Newborn 1927

Chapter 236 Inspecting Baotou

Afterwards, Li Boyan led the two to inspect other factories. Yang Jiefang was very satisfied with Baotou's industrial development and affirmed Li Boyan's work ability.

After the inspection, Fu Zuoyi was provided with accommodation by Li Boyan. Yang Jiefang, however, chose to stay on the dragon carriage again, citing the inconvenience of moving, and also declined the dinner arranged by Li Boyan. Li Boyan then arranged for various ingredients to be delivered to the dragon carriage.

After dinner, Yang Jiefang arranged for someone to summon Chu Shiwu. During inspections, some people needed to be met and spoken to privately. Chu Shiwu's public identity was the police chief of Baotou City. But he also had another identity: a core member of the Military Intelligence Bureau.

Yang Jiefang asked, "I asked you to keep an eye on intelligence about Outer Mongolia and the Soviet Union. What are your plans?"

Chu Shiwu replied, "Little Commander, Baotou is a thriving commercial center. Every year, caravans from Outer Mongolia come here to buy and sell goods. My idea is to organize a caravan to penetrate deep into Outer Mongolia, ideally establishing a trading post in Kulun. We can conduct trade while simultaneously gathering intelligence." He had previously worked as a gossipmonger in Yantai, selling pancakes; later, when he was sent to Jinan for intelligence work, he assumed the identity of a young owner of a general store; he seemed to have a particular fondness for business.

Yang Jiefang agreed, saying, "That's a good idea. But we need to be careful! The current Outer Mongolia is a puppet government established with the support of the Soviet Union. They have copied the Soviet model and are full of hostility and suspicion towards foreign businessmen."

Chu Shiwu replied, "I am aware of this situation. Therefore, I have recruited a group of Mongolians into the Military Intelligence Bureau. These people will be the main force for doing business in Outer Mongolia."

Yang Jiefang added, “Kulun is just a transit point; we need to penetrate deeper into Soviet territory. I also have some arrangements regarding personnel. Yechikov is currently searching for reliable individuals among the Soviet Russians who have fled to China. These people are your responsibility; infiltrate them into the Soviet Union!”

Chu Shiwu was overjoyed upon hearing this and said, "That's wonderful! I was just worrying about this. Actually, there are some Soviet Russians in Baotou, but I don't know their background and dare not use them. When will Yechikov be able to screen the people? I've almost finished preparing here. I don't know if he can make it in time?"

Yang Jiefang said, "I'm afraid it won't be that quick. These people aren't professional intelligence agents; they need some training before they can be used. Once they've selected their personnel, you should go to Zhangbei."

Chu Shiwu replied, "Then I'll arrange for this group to go to Kulun as a scout. Once I've made those arrangements, we'll go to Zhangbei."

Yang Jiefang racked his brains for information about the Soviet Union before saying, "The Soviet Union implemented a planned economy, focusing on the development of heavy industry while neglecting the construction of the people's livelihood economy, resulting in a relative shortage of daily necessities. Many imported goods required special privileges to purchase. Ordinary people could only buy such goods on the black market, where they were scarce and expensive. You should start from this point! Get in touch with those who have privileges. It goes without saying that you can make money, but more importantly, you can plant our intelligence agents in there. You can also try to win over those corrupt and decadent privileged people."

Chu Shiwu immediately thought of a problem and said, "In order not to arouse their suspicion, the goods we have chosen this time are all items that can be bought in Baotou or Zhangjiakou, and they are all common goods. We don't even have those rare goods ourselves, so I'm afraid they would be difficult to resell."

Yang Jiefang shook his head and said, "It's alright. You can find out which commodities are in high demand. If we don't have them now, I will set up a factory to produce them. You can start with trade and build a trade intelligence network."

After hearing this, Chu Shiwu felt even more confident and continued, "I will remind them to pay close attention to this information. If necessary, I will personally go to Kulun."

Yang Jiefang said, "You should pay attention to cultivating the ability of your subordinates to handle affairs, and avoid taking unnecessary risks yourself. Fu Zuoyi is inclined to surrender, and the entire Suiyuan area has been taken over by us. I plan to appoint you as the Director of the Suiyuan Provincial Public Security Bureau. You will still be responsible for maintaining local security."

Chu Shiwu replied, "Yes. Speaking of maintaining order, there's something I must report to you! You probably know who Li Boyan is. He's been making some underhanded moves. Should we keep him under control?"

Yang Jiefang pressed further, "What kind of movement?"

Chu Shiwu replied, "His group often holds secret meetings. He has also placed those people in various departments. You could say that the entire officialdom in Baotou is his people."

Yang Jiefang said, "Who in charge of a region wouldn't place their own people in it? How can you accomplish anything without your own people's assistance? It's only human nature. As long as he doesn't interfere in the military, then let him do whatever he wants."

