Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Mountain city, Huangshan official residence.

The night was as dark as ink, and a torrential downpour began.

The thunder outside the window grew louder and louder, as if it were about to tear a hole in the dark and uncertain world.

The light in the study was slightly dim.

Chang Ruiyuan did not sit behind his desk, but instead paced back and forth on the wooden floor with his hands behind his back.

His steps were slightly hurried, and each time his cane touched the ground, it made a dull "thud," revealing his extreme unease.

Zhu Peiji, the chief of staff, stood in a corner, deliberately lowering his breathing, afraid of disturbing the leader who was making a difficult decision.

On the table, the telegram from Wutai Mountain lay open forlornly, each word like a thorn piercing Chang Ruiyuan's heart.

"Darling, it's late, why aren't you resting yet?"

The study door was gently pushed open, and a delicate fragrance wafted in.

Meiling walked in wearing an exquisite dark-patterned cheongsam, a cashmere shawl, and carrying a cup of hot milk.

She had just returned from a visit to the United States, and the confidence and charm she displayed on the international stage had not yet faded, but had been enhanced by an air of elegance and grace.

Chang Ruiyuan stopped and turned to look at his wife. His tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly, but his eyes remained deep and complex.

"Madam, you've arrived."

He sighed, not taking the milk, but pointing to the telegram on the table: "Yan Baichuan has given me a difficult problem. This move of retreating to advance is truly cunning and has kept me up all night."

Soong Mei-ling gently put down the milk, picked up the telegram, glanced at it, and frowned slightly: "Voluntarily resigned as a first-class general? Wasn't he previously living a life of vegetarianism and chanting Buddhist scriptures at Mount Wutai?"

She was also a seasoned politician, and after a moment's thought, she understood the crux of the matter: "Is he giving Yun Feiteng a position?"

"good."

Chang Ruiyuan walked to the window, looked at the dark rainy night outside, and said in a low voice: "The rank of First-Class General in the National Army is a lifetime honor with a fixed quota. Now, Li Delin, Feng Huanzhang (Feng Yuxiang), Yan Baichuan and others have occupied the rank. It will be as difficult as climbing to heaven for future generations to take it up."

“Jingzhi (He Yingqin) had always adhered to the idea that ‘famous talents are hard to come by’ in order to control the military’s promotion system and maintain balance.”

But now

Chang Ruiyuan turned around abruptly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes: "Yan Baichuan took off his general's hat and threw it on the table."

"Looking at China today, in terms of military achievements, prestige, and strength, who else dares to wear it? Who else is worthy of wearing it?!"

"If I don't grant it to him, the world will say that I, Chang, am jealous of talent and ability; if I do grant it..."

Chang Ruiyuan paused, his tone turning bitter: "This breaks with convention, putting him, a student from the fifth class of the Whampoa Military Academy, on equal footing with those veterans of the Xinhai Revolution!"

"He has enough influence to overwhelm all the Whampoa Military Academy generals!"

After listening, Soong Mei-ling gracefully walked to Chang Ruiyuan's side, gently took his arm, and softly comforted him, "Darling, I know what you're worried about."

"However, you also need to understand the current situation."

Soong Mei-ling’s bright eyes sparkled with wisdom: “He is now enjoying immense prestige not only domestically, but also among the Allies. President Roosevelt and even that arrogant Stilwell speak highly of him.”

"The great victory on Qiongzhou Island and the counter-offensive in North China are all real achievements."

"Since Yan Baichuan has already paved the way to this point, if we forcefully block it, it will only backfire and discourage the soldiers."

Soong Mei-ling gently patted Chang Ruiyuan's hand: "Besides, no matter how capable he is, he is nominally your student and a commander of the Party and the State."

"At this critical juncture, why not do it to both reassure the morale of the North China army and demonstrate our unity to our allies?"

“When awarding ranks, do it openly and honestly.”

"Only in this way can you win the hearts of the people and demonstrate your magnanimity as a leader."

Chang Ruiyuan remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a long sigh: "Madam is right. This matter will be put on the agenda after this battle."

He sat back down in his chair, his expression revealing an indescribable desolation and apprehension.

"To be honest, I really didn't expect that Yan Baichuan, that old schemer, who was shrewd and mercenary all his life, would have such courage at the very end!"

"Giving up a lifetime of glory, just to fulfill the wishes of a younger generation."

