A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

With the outbreak of war between China and Japan, the international situation became increasingly complex, and the relationship between China and Germany also became unpredictable.

To extricate itself from the awkward predicament of being caught in a dilemma in the Far East, the head of state instructed that a policy of neutrality and balance be maintained, while actively mediating and resolving disputes, and promising China that he would not withdraw his advisors or stop barter trade.

The German side devised a smokescreen, using the guise of economic trade to transport the arms to a British company in Singapore via Danish ships, and then to Hong Kong, thus smuggling them to China through this roundabout and covert channel.

The island nation was furious at these actions by its allies, exerting continuous pressure and lodging strong protests with its leader on multiple occasions, forcing him to abandon his aid-to-China policy. It even threatened to withdraw from the Anti-CCP Agreement if military cooperation with China was not halted.

The selfish and short-sighted island nation refused to compromise despite the head of state's diplomatic mediation and conciliation. It has always been short-sighted and focused on small gains, fantasizing only about a "quick victory" and subjugating China. However, it is unwilling to return the vested interests it has gained.

The island nation put forward extremely unreasonable and harsh ceasefire conditions to China, using both coercion and enticement to continuously raise its demands. It vainly hoped that it could use military intimidation to force the Nationalist government to surrender without a fight and sign a treaty ceding territory and paying reparations, so as to achieve its goal of sustaining the war through war.

Such conditions of national subjugation and genocide were naturally unacceptable to the Nationalist government under any circumstances.

The top brass of the Nationalist government also seemed to understand that Germany's support in Sino-Japanese relations was unreliable, so they did not place all their hopes on the Führer, and at the same time sought funds, loans and aid from major powers such as Britain, France, the United States and the Soviet Union.

The Chinese delegation in Berlin clearly felt that the German position was wavering, that Sino-German relations were beginning to decline, and that some high-ranking German military and political officials were becoming increasingly indifferent.

The delegation made every effort to request that Germany continue to provide as much assistance and weaponry as possible.

The German high command responded that they were also currently overhauling their defense and armaments and needed a large amount of weaponry. They hoped that China would formulate a concrete plan so that they could be fully prepared and would not arbitrarily add, subtract, or change anything that would leave them unable to cope. They assured China that they were still willing to do their best to assist in their barter trade with China. And so on.

The gist of it is that we strictly adhere to the principle of neutrality, the "barter" contract will remain valid, and we will do our best to ensure the delivery of previously ordered weapons. However, if it escalates into a genuine declaration of war between the two sides, the future situation could be unpredictable.

The members of the delegation were aware that the situation was complex and far beyond their control.

Back at their base, they discussed the matter at length but couldn't come up with a perfect solution. Everyone felt frustrated, yet also deeply grateful for their foresight in making the decision to rush the arms shipment.

Since the incident, Song Hongfei had pondered for a long time and decided to use a "secret weapon" that was still under the highest level of secrecy to negotiate with the German side—that is, the "trump card" that Yu Dawei mentioned at the Military Commission meeting before his visit to Europe. The Military Commission leader authorized him to act as appropriate when necessary.

This top-secret trump card was the "intermediate-power ammunition and new firearm family" that the China Ordnance Bureau had been secretly researching for several years. This research was top secret, and among the delegation members, only Chen Houfu, a member of the Military Commission and a first-class admiral of the Navy, had heard of it, but even he knew very little about it.

Intermediate-power ammunition and a family of firearms including semi-automatic rifles, automatic rifles, short assault rifles, and squad automatic weapons—this was a concept decades ahead of its time, and it would bring about an unprecedented and disruptive change to infantry warfare.

After much deliberation, Song Hongfei decided to conceal the new rifle family part of the technology. This unparalleled "black technology" could only be kept in his own hands and could not be revealed too early. He only informed the Germans about the intermediate-power ammunition and replaced the rifle family series with a new generation of improved "Type 24" semi-automatic rifle. He was testing the waters.

