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

"If Wang and Hu find out, they'll gossip again, saying that your motives for going to Shanghai at this critical juncture are impure."

What Chang was most afraid of was that Lin Qi would secretly collude with the Fengtian Army.

If Lin Qi and the Fengtian clique join forces, no one in the world can control them, and the Whampoa Military Academy will immediately mutini.

Lin Qi looked at Chang's suspicious eyes and understood her perfectly.

He certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to directly say that he was going to see Zhang Hanqing.

Lin Qi remained calm and composed, telling a flawless and colossal lie:

"Brother Kaishen, you're overthinking it. I'm going to Shanghai not to meet any politicians, but to meet with the Far East Chief Representative of the German Krupp Trading Company."

Lin Qi smiled, his words revealing a professional rigor and urgency: "The next phase of the arsenal's project is to launch a 155mm heavy howitzer production line, which requires high-grade special steel and a 10,000-ton hydraulic press. This level of equipment simply cannot be clearly explained in a telegram; I must personally go to Shanghai to finalize the technical details with the Germans and also properly arrange smuggling channels!"

"For the sake of the future heavy artillery regiment of headquarters, I have to take this risk!"

Upon hearing the words "155mm heavy howitzer," Chang's eyes lit up like two searchlights, and his breathing became rapid.

That's the ultimate weapon for conquering cities and seizing strongholds!

With such heavy artillery, the Beiyang Army was like paper in front of him!

Chang's doubts vanished instantly.

He knew Lin Qi too well; this man was a complete military industry fanatic.

What wouldn't he do for the sake of the military industry?

Moreover, Lin Qi and the young marshal of Fengtian Army were sworn brothers who had kowtowed to each other. Even if Shanghai was Fengtian Army territory, who would dare to touch a hair on the young marshal's head?

Safety is absolutely not an issue.

"Alright! Takuchi, you've worked hard for the great cause of revolution!"

Chang grabbed Lin Qi's hand excitedly: "Go without worry! If Wang Hu dares to spout any nonsense, I'll defend you! How many men do you need to take to Shanghai?"

"There's no need to lead troops; leading troops would only attract attention."

Lin Qi shook his head slightly: "I only brought two guards. In Shanghai, keeping a low profile is the safest option."

A few days later, a British-flagged cruise ship slowly sailed into the Huangpu River through the thick morning fog.

On the river, all kinds of foreign warships and merchant ships shuttled back and forth, their horns sounding one after another.

The exotic Western-style buildings along the waterfront tell the story of the abnormal prosperity of the largest metropolis in the Far East.

Lin Qi was dressed in a low-key gray long gown and wore a black top hat.

Accompanied by two guards also dressed in civilian clothes, he slowly descended the ramp along with the crowded flow of people.

As soon as I stepped onto the Shiliupu Wharf, a warm breeze carrying the smell of the river water and coal smoke hit me.

Lin Qi pulled down the brim of his hat, his deep gaze sweeping over the seemingly prosperous but actually turbulent city of Shanghai.

Just then, a man wearing a black suit and a baseball cap strode out from the front.

The man walked three steps away from Lin Qi and stopped.

He slowly removed his baseball cap, revealing a handsome face befitting a person in a position of authority.

The visitor was none other than Zhang Hanqing, the young marshal of the Fengtian Army!

Lin Qi looked at his sworn brother standing in front of him, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.

To keep his trip to Shanghai a secret, he didn't disclose his departure time or which cruise ship he was on to anyone, not even Du Yisheng.

How did Zhang Hanqing know that he would disembark from this ship at this time today?

Is it...

Could it be that this kid, like I was back then, calculated the itinerary based solely on clues and rigorous logical reasoning?

Thinking of this, Lin Qi couldn't help but admire it.

"It seems that after more than half a year of tempering, Hanqing has truly undergone a complete transformation. His intelligence analysis and logical deduction abilities have begun to show the qualities of a commander."

Lin Qi was genuinely happy for his brother.

however.

Before he could even utter a word of praise.

Unable to contain his excitement, Zhang Hanqing strode forward, opened his arms, and gave Lin Qi a tight bear hug!

"Big brother!!!"

Zhang Hanqing's voice carried an undisguised weariness, as well as inner excitement.

Lin Qineng's visit to Shanghai shows that he still considers him a brother.

After a while, Zhang Hanqing released Lin Qi, his eyes red and a bitter smile on his lips. His first words shattered the positive image Lin Qi had just built up in his mind.

"Brother! You've finally arrived! Do you know how long I've been waiting for you, like a fool, disguising myself every day and squatting on this run-down dock for five whole days!"

Lin Qi's expression froze instantly.

Reasoning? A flawless plan?

What kind of fucking reasoning is this!

This kid used the most primitive, stupid, and low-tech method: squatting in the toilet and waiting!

Looking at Zhang Hanqing's face, which appeared somewhat haggard from being exposed to the river wind for days, yet was filled with sincerity.

Lin Qi couldn't help but burst into hearty laughter.

"Ha ha ha ha!"

He chuckled and patted Zhang Hanqing on the shoulder: "Hanqing, Hanqing, you, the young marshal who commands 300,000 troops, have been standing in the cold wind on this dock for five days. If word gets back to Beiping, the old marshal will definitely whip you."

"We're all brothers here, why bother with all this formality!"

Zhang Hanqing shook his head nonchalantly: "As long as I can see my elder brother, I'd be willing to wait even a month, let alone five days!"

The two brothers looked at each other and smiled. The tacit understanding and trust built up through life and death needed no further words at this moment.

"Come on, brother, this isn't a place to talk with so many people around. I've found a quiet spot in the concession. Let's hurry over there; I have a lot to tell you!"

Zhang Hanqing grabbed Lin Qi's arm and turned to walk towards an inconspicuous black sedan parked not far away.

Just then.

"squeak……"

Accompanied by a piercing screech of brakes.

Several military trucks, like a pack of rampaging wild beasts, barbarically stormed into the dock.

The surrounding laborers and pedestrians were terrified and fled in panic, creating chaos at the scene.

"Bang! Bang! Bang..."

Dozens of soldiers dressed in Fengtian Army uniforms jumped off the vehicle.

Ignoring the horrified stares around them, they strode with thunderous footsteps to Zhang Hanqing.

"Whoosh!"

The leading officer stood at attention with exaggerated movements and gave a standard military salute.

His voice was loud and clear, as if he wanted the whole of Shanghai to hear it:

"Young Marshal! I have been ordered by the Commander-in-Chief to invite you to the banquet."

warlord?

At present, there is only one military governor in Shanghai, and that is Zhang Zongchang, the military governor of Shandong, whose position has not yet been fully established.

The next chapter is under review and requires major revisions. I don't know when it will be approved. Sorry.