Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Subtitle: Damn it, Liu Jingfu is a real pig!

Chang Ruiyuan was listening to Qian Dajun, director of the Aviation Commission, report on the latest progress in the expansion of the Air Force and pilot training.

Sudden.

The chief attendant, Zhu Peiji, walked in and whispered something in his ear.

"Oh?"

Chang Ruiyuan's face showed obvious surprise: "What is Jing Fu doing here?"

Regarding Liu Zhi.

Chang Ruiyuan's feelings were extremely complicated.

This man, despite suffering repeated defeats in the war against Japan, was jokingly referred to by outsiders as the "Long-Legged General" and the "Pig General".

But his loyalty to himself is beyond question.

For this very reason, Liu Zhi should have been executed as a warning to others in the shocking air-raid shelter incident in Chongqing last year.

Chang Ruiyuan, still mindful of their past relationship, simply left him idle and spared his life.

"Let him in."

He wanted to see what this "lucky general" was like, who had been complaining ever since he was dismissed.

What are they up to today?

Soon, the obese Liu Zhi was brought in.

The smile that used to grace his face was gone, replaced by a fear and dread that bordered on despair.

As soon as he entered, he didn't even bother to greet Qian Dajun, who was sitting to the side with an equally surprised expression.

With a "thump," he knelt down in front of Chang Ruiyuan, his slightly obese body causing the teak floor to tremble.

"Chiang Kai-shek!"

Liu Zhi's voice was choked with sobs: "This humble servant has failed your trust! This humble servant is guilty! Please punish me, Lord Jiang!"

This unexpected act of "bearing thorns to apologize"

Everyone present was stunned.

Even Chang Ruiyuan was completely baffled.

He knew that there had always been many rumors about Liu Zhi.

Greedy, lustful, and nepotistic.

Even his own wife, Soong Mei-ling, had an extremely poor impression of this guy.

If it weren't for the fact that he was relatively "loyal,"

He would never use someone like Liu Zhi.

But he really couldn't figure it out.

What's gotten into this guy today?

"Get up and talk."

Chang Ruiyuan frowned, his tone seemingly devoid of any emotion: "What mistake have you made this time?"

Liu Zhi dared not get up.

He simply knelt on the ground and, in an almost repentant tone, recounted all his old, trivial matters in detail.

"Lord Chiang, I am deeply guilty of grave sins."

"When I was serving as the Director of New Recruit Training in the First War Zone, I made a mistake and placed some of my cronies in positions of power."

"He also accepted some benefits in some personnel appointments and removals."

"in addition."

Liu Zhi's voice grew softer and softer: "During my tenure as the Chongqing Garrison Commander, in order to improve the lives of the officers and soldiers..."

I, your humble servant, falsely reported some personnel numbers when forming the air defense force.

Some officers and soldiers from the garrison command were also included, and they received extra military pay for no reason.

His confession was indeed "minor and evasive," but he was basically "frank."

However, everyone present was shrewd and capable of discerning the trickery involved.

The so-called "planting of cronies" is clearly nothing but selling official positions!

What "accepting benefits" is clearly corruption and bribery!

What "improving living standards"? It's clearly just drawing a salary without working!
After listening to his "confession," Chang Ruiyuan simply asked calmly, "Is there anything else?"

Liu Zhi shook his head: "Lord Jiang, I feel deeply guilty and dare not conceal anything."

"The North China Inspectorate has come to your attention?"

Liu Zhi nodded tremblingly: "Yes."

Chang Ruiyuan's face, which had remained calm until then, suddenly darkened like the sky before a storm.

He suddenly stood up from his chair!

The nanmu cane in his hand, a symbol of supreme power, drew a sharp arc in the air!

Then he slapped Liu Zhi hard across his fat face!

"Snapped!"

Liu Zhi's obese body was so badly hit that he staggered and almost fell to the ground.

A bright red streak of blood instantly flowed down from the corner of his mouth.

"You bastard! You piece of trash!"

Chang Ruiyuan's chest heaved violently.

He pointed at Liu Zhi, who was kneeling on the ground, and cursed loudly, his voice sounding like a roar.

"Everyone outside says that you, Liu Zhi, are incompetent in foreign wars but expert in domestic ones; you're a fat, big-eared pig general!!"