"That vision, that decisiveness."

Chang Ruiyuan shook his head, a hint of barely perceptible admiration in his voice: "I am not as good as him. At least in terms of cultivating successors, I have lost to him."

"Although he has retired, Chu Yunfei has continued the lineage of his Jin-Sui faction, and it will burn even brighter."

At this point, Chang Ruiyuan's eyes became somewhat dazed: "Sometimes, I really envy Yan Baichuan."

Chang Ruiyuan gave a wry smile: "I have so many disciples of the Emperor, so many elites from Whampoa Military Academy. But when it comes to critical moments, how many can stand alone like Chu Yunfei, and even turn the tide?"

"If my Chen Cixiu and my Hu Zongnan had even half the ability of Chu Yunfei, why would I be being pressured so much by the Americans?"

Looking at her husband's graying hair, Soong Mei-ling's heart softened, and she said softly, "Darling, don't be too hard on yourself."

"Talented people are rare, and Chu Yunfei is an exception."

"Whether it's an anomaly or a destiny."

Chang Ruiyuan's gaze suddenly sharpened, as if he had made a decision: "It's getting late, and I need to make plans for our own future."

He turned to look at Soong Mei-ling, his tone becoming unusually solemn: "Madam, I have an idea."

"I want to transfer WG over there."

Soong Mei-ling was taken aback: "Isn't he with Hu Zongnan?"

"No, I want him to go to the front lines, to the most dangerous and challenging place."

Chang Ruiyuan tapped his finger heavily on the table: "I want to send him to North China, to Yi Chongyue's armored brigade!"

"what?!"

Soong Mei-ling was shocked: "This is too dangerous! There's a huge battle raging in North China right now. The Kwantung Army has already entered the pass, and tanks and artillery are flying everywhere!"

"Although WG graduated from the Munich Military Academy in Germany and participated in German military operations, those were exercises and observations..."

"This is a battlefield where people really die!"

"What if something happens to him?" Soong Mei-ling urged anxiously, "He's your child!"

"Bullets don't discriminate on the battlefield, and the troops in North China are known for their fearlessness and willingness to sacrifice themselves in battle."

"He has to go precisely because he is my son!"

Chang Ruiyuan interrupted his wife, his tone becoming more stern and firm than ever before:

"Although Ching-kuo was quite successful in his administration in southern Jiangxi, he ultimately lacked military expertise."

"Wang, on the other hand, was trained in armored warfare; he was a proper German-trained soldier!"

"Now North China has the most elite armored forces in all of China, and the best tanks provided by the Americans."

"Only in that kind of environment can Weiguo truly learn how to command modern warfare!"

"Only then can he turn the theories he learned in Germany into real skills!"

Chang Ruiyuan stood up, placed his hands on Soong Mei-ling's shoulders, and stared intently at her:
"Madam, you must understand."

"In times of war, power is determined by guns and tanks."

"If a child is always pampered and spoiled in the rear, how will he be able to command respect in the future?"

"We are the Republic of China, not a feudal empire."

"Putting him with Chu Yunfei is partly for his learning, and partly a gesture."

"I've entrusted my children to him; that's an immense trust!"

"As long as Chu Yunfei isn't heartless, we must protect Weiguo and teach him wholeheartedly!"

"This is also like driving a nail belonging to the Chiang family into the iron plate of North China!"

As Soong Mei-ling listened to her husband's analysis, the worry in her eyes gradually turned into helplessness and understanding.

She knew that Chang Ruiyuan was paving the way for the future of the Jiang family and was playing a long game.

In this game of chess, the son is both a chess piece and a future chess player.

“But…” Soong Mei-ling still hesitated, “What if…” “There is no ‘what if’.”

Chang Ruiyuan said firmly, "Jade that is not carved cannot become a useful object."

“If he doesn’t even dare to wade through this shallow water, then he doesn’t deserve to be my son, Chang Ruiyuan!”

"I will write a personal letter to Chu Yunfei and arrange for Weiguo to be assigned to Yin Chongyue's armored brigade as a deputy regimental commander or battalion commander, so that he can start from the bottom and lead troops!"

Chang Ruiyuan took a deep breath and looked north, as if he could already see that young figure in military uniform driving a tank across the North China Plain.

"If he comes back alive, he will be the future leader of the Nationalist Army's armored forces."

