Newborn 1927

The standoff between Ning and Yue lasted for more than two months. Although the two sides were on the verge of war, no actual battle broke out. In addition to political reasons, the fact that the weapons procured by the Guangdong and Guangxi armies from Yang Jiefang had not yet been delivered was also an important factor.

The weapons supplied by Yang Jiefang to the Northeast Army had arrived, and Xiao Liuzi was busy forming and training a new Shandong-equipped division. He remained silent and uninvolved regarding the tense situation in the south. Yang Jiefang then began selling weapons, ammunition, aircraft, and tanks to Guangdong and Guangxi.

When Yang Jiefang received Feng Yuxiang's telegram, he hesitated. Feng had returned to power with Soviet support, so it was hard to say whether he was friend or foe. But considering that this fellow, despite his repeated defections, still held a firm stance on national righteousness, he sent him a telegram in reply, inviting him to Jinan for a face-to-face meeting.

Without hesitation, Feng Yuxiang immediately took a train to Jinan. When the two met again, they couldn't help but recall their first encounter. In just two or three years, it felt like a lifetime had passed, and their social status had completely reversed.

After exchanging pleasantries, Yang Jiefang went straight to the point: "Brother Feng, I heard that you had the support of Soviet Russia to make your comeback this time. I'd like to know, on what basis did Soviet Russia support your comeback? What conditions did they offer you?"

Feng Yuxiang replied, "My brother is indeed straightforward! Everyone can see the current situation. Chiang Kai-shek has lost all popular support, and his resignation is probably inevitable. But the Nationalist government still needs someone to take charge. The Soviet Union has chosen me; can you accept that, my brother?"

Yang Jiefang asked, "Is this considered a political investment? What does the Soviet Union want from you?"

Feng Yuxiang frankly stated: "Of course, it's my political stance. You should know that Chiang Kai-shek's relationship with Britain and the United States was closer. The Soviet Union hoped that the future Nationalist government would be closer to the Soviet Union. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that the Soviet Union brought me out to put pressure on Chiang Kai-shek. I was just a pawn they temporarily used."

His words made sense. Yang Jiefang knew that no matter who the Soviet Union would ultimately support between Chiang Kai-shek and Feng Yuxiang, its goal was to separate Outer Mongolia from China.

Yang Jiefang changed the subject, saying, "Now, in this season, with spring in full bloom, birds singing, and grass growing, it's the perfect time to wage war against the north. I'm preparing to send troops to reclaim Outer Mongolia. What are your thoughts on this, Brother Feng?"

Feng Yuxiang frowned slightly and said, "Brother, do you really want to go to war with Soviet Russia? Please forgive my bluntness, but the Soviet army is not easy to deal with. Do you have the confidence to win?"

Yang Jiefang said, "I have no confidence in winning, but I am determined to fight to the death. Outer Mongolia is Chinese territory, and I will never allow it to be occupied by Soviet Russia. Now it is the Republic of China, not the weak and easily bullied Qing Dynasty. We soldiers can only die to defend our country, not live by ceding territory and paying reparations!"

Feng Yuxiang was deeply moved and praised, "Revolutionary soldiers should act this way! My dear brother, I would also like to express my stance here. Safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity is the duty of us soldiers. If it really comes to the point where we have no choice but to use force to recover Outer Mongolia, I am neither a coward nor someone who craves power. I will definitely live and die with you, brother! However, I also advise you, my dear brother, that war is dangerous and perilous. Unless absolutely necessary, please do not start a war!"

Yang Jiefang was speechless for a moment. He was speaking so passionately, but wasn't he just worried about not being able to win? You warlords who have been fighting each other for so many years, are you afraid of fighting?

Yang Jiefang didn't press the issue, agreeing instead: "What you say is absolutely right! I've already asked Gu Weijun to negotiate with Soviet Russia. Of course, I hope to recover Outer Mongolia through political and diplomatic means. However, we must also be prepared for war. It's always better to be prepared than to be unprepared!"

Feng Yuxiang agreed, saying, "Therefore, we soldiers still need to intensify our training and prepare for war."

Yang Jiefang changed the subject, saying, "Brother Feng, to be honest, if you ask me for weapons, whether good or bad, new or old, I have no shortage of them. But I hope that my weapons are used to defend our country and recover lost territory, not to fight civil wars and kill Chinese people. I will not allow anyone to use my weapons to help our country's enemies or to stab us in the back!"

Feng Yuxiang was furious and stood up, saying, "Brother Yang, you underestimate me! How could I, Feng Yuxiang, do such a despicable thing?"

Yang Jiefang quickly said in a gentle tone, "Brother Feng, please don't be angry! I naturally trust you, which is why I invited you to Jinan to speak frankly in person. You've come for weapons, so let's talk about weapons properly."