"I think they're all wrong!"

Chang Ruiyuan pointed his cane at Liu Zhi's nose, each word sounding as if it were being squeezed out from between his teeth.

"Damn it, Liu Jingfu is a real pig!"

"Stupid as a pig, and greedy as a pig!"

"With the nation in peril, our soldiers are shedding blood and sacrificing their lives on the front lines! And you, on the other hand, are selling official positions and enriching yourself!"

"Millions of soldiers and civilians in the mountain city are living in constant fear due to enemy bombing!"

"You were previously the garrison commander, yet you dared to embezzle even the air defense force's pay!"

"Whom have you done right?"

"How can you face the civilians who died tragically in the bombing? How can you betray the trust I placed in you!"

Chang Ruiyuan grew angrier with each curse, and his cane rained down on Liu Zhi's pig-like head.

Liu Zhi dared not dodge, nor did he dare to retaliate.

They didn't even dare to cover their heads.

He knelt on the ground, letting out screams like a pig being slaughtered.

Qian Dajun and Zhu Peiji, who were standing to the side, were already ashen-faced and silent as cicadas in winter.

At least neither of them had ever seen Chang Ruiyuan act so ruthlessly towards anyone other than his own nephews and nieces.

a long time.

Chang Ruiyuan, panting heavily, seemed to be exhausted from beating him. He slammed his cane down heavily, pointed at the door, and roared at the guards, "Take him to the hospital, get him treated, and then lock him up!"

"No one is allowed to see him without my order!"

"Yes!"

Two guards immediately stepped forward and dragged Liu Zhi, whose face was already covered in blood, away like a dead dog.

The office fell silent once again.

Chang Ruiyuan sat back down in his chair, exhausted.

At this moment, he felt a mix of emotions.

He was angry at Liu Zhi's corruption, but also pleased with the efficiency of the Inspectorate.

However, he also developed a slight sense of unease about the North China Inspectorate.

No matter what, Liu Zhi was Chang Ruiyuan's protégé.

If Chu Yunfei investigates even his own people like this, how many people will be implicated?

Chang Ruiyuan leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

Qian Dajun, who was standing to the side, then spoke up: "Chairman, Brother Jingfu is, after all, a second-level general of our National Revolutionary Army. If the Japanese find out about this, they will definitely spread it widely, which will be very detrimental to our overall anti-Japanese situation."

Zhu Peiji then added, "Besides, Commander Liu has already taken the initiative to apologize with a bundle of thorns on his back. As the saying goes, 'To err is human, to forgive divine.'"

Chang Ruiyuan slammed his cane directly onto Zhu Peiji's shoulder: "Damn it, Peiji, tell me Liu Jingfu can admit his mistakes and correct them?"

"Chairman..." Zhu Peiji lowered his head, not daring to reply.

"Let me tell you, Liu Jingfu doesn't know he's wrong; he knows he's going to die, which is why he came to beg me to save his life!"

Zhu Peiji didn't say much, he just shrugged and shrank back.

Chang Ruiyuan took a deep breath: "Get down."

"Yes, Chairman."

Qian Dajun tactfully got up and took his leave.

Chang Ruiyuan's anger did not subside after the two left, and he smashed the vase in the office to pieces.
-

Sun Tongxuan Command Post.

Chu Yunfei's car stopped for the second time at the entrance of this somewhat rudimentary campsite.

However, he was still greeted by Sun Tongxuan's trusted adjutant and a perfunctory statement full of "apology".

"Chief Advisor Chu, it's really unfortunate, our Commander Sun just happened to be inspecting the defenses at the front lines..."

Chu Yunfei looked at the other party's "sincere" expression, and knew exactly what was going on.

He knew perfectly well that Sun Tongxuan was avoiding him. This veteran, who had fought his way up from the treacherous waters of the Northwest Army, was filled with inner conflict and struggle.

On the one hand, he was grateful to Chu Yunfei for his support and important role in this battle against them, these "miscellaneous troops." On the other hand, he had a natural and deep-seated fear of being drawn into the complex factional struggles within the National Revolutionary Army.

His former superior, Han Fuqu, met a tragic end by being executed because he chose the wrong side in politics.

