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

Lin Qigang stepped into the factory director's office, and before he could even change out of his coarse cloth gown stained with machine oil and the smell of gunpowder, the wooden door was pushed open with a bang.

Chiang Kai-shek strode in and slammed the door shut behind him.

His face was ashen, his eyes were bloodshot, and he ripped off his military cap and clutched it in his hand, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing.

"Brother Tuozhi."

Chiang Kai-shek plopped down on the old sofa where guests were entertained, his voice sounding like it was being squeezed out between clenched teeth: "I'm finished."

Lin Qi didn't reply. He walked to the charcoal brazier, picked up the iron tongs, and poked at the charcoal fire to warm the room.

"The gentleman just spoke with me."

Chiang Kai-shek abruptly unbuttoned his top button, panting heavily: "The implication is that I should put the military academy preparations on hold for now. I want Xu Chongzhi to take on this major responsibility and become the principal."

When Xu Chongzhi's name was mentioned, Chiang Kai-shek's face was filled with resentment and indignation.

"What makes Xu Chongzhi so special? Just because he's been with the teacher for many years and has seniority? What kind of soldiers does he command? His men spend their days smoking opium and frequenting brothels; their discipline is worse than bandits! From site selection and fundraising to building the military academy, I've poured my heart and soul into it day and night. Now that the framework is in place, why should he reap the rewards?"

Lin Qi put down the iron clamp, walked to the table, poured a cup of hot tea, and handed it over.

But my mind is perfectly clear.

This is exactly the original historical trajectory. The teacher cherishes the past, and Xu Chongzhi at that time held the main force of the Guangdong Army and had the most military power, so he naturally wanted to give him the position of principal.

Chiang Kai-shek, unable to bear the humiliation, stormed off to Shanghai, causing the establishment of the Whampoa Military Academy to come to a complete standstill. In the end, it was only after Zhang Renjie sent dozens of telegrams and pleaded with Chiang that he changed his mind.

But now that he has his own butterfly, Chiang Kai-shek absolutely cannot leave. If he leaves, who will take the bullets in front of him?

"Brother Chiang Kai-shek, have some hot tea to calm your temper."

Lin Qi sat down on the wooden chair opposite him, his tone calm.

Chiang Kai-shek took the teacup, gulped down a mouthful, and frowned at the bitter taste.

Lin Qi looked at him and slowly revealed his trump card: "This morning I took two boxes of old ginseng to visit Uncle Zichao."

Chiang Kai-shek's hand, which was holding a teacup, suddenly stopped. He looked up, his eyes filled with hope once again.

"I looked up the family tree with my uncle."

Lin Qi continued, "We've officially become relatives, and we had a very thorough discussion. Before leaving, I swallowed my pride and asked my uncle for a favor."

Chiang Kai-shek even stopped breathing.

"I'll have my uncle go to the Grand Marshal's Mansion to meet with you, Mr. Chiang, and I'll do everything in my power to ensure that you, Chiang Kai-shek, remain the principal."

Chiang Kai-shek knew Lin Chi's character all too well.

In Shanghai, this man wouldn't even glance at Lu Xiaojia, but now, for the sake of his future, he's actually willing to lower himself and beg a clan elder he'd only known for a few hours.

"Brother Taku..."

Chiang Kai-shek's throat tightened, his eyes instantly reddened, and his voice trembled: "How...how can I, Chiang Kai-shek, repay you!"

Lin Qi waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down.

"We're brothers, no need for formalities. Now that I've acknowledged you as my brother, I can't stand by and watch your talent go to waste."

Lin Qi sighed, putting on a convincing act: "I have a bad temper, and I hate all the scheming and currying around in officialdom. But for the sake of the new army, for our future, I'll do anything, even if it's ten times harder, let alone asking a clan elder."

Chiang Kai-shek was deeply moved, his chest heaving violently. But having been in the political vortex for many years, reason prevailed after the initial excitement.

"Brother Tuozhi's great kindness will never be forgotten by Chiang Kai-shek. However..."

He rubbed his hands together, a deep worry appearing on his face: "Although Lord Lin is highly respected, Xu Chongzhi still holds considerable military power and has a friendship with you for over a decade. I'm afraid you'll still hesitate based on Lord Lin's word alone."

Your concerns are valid.

Lin Qi stood up and walked to the window, looking at the bustling factory area outside: "So, what Uncle is doing is just the first step. This afternoon, I'm going to the Grand Marshal's Mansion to report to Mr. Lin on the progress of the military project. At that time, I will personally deliver the final blow. With both forces combined, Xu Chongzhi's seniority will be useless."

Chiang Kai-shek was completely relieved; he knew all too well how much Lin Qi held in his heart.

"Takuyuki."

Chiang Kai-shek walked up behind Lin Qi, his expression solemn, and bowed deeply with his hands clasped: "I cannot express my gratitude for your great kindness. If I, Chiang, achieve my goal and one day gain great power, besides military power, you will surely possess half of the country!"

Lin Qi turned around, smiled, and helped him up, not taking this empty promise seriously.