The Republic of China: A Letter of Appointment Creates the Most Powerful Warlord

"Hurry! Move quickly! Pack up all the important information and load it onto the truck. Key items like the radio and code book must be packed away securely. Don't leave even the slightest bit of it behind!"

The 8th Division headquarters was in chaos, with everyone busy and hurried.

Seeing the enemy tank troops gradually approaching, many generals became anxious and hurriedly packed up various items, preparing to evacuate the place quickly.

At this moment, the division commander Fan Yongyi's face was as pale as paper, lifeless like a dead person. He sat woodenly in front of the division headquarters gate, staring blankly at the battlefield not far away that was ravaged by artillery fire and filled with smoke and dust. He seemed to have lost his soul and was in a daze.

He joined the army in his teens and went through countless life-and-death battles before he climbed to his current high position with great difficulty.

Once, on countless quiet nights, he dreamed more than once of the heroic scene of himself sacrificing his life heroically for the Feng faction and dying on the battlefield.

However, when this moment really came, he thought that his heart would be overwhelmed by endless panic and deep fear, but surprisingly, when he witnessed the panicked and fleeing soldiers and the horrific corpses lying all over the ground, his heart, which should have been beating violently, was surprisingly calm as water, without even the slightest ripple.

"Commander, the enemy is only ten minutes away from our division headquarters! The situation is extremely critical, we must evacuate here immediately!"

The chief of staff rushed out from the inner room in a panic, trotted to his side, his face full of anxiety, and persuaded him in a rapid and earnest voice.

"General Cao has sent three urgent telegrams in quick succession, strictly demanding that you withdraw from the front lines. Commander, please do not act rashly or impulsively!"

Perhaps worried that he wouldn't believe what he said, the chief of staff hurriedly reached into his arms, carefully took out the wrinkled telegrams, and handed them to him, while lowering his voice, his tone sounding particularly low and listless.

"Look, this is a handwritten order from our superiors, demonstrating how highly they value our 8th Division. The situation is urgent and requires no delay. Please retreat with me immediately. Commander-in-Chief Cao has personally promised that as long as you obey orders and retreat safely, you will not be held responsible."

As the chief of staff spoke, he stared closely at the changes in his expression, his eyes full of worry and expectation.

Having said this, the Chief of Staff suddenly stopped talking, turned his head and looked around, and after confirming that no one was paying attention to them, he reminded them in a low voice.

"General Cao has sent a secret message, repeatedly urging you to return alive. Even if we fail this time, it doesn't matter. We can still go overseas. At worst, we can never set foot in Daxia again in this life. In this way, we can definitely ensure that our lives are safe!"

However, these words did not elicit any reaction from Fan Yongyi, who had remained silent.

He just snorted coldly, and a look of deep disdain instantly appeared on his wrinkled face.

"Think of me, Fan. I was born and raised in Daxia. My ancestors have all taken root here. If I were to flee overseas simply out of fear of death, how would I have the face to pay homage to my ancestors a hundred years from now?"

The Chief of Staff on the side saw this and hurriedly advised: "Commander, you must not act rashly at this moment and make such a foolish mistake..."

Before he could finish his words, Fan Yongyi interrupted him rudely with a wave of his hand: "No need to say more! My mind is made up, and there is no possibility of changing it!"

After saying this, he straightened his body, his eyes were like torches, revealing a sense of determination.

At this moment, the Chief of Staff sighed helplessly and slowly shook his head, saying, "The situation is now clear, and the defeat is irreversible. Even General Cao has secretly prepared for his escape. It seems that the Feng faction's defeat this time is inevitable and not unjust!"

Fan Yongyi closed his eyes slightly, as if unwilling to listen to these words. After a moment, he opened his eyes again, waved his hand tiredly, and said, "Forget it, forget it, you guys should leave quickly. I'm really tired and don't have the energy to continue to toss and turn. This is the end of my life..."

"But...but you are here alone. If the independence army captures you..." The chief of staff looked embarrassed. He clearly wanted to dissuade him, but when the words came to his lips, they seemed to be blocked by something. He didn't know how to express them completely and clearly.

In fact, he didn't agree with the retreat plan proposed by the top leaders from the bottom of his heart.

Although traveling far away from home and drifting overseas can indeed save one's life temporarily, and barely lead a seemingly stable and peaceful life, and spend the rest of one's life in peace.

But for the people of Da Xia who have taken root here for generations, the final destination of life must be to return to their roots and rest in their own clan cemetery!

What's more, how easy is it to make a living in a foreign country?

Not only was I unfamiliar with the place, but language communication alone was a huge challenge.

Moreover, once they are away from their homeland, without the familiar guards by their side, and have lost the military power they once held, it would be really difficult for these usually awe-inspiring military officers to adapt to this huge change.

Fan Yongyi sighed softly and said slowly, "I understand what Mr. Cao is thinking. Just go back and tell him. I, Old Fan, am definitely not the kind of fence-sitter who changes sides with the wind, and I would never do something as shameless and despicable as selling out my master for personal gain. The saying 'a servant should not serve two masters' is a simple and easy-to-understand principle. I, Fan, am very clear about it!"

As he spoke, he unconsciously reached out and gently stroked the pistol on his waist. His eyes were firm and resolute, and it was obvious that he was fully prepared to sacrifice himself heroically for the Feng faction at any time.

Before setting off, he said that this was the last battle of the 8th Division and also the last battle of him, Fan Yongyi. If he failed, he would be ready to die at any time.

Now, the defeat is certain, and thousands of soldiers are buried here. Fan Yongyi has no face to live on, and he doesn't want to escape like a dog, hiding in a dark corner and lingering on.

Only death can bring him peace of mind, and only death can prove that he, Fan Yongyi, and the 8th Division are worthy of the cultivation of the Feng faction and the late General Feng!