Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 369-367 The Temptation of American Capital, The Defense of Nanjing
Whitney, who was listening to her assistant translate Fang Wen's speech, suddenly heard Fang Wen next to her ask her to cooperate.

Although he didn't quite understand the purpose of this, he did as instructed.

The American said, "This is my first time in China, and I know nothing about this war."

The students in the library hope that friends all over the world will know about the current situation in China.

A student from Nanjing University spoke to Whitney in English.

"Dear Mr. Whitney, I am a student at Nanjing University. I am very grateful that you are willing to view our country with an objective attitude. I want to tell you that although our country is currently experiencing unprecedented difficulties, please believe in the strength of the Chinese nation. In our history of civilization, we have never easily surrendered. I am not clear about the war in the north, but here, the war is ongoing. We will not give up, the soldiers and officers defending the city will not give up, and the people of Nanjing will not give up."

The impassioned words resonated deeply with the students, who nodded in agreement, some even weeping softly.

Immediately afterwards, another student spoke up, inviting Whitney to the anti-Japanese war propaganda room inside the library.

There are displayed materials that were previously used to spread propaganda to the public in Nanjing, many of which describe the atrocities committed by the Japanese army against civilians during the invasion.

The Whitneys, who couldn't read Chinese, sometimes had their assistant translate for them as they listened to the students' presentations.

Those atrocities shocked Whitney and her colleagues.

Alison Grace Whitney couldn't bear to watch any longer, covered her mouth with a handkerchief, and ran out of the publicity room.

Watching his wife's retreating figure, Whitney remarked, "Please forgive my wife's reaction. We've seen some reports about this war in America, which are completely different from what we've learned here. Obviously, they've embellished and covered up the news reports; the real Japanese army was far too barbaric."

The students were delighted to see that their presentations had helped foreign friends understand the truth.

Fang Wen, who had remained silent until now, finally shared his insights.

“I’ve helped evacuate teachers and students from Tsinghua University and Peking University in Beiping, all of whom left on planes operated by our company. They were just as patriotic as you are, and they stayed until the very end. Actually, I think the best way for you university students to serve your country is not on the front lines, but to take evacuation planes to the interior. I can help you contact the Southwest Associated University to continue your studies.”

"What's the point of studying now? We might as well pick up a gun and fight the invaders," one student said indignantly.

"How could it be useless? We need a large number of talents to manufacture and develop weapons, and to produce airplanes and artillery. My company's seaplanes, as well as the fighter jets, gunboats, and tanks of the Taishan Independent Regiment, were all manufactured by young students like you. If you are willing to leave, I can entrust the Southwest Associated University to train a group of mechanics, engineers, draftsmen, and scientific researchers. After completing their studies, they can join the Taishan Military Industry and produce powerful weapons and equipment to fight against the Japanese."

Fang Wen extended an olive branch, intending to take these students stranded in Nanjing with him and make them part of his military industry development plan.

The students are still hesitant about this.

They didn't understand anything Fang Wen was saying.

It seems we need to give them some concrete proof.

For example, witnessing firsthand the power of the military equipment of the Taishan Independent Regiment.

Fang Wen changed the subject and asked, "The air force of the Taishan Independent Regiment will apply to operate in Nanjing. Who is interested in joining the air observation group? There are 10 candidates who can go on sorties with the planes and learn about our combat process."

Upon hearing this, the students were overjoyed and eagerly requested to participate.

Fang Wen asked them to select 10 people to come and pick them up the next day. After saying that, he took Whitney back with him.

On the way, Whitney asked, "Fang, have you been wanting to hire these college students for a while now?"

“Yes.” Fang Wen said bluntly, “My plan requires a large number of intellectuals to establish a foundation for military scientific research. In addition to recruiting talent domestically, we also need to recruit a large number of experts from abroad. Whitney, if you intend to invest in me, you will have to prepare a batch of technology and talent for me.”

"What kind of talent?" Whitney asked.

"Pratt & Whitney's engines, alloy technology, smelting technology, mechanical parts processing and forging technology, and related equipment," Fang Wen demanded outright.

These demands were somewhat outrageous, but Whitney didn't refuse outright. Instead, she asked, "What would we get in return if we gave them to you?"

What can we give them in return?

Fang Wen couldn't help but start thinking.

In the future, what will attract a large amount of foreign investment in China's reform and opening up?

Suddenly, he had an idea.

"Whitney, how much do American workers earn?"

"The average steelworker earns 62.5 cents an hour, a rubber worker earns 76 cents an hour, and an average auto assembly worker earns 93 cents an hour. That's all I know."