"Based on the troops' actual combat experience, the traditional 7.92x57 full-power cartridge is more than enough for a semi-automatic rifle. We have already started the development of intermediate-power cartridges and a new generation of rifles, which are currently undergoing type approval testing."

The German high-ranking officials, including Field Marshal Blomberg, the Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and Army Commander-in-Chief Fritz, who both came from the army, were extremely shocked and exclaimed that China was once again far ahead of the world in this regard.

These battle-hardened army generals were well aware of the enormous advantages of intermediate-power ammunition small arms, and keenly sensed that it would inevitably bring about a revolutionary change in infantry weapons. In fact, the German army also had plans to develop intermediate-power ammunition, but because they had not yet developed a matching semi-automatic rifle, their research lagged far behind that of China.

Blomberg and Fritsch strongly recommended that the Führer immediately cooperate with China in research on intermediate-power ammunition and firearms, which would be of great significance to future warfare.

However, Nazi leaders such as the Führer and Göring, who came from the Luftwaffe, did not give sufficient importance to intermediate-power small arms, believing that new ammunition would have a negative impact on arms expansion. Furthermore, China's intermediate-power ammunition was still under development and had not yet been commercialized, thus failing to demonstrate any real advantages.

In fact, Göring harbored ulterior motives. He had always coveted the position of Minister of Defense and tried every means to bring down Field Marshal Blomberg. How could he be willing to see Blomberg add another brilliant achievement to his list of accomplishments during his tenure?

Ultimately, the Nazi leadership, obsessed with political interests and power struggles, concluded that the outcome of the war did not depend on which type of infantry light weapon was used.

Blomberg, Fritsch, and others could only sigh in disappointment.

Seeing that all their efforts had failed, the members of the delegation were somewhat disappointed.

However, what no one knew was that Song Hongfei's intention was not merely to use it as a bargaining chip; he also had a far-reaching purpose that was unknown to others.

His introduction of the intermediate-power bullet allowed the Germans to gain a glimpse of the whole picture amidst a stunning initial impression, thus advancing the research of this epoch-making light weapon.

He knew that Germany was the first country in history to develop the first truly automatic rifle, the MKb42, which used the 7.92x33mm short rifle cartridge—a landmark achievement in the history of modern infantry weapons. However, by the time its official mass-production version, the StG44, was introduced, it was already late in World War II. Although the rifle had instilled fear in Allied soldiers, it had already missed the opportunity to unleash its full power.

Earlier, Song Hongfei had repeatedly conducted various simulations. If the German army gained the upper hand in the war due to its superior quality and technology, the British, American, and Soviet forces would be consumed more of their strength in the war against Germany and Italy on the European continent. The longer and more intense their fighting became, the more advantageous it would be for the Far East theater. This was exactly the same intention he had in revealing the Enigma machine vulnerability to the Germans, quietly setting up a long-term plan, adding fuel to the fire, especially ensuring that Britain, the troublemaker, would no longer have the spare energy to interfere with its former colonial interests in the Far East and Southeast Asia.

For China, the more it can sit back and watch the tigers fight, the more important its position and voice in the Far East will be, the greater its role will be, and the greater the benefits it will gain.

Most importantly, judging from the development and competition of the world order after World War II, the more the major powers such as the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and Germany depleted each other's strength, the more beneficial it was to the rise and rejuvenation of China.

Of course, this secret idea cannot be known to outsiders.

At the delegation's residence, Song Hongfei analyzed the future situation: "If war breaks out in North China, it will be a full-scale war, requiring the entire nation to fight to the death. It's hard to say that the flames of war won't spread further to Beijing, Shanghai, and the southeastern coastal areas. Once the war starts, it won't be difficult for the island nation's navy to blockade our coastline and all coastal ports, cutting off all our foreign aid supply lines."

Everyone was deeply moved.

