The Fourth Outstanding Person of Huangpu Military Academy

"Your third uncle isn't very hardworking. He also likes to gamble. I used to help his family, but it was useless. He lost it all in a blink of an eye."

"His eldest son has picked up his habits too. He's addicted to gambling and doesn't do his job properly. Last year he even started smoking opium. A man who smokes opium is doomed."

"My daughter Ying'er loves to study, so I paid for her to go to college. Now she's 22, and it's time for her to get married, otherwise she won't be able to. I've prepared a dowry, and it must be magnificent, so that every household in Guangzhou can see it."

"My main business is the money exchange. It's profitable. Although there are loans and borrowing, with some people depositing money and others taking out loans from me, I still have quite a bit of capital. As for cash, it's easy to take out hundreds of thousands of yuan. Besides the money exchange, I have some other businesses, but I won't discuss those today."

"Tianheng, you're a good student. You even managed to get first place in the country on the exam. Not only are you a good student, you're also very knowledgeable and a very handsome man. Your father, Chen Fuxian, taught you very well."

"I've worked hard for over a decade to build this bank. It wasn't easy. My health isn't that good anymore, and to be frank... if the bank falls into the hands of Third Uncle and his son, it's only a matter of time before it's ruined."

"So I came here today to formalize this matter. Tianheng, you will be adopted into my family."

Chen Qixian recounted the family history from beginning to end, and finally made a conclusion. Hearing this, Chen Tianheng held his forehead and smiled bitterly.

Yesterday, Chen Ying rushed to the Military Academy and talked to him in a strange manner. Chen Tianheng felt that something was wrong.

When he walked in today, he saw the Chen family gathered for a meeting in such a solemn manner, and Chen Qixian sat in the C position and told a story slowly. Chen Tianheng guessed that it must be that kind of thing.

Although he lived in the 21st century in his previous life, Chen Tianheng had not only seen this kind of thing online but had even witnessed it in real life in his own Marine Corps. A skilled NCO suddenly submitted a request for discharge, stating that his uncle had passed away and he was returning to inherit his estate. After further questioning with the battalion instructor, he discovered that the soldier's uncle actually had a daughter, and that he had returned to his hometown to "eat up the family's wealth."

I didn't expect that it would be his turn now.

Look at Chen Qixian, this second uncle looks as bad as last time. It seems that he is ill, so we are anxious to arrange his funeral.

Although Chen Qixian's first wife and second wife were also present, they kept their heads down and had not spoken a word until now.

As for Chen Ying, she looked up at the sky with the corners of her mouth turned up, with an unrestrained and carefree demeanor of "I was born to be useful, and I will come back even if I lose all my money". Perhaps she was feeling happy when she was extremely sad, and laughing when she was extremely angry.

Just based on this, even in the 21st century, Chen Ying's personality can be considered hardcore.

"Second uncle," Chen Tianheng said, "My father has passed away. You are the only one of my uncles and aunts still alive. No matter my status, whether as a godson or a nephew, I, as a younger generation, will take care of you. Besides, we have Chen Ying, so you don't have to worry about your retirement."

"As for me, I've been admitted to a military academy. My future military career will take me all over the world. I don't have the time or energy to manage my finances, nor do I need money. Therefore, I really can't accept this gift."

"Tianheng, these industries will be passed on to outsiders after I'm gone."

Chen Tianheng: "The bank and all these properties belong to your family and should be passed on to your daughter. She is your own flesh and blood, not an outsider. As for whether your daughter's next generation will be considered outsiders, I don't think you need to worry too much about it."

"Aying is my own flesh and blood. If I pass it on to her, she can keep it for a lifetime, which is not bad. But in today's world, how can a woman keep such things? I will not live long. If the family property is taken away by Chen Shouxian and his son, the neighbors will be unable to stop it."

"Second uncle," Chen Tianheng shook his head, "You underestimate Chen Ying. She is very capable and can definitely protect these properties."

Chen Ying: "It doesn't matter. Chen Tianheng is more capable of defending. In two years, I will apply to the military academy to revolutionize for him. That way, my family and country will not be wronged."

Chen Qixian glared at his daughter and said, "Don't be so irritable."

Chen Tianheng: "Second Uncle, children and grandchildren have their own blessings. As for me, it is better to call you Second Uncle from now on. Of course, it is only natural for me, a junior, to take care of you. But you should pass all the family property to Chen Ying, so that the family can be harmonious in your later years, don't you think?"

"Call me Second Uncle. Fine, fine," Chen Qixian said. "The law doesn't say that the family property can't be passed on to a nephew. So I'll make a will like this: you and Chen Ying, each with half. Half of the shares."

