Newborn 1927

Chapter 242 Self-Directed and Self-Acted

After inspecting Wuyuan, Yang Jiefang didn't go anywhere else, returning to Baotou with his entourage. However, news of his visit to the Hetao Plain and his concern for the lives of the people spread throughout the entire plain. As a time traveler, how did he win the hearts of the people? He knew everything others could do. Yang Jiefang was never one to talk the talk; he could actually implement various measures to benefit the people. The common people genuinely supported him. With this foundation of public support, Yang Jiefang felt even more confident.

Upon returning to Baotou, the empress's private carriage from the imperial carriage had been secretly separated and pieced together with another ordinary train. That imperial carriage, still heavily guarded, was parked to the side. Yang Jiefang and his accompanying guard battalion changed into civilian clothes and boarded the ordinary train, leaving Baotou overnight. Only Li Fuxing remained on the imperial carriage with a guard platoon, departing for Jinan the following morning. Li Fuxing continued to act as Yang Jiefang's double to attract the attention of Japanese spies. Wu Zhichen, Li Boyan, and others went to the Baotou train station to see the imperial carriage off, putting on a show of it.

Although Yang Jiefang had changed trains, he remained vigilant. Fu Zuoyi had returned to Guihua ahead of him, strengthening security measures and increasing the number and frequency of patrols along the railway line. The train safely left Suiyuan Province and arrived in Datong. Coincidentally, the 72nd Division of the 35th Army, ordered to head north, also arrived near Datong, intending to take a train to Guihua from there. Yang Jiefang telegraphed Fu Zuoyi, ordering the 72nd Division to remain in Datong temporarily, under the command of Yan Donglai. Yang Jiefang summoned Yan Donglai to the train, had a private talk with him for a while, and then continued his journey, leaving Datong.

Even at this point, the train was still within Suiyuan territory. Fu Zuoyi dared not allow an empty train to be damaged in his defense zone. Thanks to his tight protection, the train was not attacked.

When Yang Jiefang returned to Zhangjiakou, he secretly summoned Tian Dan, who was stationed there. There, he received some news. Among the Mongols, there were many whose names sounded similar to "Damichusulong," but only one could command thousands of cavalry and tens of thousands of bandits—a general under Prince De. This man was as famous as Gongchukras and was Prince De's right-hand man.

Yang Jiefang immediately ordered Ma Fei to seek an opportunity to attack Xilingol League. Whether this Damichusulong was after the horses or the junior commander, he was unforgivable. After issuing the order, Yang Jiefang did not linger in Zhangjiakou and continued onward.

Outside Datong City, a deafening explosion ripped the dragon carriage apart, shattering it into several pieces. It was, after all, a staged event, and Li Fuxing and the others were unharmed. But what was presented to outsiders was quite different. Upon hearing the news, the 72nd Division was dispatched immediately, sealing off the scene. Outsiders would only know that the dragon carriage was destroyed and that the crew suffered heavy casualties.

Yan Donglai used the Nakano intelligence group's radio to send a final telegram to the Japanese Tianjin Garrison Command: the dragon train had been successfully destroyed, and the young commander's fate was unknown. He then shut down the radio and ceased all external communication. Nakano Murao, however, was released and allowed to return to Tianjin on his own.

The soldiers of the 72nd Division acted like madmen, not only sealing off Datong City but also launching a widespread manhunt under the pretext of capturing an assassin. The numerous coal mines surrounding Datong dealt a severe blow to the mine owners. Wherever explosives and firearms were found in a mine, the mine owners and their managers were arrested, and even the ordinary miners were placed under surveillance. In this era, the presence of explosives and firearms in mines was quite normal. Under these special circumstances, these items became evidence of an assassination attempt on the young commander. As the saying goes, "If you want to condemn someone, how difficult is it to prove your innocence?" These coal mine owners were not ordinary citizens; they all had powerful backers. But it was all in vain; people were arrested, and mines were confiscated. This reckless behavior declared to the world that the situation was far more serious than imagined!

The dragon vehicle was bombed, and the junior commander was attacked. The news quickly spread through both overt and covert radio broadcasts. Immediately afterward, various units of the People's Liberation Army received the news, sending telegrams to confirm its authenticity while simultaneously assembling their troops and entering a state of first-level combat readiness.

Yang Jiefang had not informed anyone beforehand. Not only were the troops below him unaware, but even Gao Huilan, Chu Gu, and others were completely in the dark. They all tried to contact the radio station accompanying Yang Jiefang, but to no avail. Just as everyone was in a state of panic, Fu Zuoyi sent a telegram to the General Staff: the young commander was safe and sound, but the accompanying radio station had been destroyed, and he was temporarily unable to make contact with the outside world.

Such information undoubtedly sparked much speculation. After repeatedly confirming with Fu Zuoyi, the General Staff decided to send the message verbatim to all units to appease their commanders. At the same time, orders were issued that no unit should act rashly. A separate order was also given to Tian Dan in Zhangjiakou, instructing him to lead his troops to Datong, and if the situation was true, to escort the junior commander back to Jinan as soon as possible.