"If he doesn't come back," Chang Ruiyuan's hand trembled slightly, but he quickly clenched his fist. "That would be sacrificing himself for the country. It's his fate, and it's my fate too."

Looking at the man before her, who seemed to have aged instantly yet remained incredibly strong, Soong Mei-ling finally sighed and nodded.

“Okay, I agree with your idea, Darling, but you have to promise me that you will make sure Chu Yunfei takes good care of him.”

"Do not worry."

Chang Ruiyuan picked up the telegram from Mount Wutai again, a cold smile playing on his lips, his mind seemingly calculating something.

Luxi, Liaocheng, Frontline Command Headquarters.

Summer mornings come exceptionally early; as soon as the sun peeks out, it scorches the Luxi Plain like a fireball.

Although last night's torrential rain washed away the smoke of battle, the air in Liaocheng was so humid that you could wring water out of it, and the entire command post felt like it was in a giant steamer.

The cicadas were chirping incessantly in the old locust tree outside the window, their noise driving people crazy.

Chu Yunfei sat upright at the simple military table, his thin shirt soaked with sweat and clinging tightly to his back.

He was eating breakfast. On the table was a bowl of hot millet porridge to induce sweating and dispel dampness, two cornbread buns mixed with cornmeal, and a plate of finely chopped pickled vegetables drizzled with vinegar.

Chu Yunfei ate very slowly and carefully.

After swallowing the warm rice porridge, beads of sweat rolled down his face, and he casually wiped them with the towel hanging around his neck.

"Your Excellency."

A series of steady, powerful footsteps broke the silence.

Fang Ligong walked in.

"It's really hot in western Shandong."

As Fang Ligong spoke, he took out a neatly folded white handkerchief from his pocket, gently patted the sweat from his temples, and then placed a newly translated telegram flat beside Chu Yunfei, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing and congratulation: "Sir, don't rush to drink this bowl of hot porridge, take a look at this."

Chu Yunfei put down his chopsticks, feeling a surge of heat rush from his feet to his head. He glanced at Fang Ligong with a hint of helplessness: "Brother Ligong, what's making you so happy?"

"Could it be that the Sixth Division organized a night raid and achieved considerable success?"

"However, I imagine Your Majesty would be even happier..."

Fang Ligong pointed to the telegram: "A telegram from Wutai states that Commander Yan has applied for voluntary retirement, creating a vacancy for the position of First-Class General."

Chu Yunfei raised an eyebrow slightly, reached out and picked up the telegram, his eyes scanning the few lines of text.

"I am old and senile, incapable of killing the enemy, yet I occupy the remaining positions, leaving no way for the talented soldiers of the National Army to advance. I am willing to retire and give way to the virtuous and capable, so as to strengthen the prestige of the nation and the morale of the army."

Instead, a rather helpless wry smile appeared on Chu Yunfei's face: "Old Commander, what is this?"

“This is what everyone wanted.” Fang Ligong pulled out a chair and sat down, his posture still upright, and sighed, “Lord Yan’s move not only benefited you, but also preserved the future of the Jin-Sui lineage.”

"It seems that very soon, you will be the rightful 'Commander-in-Chief,' and looking across the entire country, apart from that one sitting in the mountain city, you will be the only one with such a high rank."

"It's just an empty reputation."

Chu Yunfei picked up a piece of pickled vegetable with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth, chewing it with a crunching sound. His eyes became deep: "The higher the position, the heavier the responsibility."

"When Lord Yan entrusted me with this responsibility, it was not only to let me enjoy the glory, but also to let me bear the heavy burden of this broken country."

"Since the people have high expectations, the soldiers are willing to risk their lives, and the old commander has gone to such lengths, I, Chu Yunfei, will naturally not let him down."

"but."

Chu Yunfei finished the rest of the millet porridge in a few gulps, put the empty bowl on the table, and despite being drenched in sweat, his expression returned to its usual cold and pragmatic tone: "These are all secondary."

"If we can't win the war, even if I'm given the title of Grand Marshal of the Army and the People's Liberation Army, I'll just be a laughingstock and people will talk behind my back."

Fang Ligong suppressed his smile, adjusted his glasses, and nodded solemnly: "You are right, Your Excellency."

The two exchanged a few words of opinion on the matter, and the topic quickly shifted from personal honor, disgrace, promotion, and demotion back to the main topic.

"Jingzhong".