Chen Tianheng: "Then I'll make a deal first. I'll give my half to Chen Ying as soon as I receive it."

……

What kind of bloody plot is this from the Republic of China?

Chen Qixian's money shop can immediately use 300,000 to 400,000 yuan of funds, and the total capital is estimated to be around 3 million yuan. It seems to be larger than the two party assets in Shanghai, but the party assets in Shanghai are the result of Chen Tianheng deliberately restricting the development direction. If he really lets go and makes money, Chen Tianheng will not look down on the funds of this scale from the money shop.

So there is no need to do such a thing as taking over someone else's nest.

"Chen Ying, let me ask you a question."

When the two were alone, Chen Tianheng asked, "When you said you wanted to apply to the Whampoa Military Academy, was it out of spite at home, or did you really have some understanding of the revolution?"

"What do you mean by 'some knowledge of the revolution'? What do you mean by 'still'? Is that how you look at women?"

"Okay, okay, sorry, I said the wrong thing." Chen Tianheng backed down immediately.

Chen Ying: "I attended three of the six lectures on nationalism and four of the six lectures on democracy. Do you think I have any understanding of revolution?"

Chen Tianheng: "...I know that in January of this year at Guangzhou Higher Normal College, Dr. Sun Yat-sen gave a class on the Three Principles of the People."

Chen Ying: "I used to think that when my father said he wanted to pass the family fortune to you, you would immediately drop out of Whampoa Military Academy and wait to inherit the family business. So I thought, if one revolutionary left, I could fill the gap, so that the Chen family would not owe the revolution anything. I didn't expect you to refuse so completely. By the way, Chen Tianheng, don't you want it at all?"

Chen Tianheng: "There's no money to spend on revolution. At most, I can invite classmates and instructors to a meal. When I want to treat them, I can just ask you, my cousin, for some funds."

"A dinner party? You know that Sixi Restaurant on Changdi Road? You can just go there and sign your name."

Chen Tianheng: “…”

"Whampoa Military Academy is about to start, Chen Tianheng. You don't act like a younger brother four years younger than me, so I don't have any instructions," Chen Ying said. "Go to military school, and when you graduate, lead troops, fight wars, and pacify the world. You'll also be promoted. When the time comes, you'll need to spend money to manage things. I'll support you."

Chen Tianheng smiled and said, "In the future, I might spend some money so that Chinese people don't have to spend money on promotions."

"Oh?" Chen Ying glanced at Chen Tianheng. "Sun Yat-sen's revolution, if successful, would have unified China and revived the nation. But I don't think Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary party could completely rid itself of the old corruption of the Chinese people. However, as difficult as it is, if you want to do this, I still support you."

Chen Tianheng: "Are you really willing to support it?"

"Of course, who else can I support if not you?"

Chen Tianheng: "Okay, then I've decided. I will support you in the future and help you make more money in your business."

Chen Ying: "What?"

Chen Tianheng: "It's literally support, making more money. Because..."

"Because if your business doesn't make 10 million a year, it might not even be enough for me to spend in the future."

Chapter 31

Huangpu, Cheung Chau Island.

In 1876, Liu Kunyi, the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, purchased land near the docks on Changzhou Island in Huangpu for 8 taels of silver and established the "Guangdong Western Studies Academy." In 1887, Zhang Zhidong used the buildings of the Western Studies Academy to establish the "Guangdong Naval and Land Forces Academy," which later served as the foundation for Sun Yat-sen's founding of the Whampoa Military Academy.

One year and three months have passed since Huangpu Changzhou was designated as the site of the military academy in February 1923. When Chen Tianheng and dozens of other first-term cadets disembarked from the ferry, they saw that most of the buildings were still those built by the Guangdong Naval and Land Forces Academy.

To put it bluntly, the current Whampoa Military Academy only has three types of hardware facilities: dormitories, playgrounds and classrooms.

The only obvious difference is probably the construction of a new school gate with the six big characters "Army Officer School" written by Sun Yat-sen himself on it.

"First-term student Chen Tianheng is here to report!"

"Chen Tianheng, the top scorer of the first term, right?" The staff member behind the long table nodded and looked at Chen Tianheng twice over his glasses. "You are in Class 1, Team 2. Oh, you are the class monitor."

……

"I'm Chen Tianheng! I'm from Changsha, Hunan. I'm the squad leader of Class 1, Team 2!"

In the dormitory, when most people had arrived, Chen Tianheng pointed to the squad leader badge on the sleeve of his new military uniform and greeted his roommates: "Brothers from Class 1, please tell us your names and hometowns first so we can get to know each other!"

"My name is Zhao Zijun, and I'm from Wuchang, Hubei."

