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

Ohara Castle, the capital of Yunzhou.

In the Governor's Mansion, Yunzhou Governor Yan Baoguo, wearing a Zhongshan suit that looked quite old, was sitting at the dining table.

There was a plate of fermented bean curd and a plate of blanched vegetables on the table. Yan Baoguo was holding a chipped porcelain bowl filled with half a bowl of white porridge, and was eating it with gusto.

Yan Jiayin, who was sitting opposite Yan Baoguo, complained, "Dad, he is the governor and you are the governor too. Look at what kind of life we ​​live in every day. It has been half a month and I, your son, have not even seen the slightest smell of meat."

Yan Baoguo slammed his chopsticks on the table and snorted, "It's good that I didn't let you eat cornmeal porridge and steamed buns. There are still many people in the whole of China who are starving. Don't give me too much. You don't know how to appreciate the blessings you have. Will you die if you eat less meat? You might as well invest the extra money in the army. Nowadays, the army is the foundation of our Yan family."

Yan Jiayin didn't dare to say anything more and rolled her eyes helplessly. Her father's job as governor was really boring. The leaders of other warlord factions all had delicacies from land and sea and good food every day, but her father was like a weirdo. He was very stingy and didn't want to buy new clothes for five or six years. He also made do with whatever he ate on weekdays and threw all his money into the army.

Apart from anything else, the furnishings in the Governor's Mansion are basically all old and dilapidated furniture, and Yan Baoguo's life overall looks like that of a run-down family.

"I've already inquired about it. I'll send you to study in the United States in a few days. Once you're abroad, stop focusing on your life of luxury and learn some skills. Otherwise, I won't trust you to take over our Yan family's job in the future."

"Dad, which school did you arrange for me?"

"I put a lot of thought into the Kruger Army Officer Training Academy and used countless connections to get you in. You must study hard when you get in, or I'll break your legs."

"Dad, but I want to go to Binzhou Economics College. I have no interest in leading troops in war. Why don't you understand my thoughts?"

Yan Baoguo puffed his beard and glared, "You are my only son. If you don't learn military skills, how can you take over our Yan's army in the future? I can tolerate your nonsense in other matters, but this matter is not negotiable."

Yan Jiayin angrily threw down her chopsticks, turned around and left the table.

"This rebellious son really makes me worry. Look at Su Yuting's son. He is already the leader of a warlord at such a young age, with the rank of Lieutenant General. Why can't I have such a good life as Su Yuting?"

Yan Baoguo drank the porridge in the bowl in two or three gulps and sat on the sofa beside him, sulking.

At this moment, the housekeeper came over in a hurry and said to Yan Baoguo: "Master, someone who claims to be from the Northwest Revolutionary Army Intelligence Organization wants to see you."

A gleam of brilliance flashed in Yan Baoguo's eyes.

"Speak of the devil and he will appear. Please invite him to my office. I want to see what his intentions are."

After a while, Yan Shuangying walked into Yan Baoguo's office under the guidance of the housekeeper.

When I pushed the door open, I saw Yan Baoguo sitting in an office chair. Yan Baoguo was tall but very thin, with an angular face, a goatee, and gold-rimmed glasses.

The first impression he gives is that he does not look like a warlord leader, but rather like a very shrewd businessman.

"Hello, Governor Yan. I am Yan Shuangying, the director of the Northwest Intelligence Bureau under the Northwest Revolutionary Army. I have come to visit you on the orders of our Commander Su."

"No need to be so polite. Please take a seat. I have never had any contact with your Commander Su. As the saying goes, there is no such thing as visiting a temple for no reason. If you have anything to say, just say it openly."

"Governor Yan is a man of few words, so I will speak frankly."

Yan Shuangying sat relaxedly on the chair, looking directly into Yan Baoguo's eyes.

"We at the Northwest Intelligence Bureau have received news that the Pang family has reached an agreement with Governor Yan in private. If Wang Xiangdong of the 711th Regiment makes any unusual moves while helping their escort troops deliver military aid, your 712th and 713th Regiments will immediately take action against the 711th Regiment. This news should be true, right?"

Yan Baoguo had a calm expression and drank a sip of tea without making any noise.

"I didn't expect that you, the Northwest Revolutionary Army, are so well-informed. I underestimated you before."

There was a hint of surprise in Yan Shuangying's eyes, as if he had not expected Yan Baoguo to admit it so straightforwardly.

"Let me guess your intention. You want to convince me to cooperate with your Northwest Revolutionary Army and that brat Wang Xiangdong from the 711th Regiment to seize this batch of military aid from the Fuso Empire."

"Governor Yan is right. This is the purpose of my trip."

"Now the Fuso Empire is one of the most famous powers in the world, and it is constantly waging wars in Asia. To be honest, we in the Yan Clan do not want to offend the Fuso people."

Yan Shuangying's heart sank. If Yan Baoguo had made up his mind, it would be difficult to achieve his goal this time.

Yan Baoguo suddenly changed the subject: "But I think everything in this world has its corresponding value. As long as there is enough price, everything can be negotiated."

Yan Shuangying hesitated for a moment and then slowly said, "If Governor Yan is willing to cooperate with our operation this time, after we seize this batch of military aid from the Fusang Empire, our Northwest Revolutionary Army will not take a cent and will give it all to Governor Yan."

Yan Baoguo stood up slowly, took a deep look at Yan Shuangying, and said pointedly: "This batch of military aid from the Fuso people is a hot potato. Besides, if I want to take advantage of this batch of military aid, I don't need your Northwest Revolutionary Army at all. With the strength of my Yan faction warlords in Yunzhou, it's just a matter of a word if I want to take it."

"I don't see any sincerity in the price you offer. If this is your condition, I can only regretfully tell you that your Northwest Revolutionary Army cannot change the attitude of my Yan Clan."

Yan Shuangying stared at Yan Baoguo closely and said slowly, "In addition to a large amount of Fuso Empire's weapons and equipment, this batch of military aid also includes 500 million dollars in cash. It's a considerable amount. Governor Yan, aren't you tempted?"

Yan Baoguo shook his head: "The value of this batch of military aid is at least 3,000 million dollars. It would be a lie to say that I am not tempted, but if I have to take the risk of offending the Japanese to do this, I don't think it is necessary."

"Governor Yan, once this batch of military aid falls into the hands of the Guo faction warlords, the Fusang Empire will also get involved in the northwest. As a senior with integrity and patriotism, you will not turn a blind eye to this matter, right?"

Yan Baoguo waved his hands impatiently and said, "Don't talk to me about national justice here. When I used these words to trick people into following me to fight, you were still in your mother's womb. If you want me to help, then you should offer a price and sincerity that will make me excited."

Yan Shuangying frowned slightly and thought to himself, what an old fox.

Yan Baoguo was just as the rumors said, a stingy person who would not give a penny until he got the rabbit.

Moreover, Yan Baoguo knew very well that if he did not agree to participate in this matter, it would be impossible to accomplish it.

Just by relying on this point, he could have a firm grip on the Northwest Revolutionary Army, control the rhythm of the negotiations in his own hands, and take advantage of this opportunity to make huge profits.