Since he needed their help, Feng Yuxiang suppressed his anger and sat down again, saying, "Brother Yang, my Third Route Army is relatively well-equipped in terms of personnel and weaponry. However, the 22nd Route Army's losses in the Hubei-Henan-Anhui campaign have not been replenished, and ammunition is running low. Now, we've recruited some new soldiers to complete the organization, so the weapon shortage is quite significant. As for the newly formed Eighth Division, I'm also recruiting new soldiers to restore its organization. But we haven't secured the necessary weapons and equipment, so I'd appreciate your assistance!"

The newly formed 8th Division was disarmed by Wang Xun in Lanzhou. However, this unit still existed within the Ministry of Military Affairs and was not abolished. After Lei Zhongtian and several high-ranking officials returned to Nanyang with Li Shijun, they immediately began recruiting new soldiers and restoring the unit's organization. In those days, countless people were displaced. As long as you had money and food, recruiting able-bodied men to join the army was not difficult. Of course, if they really couldn't recruit any, they would forcibly conscript men. The source of soldiers was actually easy to solve; it was the weapons that were hard to obtain.

Yang Jiefang never imagined that Wang Xuncai's actions in Lanzhou would ultimately help Feng Yuxiang legitimately expand his division. Yang Jiefang asked, "What kind of weapons do you want? How many?"

Feng Yuxiang tentatively asked, "Could you help me reorganize one or two divisions according to your army's standards?"

Yang Jiefang nodded and said, "It is feasible according to the standards of the Guangxi Army, and it also fits your actual situation."

Feng Yuxiang seemed to realize something and immediately said, "It's not according to the standards of the Guangxi Army. It's according to the standards of your People's Liberation Army!"

Yang Jiefang chuckled and shook his head, saying, "Brother Feng, don't even think about it. Let's not even talk about whether you have enough money to support such an army. Do you think just anyone who picks up my weapons can have the same fighting power as the People's Liberation Army? Given your current situation, forming one or two simplified versions of the Shandong-equipped divisions, based on the standards of the Guangxi Army, is barely feasible. Don't be overly ambitious!"

Feng Yuxiang now truly understood the principle that quality is more important than quantity in warfare, and he genuinely envied the People's Liberation Army's weaponry. However, he also knew that Yang Jiefang's words were true. After careful consideration, Feng Yuxiang said, "Then let's first form two simplified versions of Shandong-equipped divisions!" With a total of two armies, each would be equipped with one Shandong-equipped division, which would be fair.

Yang Jiefang continued, "Even so, it would still cost over a million silver dollars, not including the subsequent ammunition consumption. Although Brother Feng and I are on good terms, friends are friends and business is business. Cash on delivery, no credit. Can Brother Feng do that?"

Feng Yuxiang's face was somewhat grim, clearly feeling overwhelmed by the heavy burden. He gritted his teeth and agreed. He was determined to ask the Soviet Union for more money later.

The two then signed a weapons purchase agreement, and Feng Yuxiang hurriedly took his leave. His trip to Jinan was purely for arms procurement. As for winning over Yang Jiefang to his side, he had given up hope. He also realized that despite Yang Jiefang's young age, he was principled and not easily swayed.

After seeing Feng Yuxiang off, Yang Jiefang immediately met with Ogasawara. He was certain that Feng Yuxiang, in order to obtain financial support from Soviet Russia, would leak his plan to retake Outer Mongolia by force to the Soviet Union. Therefore, he no longer needed to wait and should proceed with the next step of his plan.

Ogasawara had been staying in Jinan, but upon being invited by Yang Jiefang, he came immediately. Ogasawara said, "Mr. Yang, as you Chinese say, 'You don't visit a temple without a reason.' Is there something important you want to discuss with me?"

Yang Jiefang said with a smile, "Mr. Ogasawara, am I now considered a military ally of Japan?"

Ogasawara replied, "Yes."

Yang Jiefang said, "I plan to send troops to recover Outer Mongolia. As you probably know, Soviet Russia will definitely intervene. Facing such a powerful opponent as Soviet Russia, I am not confident of victory. I hope your country can join me in sending troops! After all, we are allies."

Ogasawara replied, "Yes. We are indeed allies now. It is perfectly reasonable for me to help you send troops to recover Outer Mongolia. As a friend, I am personally willing to assist you. However, military strategy says 'one should not act without benefit,' and I am worried that the military will not agree to send troops if there is not enough benefit."

Yang Jiefang praised, "Mr. Ogasawara truly deserves to be called a China expert! He's even thoroughly familiar with 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu? What's more, he can apply it flexibly. If he were to command an army, he would certainly have the demeanor of a great general!"

Ogasawara smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Yang, you flatter me!"

Yang Jiefang continued, "Outer Mongolia is currently occupied by Soviet Russia. For me, I won't gain anything if I don't reclaim it; even if I can reclaim half, it will be a profit. How about this? Outer Mongolia's territorial sovereignty legally belongs to China. This is unchangeable. However, I'm willing to share half of its underground mineral resources with you, Japan!"

