the telegram and quickly scanned it. As for the troop reduction plan reported by Pang Junming, it was the best approach that could be taken at the moment.

Although it's similar to a peaceful buyout, it's a last resort.

While the Americans are still willing to provide substantial economic aid, we should thoroughly reorganize this Nationalist army, which is nominally a "six million" force but actually has less than four and a half million men.

Three and a half million people is more than enough.

“Xu Cichen…”

Chu Yunfei softly read the name, his finger lightly flicking across the telegram: "Let the old commander become the principal of the Cavalry Academy and concurrently serve as the Northwest Horse Administration Commissioner. Junming, what do you think?"

Pang Junming paused for a moment, then realized what was happening, his brow furrowing slightly: "Your Excellency, although Commander Xu is a veteran of the Shanxi clique, he has been away from Shanxi for many years, and he was your former superior. Now he is the Minister of Military Affairs of the General Staff. The Chairman wants to use his prestige in the Northwest, and also have him represent the Central Committee to stop..."

"Stop me in the Northwest."

Chu Yunfei took the lead without hesitation, casually placing the telegram on the edge of the sand table with a calm expression: "It was expected and reasonable. If the Chairman didn't even have this kind of precaution, then he wouldn't be the Chairman."

Pang Junming was somewhat worried: "Then what should we do..."

"That's a good thing."

Chu Yunfei appeared before a huge national map, his gaze sweeping over the Qinling Mountains: "I have been too ruthless in the Northwest. Although the Three Mas have been wiped out, the people's hearts have not been won over, and the old forces are deeply entrenched."

"If I were to seize control of the administration and education at this time, I would inevitably become the target of public criticism. Not only would the central government be wary of me, but powerful local figures would also resist me to the death."

"It's just right for Commander Xu to go."

A glint of wisdom flashed in Chu Yunfei's eyes: "He's a veteran, and he understands the customs of Shanxi and the Northwest. He can keep things under control. With him in front, representing the central government, the supplies and policies we need can be implemented smoothly. As for this cavalry academy..."

"We provide the instructors, we compile the teaching materials, and the trainees are selected from the grassroots level."

"As long as the ideological and political work is done well, what's wrong with him having his name on the list?"

The mutual checks and balances actually represent a consensus on the general direction of national interests.

"Your Excellency's insight is profound."

Pang Junming was convinced and then pointed to the last paragraph of the telegram: "In addition, the Chairman specifically instructed that the Northwest matter can be postponed, and the main focus is Qiongzhou Island."

"The U.S. military seems to have a greater interest in the joint operations plan on Qiongzhou Island than we thought."

"Americans are certainly interested."

Chu Yunfei picked up the baton and pointed it heavily at the isolated island at the southern end of the map: "Holding it on Qiongzhou Island is like putting a knife to the neck of the Japanese army in the South China Sea and even Southeast Asia."

"This was an irresistible temptation for the Americans who were eager to make a breakthrough in the Pacific theater."

"But precisely because of this, we must be even more careful. Let's pack up and head back to North China."

The joint operations plan for Qiongzhou will require at least two more months to complete final preparations. Before that, we also need to assess our rear areas.

The Yichang temporary military airport early the next morning.

The wind whipped up by the propeller made the hem of my clothes flutter loudly.

Officers who got out of several jeeps nearby formed a long line; they were commanders of the 18th Army, the 30th Army, and various units of the 6th and 5th War Zones.

They came to see them off, hoping to make an appearance.

Chu Yunfei didn't turn his head and went straight up the gangway of the C-47 transport plane.

The farewells were torn apart by the roar of the engine.

The hatch closed, and the noise outside subsided.

For Chu Yunfei, this kind of social interaction was meaningless.

The prestige of victory has been established.

Excessive personal relationships will only arouse suspicion in the mountain city's suspicious leaders.

Suspicion will only hold Yamashiro back; there's absolutely no need for such a thing to happen.

Several hours later, the plane landed in North China.

The Changzhi Joint Command Headquarters the following day.

"Sir, here is a copy of the commendation order drafted by the South China Joint Command."

Sun Ming handed over the folder, his expression somewhat strange: "In addition, the Executive Office sent a letter specifically asking the Chairman if you have any 'additions' or 'modifications' to this list."

Chu Yunfei flipped through the list, which was filled with densely packed names—promotions earned with the blood of soldiers.

Wang Yaowu, Fang Tian, ​​Hu Lian, Chi Fengcheng, Wang Jiaben, Xu Wenyao, Qin Daoshan, Liu Yunhan, Zhang Gan, Li Shilin
Behind each name are weighty medals and commendations.

"The Chairman's test."

Chu Yunfei closed the folder and casually tossed it onto the corner of the table, as if it were a piece of waste paper: "The power of reward and punishment can only be held by the central government."

He looked at Sun Ming and said in a calm tone: "Reply to the Chief of Staff. Tell him that my energy is limited, and the merits and demerits of the soldiers at the front are all in the battle reports. Please let the General Headquarters make its own decision. I will not interfere."

