Did he trick the young marshal into becoming sworn brothers and then go south to Huangpu Military Ac

Late at night, at the Ishii Arsenal.

The wooden door to the factory manager's office was tightly closed.

Outside the window, the pulleys in the rough processing workshop were still emitting a dull groan as the night shift workers polished old gun bolts all night.

A gas lamp was lit on the desk, its flame flickering and casting the shadows of the two people onto the water-stained whitewashed wall.

Lin Qi took a blank sheet of paper, flipped it over, and held a sharpened pencil in his hand.

Chiang Kai-shek sat opposite him, one button of his military uniform undone, with a cup of coarse tea that had long since gone cold in front of him. His eyes were fixed on the pencil in Lin Qi's hand, and he even kept his breathing very low.

"Brother Chiang Kai-shek, what kind of rules did you learn at the Japanese Military Academy?"

Lin Qi didn't look up; he rotated his wrist, and the pencil drew several curved contour lines on the white paper.

Chiang Kai-shek straightened his posture, his tone carrying the confidence of someone with formal training.

"Infantry drills are the primary focus, emphasizing the power of spirit over material strength. Bayonet fighting is the key to victory. The Imperial Japanese Army advocates human-powered charges; as long as officers are not afraid to die and charge forward with bayonets, the enemy's defenses will naturally crumble."

"Bullshit."

Lin Qi threw out two words.

It was straightforward and cold, showing no mercy to the future commander-in-chief.

Chiang Kai-shek's face stiffened, and just as he was about to retort, Lin Qi's pen tip heavily jabbed at the two intersecting circles drawn on the paper.

"That's an old almanac from the Russo-Japanese War. If you took it to the European battlefield today, this kind of fighting tactic would be called 'line-up for shooting.'"

Lin Qi tapped the two circles: "These are two water-cooled Maxim heavy machine guns, with a rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute. Once the crossfire network is formed, don't even mention relying on your mental power, even if you summoned Amaterasu, your physical body couldn't withstand a 6.5 mm copper-clad bullet. Thousands of people charging with bayonets, ten machine guns could turn them into a pile of minced meat in ten minutes."

Chiang Kai-shek's Adam's apple bobbed, but he remained silent. He had fought in several warlord conflicts in China and knew the power of heavy machine guns.

When those old warlords fought, their soldiers would retreat as soon as they heard the Maxim gun.

"When setting up military academies and training new troops, we cannot focus on these local warlords, and we certainly cannot learn the Japanese's 'poor man' tactics."

Lin Qi drew a row of dense black dots in front of the machine gun position with a pencil.

"This is called 'gradual advance barrage.' In modern warfare, infantry and artillery must coordinate. Artillery isn't just there to listen for the sounds from behind. Before the infantry charges, heavy artillery clusters provide covering fire. If the infantry advances fifty meters, the artillery warning line extends fifty meters forward as well. The craters created by the shells become natural cover for the infantry. The distance between the artillery and the infantry must be kept extremely close."

Lin Qi drew several wavy lines connecting the artillery positions and the forward command post.

"How do we coordinate? By blowing the bugle? When the front line starts firing, you can't even shout at the top of your lungs twenty meters away. We have to rely on radio. Company and platoon commanders carry walkie-talkies and report the coordinates to the artillery positions in the rear at any time. Wherever there is a firing point, the heavy artillery will take it out. This is called a dimensional reduction attack."

Chiang Kai-shek, sitting at his desk, was completely dumbfounded.

The formations, charges, and hand-to-hand combat that he was so proud of in his mind seemed like primitive people gesturing with sticks in the face of the war machine that Lin Qi described, a machine of steel and fire.

Lin Qi didn't stop; he wanted to force this groundbreaking military theory into Chiang Kai-shek's mind.

"Besides combined arms, there's also combined arms. The British have already put armored vehicles on the battlefield. Infantry follow behind these metal boxes, and machine gun bullets can't even leave a dent. This is the future king of land warfare."

The pencil drew a large square on the paper and wrote the word "logistics".

