The Fourth Outstanding Person of Huangpu Military Academy

Ye Jianying: "Soldiers should obey orders.

"Obey orders and you'll die!" Chen Jitang shouted, "Are you stupid... ah? Huh?"

Chen Jitang looked around and saw that the four inland ferries had all docked at the pier, and soldiers from the 20th Division were getting off the ferries in groups. Chen Jitang noticed that the first thing these soldiers did after getting off the ferry was to take a red cloth from their pocket and tie it around their necks.

...What are they doing? Chen Jitang: "

“At night, when it’s dark, make sure you identify the person and avoid accidental injuries.

Ye Jianying spoke slowly, and at the same time he took out a red scarf from his trouser pocket and tied it around his neck.

The sound of gunfire continued in Guangzhou at night, though the intensity was lower than during the day. Around the city defense headquarters, soldiers from the First and Second Regiments, resting, found places to sit, eat their rations, and sort their weapons, ammunition, and other belongings. The First Division's logistics department raced through the streets, herding ammunition carts. Every soldier was replenishing their ammunition and grenades, as were their light and heavy machine guns. The machine gun squads were also receiving boxes of ammunition.

The Third Regiment blocked the line at several key points in the city to ensure that the enemy's night attack would hit a wall. At the same time, the scouts of the division and regiment were trying to find loopholes in the Guangdong Army's defense line. If there was an opportunity to do something, the Third Regiment would not mind launching a night attack.

At around nine o'clock, the sound of gunfire south of the city defense headquarters suddenly intensified, with a constant bang and bang. Not long after, the vanguard of the 20th Division met up with the 1st Division in the city center.

Huang Zhenchang! It's you! Haha!"

Zheng Dongguo, commander of the 1st Regiment of the 1st Division, met with Huang Zhenchang, commander of the 58th Regiment of the 20th Division.

Huang Zhenchang was also a member of the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy and served in the War Research Society. After graduating from the first class, Huang Zhenchang first served in the Secretariat of the Generalissimo's Office. A few months later, he was transferred back to the Whampoa Military Academy as an instructor. Later, when Ye Jianying became the Chief of Staff of the 20th Division, he transferred Huang Zhenchang from the Whampoa Military Academy to the 20th Division, where he now commanded the main regiment.

By the way, after Chen Tianheng led the troops to the Northern Expedition, Ye Jianying was the supervising professor of the War Research Society, but the daily management, such as recruiting new members, assessments, etc., was actually in charge of Huang Zhenchang.

Huang Zhenchang saluted first and then shook hands with Zheng Dongguo: "It's been a while since we last met! I finally don't have to keep such a big secret anymore, haha!"

Zheng Dongguo: "Yes, we made it public in Nanchang. You guys, didn't you make it public only today?

"Yes! I feel much better now. How about we all get back to Guangzhou now? Isn't it time for the members of the War Research Association to get together?"

Zheng Dongguo: "The commander said we definitely have to get together. The members of the War Research Association in the base area may also return to Guangzhou! Because the Fifth National Congress of the Communist Party of China will be held in Guangzhou soon. Also, the Whampoa Military Academy will reopen, the War Research Association will reopen, and the Young Military Association will also reopen and resume its activities!"

"I'm really looking forward to it.....; Thank you for setting up the

Ye Jianying also arrived at the city defense headquarters ten minutes later. Xu Xiangqian saluted Ye Jianying and said, "Hello, Director Ye.

Ye Jianying returned the salute and nodded: "Commander Xu.

Xu Xiangqian smiled shyly. "Ahem... Commander Chen Tianheng and the headquarters are still in Shaoguan. They probably won't move for the time being. They'll have to wait until the battle is over before moving to Guangzhou."

Ye Jianying: "That's as it should be. The transfer of the general command and staff of the campaign is very complicated. Can we now communicate directly with Shaoguan? I mean, directly by phone. Has the telephone network in Guangdong Province been restored?"

Xu Xiangqian: "We have occupied the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications building, but the staff have all gone home to hide. The troops are going door to door to find the postal and telecommunications workers. As long as the step-by-step switches are put into operation again, the telephone network can be restored.

Ye Jianying nodded.

Xu Xiangqian: "Director Ye, the 20th Division also looks quite strong.

Ye Jianying: "It's just average. We've been tormented several times by Chiang Kai-shek and the Guangdong Army. Even I was called to Shanghai and detained in Nanjing for two months. 004 The 58th and 59th Regiments are here, and the 60th Regiment is on its way to the fort. Is the 3rd Division of the First Army also on its way to capture the fort?"