As key military and political figures, they were also aware that the Nationalist government's earlier national defense strategy for the war against Japan included the strategic concept of leveraging my country's vast territory, strategic depth, and terrain that sloped from west to east to direct the battlefield towards the Yangtze River Delta region. With the assistance of the German advisory group, the Military Commission made corresponding deployment plans and constructed several lines of defense fortifications along the Shanghai-Nanjing border and the Yangtze River defense line.

However, the current situation in North China remains unclear. Will the situation deteriorate further to this point? Has the island nation changed its ambition and arrogance from a gradual northward encroachment to a sweeping eastward annexation?

Diplomat Cheng Tianfang, the ambassador to Germany, wondered, "Besides the ports along our mainland coastline, we also have concession ports and international transport routes to Vietnam and Burma. After all, the interests of the British, American, and French powers in the Shanghai concessions are enormous, and Hong Kong, Macau, and Haiphong in Vietnam are also ports occupied by European and American countries. Would the island nation disregard international influence and provoke conflict with European and American powers?"

Song Hongfei solemnly stated, "From a military strategic perspective, if the war continues to escalate and a world war breaks out, following the island nation's expansionist strategy, it will either head north to the Soviet Union or south to Southeast Asia, inevitably leading to direct conflict with the interests of the European and American colonies in Southeast Asia. When faced with a life-or-death situation, it will have no scruples, and in that case, all of our country's maritime transport lines will cease to exist."

The shock lingered in everyone's hearts for a long time, and upon closer reflection, this situation was not impossible.

Everyone recalled the words of Navy Chief of Staff Chen Houfu, who sighed sadly: "Our navy is weak. Although our naval officers and soldiers have the will to fight to the death for our country, they are powerless to fight against the enemy."

Executive Yuan Secretary-General and Mission Secretary-General Weng Yung-ni also sighed, "We have to rely on others everywhere, making our progress extremely difficult. I'm afraid that in the end, we'll still have to rely on ourselves for everything!"

The crowd was filled with mixed emotions and remained silent in despair.

Song Hongfei expressed his desire to return to China as soon as possible.

He had been thinking things over carefully these past two days. His mission was complete, and the German attitude was growing increasingly lukewarm; staying any longer would be pointless. Given the unfolding situation, the Battle of Shanghai was imminent, and there would be countless matters to attend to back home. It was better to return as soon as possible.

Everyone was somewhat surprised, after all, the negotiations with Germany were not yet over.

Mission Secretary-General Weng Yongni pondered for a moment, then said, "Given the current situation, are you worried that Germany's Far East policy will shift towards pro-Japan? Are you not optimistic about the prospects of continued cooperation with Germany? After all, the cooperative relationship between the two sides has not broken down yet."

Song Hongfei nodded and said frankly, "There are no permanent friends between countries, only permanent interests. Everything is based on self-interest, with each side taking what it needs."

"Compared to our country, the island nation has a stronger economy and military. Germany can take advantage of the contradictions between the island nation and the Soviet Union to win it over to deal with the Soviet Union and contain Britain, France and the United States in the Far East. When there are no more interests and no more value in cooperation, no matter how much face or morality is involved, I'm afraid that Germany will only choose its island nation ally."

After careful consideration, everyone agreed wholeheartedly.

With war with the island nation looming at the brink, and given the current complex and unpredictable international situation, Song Hongfei's words were not unfounded.

Gui Shuaizhen thought for a moment and said, "Special Envoy Con is currently in Paris making diplomatic efforts with Britain and France and will arrive in Berlin soon. I still have some work to do at the military attaché's office at the embassy, ​​which will take some time. Why don't we wait until Special Envoy Con arrives and see if he has any new instructions before making a decision?"

Song Hongfei said, "My decision to come here was not made on a whim. First, my mission here has been completed, and since the Germans have no intention of staying any longer, there is no point in doing so. Second, I think we should also show the Germans our attitude—we have the confidence to take our own destiny into our own hands!"

Resounding and powerful! A spirit of heroism and ambition!

Everyone couldn't help but secretly praise him.