After receiving the order from the General Staff, the various units did not take any drastic actions, but they also did not lift the first-level combat readiness status.

Gao Huilan ignored the General Staff's orders and instead instructed Hou Fei to have the First Air Group circle around Datong. Hou Fei had been waiting impatiently; if Datong had an airport, he would have flown there long ago. Now, with Gao Huilan's order, he immediately led the First Mixed Squadron to Datong. After circling for a while, they turned around and landed at Taiyuan North Airport. They not only occupied the airport but also took control of the aircraft and pilots in Shanxi. The young commander had gotten into trouble in Shanxi; could Yan Xishan really sever ties?

He immediately sent a telegram to the General Staff, claiming that the German prince was a prime suspect in the attack on the dragon carriage, and that the culprit was his subordinate, Damichusulon. Regardless of whether the young commander was unharmed, this man could not be let off the hook. After sending the telegram, following Yang Jiefang's orders, he assembled the 1st Cavalry Division and the White Russian Cavalry Brigade and marched towards the German prince's forces in Xilingol League.

Yang Jiefang was completely unaware of what was happening outside. He ordered the accompanying radio station to remain silent and refrain from contacting the outside world. When the train safely arrived in Beiping, he secretly sent someone to fetch Bai Lang.

Bai Lang breathed a huge sigh of relief when he finally saw Yang Jiefang in person. He said, "It's good that you're alright! Ever since the news of the attack on the dragon carriage came out, it felt like an eternity!"

Yang Jiefang laughed and said, "Tell me, what's the situation outside?"

Bai Lang gave a detailed report of what he knew. After listening, Yang Jiefang said, "Just pretend you never saw me, and go about your business!"

Subsequently, Yang Jiefang did not linger in Beiping. He wanted to return to Jinan before anyone could react.

Shortly thereafter, Tian Dan sent a message from Datong—the young commander was safe and sound, but his two wives who were with him were severely frightened.

The General Staff finally breathed a sigh of relief and relayed Tian Dan's report to all departments. The news spread quickly. However, even this news failed to dispel outside suspicions. In other words, as long as Yang Jiefang didn't make a public appearance, doubts remained about his safety.

On the surface, Tian Dan and his troops escorted the young commander away from Datong by train as usual. However, at this time, planes were constantly circling overhead, and troops stationed along the route provided continuous protection. This high-profile operation attracted attention from all sides.

In reality, Yang Jiefang and his entourage returned to Jinan by train ahead of everyone else. Yang Jiefang had Sheng Fangyi and Jiang Xiaojun escorted back to their residence first, while he secretly went to the air force base in Jinan.

At this time, Li Fuxing had just arrived in Beiping. Yang Jiefang instructed him to go to Wanping Airport and take a plane back to Jinan. Yang Jiefang, on the other hand, went ahead to the air force base in Jinan, intending to make a public appearance only after Li Fuxing had safely returned to Jinan.

Yang Jiefang was still wearing his Zhongshan suit, accompanied only by a few bodyguards. Just as he entered the air force base, he saw Wang Canzhi, dressed in military uniform, emerge from within. She wasn't alone; a bespectacled man in a suit was with her. The two stood very close, appearing quite intimate.

Yang Jiefang's heart skipped a beat. Sheng Fangyi planned to matchmake Wang Canzhi and Yan Donglai. But if she was already taken, things would get complicated.

Wang Canzhi saw Yang Jiefang and was also shocked. She exclaimed, "Little Commander—what are you doing here?" Logically speaking, the Little Commander should be in Beiping at this time.

Yang Jiefang smiled, avoiding the question directly, and instead asked, "Who is this gentleman? I've never seen him before. Could you introduce him to me?" This is an air force base; unauthorized personnel can't just come in so easily.

Wang Canzhi turned around, grabbed the man's arm, and introduced him: "This is my brother Wang Yuande, who came here specifically to see me... Brother, this is the famous Little Commander."

Wang Yuande smiled and said, "Little Commander, it's a pleasure to meet you! Thank you for taking care of my little sister!" He extended his right hand as he spoke.

Yang Jiefang smiled and extended his right hand to shake his. He quickly searched his mind for information about Wang Yuande. When Wang Canzhi was appointed commander of the Second Flight Group, her family background must have been investigated. Yang Jiefang had also seen this information.

Wang Yuande graduated from Shanghai Zhengfeng University. As the eldest son of Qiu Jin, and with the Wang family being the wealthiest in Xiangtan, any official arriving in Xiangtan would first visit Wang Yuande at his home. Therefore, it would have been easy for Wang Yuande to obtain an official position. In fact, the Nationalist government repeatedly invited him to serve in the government, but he politely declined each time. He was a kind and charitable man, devoted to public welfare, and especially to supporting education in his hometown.

After returning to China, Wang Canzhi did not contact her family. After her story was reported in the newspapers, Wang Yuande learned from the newspapers that she was in Shandong. Wang Yuande first contacted Wang Canzhi through a telegram from the post office, wanting her to return home. However, Wang Canzhi was busy establishing the second flight group and was unwilling to go home. Wang Yuande had no choice but to come to Shandong to visit his sister, only to be spotted by Yang Jiefang.