Ogasawara involuntarily stood up and said, "Yang-san, is what you're saying true?"

Yang Jiefang smiled frankly and asked in return, "Do I look like I'm joking?"

Ogasawara thought about it carefully and felt that Yang Jiefang had no reason to lie, so he asked again, "May I ask, Mr. Yang, how would you like Japan to help you?"

Yang Jiefang said, “Outer Mongolia is far from the sea, so your country’s powerful navy is useless. We can only ask your army to participate in the war! I don’t ask for much, just the 4th and 6th Divisions. I will send three cavalry divisions, three infantry divisions, and an air group to participate. I believe that with the strong combat power of our two armies, taking Outer Mongolia should not be a problem.”

Ogasawara thought for a moment and agreed. This was a force of 150,000 elite troops! Although the Soviet Union had hundreds of thousands of troops in the Far East, the number available for operations in Outer Mongolia would definitely not exceed 100,000. They were confident of victory. Moreover, once Yang Jiefang launched an attack in Outer Mongolia, tying down the main Soviet forces, Japan's powerful navy could also be put to use, enabling a direct attack on Vladivostok.

Ogasawara immediately said, "Yang-san, I need to report this matter to the Cabinet. Do you have any other requests? Before deciding whether to participate in the war, let's clarify our respective needs and contributions."

Yang Jiefang said, "As for the army, your country only needs to send these two standing divisions. I can handle the food supply. However, due to the caliber issue, your army will have to solve the ammunition supply problem itself. In addition, I hope your country can provide me with some horses. The supply of hundreds of thousands of troops is not a small matter, and I need a large number of horses to transport supplies."

Ogasawara pressed further, "How many horses do you want?"

Yang Jiefang replied, "The more the better, at least 100,000 strong military horses."

Ogasawara nodded slightly; Yang Jiefang's request was not excessive.

Yang Jiefang then added, "I only want Outer Mongolia. If your army seizes any other territories from Soviet Russia during the war, they can belong to your country."

Ogasawara smiled slightly and said, "Yang-san, you are very sincere! I believe the cabinet and the military will agree. I need to go back to Japan first to report this matter in person."

Yang Jiefang replied, "Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Ogasawara! I'll wait here for good news."

Ogasawara soon left Jinan again, but instead of returning directly to Japan, he went to Nanjing first to report the matter to the Japanese ambassador to China. Everyone now knows that Gu Weijun is currently negotiating with the Soviet ambassador to China regarding Outer Mongolia. The two sides are engaged in heated debate. The Japanese side originally sided with the Soviet Union, their aim being simple: to suppress Yang Jiefang and prevent his further expansion of power. Outsiders may not know, but the Japanese themselves know that the deployment of two Japanese divisions to Shandong was not intended to help. But now they have no choice but to help. Faced with the enormous temptation of profit, the Japanese ambassador to China immediately changed his attitude and sided with China. This left Gu Weijun bewildered, and he could only report the matter to Yang Jiefang.

Yang Jiefang's original plan was to lure the 4th and 6th Divisions to the neighboring grasslands for annihilation, thus avoiding the destruction of the two cities. However, in practice, he found that things seemed to have exceeded his expectations. After some deliberation, Yang Jiefang quickly adjusted his plans and made contingency plans. If the September 18 Incident did not occur, he would go with the flow and join forces with Japan to fight against Soviet Russia. If the September 18 Incident did occur as planned, he would proceed according to his original plan: first settle things with the local authorities, then deal with the Soviet Union.

Yang Jiefang then telegraphed Gu Weijun, urging him to work with Japan to pressure Soviet Russia. If Outer Mongolia could be recovered through diplomatic channels, that would be the best possible outcome.

However, the outcome was quite the opposite. With the Sino-Japanese alliance strengthened, the Soviet Union's attitude hardened even further. This was unavoidable. Allowing Yang Jiechi to occupy Outer Mongolia would directly threaten the security of the Trans-Siberian Railway. If he were to cut off the Trans-Siberian Railway in the Lake Baikal region, the consequences would be unimaginable.

The direct consequence of this was that Soviet Russia increased its support for Feng Yuxiang. It even hinted that Feng should recall the Northwest Army generals and troops who had previously joined the People's Liberation Army. How to recall them? Simply by paying them off. The Soviets indicated they could cover the cost.

Feng Yuxiang was a man who didn't discriminate between meat and vegetables, and he dared to ask for any kind of money. It was common for him to turn his back on someone after getting the money. This time was no exception; after receiving the money, he immediately turned around and bought equipment from Yang Jiefang. As for poaching Yang Jiefang's employees, he really couldn't bring himself to do it. Besides, he knew he couldn't succeed.