Xu Xiangqian: “The previous plan was this.

The staff officer from the Communications Department came into the room to report that the switchboard at the Post and Telecommunications Bureau had been turned on and calls could be connected.

"Chen Tianheng?

Chen Tianheng: "It's me! Hello, Instructor Ye!

Ye Jianying: "The 20th Division has been dispatched. After joining forces with the 1st Division, Guangzhou has been split into two halves. The Humen Fort can be captured tomorrow. However, our ships have not been able to intercept Li Jishen, who is at the Grand Marshal's Office. The intelligence we just received is that Li Jishen fled to Hong Kong by boat at noon today. We only set up a cordon in the Pearl River at 4 pm, but we were unable to stop him.

Chen Tianheng: "Well... what a pity. But Chen Jitang stayed, which is not bad either."

Ye Jianying: "Based on my understanding of Li Fulin, the Fifth Army of the Guangdong Army in Henan and Foshan, he will most likely send representatives to sue for peace tomorrow, or at most the day after tomorrow. What should we do with the Fifth Army?"

Chapter 126: I can also make progress and I can also be patriotic

How to deal with Li Fulin's Fifth Army was now on the agenda.

At the start of the Northern Expedition, the National Revolutionary Army comprised eight armies, seven of which were commanded by renowned figures: the 1st Army led by Chiang Kai-shek/He Yingqin, the 2nd Army led by Tan Yankai, the 3rd Army led by Zhu Peide, the 4th Army led by Li Jishen, the 6th Army led by Cheng Qian, the 7th Army led by Li Zongren, and the 8th Army led by Tang Shengzhi. Regardless of whether they were good or bad, these individuals have left their names in modern history, and each has received considerable attention.

The only exception is the commander of the Fifth Army, Li Fulin, this fat uncle... most people are not very familiar with him.

The reason is that the Fifth Army is too weak.

Li Fulin, a native of Guangzhou, was an illiterate bandit (he made his fortune by robbing people with imitation guns). He had joined the Tongmenghui in his early years. After the Xinhai Revolution, Li Fulin invited thousands of his fellow bandits to gather near Guangzhou, forming the "Fu Army," and thus embarked on a career as a military leader.

The "Fujian Army" was known for its poor combat effectiveness, and Li Fulin himself was aware of this. For more than a decade, he had been cautious in choosing sides, generally following Sun Yat-sen but never taking the lead, slacking off whenever possible in battle, and never doing anything too extreme, no matter who they dealt with. As a result, this weak bandit army, from the "Fujian Army" to the Third Army of the Guangdong Army, and then to the Fifth Army of the National Revolutionary Army, actually survived in Guangdong for more than a decade.

However, it seems that the situation in Guangzhou is about to change again, and Li Fulin and his Fu Army will have to make a choice again.

Boss, Boss! I'm back!

Li Fulin's old subordinates were used to calling him boss because he focused his main attention on business. He made money through trade himself, and also had a maritime "merchant protection team" with an official license - in fact, he was the chief leader of the smuggling shipping industry.

At that time, Li Fulin was on a three-story building in Henan (on the south bank of the Pearl River) looking at the old city of Guangzhou through a telescope. When his subordinates rushed upstairs, Li Fulin asked, "Aqiu, how is the fighting in the city?

"The Northern Expeditionary Army that attacked Guangzhou was so fierce! Every one of them was a veteran of hundreds of battles. Chen Jitang's Fourth Army was no match at all. Groups of them were like ducks, being chased across the street by the Northern Expedition Army. After crossing a street, a few died, dozens were captured, and then they were chased across the street again. Chen Jitang's troops were about to lose everything! Oh!

Li Fulin: "Damn it, this sword of revolution really kills whoever it strikes.

"Yes, chopping Chen Jitang's troops is like chopping melons.

Li Fulin hissed.

The army that came here defeated Chen Jitang as easily as cutting melons and vegetables. Chen Jitang's New Fourth Army had clashed with Li Fulin's troops. Although no guns were used, the New Fourth Army defeated the Fulin Army as easily as cutting melons and vegetables.

The difference between the two levels of combat power combined is incredible.

Li Fulin: "Aqiu, please deliver a message to the Northern Expedition Army and the Communist Army. We cannot fight them."

Li Fulin's adjutant had already written a letter of negotiation for peace. The adjutant beside him handed the letter to Aqiu, and Aqiu went downstairs to deliver the letter.

“No more gunfire in the city?