"The most fatal flaw is the ammunition supply. Brother Chiang, have you done the math? In a battle involving 100,000 men, how many shells and bullets would be consumed in a day if this method of fighting were used? How many could the arsenals in the rear produce in a day? How many tons could the mule and horse supply trains at the front transport in a day? This is called logistical throughput. In the end, war is not about the bravery of the soldiers at the front, but about the speed of the lathes in the rear and the output of steel."

Snapped.

Lin Qi tossed the pencil onto the table, leaned back in his chair, and picked up his teacup to moisten his throat.

"If we run a military academy according to the Japanese training manual, the students we train will just be cannon fodder sent to their deaths on the real modern battlefield. If we want to run one, we must train them according to this ironclad logic."

The room was deathly silent.

Chiang Kai-shek's shirt was completely soaked through, and cold sweat trickled down his temples.

He stared intently at the messy white paper on the table, his mind reeling with turmoil.

Shocked!

Absolutely shocking!

Lin Qi's words completely shattered all the military knowledge he had built up in the first half of his life. He suddenly realized that the military strategies he had been so proud of all his life had not even touched the threshold of modern warfare.

But after the initial shock, Chiang Kai-shek's innate suspicion and distrust, like a venomous snake, quickly surfaced.

He suddenly raised his head and looked at Lin Qi with a complicated expression.

Something's not right, something's really not right.

It's perfectly normal for someone with a double PhD in science from the US to be knowledgeable in chemical engineering, metallurgy, and firearms manufacturing; this is called specialization.

How could someone possibly know so much about the tactical evolution of large-scale operations, the command and coordination at the company and platoon level, and the precise control of logistics and supplies?

Moreover, they understand it even better than the Japanese instructors.

This is hardly the image of a tech-savvy scholar.

This is clearly a military genius with the belly of 100,000 soldiers.

Chiang Kai-shek's heart suddenly raced, and an extremely terrifying thought popped into his head.

The military academy is about to be established, and the teacher has handed over the arsenal to Lin Qi. If Lin Qi takes this set of military building theories, which is enough to shock the entire headquarters, to the teacher and asks to serve as the principal of the military academy, he will be able to achieve his goal.

Will the gentleman refuse?

Absolutely not.

The master is eager for talent. He has money, guns, and now even the most advanced training methods. Lin Qi becoming the principal is a match made in heaven.

Then what about Chiang Kai-shek?

An advisor who's just standing around giving encouragement?

A watchdog responsible for perimeter security?

He painstakingly befriended Lin Qi in order to use Lin Qi as a stepping stone to seize the position of principal. Now it seems that this Lin Tuozhi is the biggest stumbling block on his way to the pinnacle of power.

Chiang Kai-shek picked up his teacup, trying to hide his inner turmoil, but his hand trembled slightly uncontrollably, and tea splashed onto the back of his hand, scalding him and making him shudder.

All of this was observed by Lin Qi.

Who is Lin Qi?

He is a top-tier cunning old fox who has grasped the course of history over the past century and has a deep understanding of human nature.

He clearly caught the hint of apprehension, defensiveness, and even murderous intent that flashed in Chiang Kai-shek's eyes.

The time is right.

After delivering a crushing blow to shatter the other person's self-esteem and perception, it's time to offer a sweet treat.

We must firmly bind this suspicious and ruthless leader, making him willingly charge into battle.

Lin Qi suddenly laughed, his laughter hearty and carrying a touch of scholarly air.

"Brother Chiang Kai-shek, don't you think my explanation is quite impressive, coming together in a very sophisticated and convincing way?"

Chiang Kai-shek paused for a moment, then quickly put down his teacup and forced a smile: "Brother Tuozhi's theory is truly enlightening. I have learned a lot from it."

"It's all just empty talk."

Lin Qi waved his hand, grabbed the white paper on the table covered with tactical drawings, crumpled it into a ball, and casually threw it into the wastepaper basket next to him. His movements were extremely casual.

"I was bored overseas, so I flipped through a few war history memoirs about the European wars. I'm just showing off my scraps to you, a proper military academy student. I hope you'll forgive my blunder, Brother Chiang Kai-shek."

Lin Qi sighed, took a cigarette from the pack, and paused on the table.