"We use a daily wage system here. As far as I know, before the war, the daily wage of factory workers in Shanghai was generally less than 1 franc. 1 US dollar was exchanged for 3.42 francs, so the daily wage was less than 30 cents."

One is a daily wage, and the other is an hourly wage.

Chinese workers earn less than a third of the hourly wage of American workers.

The huge gap between the two represents low cost and high profit.

Whitney, who came from a capitalist family, certainly understood this, but achieving it was not so easy.

He asked, “Our workers are all skilled and experienced, capable of generating consistent profits over the long term. The low wages you mentioned don’t represent everything. Can you provide the same workers? As far as I know, we tried it in the Philippines, but it failed. Labor costs there are also very low.”

"I haven't finished yet. Now let me tell you about the situation at my factories in Yangon and other bases in the country. Although their wages are much higher, they still can't compare to those of American workers. But they are already skilled at manufacturing seaplanes, cannons, and tanks. These technicians and workers were all trained by me. They have a strong learning ability and can quickly master skills. Once these are popularized and expanded, we can transfer American manufacturing industries here. Just imagine what that would mean?"

Fang Wen's allure made Whitney think about something that American capital had not yet considered.

American workers have always been known for their low prices and high quality, which is why the United States is now known as the world's factory.

But if what Fang Wen said can be realized, it means that a lower-cost, higher-profit alternative has emerged.

Capital is profit-driven, and Whitney knew all too well how much would change once the capital consortium behind her became aware of this situation.

He smiled and said, "Fang, this is just your conjecture. I don't believe there are that many low-cost, high-quality cheap workers."

As Fang Wen drove the car, he casually offered the bait: "It will happen. How about we make a bet?"

"How to bet?"

“You can invest in a small factory first. You can decide what industry it is. If it starts production within the agreed time, it means I have the capability. Then you have to provide me with the technology, equipment and talent I need.”

"Sure, if you can do it, I think your request will be fulfilled soon. But I need to send a telegram to the US about this; I can't give you an immediate answer. Right now, I'm more concerned about your air combat. Can I participate?"

Fang Wen laughed and said, "If you're brave enough, you can."

The betting agreement between Fang Wen and Whitney will take some time to materialize.

But assistance in Nanjing's air defense has already begun.

After dropping Whitney and the others off at the seaport to rest, Fang Wen drove to Dajiaochang Airport.

There, Captain Gao gave them a warm welcome.

"Commander Fang, thank you for your support that day. If you hadn't arrived in time, those Il-16s would probably have been destroyed."

“We’re all comrades in the War of Resistance against Japan, it’s only right,” Fang Wen replied with a smile. “I’ve come to request support for Nanjing’s air defense.”

Captain Gao asked in surprise, "I'd be more than happy to have you come and provide support. What are your requirements?"

Of course, there were requirements. Fang Wen and Captain Gao discussed the details of the support mission. Five gunboats flew in from Fuping and would serve as a temporary base at Nanjing Seaplane Airport.

Two fighter jets from Xi'an, along with four fighter jets from Ming Palace Airport, all landed at Fuyang Civil Airport.

During operations, Fang Wen would take unified command.

In addition, Fang Wen made another request.

"Could we contact a ground combat unit to coordinate operations?"

Captain Gao said with difficulty, "Using your air-ground combined mechanized warfare approach is not easy. Wait for me to come down."

He picked up the phone and reported directly to his superiors.

After finishing the call, Captain Gao replied, "This is the first time we've seen air force and ground forces cooperating in this kind of operation, and the higher-ups don't know how to arrange it either. They told me to wait."

Then let's wait. Anyway, Fang Wen has already made arrangements, and the plane is flying towards the designated area.

An hour passed, and Fang Wen, unable to sit still in Captain Gao's office, went out again to wander around the airport.

At this time, there were not as many military aircraft parked at the airport as before.

Fang Wen understood that as the Japanese army approached, most of the military aircraft had already withdrawn to the interior, and those that would come to fight in the Nanjing airspace later would mostly fly in from Zhoujiakou.

Moreover, with continuous battle losses, the fighters of several air squadrons have been greatly depleted, and they are becoming increasingly powerless against the Japanese naval air force, which has aircraft manufacturing capabilities to replenish its forces.

This is the consumption of resources during wartime; the Nationalist Air Force, lacking the ability to generate its own revenue, has already declined.

Fang Wen lamented that he had personally witnessed the decline of China's air power in the early stages of the War of Resistance against Japan.

Just then, an officer jogged over from the office building.