The adjutant wondered, and Li Fulin picked up the telescope again and looked out over the city. After a moment's observation, he said with certainty, "Chen Jitang has lost everything."

9月4日下午1时，新四军10、11师最后一支成建制的部队放下武器，广州主城区攻克。

Of course, the entire city of Guangzhou could not be considered liberated at this time. Henan (today's Haizhu District) now also had contiguous houses and was considered part of Greater Guangzhou. Li Fulin's 15th Division of the Fifth Army was stationed here. In addition, Li Fulin also had a 13th Division in Foshan.

On the afternoon of the 4th, Li Fulin sent a letter expressing his willingness to surrender.

After Xu Xiangqian asked for instructions over the phone, he replied to Li Fulin that the formal negotiation representative would be sent tomorrow.

At 9 a.m. on the 5th, Li Fulin and Yun Daiying met at the Grand Marshal's Mansion in Henan.

"I'm from Guangzhou and grew up here. As soon as the war started," Li Fulin said, "I saw buildings collapse and fires in some places in Guangzhou these past two days. Bullets and artillery shells are very insensitive, and the people are really suffering.

"Now that Chen Jitang has lost, our Fifth Army wants to discuss this matter with your army. ... I feel that our Fifth Army cannot fight with you and cannot turn Guangzhou City into ruins. If we do that, we will have no way to survive in the future.

Yun Daiying: "Commander Li is mindful of the safety of Guangzhou City and its people, which is commendable. Commander-in-Chief Chen has read the letter of peace your unit sent yesterday and forwarded it to his superiors to consult the Central Committee. Therefore, today I can give you an official reply on behalf of the Central Committee.

"The revolutionary army will liberate the entire province of Guangdong and establish a revolutionary base. This is the task and strategic goal of the Democratic Coalition Government at this stage. If Commander Li is willing to lead his troops in an uprising, the Coalition Government and the revolutionary army will welcome and appreciate this move."

Li Fulin: "My proposal is a peace proposal! ... Ah, yes, it's almost the same as an uprising. In short, I and my army do not want to be enemies with your army. We are willing to change flags peacefully. But there is one thing I still have to say in advance. The Fifth Army is not a battle-hardened army. If we still have to fight here and there in the future, and conquer the world, there are some battles that we cannot win, so don't force us. It is understandable that we will provide support from behind when the time comes.

Yun Daiying: "After your rebellion, the United Government will take over the registration and management of your personnel and weapons, and gradually implement the demobilization and disbanding of your troops. Of course, before the final disbanding, the United Government will be responsible for providing your military pay and food.

"Dismiss...dismiss?"

Li Fulin opened his mouth wide: "By then, my Fifth Army will be gone? You... don't want the Fifth Army anymore?"

"Commander Li, today, our conversation was very frank." Yun Daiying looked at Li Fulin seriously and said, "We don't want to say one thing to your face today and do another behind your back. Yes, that's it.

"The future revolutionary army has no plans to absorb your troops and use them as a revolutionary force.

9 Yang Silver

Guangzhou city.

Fighting ceased throughout the city. The 12th Division, previously operating in the city, was tasked with searching for defeated soldiers and collecting abandoned weapons. Some troops posted notices to reassure the public and cleaned up street trash. The 1st and 10th Divisions continued their combat missions, reaching the banks of the Pearl River and gazing across at Li Fulin's troops on the south bank.

Of course, in addition to looking at Li Fulin's troops from afar, the Second Regiment of the First Division has now arrived at the Baietan Lake on the Pearl River. On the opposite Shamian Island is the British and French Concession in Guangzhou.

The concession was in a state of emergency at this time, and the entrances and exits had been temporarily closed since yesterday. All people from the Chinese area of ​​Guangzhou, regardless of whether they were wearing military uniforms or not, were prohibited from entering the British and French concessions.

"Our unit has taken over the defense of Guangzhou!

Wang Erzhuo, commander of the 2nd Regiment of the 1st Division, negotiated with the British garrison at the bridgehead connecting the British Concession and the Chinese Concession.

"From today on, the garrison at the Shamian Pedestrian Bridge will be taken over by our headquarters. Please provide us with the British opening and closing plans!"

Wang Erzhuo's words prompted the British lieutenant colonel across the street to immediately hand over the long-prepared plan for opening and closing the intersection. This was a routine exchange of documents between the two sides, and the British side wanted to let the Chinese know when the concession would be open to the public and when it would be closed.

