Bright Sword: The Flowers of War

Chapter 99 The Relationship Goes Further

Even with decades of military experience, Li Zongren was still taken aback by Su Yaoyang's words.

Today, China relies entirely on imports for artillery with a caliber of 75mm or larger, as it has no way to manufacture them domestically and can only depend on international aid.

By 1938, the total number of artillery pieces with a caliber of 100 mm or larger in the country was only 70-100 (including various old and damaged models), and only about 50 of them were actually ready for combat. This shows the scarcity of large-caliber artillery, which explains why the people of Xuzhou were so excited when they heard that Su Yaoyang had destroyed four 150mm heavy guns and twelve mountain guns of the Japanese army.

To put it simply, even Li Zongren, who was the commander-in-chief of the Fifth War Zone and commanded an army of over 600,000, only had a few artillery pieces at his disposal.

Now, what would Su Yaoyang's reaction be if he suddenly heard that a small security regiment like his own had two companies of heavy artillery?
Suppressing the turbulent emotions in his heart, Li Zongren picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip of tea, and then sighed, "Yaoyang, do you know that I almost forced you to transfer your artillery company to the direct command of the war zone headquarters?"

Instead of panicking, Su Yaoyang chuckled and said, "Sir, don't worry. You don't need to take it by force. As long as you promise to send me a batch of gunners, I can send you twelve guns."

"Clang!"

The teacup in Li Zongren's hand fell to the ground and shattered into pieces instantly.

He couldn't help but exclaim, "You're going to send me two heavy artillery batteries?"

"What are you thinking?" Su Yaoyang couldn't help but roll his eyes at him. "I mean, if you can help me get a batch of gunners, I can give you twelve American-made 105mm cannons, not my two artillery batteries."

"Hahaha...it's all the same...it's all the same..."

Li Zongren was surprised by this unexpected joy and couldn't help but beam with delight.

Despite being the commander of the Fifth War Zone with an army of 500,000 to 600,000 men, he had a pitifully small number of heavy artillery pieces, less than double digits, not to mention shells. He needed approval from his command every time he fired a shot.

It's easy to imagine how much of an impact Su Yaoyang's sudden offer to give him twelve heavy cannons had on him.

But then he suddenly asked, "What about the shells... You can't just give us cannons and not the shells, can you?"

"As for the shells... I can give you... half a load of shells, which is thirty-five rounds per cannon. If you need more shells after that, you'll have to pay for them. We can discuss the price later."

“That’s acceptable, very reasonable.” Li Zongren nodded in approval.

As a bigwig in the Guangxi clique, he certainly has that kind of vision.

It's already a windfall if they can give you more than ten heavy cannons. You can't expect to get the shells for free, can you?
Li Zongren was in high spirits after suddenly acquiring twelve cannons. He waved his hand and said, "In that case... I'll have Yan Mou (Xu Zuyi) allocate three hundred artillerymen to you in the next two days. What do you think?"

"That's wonderful... Thank you so much, sir." Su Yaoyang was overjoyed.

For him, who possesses a matter converter, weapons and ammunition are minor matters; the most important thing is people, those with professional skills.

For example, drivers, artillerymen, armored soldiers, doctors, nurses, and veterans and officers with rich combat experience—these are the people he most desires.

As for the cannons sent to Li Zongren, that was no big deal. It could contribute to the war effort and also win the favor of the bigwig. Why not?

As Zhang Zuolin, the King of Northeast China, once said, the world of martial arts is not just about fighting and killing, but about human relationships and social interactions.

What do a few cannons matter if you can befriend this big shot?

Thus, both sides got what they wanted and were happy. In a friendly and pleasant atmosphere, they agreed to finalize the agreement within three days. After finishing their business, Li Zongren was in high spirits and asked Su Yaoyang with a smile, "Commander Su... I still don't know what your courtesy name is!"

"This..." Su Yaoyang said somewhat embarrassedly, "I wanted to let you know, sir. My father passed away early and didn't have time to give me a courtesy name."

"I see..." Li Zongren smiled. "In that case, if you don't mind, how about I give you a courtesy name?"

"It is my wish, but I dare not ask for it." Su Yaoyang quickly thanked him.

"Yaoyang... It seems that when your father named you, he hoped that you would shine like the sun. I also hope that you will live up to your father's expectations. How about we name you Mingxi, so that you may live as long as heaven and earth and shine as brightly as the sun and moon? What do you think?"

“Mingxi…” Su Yaoyang pondered for a moment, then bowed solemnly to Li Zongren and said earnestly, “Thank you for bestowing this name upon me, sir. I will never forget your teachings!”

Having been in this time and space for some time now, Su Yaoyang has gained some understanding of the customs of this era.

Take, for example, the matter of courtesy names. In ancient China, giving a younger generation a courtesy name (also known as a "zi") was a solemn and culturally rich ceremony, usually performed by family elders, teachers, or highly respected individuals. The courtesy name was not only a symbol of adulthood but also carried expectations for the individual's virtue and aspirations.

Take Li Zongren for example. Since he gave Su Yaoyang a courtesy name and the latter accepted it, it means that the two have developed a personal relationship. It is no longer just a simple superior-subordinate relationship as before, and it means that their relationship has become closer.

As expected, when Li Zongren saw Su Yaoyang bowing to him, his gaze towards him became much more friendly.

He waved his hand: "Mingxi... sit down... orderly... serve tea..."

Soon, a soldier came and brought Su Yaoyang a cup of tea.

Looking at the steaming tea in his hand, Su Yaoyang couldn't help but sigh inwardly. It really makes a difference when the relationship is right; unlike before, when there wasn't even a sip of tea.

He didn't even consider who Li Zongren was.

A first-class general in the army, a bigwig in the Guangxi clique, and the commander-in-chief of a theater commanding more than 600,000 troops.

Let alone a mere security regiment commander like him, even division commanders and army commanders might not be able to get a seat here. The fact that he can sit down and drink tea now is purely because he was given twelve cannons and a courtesy name.

Normally, it would be considered polite of Old Li if people even gave him a second glance.

After taking a couple of sips of tea, Li Zongren suddenly asked, "Mingxi, what's your opinion on the current situation in Xuzhou?"

"How do I see it... I'll just stand here and watch." Su Yaoyang thought to himself. Although he wasn't very good at history, he still knew a little about this famous battle.

He thought for a moment before saying, "The Japanese launched the Battle of Xuzhou for three main purposes:"

First, it would open up the northern and southern battlefields and connect the transportation lines. Second, it would encircle and annihilate the main force of our army and destroy its will to resist. Third, it would pave the way for the attack on Wuhan.

“Not bad…” Li Zongren looked approving, then asked, “In your opinion, how should our army respond?”

Objectively speaking, this is no longer a question that a colonel like Su Yaoyang should be considering, but rather a matter for senior advisors of the Ministry of National Defense. However, Li Zongren still brought it up, seemingly wanting to test this young man who had just been bestowed a courtesy name by him.

(End of this chapter)