"Commander Fang, Commander Gao wants you to come over; there's news."

Fang Wen immediately led Gong Xiuneng back.

Upon arriving at the office, Captain Gao said helplessly, "I'm sorry, Commander Fang, Commander Tang said that the troops at each defensive position are currently stretched thin, and we can't spare a single unit to cooperate with your unit in combat."

No?
Fang Wen sighed inwardly, it seemed there was no chance to make a difference. Without the cooperation of ground troops, the effectiveness of the air combat support for Nanjing would be greatly reduced.

Seeing Fang Wen's disappointed expression, Captain Gao felt sorry for him, but was powerless to help.

"That's settled then, I'll be going now." Fang Wen said goodbye and left.

"I'll take you." Just as Captain Gao stood up, the phone on the table rang.

He picked up the microphone and was immediately overjoyed.

"Commander Fang, we have good news. We're heading to Guanghua Gate. The 83rd Army of the Guangdong Army has just arrived there. Originally, we planned to have a portion of it set up fortifications inside Guanghua Gate in preparation for street fighting. But that's too early. It would be better to have this unit cooperate with you in combat."

"Really? Then let's go over there."

Fang Wen and Captain Gao immediately got into the car and headed off.

Guanghua Gate is located north of Dajiaochang and is within the city limits.

Building fortifications in such a place is optional, since if the Japanese army could reach Guanghua Gate, it would mean that the defenses outside Nanjing had been lost.

It could be considered the final battle.

Even so, Fang Wen was still looking forward to it, after all, having a unit to cooperate with in combat was already quite good.

Twenty minutes later, two military vehicles crossed the Qinhuai River via Zhonghe Bridge and arrived at the Guanghuamen area.

The street behind Guanghua Gate is Yudao Street, where a large group of soldiers are setting up defenses.

However, due to a lack of timber, wire, and nails, their progress was not smooth, and very little of the construction work on the street was completed.

Some soldiers simply used materials from the houses on both sides of the street, since many civilians had already left Nanjing due to Fang Wen's vigorous propaganda, and those houses were empty.

Fang Wen and Captain Gao's car stopped at the street corner, and the two got out of the car.

Captain Gao said in a low voice, "This is the defense zone of the 156th Division of the 83rd Army. The 83rd Army has two divisions in total, the 154th and the 156th. The 154th has been transferred to Shuiximen and placed under the command of the 72nd Army. This is the division that can cooperate with you in the operation."

Fang Wen nodded and asked a passing officer, "Where is your division commander?"

"The division commander is ahead. Which unit are you from?" the officer asked.

"Air Force Command," Captain Gao responded.

Upon hearing that they were from the Air Force, the officer's attitude immediately improved, and he led the two to a temporary division headquarters in a civilian house on the right side of the street.

Upon entering, the officer reported, "Commander, they are from the Air Force Command."

There were several officers in the room, one of whom led the way.

"Who is Commander Fang?"

Fang Wen smiled and said, "That's me."

"I've heard so much about you. My surname is Li, and I'm the commander of the 156th Division."

After a brief introduction, the two sides got straight to the point.

Commander Li of the 156th Division asked, "The higher-ups have ordered our division to cooperate with your air force in combat. I've fought my whole life, but I've never cooperated with the air force before. What do you suggest we do?"

“We’ll establish real-time communication through the equipment. The equipment will be delivered this afternoon, but it’s a bit heavy. Do you have a truck?” Fang Wen asked.

"We have a truck, it's used to transport ammunition, is that okay?"

Commander Li went outside and pointed to a truck parked at the corner.

Although it's not big, it's still usable for storing communication equipment.

Fang Wen and Commander Li then continued their conversation.

"Tomorrow, my troops will conduct aerial reconnaissance first, and then determine the battle plan based on the real-time military situation. Your unit needs to cooperate with the operation, proceed according to my command, and launch the attack."

Division Commander Li was shocked: "You want to launch a preemptive attack on the Japanese army?"

"Yes, do you dare?" Fang Wen challenged.

Soldiers value courage above all else, and Commander Li replied without hesitation: "What is there to be afraid of when it comes to fighting? What I'm worried about is that you won't be able to command well and will harm my brothers."

This time, without Fang Wen's explanation, Captain Gao answered on his behalf: "Commander Fang's tactics are original. They were used in Taiyuan in the north and won a great victory. He can understand the enemy's situation from the air and inform you of the situation in time, and then launch a joint attack from the air and the ground."

"Is that so?" Commander Li was skeptical, waiting to see the results in actual combat.

(End of this chapter)