"Yes!"

Sun Ming turned to leave, but Chu Yunfei called him back: "Call Cao Potian and Sun Weimou and have them come over to report on their work."

"it is good."

……

Two hours later.

Cao Potian, director of the inspection department, and Sun Weimou, general manager of Shanxi Construction Group, arrived together.

Now, Cao Potian is dressed in a black Zhongshan suit, his expression is more sinister than before, and he seems to carry an indelible bloody smell.

Sun Weimou was wearing work clothes covered in so much dirt, with a roll of blueprints tucked under his arm, his face weathered and bitter.

"sit."

Without wasting words, Chu Yunfei looked directly at Cao Potian and asked, "How's the investigation going in Henan?"

Cao Potian did not sit down, but instead took out a thin booklet from his briefcase and gently placed it on the table.

"shocking."

"Although Li Peiji has not been found yet, the roots of the military and political officials in Henan are already rotten to the core."

“In the last two months or so, we followed the clues and uncovered 27 cases of reselling military rations and embezzling supplies in central and northern Henan.”

"Those involved in the case?"

"From the station chief of the war zone to the head of the county government's grain department, a total of 113 people were involved. Behind them was also the shadow of the First War Zone Command. According to their confessions, part of the reason these people were corrupt was to cope with the First War Zone's grain requisition..."

A fierce glint flashed in Cao Potian's eyes: "Among them are three high-ranking commanders who colluded with local powerful figures, not only reselling grain to the Japanese-occupied areas in exchange for opium, but also hoarding and speculating during the drought."

"Is the evidence conclusive?"

"The evidence is irrefutable."

Chu Yunfei tapped his fingers lightly on the table, slowly and heavily: "No need to wait any longer. That's all. Send a telegram to the Chairman first to test the waters and see how they react. Also, attach a proposal that they be executed by firing squad after the public trial."

Chu Yunfei spoke calmly about a trivial matter: "Since they dare to profit from the national crisis, they should be prepared to risk their lives."

"Prepare for this in advance, and make a big show of it when the time comes. Make sure that the whole of North China, the whole country, and even the whole world understand that embezzling military rations during wartime is a capital offense."

Cao Potian nodded, a cruel smile curving his lips: "Understood. We need to continue making an example of someone."

Chu Yunfei nodded: "Any news about Liu Zhi?"

"It is said that Liu Zhi's wife used her connections with the Chairman's wife to allow Liu Zhi to secretly travel to China to meet with the French representative, and incidentally stay in England for an inspection tour."

Chu Yunfei frowned: "Then it's best if they never come back. If they do, arrest them immediately. Except for the Chairman's guards, treat anyone who tries to stop them as an enemy."

Cao Potian nodded seriously: "Understood."

Chu Yunfei turned to Sun Weimou: "Weimou, how is the water conservancy project progressing?"

"Your Excellency, let's talk about the industrial layout first. I'm busy with this today, and I even brought the blueprints with me."

Chu Yunfei looked slightly surprised, then nodded: "Okay."

Sun Weimou unfolded the roll of blueprints, which was a densely packed map of the industrial layout of North China: "Your Excellency, the current situation is a mixed bag."

Sun Weimou pointed to a red area in southeastern Shanxi: "Thanks to the previous Soviet and American aid, the production capacity of our steel mills and arsenals has doubled. We not only replenished the combat materials consumed in this western Hubei campaign, but also had a considerable surplus that was distributed to the front line in North China."

"but……"

Sun Weimou's finger traced towards the more secluded heart of the countryside, his brow furrowed.

"The pressure on people's livelihoods is too great."

"With the expansion of the liberated areas, especially the influx of disaster victims from Henan, our food reserves are rapidly declining."

"We need to build roads, factories, soldiers, and disaster relief."

Sun Weimou sighed: "The fiscal deficit has been in the red for three months. If this continues, our pension policy will have to be stopped in less than six months, our military pay will not be able to continue to be paid at high levels, and there may even be large-scale inflation."

Chu Yunfei looked at the map and remained silent for a moment: "This war will naturally continue, and the longer it goes on, the more money and food it will consume."

"The problem of money cannot be solved by saving alone; we must earn it. Every year at this time, there are always financial problems, and we must always find a way to solve them."

He pointed to the northwest: "The plan for the Northwest Horse Administration has been approved. You should immediately send someone to form a trade delegation to go to the Northwest with Commander Xu. In addition to horses, I also want wool, leather and minerals from the North. We need to transport light industrial products from North China there and bring their raw materials back. The Soviets will like our goods."

Chu Yunfei's gaze then turned eastward, as if across the sea: "In addition, our 'bosses' have also started to move."

"The Battle of Qiongzhou Island is about to begin; it's a tempting target."

"I sent a telegram in my name to the mountain city, welcoming donations of money and supplies from overseas Chinese."

"As long as the battle is won, the rubber, tin mines, and tropical crops there will all be given priority for investment."

Sun Weimou's eyes lit up: "Are you going to issue 'war debts'?" (End of this chapter)