"Your Excellency!"

"While the battle on the front lines is raging, the 'pen battle' in the rear cannot be neglected."

Chu Yunfei asked, "How is the propaganda campaign regarding the annexation of Toungoo and the promotion of 'Greater China's common prosperity' progressing?"

Li Jingzhong opened the folder in his hand, his expression becoming excited and confident, clearly quite satisfied with the work: "Reporting to Your Excellency, everything is progressing according to plan, and the results are far exceeding expectations!"

Li Jingzhong reported: "According to your instructions, we not only used the North China Daily and Changzhi Weekly in North China, but also contacted the Central Daily and Ta Kung Pao in Chongqing, as well as the Xinhua Daily in Yan'an through special channels, forming a 'three-in-one' media matrix."

"Currently, articles about 'the ancient connection between Toungoo and China,' 'the brutality and incompetence of the British colonialists,' and 'General Aung San's desire to return to the Chinese family' have dominated the front pages of major newspapers for a week."

Li Jingzhong pulled out a copy of that day's *North China Daily*, pointed to the prominent bold headline, and read aloud:
"Deep Affection Between Brothers, Thicker Than Water: On Geopolitical Security and Ethnic Reunification in the Southwest Border Region."

"This article was jointly written by several renowned historians invited by our Political Department. From multiple perspectives, including historical evolution, shared ethnic origins, and cultural customs, it elaborates in detail on the close connection between the Toungoo region and our inland areas, and condemns the heinous act of British imperialism in forcibly demarcating the border."

"Once the article was published, paper in Luoyang became scarce!"

Li Jingzhong's eyes lit up: "It is said that in Kunming, Chengdu, and the streets and alleys of the mountain city, even under the scorching sun, students and citizens are vying to pass it around, and the public's call for 'recovering lost territory' and 'opening up access to the sea' is extremely high!"

"Many radical young students even spontaneously organized marches, chanting slogans such as 'Expel the British invaders and restore the southern border.'"

Chu Yunfei nodded slightly: "Very good, this is the momentum we need."

What about broadcasting?

“The radio stations haven’t been idle either,” Li Jingzhong continued. “The mountain city has launched a special program called ‘Voice of Southern Xinjiang,’ which broadcasts 24 hours a day.”

"In addition to broadcasting news of the great victory at the front, the program focused on General Aung San's 'Letter to the People' and a large number of recordings of overseas Chinese who fled from Toungoo denouncing the atrocities committed by the Japanese invaders and the British army abandoning its allies."

"These sounds, transmitted via radio waves, not only spread throughout the country, but also covered the entire territory of Toungoo and parts of Southeast Asia."

Li Jingzhong paused, then lowered his voice and chuckled, "According to intelligence reports, the British Embassy in China has lodged three strong protests with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the past few days, saying that we are 'openly inciting rebellion' and 'undermining the unity of the Allies'."

"Hmph, a protest?"

Chu Yunfei sneered, his eyes full of disdain: "Let them protest."

"What you can't get on the battlefield, you can't get at the negotiating table either."

"What was the response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"

Li Jingzhong couldn't help but chuckle: "Mr. Gu from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is playing coy, saying that it's a matter of freedom of speech among the people, and the government has no right to interfere. They are currently 'investigating and verifying' the situation."

"The US hasn't given any indication yet, so we'll just drag it out. The British opinion isn't important."

Chu Yunfei stood up, walked to the map, and looked at the land that was about to change color: "Tell the propaganda department to intensify the efforts!"

"We must not only talk about history, but also about the future!"

"We must paint a beautiful picture—once the railway is completed, grain and oil from Toungoo will flow into the country in a steady stream, and our industrial products will sell well in Southeast Asia."

"We must make every Chinese citizen realize that it is not just a piece of land, but the cornerstone of national rejuvenation, and the meat in everyone's rice bowl!"

"Only by tying interests together with everyone can this torrent of public opinion be unstoppable!"

"Yes!"

Li Jingzhong snapped to attention. "I'll make the arrangements right away and make sure this fire burns even brighter!"

"in addition."

Chu Yunfei turned to Fang Ligong: "Brother Ligong, please draft a telegram for me and send it to Brother Weiwen, asking him to go to the First War Zone Command Headquarters on my behalf..."

Chu Yunfei paused, hesitated slightly, but finally made his decision: "Supervise the battle!" (End of Chapter)