PS: From Sun Tongxuan's perspective, Han Fuqu died because of the Xi'an Incident; otherwise, he would have only been placed under house arrest.

This bloody lesson served as a lifelong warning to him.

Moreover, his 12th Army was composed of a complex group of officers and soldiers, many of whom had close ties with the Communist Party.

He couldn't figure out the true political attitude of Yunfei, the young chief advisor who seemed to have a "good relationship" with Yan'an but was actually a confidant of the Chairman.

So he chose the safest and most "secure" way: to hide.

Chu Yunfei neither exposed the matter nor made things difficult for the adjutant. He simply left the gifts he had brought and then turned and left in his car.

In the car, Zhao Pengcheng asked, puzzled, "Sir, we haven't seen him the second time we've come. Is he avoiding us?"

"Ah."

Chu Yunfei nodded slightly and continued, "According to the information Mao Renfeng gave us before, in addition to the director of the confidential office being suspected of being a member of the Communist Party, there are also many military reporters in Sun Tongxuan's troops who are also members of the Communist Party. These people use their identity as reporters as a cover, thinking themselves very clever, but little do they know that their every move is under the surveillance of the Military Intelligence Bureau."

"These Military Intelligence Bureau agents are incredibly perceptive, they not only steal the work from the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, but they actually managed to uncover some things."

"Yue Zhuyuan (the head of the Military Intelligence Bureau of the First War Zone) informed me about this matter six months ago, but I haven't had time to deal with it until now."

"Then what about us?" Zhao Pengcheng asked, seizing the opportunity.

Chu Yunfei stroked his chin and then slowly said, "Actually, I don't understand Sun Tongxuan's true intentions either, so I plan to talk to him before considering anything else."

……

As Chu Yunfei's convoy disappeared into the dust in the distance.

Sun Tongxuan emerged from the inner tent of the command post, his face filled with complex emotions and inner turmoil.

"General Sun."

The trusted adjutant looked at him and finally couldn't help but advise, "It's not a good idea for you to keep hiding like this. Chief Advisor Chu has come a second time now."

As the saying goes, things shouldn't happen more than three times. What if he really comes a third time and still can't see you?

If we anger him, our lives will probably become very difficult.

Upon hearing this, Sun Tongxuan let out a long sigh.

How could he not know this principle?
He is not Zhuge Liang, and Chu Yunfei is not Liu Bei.

If Chu Yunfei is really willing to stage a "three visits to the thatched cottage" drama in order to win him over, then how should Sun Tongxuan put himself in a position?
"If Chu Yunfei can truly be respectful and courteous to scholars, and visit them three times to seek their counsel, what's wrong with entrusting my life to him?"

Even so.

Sun Tongxuan was so preoccupied with this question that he tossed and turned, unable to sleep at night.

……

Within a few days.

While Sun Tongxuan was still struggling with how to make a decision...

Chu Yunfei really came for the third time.

This time, he didn't come alone.

He was accompanied by two people whom Sun Tongxuan could no longer "avoid".

That was Comrade Liu Hongwen from the Luoyang office, whom the CCP had dealt with before.

And Zhong Zhicheng, the working representative sent by Yan'an whom he had met not long ago.

Zhong Zhicheng was an old acquaintance of Chu Yunfei. Since 37, they had dealt with each other more than ten times.

As for Liu Hongwen, he was an old acquaintance of Sun Tongxuan.

Back then, the Luoyang office dealt with Sun Tongxuan in order to raise money for winter clothing for the Sixth Detachment of the New Fourth Army.

Sun Tongxuan donated a full five thousand yuan.

Although the two sides held different positions, they established a subtle trust based on their shared goal of resisting Japan during that contact.

not to mention.

Before the outbreak of the War of Resistance against Japan, Sun Tongxuan had a subtle connection with the Communists.

Chu Yunfei was also aware of this.

After all, the number of KMT generals who were buried in the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery was not large.

When Sun Tongxuan learned from his adjutant that the three people had come together.

He knew he had no more reason to run away.

Chu Yunfei has laid all his cards on the table, clearly sending himself a signal: I know your concerns, and I know where you are.

When Sun Tongxuan walked out of the command post, he took the initiative to greet Chu Yunfei for the first time.

What he saw was a young, composed face with a genuine smile.