"Theory is one thing, but when it comes to actually putting this into practice on the battlefield, on the front lines with real guns and spears, what am I, Lin? Don't laugh at me, but if I actually heard the sound of cannons, my legs would cramp up and I wouldn't be able to walk."

Lin Qi struck a match, lit a cigarette, exhaled a puff of smoke, and looked at Chiang Kai-shek through the smoke with sincere eyes.

"All I know in my life is handling steel and chemical reactions. Managing an arsenal and coordinating logistics and supplies is my job. But leading troops into battle and training new armies—these kinds of tough, bloody battles—require a military genius like Brother Chiang Kai-shek, who is well-trained, courageous, and insightful."

Chiang Kai-shek was stunned as he listened, and the anger and defensiveness in his heart dissipated by more than half in an instant.

"Brother Tuo, are you serious? You don't want to go to military school...?"

"Why would I go to military school? To be a sitting duck?"

Lin Qi chuckled lightly, his tone resolute: "Brother Kai-shen, you consider me a friend, and I know that. Let me make this clear today: regarding the establishment of the military academy, I will not accept anyone but you, Chiang Kai-shek, as the principal. Tomorrow, when I see the teacher, I will definitely recommend you for the position."

ecstasy.

A surge of ecstasy, like ascending from hell to heaven in an instant, suddenly welled up in Chiang Kai-shek's heart.

He couldn't even control his expression, and jumped up from his chair, placing his hands on the desk.

Lin Qi made it clear that he would not dabble in military power, only logistics and military industry, and that he would personally recommend Mr. Lin.

Given Lin Qi's current standing in the teacher's eyes, his strong recommendation has greatly increased his chances of getting the principal's position.

"Brother Taku!"

Chiang Kai-shek's voice changed, and his eyes reddened: "This noble sentiment is something I could never repay even if I were to be shattered to pieces."

"Sit down and talk."

Lin Qi pressed his hand down.

Chiang Kai-shek was not about to sit down; he now wished he could worship Lin Qi.

"Brother Tuozhi, since you have no intention of leading troops, wait until I become the principal. The logistics department and ordnance department of the military academy will all be under your control. You must have a position as the vice principal of the military academy. If you don't agree, I will not take the position of principal."

He knows the rules when it comes to exchanging favors.

Lin Qi took a drag on his cigarette, a cold smile playing on his lips.

"Location doesn't matter."

He flicked off his cigarette ash: "I just can't bear to see Brother Kaishen's military talent go to waste. However, the Grand Marshal's Mansion is full of factions. Those people from the Wang and Hu families may not want to see Brother Kaishen rise to prominence. If I were to speak to you alone, I'm afraid my words wouldn't carry enough weight."

Chiang Kai-shek's heart, which had just warmed up, was once again filled with anxiety.

Indeed. Wang, Hu, and others are too senior; if they were to join forces to obstruct, the gentleman would have to weigh the pros and cons.

"Then... what is your opinion, Brother Tuo?"

Lin Qi stubbed out his cigarette and dropped the real bombshell of the night.

"Money and guns alone are not enough; you need someone in high places to speak on your behalf. Tomorrow morning, I'll go and pay a visit to Minister Lin. I'll ask him to put in a good word for you. With his approval, who would dare utter a sound?"

Chiang Kai-shek was completely dumbfounded.

"Minister Lin? Which Minister Lin?"

He quickly went through the names of Guangzhou's prominent figures in his mind.

"Naturally, it's the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senior Zichao."

Lin Qi spoke in a calm tone, as if he were talking about tonight's late-night snack.

boom!!!

Chiang Kai-shek felt a chill run down his spine and his mind was buzzing.

Who is Lin Sen?

He was a veteran among the veterans of the Tongmenghui, with seniority on par with Mr. [Name].

He was an upright and honest man, and enjoyed great prestige in the Grand Marshal's Mansion.

Most importantly, Lin Sen never forms cliques or engages in favoritism. If he were to recommend someone, even the most respected teachers would show him deference, and no one would suspect him of having ulterior motives.

Even a man of integrity like Lin Sen might not give Mr. Lian face, so why should Lin Qi, an overseas Chinese who has just returned to China, be asked to come out of retirement to help?

"Brother Tuozhi...you and Senior Lin..."