Yang Jiefang laughed and said, "Mr. Wang, you're too kind. Your sister is a female general of the East! She's a rare talent. If Qiu Jin, the heroine, knew of this in the afterlife, she would be very pleased!"

Upon hearing the mention of Qiu Jin, Wang Yuande's expression immediately darkened. He turned around and said, "As her elder brother, I have failed to take good care of my younger sister. I am truly ashamed before our late mother." He looked at his sister with deep affection.

Yang Jiefang suddenly remembered something and said, "Mr. Wang, there's something I'd like to ask you to do! Shall we go inside and talk?"

Wang Yuande couldn't refuse, so he had to agree. Afterwards, the three of them went to the air force base's reception room.

Yang Jiefang said, "In China, there are many revolutionary martyrs like Qiu Jin. They fought bravely and sacrificed their lives for China's national independence and the happiness of its people. They did not get to enjoy the fruits of the revolution's victory, but we don't know how their families are doing now."

Wang Yuande followed up on his topic, saying, "Many heroes sacrificed their lives, but I'm afraid there aren't many of their descendants who can live a life of comfort and ease like our Wang family."

Yang Jiefang nodded and said, "In recent years, warlords have been fighting each other endlessly, and the phenomenon of bloodshed among soldiers is widespread. I'm afraid few people really care about how the descendants of those martyrs are living. It's one thing that no one cared before, but from now on, I want to take charge of this matter."

Wang Yuande remained silent, gazing intently at Yang Jiefang, listening quietly to what he would say next.

Yang Jiefang continued, "I want to establish a foundation to help soldiers who were wounded while fighting for the country, and to support the descendants of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country, providing them with a certain level of livelihood security. Mr. Wang, could you take on this task?"

Wang Yuande was somewhat surprised and asked in confusion, "I—"

Yang Jiefang continued, "This Martyrs' Relief Foundation is just a non-governmental organization that does not make a profit. Undertaking this task will neither lead to promotion nor wealth. If Mr. Wang is unwilling, I will not force him."

If it were something that could lead to promotion and wealth, Wang Yuande would definitely refuse. However, he found he couldn't refuse this offer. After a moment's thought, Wang Yuande asked, "Young Commander, may I ask what criteria you have for defining who you intend to sponsor?"

Yang Jiefang replied, "Sima Qian once said, 'Death is inevitable for everyone, but it can be as light as a feather or as heavy as Mount Tai.' What is heavier than Mount Tai? I think the first thing to consider is the heroes who sacrificed their lives for their country. Since the Opium War between China and Britain, I would like to help any Chinese who fought for their country, regardless of their background or past, whether they died heroically or were wounded, or if they or their descendants have any difficulties in life."

Wang Yuande nodded and replied, "To die for one's country is the greatest act of loyalty and righteousness! They deserve to be revered by future generations. If their descendants are destitute, it is our fault, and we have failed our martyrs!"

Yang Jiefang continued, “I have never liked civil wars. But some civil wars are unavoidable. If they are fought for justice, they should be commended. For example, the Xinhai Revolution led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the National Protection War organized by General Cai E, and the Northern Expedition organized by the Kuomintang and the Communist Party. These were all just wars, and the heroes who sacrificed their lives or the wounded soldiers should enjoy the same treatment. Mr. Wang, if you are willing to take on this task, please first do a survey to see how many families need assistance and how much assistance is appropriate. As for funding, I will try to raise the funds. If any socially conscious individuals voluntarily donate, our foundation will accept and publicly commend them.”

Wang Yuande praised, "Young Commander, you are so young, yet you have the world in your heart, which is truly admirable! It is my honor that you are willing to entrust me with such an important task. I will do my best to handle this matter well. In addition, my Wang family has been blessed by our ancestors and has considerable wealth, so let me be the first person to donate!"

Yang Jiefang immediately waved his hand and said, "I've entrusted this matter to you, and we haven't even discussed payment yet. How can I let you spend money first? I'll approve some activity funds for you here first, so you can get the foundation up and running. We can talk about donations later!"

Wang Yuande said, "Since the young commander has entrusted this matter to me, then please let me make the decision!"

Knowing his character, Yang Jiefang didn't feign refusal. The two discussed some details, and before they knew it, time had slipped away. Before they finished talking, the door to the reception room was suddenly pushed open, and Gao Huilan barged in.

Gao Huilan took an Air Force plane to Wanping Airport, only to find it empty; she hadn't met Yang Jiefang. After learning the whole story from Li Fuxing, she returned to Jinan. Upon learning that Yang Jiefang was in the Air Force base's reception room, she rushed over. Her expression was quite complex, neither clearly joy nor anger.

Yang Jiefang stood up and said, "Mr. Wang, please stay in Jinan for a few more days! We can continue our discussion later." Without waiting for Wang Yuande's reply, he walked up to Gao Huilan, took her hand, and said, "You've come at the right time! I just happened to have something to discuss with you." He then pulled Gao Huilan out.