Republic of China: German-equipped divisions massacred as warlords guarded the nation's borders

December 16, 1925, morning.

Shen Li stood in front of the map, holding a newly translated intelligence report in his hand.

"Young Master," he said softly, "we've investigated Li Mingyuan's background thoroughly."

Chen Zijun leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the table: "Speak."

"Li Mingyuan, courtesy name Zhongmou, is from Quanzhou, Fujian. He is thirty-two years old and graduated from the Artillery Department of Baoding Military Academy." Shen Li opened the intelligence report. "After graduation, he joined the Beiyang Army and served in the Anhui and Zhili cliques. Later, he was incorporated into Zhou Qinian's army and served as the commander of the Second Division."

"His resume is impressive." Chen Zijun raised an eyebrow. "Baoding Military Academy, artillery department; Beiyang service; ultimately joined Zhou Qinian. Is this guy a fence-sitter?"

"He's not exactly a fence-sitter," Shen Li shook his head. "He's a native of Fujian and has always wanted to return to Fujian to develop his career. Zhou Qinian recruited him because he valued his influence in Fujian. But Zhou Qinian is a suspicious man by nature. He both uses and guards against Li Mingyuan, often withholding his pay and always issuing equipment last."

"How long did Li Mingyuan endure this?"

"Three years," Shen Li said. "During these three years, Li Mingyuan repeatedly requested reorganization from Zhou Qinian, but Zhou Qinian made various excuses to refuse. Last month, Zhou Qinian once again withheld Li Mingyuan's military pay, citing 'financial difficulties.' But in reality, Zhou Qinian paid every penny of the direct First Division's military pay."

Chen Zijun sneered: "This is the last straw that broke the camel's back."

"Exactly." Shen Li closed the intelligence report. "When our people contacted Li Mingyuan, his first words were, 'As long as we can give their second brother a way out, we'll agree to any conditions.'"

Chen Zijun stood up and walked to the map.

How many soldiers does Li Mingyuan have?

"The Second Division, about 10,000 men," Shen Li said. "Its equipment is worse than the First Division, but better than the Third Division. Li Mingyuan is a capable military leader, his troops are well-disciplined, and he has a decent reputation in Fujian."

Ten thousand people.

Not too many, not too few.

If Li Mingyuan defectes, Zhou Qinian's 30,000 troops will be reduced by 10,000. Of the remaining 20,000, the First Division is the elite force, while the Third Division is a mixed force with limited combat effectiveness.

"Brother Li," Chen Zijun turned his head, "I'm planning to send you to negotiate?"

Shen Li did not answer, but thought for a moment and said cautiously, "I suggest sending Uncle Yang Yanzhao."

"Uncle Yang?" Chen Zijun was taken aback.

"That's right," Shen Li said. "Uncle Yang is from Fujian and has certain connections in the Fujian military. Moreover, he is known as the 'Little Zhuge Liang of the Anhui Clique in the Beiyang Army.' He knew Li Mingyuan back then, and Uncle Yang has a good relationship with the master. He has always controlled the heavy artillery in our Chen family army, so his position is high enough. If we send him, Li Mingyuan will feel that we are sincere."

Chen Zijun nodded: "That makes sense."

He looked at Shen Li: "Is Uncle Yang in Quzhou or Wenzhou now?"

"In Wenzhou," Shen Li said. "The newly formed First Division of the Zhejiang Army has moved to Quzhou and completed its reorganization with Uncle Zang's armored battalion, so it has just returned to the front line where the Fourth Division is stationed in Wenzhou."

"Okay," Chen Zijun said. "Have Uncle Yang secretly go back to Shanghai, and I'll talk to him personally."

……

The following evening.

Yang Yanzhao secretly returned to Shanghai from Wenzhou and arrived at Chen's mansion overnight.

Chen Zijun received him in his study.

"Young Marshal," Yang Yanzhao said bluntly as he entered, "You want me to go to Fujian?"

"Yes." Chen Zijun poured him a cup of tea. "Li Mingyuan is willing to defect, and I need you to talk to him."

Yang Yanzhao took the teacup and took a sip: "I've heard of Li Mingyuan. He graduated from the artillery department of Baoding Military Academy and has some skills, but he was indeed suppressed too much by Zhou Qinian."

"So there's a possibility he might defect," Chen Zijun said. "But I'm not sure about his sincerity. Uncle Yang, you're going to Fujian not to negotiate with him, but to confirm his sincerity."

Yang Yanzhao nodded: "Understood."

"I've prepared two hundred thousand pounds for you." Chen Zijun took out a check. "This is a gift. Tell Li Mingyuan that as long as he defectes, this money is his. After it's done, I'll give him the position of vice governor and concurrently the commander of the Fujian Provincial Security Forces. His Second Division will be reorganized into the newly formed German-equipped division of the National Defense Army, with all the equipment, pay, and organization provided."

Yang Yanzhao took the check, glanced at the number on it, and raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Two hundred thousand pounds," he said softly. "Young Marshal, you're quite generous."

"Fujian is worth it," Chen Zijun said. "If Li Mingyuan defectes, we can take over the entire Fujian province without bloodshed. This £200,000 is well spent."