Chu Shiwu said, "I'm afraid he's already extended his reach into the army. Commander Wu formed the Third Cavalry Division in Baotou and recruited a group of new soldiers. Some of them joined through his mobilization. They're secretly colluding, and I can't monitor them all."

Yang Jiefang frowned. Li Boyan was capable, but he needed to be given a nudge from time to time! He changed the subject, saying, "I plan to move the Taiyuan Arsenal to Baotou. Li Boyan will still be in charge of the site selection and factory construction. With your reminder, I will send someone else to manage production. You will be responsible for the security of this arsenal. You must strictly control the abnormal outflow of firearms and ammunition!"

Chu Shiwu replied, "Rest assured! Without your orders, I will never allow a single bullet to be fired."

Yang Jiefang continued, "Throughout my journey, I've discovered that Suiyuan, with its vast land, sparse population, and flat terrain, is an excellent place! It's very suitable as a training ground for armored and motorized units. Chen Zhongyi's efforts in establishing the First Armored Division in Laiwu have been somewhat limited. Therefore, I'm considering building a new armored vehicle factory here, and establishing and training a new armored division nearby. You must handle the preliminary preparations and security work well!"

Knowing from Yang Jiefang's arrangements, Chu Shiwu realized that Baotou would become another military industrial base in the future. Feeling a great sense of responsibility, he didn't shirk his duties and readily agreed to everything.

The following day, according to Yang Jiefang's schedule, he was to inspect the newly formed Third Cavalry Division. Cavalry Division Commander Wu Zhichen arrived at the train station early in the morning with his guard battalion to await Yang Jiefang's departure. Yang Jiefang sent someone to inform Fu Zuoyi, asking if he would like to accompany him to see the cavalry division. As a soldier, Fu Zuoyi would never refuse such an opportunity.

Yang Jiefang was accompanied by a guard company as always. The group rode to the cavalry division's garrison, where the various units of the cavalry division had assembled in advance at the training ground to wait for them.

After the Battle of Dolon Nor, cavalry was no longer defined as an auxiliary force, but as a branch of the military with independent combat capabilities, just like infantry divisions. This was especially true in regions like Chahar and Suiyuan, where the importance of cavalry was particularly pronounced.

The 3rd Cavalry Division consists of three cavalry regiments and one artillery battalion. This artillery battalion is equipped with 12 85mm M1925-style field guns and 24 75mm Krupp mountain guns. Based on Ma Shangfei's suggestion during his time in Zhangjiakou, self-propelled artillery units will be added in the future. Currently, the division has a total of over 8,000 men, from a rather diverse background.

When Wu Zhichen came to Baotou to form a cavalry division, he brought a cavalry battalion from the First Cavalry Division. The predecessor of this battalion could be traced back to the Independent Cavalry Brigade under Zhang Zongchang. After the Jinan Massacre, Wu Zhichen led the remaining 800-plus cavalrymen of this brigade to join Yang Jiefang and the People's Liberation Army. The officers of this cavalry division at all levels were basically drawn from these men. Another 3,000 men were selected from the garrison brigade formed in Baotou on the 15th of the month. These men were originally refugees from Shaanxi, who survived thanks to Yang Jiefang's relief efforts; they formed the combat backbone of the cavalry division. There were also 5,000 new recruits recruited near Baotou, most of whom came from the Tumed Mongol tribe. Some of these 5,000 new recruits were assigned to combat units, while others became auxiliary troops.

Wu Zhichen's primary criterion for selecting cavalry was horsemanship, and these men were quite skilled. Yang Jiefang looked at the ranks from the front; the formation was fairly orderly, but overall, they seemed inferior to the Cossack cavalry brigade he had seen in Zhangbei, lacking that fierce and imposing aura.

Yang Jiefang turned around and said, "Commander Wu, the framework of this division has been established, but we still need to train it well in order to form combat effectiveness!"

Wu Zhichen could tell that Yang Jiefang was not satisfied. He didn't argue and forced a reply: "Yes."

Fu Zuoyi said, "The troops are well-organized and well-equipped; you can tell at a glance that they are elite. The young commander's requirements seem a bit high!"

Yang Jiefang pressed further: "What does it mean to be an elite force? Elite forces aren't just for show. You are all seasoned veterans, look at this unit, feel it! Can you call it elite if you don't have any fighting spirit? Remember this! Training is for battle, not for show. Without an indomitable fighting spirit, even the best equipment is useless."

Wu Zhichen felt ashamed and secretly resolved to train this unit well.

Fu Zuoyi was startled, feeling that Yang Jiefang's demands were a bit too high! This unit had only been formed recently and hadn't experienced the baptism of war; wasn't it normal that it lacked a sense of ferocity? He immediately thought of his own troops, who had previously vowed not to disappoint the young commander. But now, he suddenly lacked the confidence he once had.