Chiang Kai-shek asked tentatively.

Lin Qi leaned back in his chair and smiled slightly.

"I come from the Lin clan of Fuqing, Fujian. According to the generational names in the clan genealogy, my senior, Zichao, is my clan elder."

A single, understated sentence, yet it struck like a hammer blow, shattering all of Chiang Kai-shek's pride and scheming.

Money, 150,000 silver dollars.

Guns, and control of the entire Ishii Arsenal.

A powerful backer, the absolute trust of Mr. Zhang and Zhang Jingjiang.

Now, even the largest clan elder power in the south belongs to his family.

Chiang Kai-shek looked at Lin Qi sitting in the lamplight and felt a deep sense of powerlessness and extreme fervor.

This is hardly a partnership.

This is clearly a thigh that couldn't be thicker.

As long as we cling tightly to this powerful figure, who in the entire South can stop Chiang Kai-shek's advance?

It must be bound, completely bound.

Chiang Kai-shek suddenly straightened his chest, walked around the desk, and strode up to Lin Qi, his expression agitated and his eyes completely red.

This was the political tactic he was most adept at and the most effective of his life.

"Brother Tuozhi."

Chiang Kai-shek bowed deeply to the ground: "Although we have only known each other for a short time, I can see that you are a man of extraordinary talent and noble character. My early life has been wasted, but meeting you today is like seeing the sun after the clouds have parted."

He suddenly raised his head, his gaze intense.

"If you, my brother, do not reject me, I, Chiang Kai-shek, am willing to become sworn brothers with you. From now on, we will share both good fortune and hardship. Heaven and Earth bear witness to this, and if I break this oath, may I be struck down by heaven and earth."

That's exactly what I've been waiting for.

Lin Qi knew perfectly well what was going on.

Chiang Kai-shek had more than a dozen sworn brothers throughout his life.

Zhang Hanqing, Feng Yixiang, and Li Ziren.

They call you brother when they're useful, but stab you in the back when they're not. One more of them won't make a difference.

But this facade must be worn now. With this identity as sworn brothers, it will be perfectly legitimate for him to exert influence over the military once the military academy is established.

Lin Qi pretended to be extremely moved and proud, and suddenly stood up and grabbed Chiang Kai-shek's arm.

"Brother Kaishen, what are you saying? It is an honor for me, Lin, to become sworn brothers with you. Today, let's establish our brotherhood right here in the arsenal."

Chiang Kai-shek was overjoyed and immediately shouted towards the door.

"Guard, go! Find a live rooster. Bring yellow paper and strong liquor, quick!"

The arsenal office was extremely rudimentary late at night.

There was no incense table, only an office desk stained with machine oil.

Two rough porcelain bowls, filled with cheap liquor.

The guard, holding a thrashing rooster, slit its neck with a knife, and the hot chicken blood dripped into the wine bowl, turning it a deep crimson.

Yellow paper burned in the charcoal brazier, the firelight illuminating the faces of the two men.

"I am Chiang Kai-shek."

"I am Lin Tuozhi."

The two men raised their cups of blood-infused wine and knelt on one knee on the hard cement floor.

"Today we become sworn brothers. We do not seek to be born on the same day, month, and year, but we seek to die on the same day, month, and year. Those who betray this oath shall be punished by both Heaven and man."

He tilted his head back and downed the bloody, pungent, cheap liquor in one gulp.

Chiang Kai-shek wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, grabbed Lin Qi's hand, and burst into laughter.

The laughter conveyed the extreme pleasure of achieving one's ambition.

With Lin Qi in charge, the position of military academy principal is as secure as Mount Tai.

Lin Qi laughed along with him.

He placed the empty bowl on the table, glancing out the window at the night scene.

What's the point of sworn brotherhood? The real battle is tomorrow.

Tomorrow I'm going to visit Lin Sen, that elder statesman of the Republic of China who was known for his integrity and uprightness in history. Will his eyes, which have seen countless people, really be fooled by this "nephew from Southeast Asia" that I made up out of thin air?

If we can't get past Lin Sen, tonight's sworn brotherhood and the promise to Chiang Kai-shek to recommend us will all be empty words.