"Yes! It's time to let the Germans know our stance!"

“That’s fine too.” Weng Yongni nodded thoughtfully, a smile appearing on her face. “Hongfei’s mind is made up. In my opinion, once the commander smells the gunpowder, he can’t hold back.”

He accurately pinpointed Song Hongfei's thoughts.

Gui Shuaizhen smiled and said, "Training takes a thousand days to hone a sword, but using it in a moment reveals one's skill. It's good to go back and prepare for war as soon as possible. If something happens in Shanghai, the Training Corps will be duty-bound to fight for the country on the battlefield."

Weng Yongni added, "Please ask the embassy to make proper arrangements for the accompanying security detail, and please be careful during the journey."

Ambassador Cheng Tianfang nodded and said, "I will make the arrangements, please rest assured."

Song Hongfei embarked on his journey home.

On August 10, Kong Yongzhi's special envoy visited Berlin again.

For various reasons, the Führer did not meet with Conte in person; instead, the Nazi second-in-command, Göring, held talks with Conte's envoy.

The arrogant Göring always considered the island nation to be Germany's ally in the Far East, regarding China only as a supplier of raw materials, and thus held the delegation in the utmost contempt.

When Conte's envoy requested more arms and assistance from Germany, Göring did not give a direct answer, only stating that China and Japan were both friendly nations of Germany, and that he deeply regretted the war between the two countries and sincerely hoped that they could reconcile. Göring's bureaucratic rhetoric and evasive statements, emphasizing that Germany would maintain a "neutral" stance and principle, were nothing more than empty rhetoric and superficial gestures.

Faced with the irreconcilable conflict between China and Japan, the leader was caught in a dilemma, having to choose between the two. Comparing the two, the leader believed that the island nation's political, economic, and military strength and influence were greater, and he also needed to use the island nation to contain the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union.

In weighing political and economic interests, and considering long-term strategic and national interests, the head of state ultimately made a choice to adjust the Far East policy and shift towards the island nation he believed could support him in the war. Naturally, this gradually distanced him from friendly relations with China.

Although the "barter" trade agreement has not been terminated, the friendly cooperation between the two sides, which lasted for 10 years, has actually begun to gradually drift apart.

As the head of state once publicly declared: "In international relations, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests."

To achieve its strategic goals, Germany chose to ally with Japan.

However, the Führer never imagined that throughout the entire war, Japan and Germany would each pursue their own agendas, act independently, and go their own way, with no strategic cooperation or coordinated action whatsoever.

Only the head of state knows the true meaning of it all.

News of the Battle of Shanghai arrived as the cruise ship passed through Suez City at the southern end of the Suez Canal.

Song Hongfei knew that the long and arduous all-out war would, like never before, unite the Chinese nation, which had weathered five thousand years of trials and tribulations, with strength and determination, and would also prompt the tempering and reconstruction of national concepts, national spirit, and national consciousness.

This is also an excellent opportunity for China to rise to the ranks of the world's powerful nations, participate in the reshuffling of the great power landscape, redefine spheres of influence, and reshape the world order!

Song Hongfei was overwhelmed with emotion. He even wanted to kneel down and thank God for giving him such a miraculous opportunity, for somehow bringing him to this era and allowing him to throw himself into the torrent of the times and the tide of history!

He had no idea what the future held, but one thing was clear: he had already closely linked his own fate with that of his country and people.

A surge of lofty ambition welled up in Song Hongfei's heart: "Give me three thousand elite warriors, and I will restore my mighty China. Raise the Han flag atop Mount Fuji, and let the barbarian concubines revel beneath the cherry blossoms!" He was determined to establish a great career in this chaotic world, securing enough space for the survival and development of his nation and country!

In the distance, the sea and sky meet, the setting sun is like blood, and the two banks are a vast and desolate desert.

The cruise ship, with the blood-red sunset behind it, gradually sailed into the distance.

Song Hongfei knew that he had embarked on another long and arduous journey amidst the flames of war.