Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

At the same time, in the reception room of the Ma Mansion in the East District of Beilong City, Xiazhou Governor Ma Changfang, Huzhou Governor Qu Guowei, Quzhou Governor An Chengjie, Lizhou Governor Qian Haodong, Hanzhou Governor Wang Jin and others gathered together. The room was filled with smoke and exquisite porcelain teacups were placed on the tea table. Judging from the number of cigarette butts in the ashtray, it was obvious that they had just gathered together not long ago.

"I wonder what Councillor Ma wants us to do by inviting us here all of a sudden?"

Qian Haodong slowly put out the cigarette in his hand and looked at Ma Changfang calmly.

Ma Changfang smiled and said, "I, Old Ma, invite all of you old friends here. What else can it be? It's nothing more than drinking tea, chatting, and improving our relationship."

An Chengjie looked at Ma Changfang meaningfully and said, "Member Ma, please feel free to speak up. The Congress meeting is about to begin. If there is nothing important to discuss, I will take my leave first."

Ma Changfang grinned: "Governor An is really impatient, so I won't hide anything and will speak frankly."

"Everyone here should know that the general reason for the convening of this congressional meeting is nothing more than that Zhang Chengxiang and other rebels were wiped out by the central government, and a large area of ​​our northern border province was seized. It is time to reshuffle and divide the interests."

"Su Zhengyang played a huge role in the Northern Frontier civil strife this time. He almost single-handedly reversed the situation in the entire Northern Frontier. This is beyond doubt. However, he has already occupied the three northwestern provinces of Gansu, Linyi, and Yongli. If he were to take over other territories, he would be the only one in power. In addition, everyone should be aware of the strength of the Northwest Revolutionary Army. If Su Zhengyang continues to develop like this, we will have to act according to other people's wishes in the future."

As soon as Ma Changfang finished speaking, Qu Guowei, who had always stood by Ma Changfang and followed Ma Changfang's lead, slammed the table and said with dissatisfaction: "No matter how powerful Su Zhengyang is, he is just a kid in his early twenties. He is too aggressive and doesn't know how to restrain himself. If he didn't have the support of the Peace Company behind him, how could he be on an equal footing with us? He even became the youngest member of Congress?"

"Su Zhengyang is now President Yang's son-in-law. President Yang is determined to support him with all his might. I believe everyone knows the hidden meaning of this. When President Yang abdicates, if Su Zhengyang takes over, with his fearless personality, will everyone here have a good life?"

Ma Changfang's eyes intentionally or unintentionally swept across the faces of the governors of the major provinces present, taking in the subtle changes in their expressions one by one, revealing a smile mixed with a bit of cunning.

After An Chengjie pondered for a moment, he was the first to speak: "What do Councillor Ma and Governor Qu mean?"

Ma Changfang went straight to the point and said solemnly, "We should unite together to prevent the Northwest Revolutionary Army from further expanding its territory, and at the same time strive for the benefits we deserve. I'm going to say something you don't like to hear, but except for Mr. Wang, everyone else here only stepped forward to add icing on the cake at the last moment when the situation became clear. I'm afraid the real benefits will never fall on us."

"During this civil war, we dispatched a large number of troops to help the Northwest Revolutionary Army and inflict heavy damage on the Western Route Army of the Northern Expedition. The sound of the cannons cost us a lot of gold. How much did we pay for this? If we can't get any benefits at all, are we going to starve to death?"

Qian Haodong nodded and said, "That's true, but Su Zhengyang is in high spirits now, and President Yang is backing him up. If we come out and say something against him, he might turn against us. If we really end up fighting, who here dares to say they are a match for the Northwest Revolutionary Army?"

Ma Changfang seemed to have anticipated Qian Haodong's words, and slowly said, "I got a message. After the Kwantung Army suffered a defeat and heavy losses in the Northeast Front, the Fuso mainland has once again mobilized 12 army divisions, a total of 300,000 troops to the Northeast to guard against further actions of the Northwest Revolutionary Army. The Southern Government is also likely to take advantage of this great opportunity to launch another Northern Expedition. Do you think that under such huge pressure and severe situation, Su Zhengyang dares to take a tough attitude and risk provoking another war to turn against us?"

"According to the intelligence information I have collected, the most elite First Army of the Northwest Revolutionary Army under Su Zhengyang is now in the Northeast and cannot be withdrawn. The Second Army is temporarily guarding the three provinces of Zhili and cannot go east easily. The only ones that can be mobilized are the Third Army in Hanzhou and the Fourth Army that is defending their old nest. Although the combat effectiveness of the Third Army is also very strong, it is still somewhat behind the First and Second Armies. As for the Fourth Army under Su Zhengyang, they are all new recruits who have never been on the battlefield. Even if they have a huge advantage in equipment and munitions, they are not a big threat."

"As long as we unite together, we can mobilize more than 600,000 troops in the northwest of China at any time, and Su Zhengyang will be wary."

"According to incomplete statistics, this Northern Frontier civil war has dealt a heavy blow to the three provinces of Zhili, Mingzhou, Dongzhou and other provinces. The total number of casualties exceeded 250,000, and the initial estimated losses of damaged houses, cities, buildings, etc. exceeded more than 10 billion oceans. Now that the war is over, everything needs to be rebuilt. There is the fierce tiger Fusang in front and the jackal Huang Guangtai behind. If Su Zhengyang dares to start a civil war again at this time and risk the world's condemnation, he will be the sinner of the entire Northern Frontier and the entire China!"

"With internal and external troubles, both President Yang and other high-ranking officials of the Northern Frontier government want stability and breathing space. So as long as we unite together, President Yang and Su Zhengyang will most likely make concessions."

"At tomorrow's congressional meeting, as long as we take a tougher stance, even Su Zhengyang won't dare to push his luck!"

Ma Changfang's words were well-reasoned and accurately analyzed the current situation, causing the governors of the provinces present to fall into deep thought.

After a while, An Chengjie looked at Ma Changfang with deep eyes and said, "I wonder how Councillor Ma got the news that the 12 divisions of Fuso mainland troops were supporting the Kwantung Army?"

Ma Changfang showed an unfathomable smile and slowly said, "Of course I have my own way, but this news is 90% certain and there will be no mistakes."

"Okay, since Councillor Ma has already thought it through and analyzed the current situation so thoroughly, then for our common interests, I, An Chengjie, am willing to form an alliance with Councillor Ma."

After An Chengjie expressed his position, Qian Haodong, who had always been with him, also expressed his agreement. Only Wang Jin, who was over 70 years old, had a changeable expression and was always hesitant.

After all, he is old and doesn't have such big ambitions. As long as he can keep his own piece of land, he will be satisfied.

Ma Changfang did not force Wang Jin and politely ordered him to leave. However, he warned Wang Jin that if he dared to reveal the details of their discussion, he would become the public enemy of the four families.