"My name is Guo Dezhao, and I'm from Yingshan, Anhui."

"Hu Bo, from Meixian, Guangdong."

……

"Zheng Dongguo, from Shimen, Hunan."

Oops, an acquaintance shows up.

The founding commander of the New 1st Army, deputy commander-in-chief of the Indian Army (Commander-in-Chief Stilwell),... the Turtle King of Changchun.

"Which school did you attend before coming to Huangpu?" Chen Tianheng pretended to be unfamiliar with Zheng Dongguo and greeted him. "You look gentle and refined, so you must be a scholar, right?"

"Haha, I was studying at Hunan Business College when I applied for the Huangpu Military Academy," Zheng Dongguo said shyly. "Before that, I worked as an elementary school teacher for a year."

Chen Tianheng: "Hunan Commercial College in Changsha? What a coincidence! It's a pity that we didn't know each other when I was in Changsha."

A student who was sorting his clothes in the dormitory coughed and said, "My name is Huang Wei, also known as Wuwo, from Guixi, Jiangxi. I used to be a primary school teacher."

Chen Tianheng: "There are quite a few teachers."

Hey, this perpetual motion machine expert was supposed to be in the same class with Chen Geng, but now he is arranged to be in the same class with Chen Tianheng, and Chen Geng is assigned to the same team.

Led by Chen Tianheng, all the students who had registered for Class 1 introduced themselves one by one. The only two whose names were recorded in history books were Huang Wei and Zheng Dongguo.

After all, from the first to sixth classes of the Whampoa Military Academy, between 1949 (Kuomintang) and 1955 (CCP), only about 300 graduates were awarded the rank of major general or above. Even half of the Whampoa graduates ended up "serving society" (not serving in the military).

"Team Two, Squad One! Everyone, attention!"

When the sound of leather boots came from outside the house, Chen Tianheng noticed the movement outside and saw who was coming. When this sentence was shouted, Chen Tianheng, the squad leader, seamlessly connected:

"Instructor Yun has arrived! Everyone stand! Attention!"

Yun Daiying strode into the dormitory and glanced at the dozen or so people standing upright.

"Hey, stand at attention! You haven't learned to stand at attention yet, have you? Zhao Zijun, have you ever served under Xia Douyin?"

"Reporting to the instructor, before I signed up, I served in the army under Xia Douyin in Hubei, with the rank of sergeant!"

"I can tell from the way you stand." Yun Daiying walked up to Chen Tianheng again and said, "Chen Tianheng... We've met before, but I've never seen you stand at attention before. Why is your posture so strange?"

"Report to the instructor! I figured out this pose myself!"

Yun Daiying: "In the entire class, only Chen Tianheng and Zhao Zijun stand at attention somewhat properly. But you haven't officially started training yet, so that's understandable. Tomorrow is the first day of class, and we'll start with drill. Everyone must study hard and train diligently. Learn skills and serve the revolution. ... Chen Tianheng, come with me."

……

Yun Daiying once again convened a party and league meeting in Huangpu this time. He is the highest-ranking member of the Communist Party currently serving in Huangpu and is also the secretary of the party and league branch.

"Instructor Yun, are there only four of us today?"

When he arrived at the classroom, Chen Tianheng found that it was not the small meeting of more than a dozen party organization development candidates gathered in the classroom as he had imagined, but a "salon" with only four people.

In addition to Chen Tianheng and Yun Daiying, the other two are Jiang Xianyun and Chen Geng.

Yun Daiying nodded: "Yes."

Chen Geng immediately jumped up and carefully closed the classroom door and windows: "There is no traitor. We can talk freely now."

Yun Daiying: "The day before yesterday, Jiang Xianyun said to me, 'Instructor Yun, you don't have to deliberately recruit Chen Tianheng into the Party. He has some special circumstances and doesn't need to be recruited.' Is that true?"

Chen Tianheng: "Yes."

Chen Tianheng said "yes" himself. Yun Daiying thought for a moment and said, "You graduated from Hunan No. 1 Normal School. I heard that half of the Party members in Hunan graduated from Hunan No. 1 Normal School. And you got along so well with Jiang Xianyun and Chen Geng. ...Okay, then I understand."

Chen Tianheng: "At the Second National Congress, Chen Duxiu's opinion was that the Chinese Communist Party could cooperate with the Kuomintang, but that the independence of its own party organization should be maintained. In other words, the KMT-CPC cooperation should be carried out through an extra-party alliance. But in the end, the Communist International advocated that the Communist Party as a whole be incorporated into the Kuomintang, with each member joining the Kuomintang in their own capacity."

Yun Daiying: "This is a directive from the Communist International, and the Central Secretariat cannot violate it. But what did Chen Duxiu say at the Second Congress? How do you know?"