It was as if the previous two instances of "avoiding each other" had never happened.

"Commander-in-Chief Sun."

Chu Yunfei was the first to extend his hand: "Yunfei, it can be said that I have finally met you after visiting you three times."

A half-joking remark instantly eased the slightly awkward atmosphere.

After Sun Tongxuan saluted, he stepped forward and grasped the strong hand.

A bittersweet smile appeared on his face: "Commander Chu, you flatter me."

No excessive pleasantries.

The four of them walked together into the simple command tent.

A secret meeting concerning the future direction of the relationship between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party in North China, and even the entire area under Sun Tongxuan's command, was thus launched.

Chu Yunfei had already prepared the content of the conversation in his mind.

He was open and honest, without any concealment or probing.

First, Chu Yunfei affirmed the achievements of Sun Tongxuan's troops in the War of Resistance against Japan.

Then, it also bluntly pointed out the many problems that currently exist, such as lax military discipline, outdated equipment, and numerous factions.

Finally, Chu Yunfei revealed the reorganization plan that had been tailored specifically for them.

"Commander Sun."

Chu Yunfei looked at him and said sincerely, "Given the current situation of your army, and in order to preserve this fighting force to the greatest extent possible."

"I suggest that your army fully accept the reorganization plan for 'Type B combat units'."

"Reduce the proportion of heavy weapons and enhance the firepower and mobility of light weapons."

"Then."

He paused, then revealed the most crucial arrangement: "To protect you, and also to provide the brothers with a stable training environment."

The North China Joint Command will transfer your troops to the comprehensive training center in northwestern Shanxi for a six-month closed-door reorganization and training program.

"In the meantime."

A resolute determination flashed in Chu Yunfei's eyes: "We will provide your army with a comprehensive equipment upgrade and unified logistical support. Furthermore, our North China Joint Command will advance the payment to settle all the military pay previously owed to your army by the Ministry of Military Affairs, totaling RMB 486,700."

The mountain city kept delaying and refusing to give up, while Chu Yunfei gave it to them as soon as he said he would!

Looking at the young man before him, with his clear and determined eyes, Sun Tongxuan knew he had no reason to refuse.

What the North China side gave him was not just money and equipment, but also respect and hope.

Sun Tongxuan stood up abruptly and once again gave Chu Yunfei a solemn, standard military salute: "Chief Advisor Chu!"

His voice carried an barely suppressed excitement: "From now on, our 12th Army will be at your service without any disloyalty, dedicating all our strength to the motherland, the nation, and the people, and fulfilling our due responsibilities!"

……

The 12th Army's troop rotation work.

As expected, it went very smoothly.

When the 480,000 yuan of national currency was distributed to every officer and soldier.

The entire military camp was in an uproar.

The soldiers' morale was at its peak, and they showed no resistance whatsoever to the order to go to northwestern Shanxi for reorganization and training.

Instead, they were filled with anticipation.

Two days later, Chu Yunfei returned to the Changzhi Joint Command Post.

Cao Potian's secret report weighed heavily on his mind.

The content contains only one piece of bad news.

After meeting with Chang Ruiyuan, Liu Zhi disappeared!
Just as the Inspectorate had secured all the evidence of his corruption, with witnesses and physical evidence in hand, and was preparing to officially close in on him.

This "lucky general" vanished from the mountain town as if he had evaporated into thin air.

It seemed that no one knew where he had gone.

The Kuomintang's Military Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics turned the entire mountain city upside down.

But they couldn't find even a single hair of his.

Liu Zhi's wife didn't know where he had gone either, and she seemed even more anxious than they were.

Chu Yunfei frowned deeply as he looked at the telegram.

Zhang Dayun, who was standing nearby, asked in a low voice, "Could it be that they've absconded?"

"Someone of his rank couldn't possibly do something like this. Where could he possibly run to? Could he possibly become a traitor to the Wang Jingwei regime?"

Chu Yunfei remarked with a sigh, "There's probably a mastermind behind this."

"You mean, the Chairman has taken action?"

Or rather, it's a form of protection.

It's incredible that Liu Zhi could disappear into thin air right under the noses of both the Military Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, without any clues being found.

The entire mountain town.

Who else but Chang Ruiyuan could do that? (End of Chapter)