People in the Republic of China era began to rise from industry.

The news that the Japanese army was going to be stationed in the northwest only broke five days later.

First, on the first day, Song Mingxuan, the director of the Chahar Pacification Office, reported to the National Government that the Japanese army had made unusual movements and appeared in Mengjiang territory.

The force consisted of approximately one regiment, but its specific objective was unclear.

The next day, Ma Yuanqing officially sent a telegram to the whole country.

They angrily denounced the Nanjing authorities for failing to stop the Sichuan army from encroaching on the Northwest and for ignoring the safety of the people in the Northwest.

At the end of the telegram, he declared that he was determined to fight to the death to protect the interests of the people in the Northwest.

The words were spoken with utmost integrity.

It wasn't entirely unjust; the Jinling State Government did indeed initially intend to reap the benefits without lifting a finger.

However, with the information reported by Song Mingxuan, those who understood the current situation could easily see the trickery in the two events.

"Has Ma Yuanqing gone mad?"

Is he planning to use one enemy to devour another?

In Song Wenchang's office, the two had just read the telegram that had been delivered when Kong Yongzhi, who happened to be there to discuss something with Song Wenchang, looked surprised.

"Aren't the Japanese tigers?"

With a furrowed brow, Song Wenchang subconsciously corrected him.

Kong Yongzhi didn't pay attention to this point, and his brows furrowed instantly: "Doing this will cause a big problem!"

The Japanese have overreached themselves.

It is entirely predictable that once the Japanese army's presence in the Northwest becomes a fait accompli, public opinion will be in an uproar.

The loss of the area outside the Great Wall has already brought a lot of infamy to my good brother-in-law.

If something goes wrong in the Northwest this time and he doesn't react, he'll really have to step down!

Leaving aside local warlords like Chen Bonan and Li Delin, who were eager to rally supporters.

Within Jinling, there were people who had always coveted his position.

With collusion from within and without, coupled with overwhelming public opinion, the probability of this happening is very high.

Worried, he cursed through gritted teeth, "Damn it, it's all Lin Yi's fault!"

Without Lin Yi, there would have been no war in the Northwest.

Without Lin Yi, the National Government would not have made this large-scale purchase of military equipment, which aroused the suspicion of the Japanese.

If it weren't for Lin Yi, I wouldn't be feeling so bad right now!

Song Wenchang glanced at him, his mind a complete mess.

If a major war breaks out, the Nationalist government's finances will truly collapse.

When the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken; all aspects of business will be severely affected.

He rubbed his throbbing forehead: "No matter what, we can't fight this war."

"Of course, we can't win even if we fight."

Kong Yongzhi said with certainty.

He's an economist, and he knows China's financial situation very well.

With such a limited industrial base, how can China compete with the Japanese?

If a real fight breaks out, death is the only outcome.

Taking things slowly and methodically is actually the safest approach.

Thinking it over, he said, "Wenchang, you are the Premier, you have to take the initiative in this matter."

"Tell those people in the Military Commission a proper account of our resources. Don't let them be so ignorant of the value of money. On such important matters, we can't afford to act impulsively."

"We must first stabilize the internal situation before we can withstand external storms."

Song Wenchang glanced at him again and saw his worried expression, which confirmed that he hadn't dug a hole for himself.

In this situation, anyone who goes against public opinion will be cursed for eighteen generations.

Even worse, they might be pushed out as scapegoats to quell public anger.

Being the Premier is a difficult job, but ultimately, the position is what it is.

If you do something truly remarkable, you might just go down in history.

He already has enough money.

Although I still like it very much, wouldn't it be better to make money and leave a mark on history at the same time?

"I know, I will say what needs to be said."

As he spoke, Song Wenchang raised his eyebrows twice and suddenly laughed, "Minister Kong, right now, the one who's more anxious than us is Lin Yi, isn't he?"

"This matter is not as simple as killing an unknown nobody."

"He said he'd do it, and he did it."

"This is a matter of great importance. Once the Japanese really occupy the Northwest, do you think they would have the guts to let the Sichuan army continue fighting?"

"what do you mean……"

Kong Yongzhi narrowed his eyes, vaguely grasping at something.

"Leaving aside the strategic schemes of the Japanese, the most direct reason for the Japanese army's entry into the Northwest is that Ma Yuanqing could not hold out and they wanted to protect the oil."

"Besides, so much has already been invested in the early stages, we can't just watch it all go down the drain, can we?"

"In particular, Lin Yi has made it clear that he will never cooperate with them, so directly stationing himself in the Northwest is the only way."

Song Wenchang analyzed the situation logically, and as his thoughts became clearer, his smile grew wider.

"Let's not even talk about how stubborn Lin Yi is or how obedient the Sichuan Army is."

"Ma Yuanqing's telegram was, in essence, a prelude to prevent him from being completely passive in public opinion after the Japanese officially entered the Northwest."

"At the very least, we should drag the Nationalist government and the Sichuan Army into this mess."

"Didn't he complain in the telegram that the Nationalist government wasn't stopping the Sichuan Army?"

"So the solution to this problem is a ceasefire now."

"Once we run out of excuses, we can negotiate with the Japanese and resolve this crisis through negotiation!"

As he spoke, Song Wenchang clapped his hands sharply: "Let's do it this way, our Mr. Tan will definitely agree."

"Under pressure from all sides, Lin Yi will have no choice but to compromise!"

The words had been spoken clearly enough. Kong Yongzhi's eyes blinked twice, and he laughed heartily: "That makes sense!"

"As long as the Sichuan army stops fighting, regardless of whether the Japanese will eventually back down, Lin Yi's previous investment will be completely wasted!"

As he spoke, he couldn't help but urge, "We shouldn't delay, let's go see Mr. Tan right now."

“Once he makes up his mind, then the matter is half accomplished.”

As for whether the Japanese would cease hostilities, that was not within his consideration.

Song Wenchang also agreed with his view.

The two had completely forgotten about their original plan to create obstacles and legitimately delay payment to Lin Yi, and hurriedly left the Executive Yuan.

Although this matter did not benefit either of them.

However, after suffering so many setbacks, anything that makes Lin Yi uncomfortable is something to celebrate...

Just as the two were happily heading to the official residence, Lin Yi, who had received the telegram before them, was already sitting with Sun Zhongneng.

He saw right through Ma Yuanqing's little scheme to gain the upper hand in public opinion.

He also anticipated that the Sichuan Army would most likely be asked to abandon Longnan in order to quell the crisis.

At that time, all my previous investments will indeed be wasted.

However, he was not optimistic at all about whether the Japanese would withdraw their troops once the situation in the northwest stabilized.

The matter has already begun, and if the Nationalist government chooses to back down, it will only embolden the Japanese.

Therefore, he needs to take the initiative.

Before the Japanese enter the Northwest, we must first control the Northwest...