"In addition, I have also frankly informed you that during the recent fighting in Guangzhou, the British Concession did not accommodate any officers, staff officers, or soldiers from either side. If you have any questions, you may contact us.

The British lieutenant colonel named McLaren added.

Wang Erzhuo stared at the British expressionlessly: "Very good, Lieutenant Colonel McLaren. The recent Guangzhou battle is not completely over. I hope the British will continue to adhere to their principles.

After saying this, Wang Erzhuo turned and left, leaving a squad to stand guard at the bridgehead connecting the Chinese area of ​​the concession.

According to previous intelligence, the British Concession really did not allow anyone to enter. Li Jishen fled directly to Hong Kong, and Chen Jitang also attempted to flee to Hong Kong, but was intercepted and sent back halfway.

(Hong Kong is no longer a concession; Hong Kong Island and Kowloon are now legally "British Overseas Territories")

Lieutenant Colonel McLaren also turned around and returned to his control from the bridgehead

"Lieutenant Colonel, how sincere is the Chinese military in its negotiations?

asked Colonel Fontaine, the supreme commander of the French garrison in the British and French Concession.

McLaren: "The Chinese military has not threatened to use force against our troops.

"Oh, not verbally, but I think we should be prepared to surrender."

Fontaine is very pessimistic about the future.

McLaren: “No. Who among us knows whether the Guangzhou Concession will eventually follow the Jiujiang model or the Shanghai model?

At the Henan Grand Marshal's Headquarters, Yun Daiying and Li Fulin continued their conversation.

Yun Daiying was upfront about this, telling Li Fulin clearly: "The revolutionary government does not intend to retain the Fifth Army in the future, and you know the reason yourself. However, Commander Li, the revolutionary government will not treat you unfairly, and the officers and soldiers of the Fifth Army will also be properly resettled."

Li Fulin: "Your army came from Shaoguan. I heard that the 16th Army stationed in Shaoguan did not engage in battle with your army, but peacefully changed flags.

Yun Daiying: "Yes. Commander Fan Shisheng led the 16th Army in an uprising. After his troops were reorganized and given political education, the officers and soldiers who voluntarily stayed behind were reorganized and became a force within the National Revolutionary Army."

"Why can't the Fifth Army be treated the same as the 16th Army?

Yun Daiying: "Commander Fan Shisheng has a long history of revolutionary experience. He is also a revolutionary soldier with progressive ideas. Our side, especially Commander Zhu De, can attest to this. Moreover, he is also patriotic.

Li Fulin: "I can also make progress, and I can also be patriotic.

Yun Daiying:".

Yun Daiying did not answer this question directly. Li Fulin thought about it and

He added: "The Fifth Army has 20,000 men. If we do not keep them in the barracks and manage them, but instead release them into society, Guangzhou will be in chaos.

"If they commit crimes in the future, we will arrest them; if they gather to rebel, we will put them down," Yun Daiying said. "Before we marched to Guangzhou, our revolutionary army was prepared to resolve the situation with force. However, since Commander Li is willing to launch a peaceful uprising, we naturally have to respond. But our response will of course be honest. Whatever you plan to do in the future, I will tell you here today.

Now it was Li Fulin's turn to be speechless.

Yun Daiying: "Commander Li, the revolutionary government will not infringe upon or confiscate your real estate in Guangzhou. The legal and compliant parts of your profitable business can continue to operate after the liberation of Guangzhou. We have also learned about your situation. Commander Li, you are a very successful businessman.

Li Fulin: "You are Communists and you want to promote communism.

Yun Daiying: "What we want to establish in Guangzhou is a democratic coalition government. Workers, peasants, small merchants, small business owners, and the petty bourgeoisie are all allies of the revolution. We will restrict the big landlords and the big bourgeoisie and crack down on and ban the big compradors and other agents of imperialism. Under this democratic coalition government, Commander Li, you will not be communistized."

Li Fulin's face looked very unhappy now, but Yun Daiying's words were clear and his attitude was very firm.

Not only was Yun Daiying's stance clear and resolute, but the two Northern Expedition champions in downtown Guangzhou across the river were also not to be trifled with.

After thinking it over and over again, Li Fulin hesitated for a long time, and finally nodded:

"Okay, the Fifth Army will... just follow your army's plan.

Chapter 127, Red Guangzhou

"Heroic troops, prepare—sing!

"Heroic Troops"

"The power of steel"

"We are the armed forces created by Sun Yat-sen"

"Nurtured by Cheung Chau Island"

"Growth on the Eastern Expedition"

"The enemy is timid in the struggle for supremacy in the Central Plains...