Chen Tianheng thought, not only do I know, I was also there at the Second Congress.

"In fact, Chen Duxiu and Mao Runzhi also had reservations about the CCP being a branch of the Communist International. They also had different opinions on the Communist International's evaluation of President Chiang Kai-shek."

Yun Daiying: "Chiang Kai-shek highly admired Lenin and the Bolsheviks, calling them 'resolute in their will, intense in their spirit, and untiring.' He believed that the Kuomintang wanted to emulate the Russian Revolution. The Communist International was also quite satisfied with Chiang Kai-shek and was interested in recruiting him as a Communist Party member. In fact, the Communist International currently considered the Kuomintang its only partner in China."

Jiang Xianyun: "Instructor Yun, I heard that Chiang Kai-shek resigned in February of this year and refused to be the principal of the Whampoa Military Academy, which was being planned. As a result, the Kuomintang and the Communist International searched for him everywhere, and finally found someone in his hometown and asked him to return to his post. Not long ago, in April, Chiang Kai-shek resigned again."

Yun Daiying: "In this regard, the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party has just begun. It will take time for the Kuomintang and the Communist International to get used to each other, and for us and the Kuomintang to get used to each other. Before that, some minor frictions and misunderstandings are inevitable."

Chen Tianheng: "Instructor Yun, this was actually Chiang Kai-shek's tactic of retreating to advance. He knew that the Kuomintang needed him if they wanted to establish a revolutionary army and a military academy. So he threatened to resign in order to force the Kuomintang leaders or the Communist International to agree to his demands."

"...Since we're talking behind closed doors, I'll be frank," Yun Daiying said. "From my personal perspective, this is indeed a major reason."

Chen Tianheng: "What a pity."

"Huh? What's a pity?" Yun Daiying didn't understand for a moment.

Chen Tianheng: "The reason Chiang Kai-shek dared to use this tactic of blackmail was that the Kuomintang, among its senior members, did not have many military talents. It is true that some warlord generals joined Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary army, and some even obtained Kuomintang membership cards, but Sun Yat-sen did not trust these warlords, and historical records show that they should not have trusted them."

"When the Whampoa Military Academy was being planned, among the senior Kuomintang members whom Sun Yat-sen could trust, the one with the greatest military talent was only Chiang Kai-shek. After all, in 1922, when Sun Yat-sen fled Guangzhou in disgrace and drifted aboard the Yung Feng, no one from the entire Kuomintang came. In the end, only Chiang Kai-shek fled from Shanghai to Guangzhou and boarded the Zhongshan."

"Sun Yat-sen once had generals with great military talent whom he trusted very much, such as Huang Xing and Cai E. These generals followed Sun Yat-sen in his fight against the Qing Dynasty during the Tongmenghui period, but both of them died early."

"But there was a general who joined the Tongmenghui very early on and participated in the Xinhai Revolution. When Cai E led five brigades to fight against Yuan Shikai and protect the nation, he was the commander of one of them. Do you think such a general would have earned Sun Yat-sen's trust?"

"In 1921, tired of the warlords' infighting, this general decided to retire and study Marxism. In 1922, he approached Chen Duxiu and asked to join the Party, but Chen Duxiu rejected his application on the grounds that he was an old warlord. He later went to study in Germany and is still abroad."

"If Chiang Kai-shek had resigned, and this general, Zhu De, had joined the Party and was still in China, who would have been the new president of the Whampoa Military Academy?"

Yun Daiying: "I seem to have heard of Zhu De as well. He joined the Party in Berlin... If he had stayed in China, what would have happened? That's an interesting guess."

Chen Tianheng: "If he was in China and held a high-ranking position in the Party's military department, then Chiang Kai-shek could really leave if he resigned."

Jiang Xianyun: "Instructor Yun, speaking of military departments, the Chinese Communist Party has not yet established a military committee or anything similar. Did the Communist International issue a directive that 'the Chinese Communist Party is not allowed to establish military institutions'?"

Yun Daiying: "There was no instruction saying 'not allowed,' but there was no instruction saying 'you are hereby instructed to establish a military committee.'"

Chen Tianheng spread his hands and said, "See, this is the inconvenience caused by being a subordinate organization of the Chinese branch of the Communist International. What a pity."

Yun Daiying suddenly understood something. He looked at Chen Tianheng, then at Jiang Xianyun and Chen Geng. He looked from Chen Tianheng, the leftmost of the three, to the rightmost, and then from right to left.

"Chen Tianheng, are you going to set up a military organization?"

Chen Tianheng: "I heard that the party organization plans to organize a 'Young Military Officers' Association' among the Whampoa cadets."