Yang Yanzhao put the check away: "I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning."

"Be careful," Chen Zijun cautioned. "Zhou Qinian is also in contact with the Chang Department. If he finds out that Li Mingyuan is colluding with us, the consequences will be severe."

"Don't worry." Yang Yanzhao smiled. "I have many old friends in Fujian. If I travel by land, I can reach Fuzhou in three days. Zhou Qinian won't be able to keep an eye on me."

……

December 18, 1925, late at night.

Fuzhou, Fujian, Second Division Defense Zone.

Li Mingyuan's command post was an inconspicuous little building, which looked ordinary from the outside, but was a hidden gem inside.

Disguised as a businessman, Yang Yanzhao, led by Li Mingyuan's confidant, secretly entered the command post.

Li Mingyuan personally greeted them at the door.

"General Yang," Li Mingyuan said, clasping his hands in a fist salute, "I have long admired your name."

Yang Yanzhao returned the greeting: "Commander Li, you're too kind."

The two entered the secret room and dismissed their attendants.

"General Yang," Li Mingyuan said bluntly, "I can switch sides, but I have three conditions."

"Speak," Yang Yanzhao said decisively.

"First, after the defection, my Second Division cannot be disbanded; it must be reorganized into Chen's army and its structure preserved," Li Mingyuan said.

"No problem." Yang Yanzhao nodded. "The young marshal has promised that your Second Division will be reorganized into the newly formed German-equipped division of the National Defense Army, with no shortage of equipment, pay, or organization."

"Secondly, I want a position with real power," Li Mingyuan said. "Not just a title, but one where I can actually get things done."

Yang Yanzhao took out a piece of paper: "The young marshal promises that after your defection, you will serve as the vice governor of Fujian Province and concurrently as the commander of the Fujian Provincial Security Forces. This is a promise letter personally signed by the young marshal."

Li Mingyuan took the letter of commitment, read it carefully, and a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

"Third," Li Mingyuan said, putting down the letter of commitment, "I want cash. Not a promise, but money I can have right now. My brothers have families to support, they've suffered a lot training with me, and they haven't received their pay for over two months..."

Yang Yanzhao produced a check: "Two hundred thousand pounds, cashed at HSBC Bank. This is a gift from the young marshal to you. As for the military pay, the young master also promises to make up for it as soon as possible after the war."

Li Mingyuan took the check, glanced at the number on it, and took a deep breath.

£200,000.

Converted to silver dollars, it would be approximately 1.5 million silver dollars.

This money is enough for him to live comfortably in his old age.

"General Yang." Li Mingyuan stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "I appreciate your kind words."

"Commander Li, when are you going to make your move?" Yang Yanzhao asked.

"Three days from now," Li Mingyuan said, "Zhou Qinian will be conducting military exercises outside Fuzhou, with all three divisions participating. At that time, I will have the Second Division suddenly turn its guns around during the exercises to coordinate with Chen's army in their attack."

When will Chen's army launch their attack?

"After I defect, you can move south from the Zhejiang-Fujian border," Li Mingyuan said. "At that time, I will open the north gate of Fuzhou and let your armored forces enter the city directly."

Yang Yanzhao nodded: "Okay. After I return, the Young Marshal will immediately order the Fourth Division and the Armored Battalion to assemble on the Zhejiang-Fujian border. We will coordinate our operation three days later."

"There's one more thing," Li Mingyuan said in a low voice. "Zhou Qinian has recently been in contact with the Chang faction, preparing to be reorganized by them. If he succeeds, Fujian will fall into the hands of the Chang faction. So I must act before the Chang faction is reorganized."

"Understood," Yang Yanzhao said. "We will take action within three days."

The two shook hands and reached an agreement.

……

December 20, 1925, morning.

The war room at the Chen Mansion in Shanghai.

Yang Yanzhao rushed back to Shanghai overnight to report to Chen Zijun.

After hearing this, Chen Zijun smiled.

"Did Li Mingyuan really agree?"

"Agreed." Yang Yanzhao handed over a copy of the commitment letter. "Three days later, when Zhou Qinian conducts military exercises, Li Mingyuan will suddenly defect. At that time, he will open the north gate of Fuzhou City, and our armored forces can enter the city directly."

Chen Zijun took the copy, looked at it once, and placed it on the table.

"Okay," he said. "Immediately notify Shen Li that the Fourth Division and the armored battalion should assemble at the Zhejiang-Fujian border. Three days later, they will coordinate with Li Mingyuan's operation."

"yes!"

"And one more thing," Chen Zijun said, looking at Mo Lanzhi, "Lanzhi, keep a close eye on Zhou Qinian's movements. If Zhou Qinian discovers Li Mingyuan's unusual activity, he might act prematurely. We need to be prepared at any time."

"Understood." Moranzhi nodded.

Chen Zijun stood up, walked to the map, and looked at the location of Fujian.

Three days.

In just three days, Fujian will fall into his hands.

At that time, his sphere of influence will extend from Jiangsu all the way to the Fujian coast, controlling the entire southeastern coastal area.

The hegemon of Southeast China.

This title will soon truly belong to him.