Yang Jiefang did not require Wu Zhichen to practice offensive and defensive tactics. The training time was short and destined to be disappointing; it was better not to watch at all. Afterwards, at Yang Jiefang's request, he inspected the barracks, checking the internal affairs. He also inspected the stables, checking the storage of fodder, etc. Although it was a cursory inspection, he was generally satisfied with the overall impression.

Before leaving the 3rd Cavalry Division, Yang Jiefang said to Wu Zhichen, "Commander Wu, I'm giving you a year. Within a year, your division will not have any combat missions. After a year, you must build me a brave and fierce iron-blooded division."

Wu Zhichen replied, "Please rest assured, Commander! If we cannot train a fierce and battle-hardened army within a year, we will have no face to live in this world."

Yang Jiefang said, "It's not that serious. However, there's no point in keeping an army that can't fight. It's better to disband it. What's the point of keeping officers who can't fight in the barracks? They might as well go home and farm. Commander Wu, I want to remind you! Don't just focus on the enemies at home and think that being a little stronger than them is enough. Open your eyes to the world! Look at the world's military powers! Compared to their armies, can we win?"

These words weren't just for Wu Zhichen's ears, but also for Fu Zuoyi, who was beside him. Both of them fell into a brief moment of contemplation.

Afterwards, accompanied by Wu Zhichen, Yang Jiefang visited the military horse breeding farm in Baotou. Only by coming here could one truly appreciate the scenery of the vast grassland. Unfortunately, it was the dead of winter, and everything in sight was withered and yellow.

The manager of the horse farm was veterinarian He Huan. His wife was Bai He, his childhood sweetheart and also Yang Jiefang's sworn sister from his time in Qinglongzhai. To take care of the couple, Bai He was also assigned to work at the horse farm. Upon hearing the news of Yang Jiefang's arrival, they both put down their work and rushed out to greet him.

Before Yang Jiefang could even dismount, Bai He greeted him with a beaming smile, saying, "Little Yang, you didn't even give us a heads-up before coming here. Look, you weren't prepared at all."

Yang Jiefang's whereabouts are a military secret, known only to a very few people. Yang Jiefang didn't explain, but laughed, "Sister Bai, wasn't this just to give you a surprise? I didn't tell you beforehand because I wanted to see your real life. To see if my sister has been wronged? If anyone dares to bully you, I will absolutely not let them get away with it."

Bai He rolled her eyes at He Huan beside her and said, "Did you already know my brother was coming?"

He Huan vehemently denied it, saying, "I only just received the news myself."

Yang Jiefang said, "I was originally stationed at the cavalry division, which is not far from here. I just decided to come and see you on a whim!"

Bai He knew that Yang Jiefang's purpose was to come and see the horses, but she was still very happy and said, "Then let's go inside, it's so cold outside!"

Yang Jiefang agreed and turned around to say, "I'll go to my sister's house first. You guys make yourselves at home."

Fu Zuoyi and Wu Zhichen agreed, and the staff at the horse farm arranged a place for them to rest. Seeing that it was getting late, they figured they would have to spend the night there.

He Huan and Bai He have a two-year-old son. The little guy isn't shy around strangers and keeps staring at Yang Jiefang. Yang Jiefang finds him adorable and holds him in his arms, and the boy doesn't cry or fuss.

He Huan invited Yang Jiefang to sit in the living room. Bai He brewed some tea and served it, then said, "Snotty little thing, come here to Mommy, don't get Uncle Yang's clothes dirty!" She then tried to take the little guy away. But the little guy refused to leave and clung to Yang Jiefang's arms.

Yang Jiefang said, "I rarely come here, and the little guy is so well-behaved, so let me hold him for a while! You might not believe it, but my own child won't let me hold him. He cries and fusses as soon as I take him."

Bai He said, "How dare you say that? What kind of father are you?"

Yang Jiefang wore a wry smile, unable to understand why his own child wasn't close to him.

He Huan interjected, "The child is still young, which is quite worrying. The young commander is busy with national affairs, so it's inevitable that he neglects his family and doesn't know how to take care of the child. I'm the same way—I'm very good at taking care of those foals, but I can't take good care of my own child."

Bai He said, "You always talk about your profession. Can a person and a horse be the same?"

Yang Jiefang laughed and said, "Brother He is telling me that he takes care of those foals like his own children, so that I can rest assured! Isn't that right, Farm Manager He?"

He Huan quickly retorted, "I really didn't mean that. What I meant was that women are better at taking care of children. Look at this brat, Bai He takes care of him all the time, and he's not close to me at all."

Bai He said, "You men all put your minds to your careers, how can you know how to take care of your families? Take your brother-in-law for example! If you ask him when his own child's birthday is, he'll think for a long time. But if you ask him how many horses there are in this place? How many stallions and mares? How many foals? He can answer them off the top of his head."

Yang Jiefang looked at the couple with a grin. Their back-and-forth banter, unintentionally, was a way of them trying to curry favor with Yang Jiefang.