Chapter 767
Kaifeng Conference The End of the Guangxi Clique!
Although the atmosphere in the conference room eased slightly after the statements from the bigwigs, an indescribable sense of anxiety still lingered in the air.
Everyone knows that Class A combat units can be allocated more combat supplies and more combat personnel.
Given limited resources, Type A combat units will definitely receive priority in resupply.
Lin Wei stood in front of the map, not giving everyone much time to think.
His baton traced a half-circle in the air before landing on several specific defense zones, his voice clear and resolute:
"The major policies and guidelines have been set; the next step is to implement them."
"Based on the joint command's comprehensive assessment of the combat performance and personnel quality of each unit in the fourth phase of the counter-offensive in North China."
"The Chairman has personally selected the first batch of personnel to be reorganized into 'Class A' combat units."
This statement came out.
A commotion immediately broke out in the audience.
Countless eyes were fixed on Lin Wei's lips, both eager to hear the name of their unit and fearful that their unit would be "annexed".
"The first one!"
Lin Wei turned his gaze to the left side of the seating area and spoke in a loud voice:
"Episode 4, Sun Weiru's Department!"
Upon hearing this, Sun Weiru answered almost without hesitation: "Yes!"
"This unit demonstrated excellent teamwork during the fourth phase of the counter-offensive. Having undergone prior reorganization and restructuring, its personnel are of high quality and are ready for a second reorganization. It is proposed to upgrade this unit from a Class B combat unit to a Class A combat unit."
"After the adjustment, the fourth division has three attack corps and one heavy artillery brigade, equipped with 12 155mm howitzers.
Each attacking corps comprises three combat divisions, and the corps' directly subordinate combat units have a fixed structure that cannot be arbitrarily adjusted.
Specific details regarding equipment and personnel will be distributed after the meeting.
The template for the army's directly subordinate units is: an air defense support battalion, a communications company, a guard battalion, a field hospital, and an additional heavy artillery regiment.
The heavy artillery regiment is equipped with 12 105mm howitzers.
Each combat division consists of four infantry regiments and one mountain artillery regiment, with the mountain artillery regiment equipped with 24 75mm mountain guns.
The division's directly subordinate units should be divided into: engineer battalion, logistics support company, air defense artillery company, field hospital, military police, guard company, communications company, and other support and auxiliary units.
Infantry regiments should include auxiliary support units such as reconnaissance companies, communications platoons, and medical teams.
Each attacking force has a standard personnel configuration of 26,875 people, which can be increased or decreased as appropriate, but the fluctuation shall not exceed 10%.
For special combat missions, higher command may draw reinforcements from other friendly units.
Lin Wei paused for a moment, then asked, "Commander Sun, do you have any objections to the reorganization plan?"
With a simple yet excited smile on his face, the renowned general from Shaanxi even gave an extra salute: "Chief of Staff, on behalf of the Fourth Army Group, I guarantee that the entire army will cooperate fully with the General Headquarters' reorganization and restructuring work without any hesitation."
Chang Ruiyuan nodded slightly, a smile of approval on his face: "Brother Weiru is a straightforward person."
Shanxi and Shaanxi are one family!
No one was surprised that the Fourth Army was given priority in reorganization.
After all, the first place to replicate the Shanxi model was none other than Shaanxi, which is only separated from Shanxi by the Yellow River.
"The second one!"
"The 15th Army Group, under He Zhuguo's command"
He Zhuguo slowly stood up from the crowd.
Just like Sun Weiru.
He Zhuguo, a general in the Northeast Army, was also a scholar-general.
His face was very calm, but his eyes revealed an unyielding fervor.
Chang Ruiyuan spoke up personally, his tone quite gentle: "Commander-in-Chief He, do you have any objections?"
Chang Ruiyuan always had mixed feelings about the Northeast Army.
However, since Sun Mingjiu was brought to justice, He Zhuguo has shown a willingness to prioritize the overall situation in Qingdao.
His opinion of this "isolated Northeast Army" has changed drastically.
"Reporting to the Chairman."
He Zhuguo straightened his back, his voice a little hoarse: "The Northeast Army has been wandering in the interior for twelve years."
"It's like a motherless child who suffers endless scorn and bullying."
He took a deep breath and looked at the commander: "The chief advisor promised that the purpose of reorganizing the army was to fight back to Manchuria and to recover the four northeastern provinces."
"As long as the guns are pointed at the Kwantung Army, as long as it allows me to lead my brothers back to our hometown."
"Even if you remove me, He Zhuguo, from my post and make me a lowly soldier, I would be willing to do it!"
"The 15th Army Group must unconditionally obey the reorganization order!"
"The Northeast Advance Column is already making corresponding preparations, and the Seventh Group Army is also actively conducting reconnaissance and mapping and formulating corresponding combat plans. That day will not be far away."
Chang Ruiyuan stood up with a solemn expression: "I can assure you, and I assure you all, that once the new armored army group is formed, it will be announced nationwide and ready to move out of the pass!"
"In the first battle, the 15th Army Group will surely be at the forefront."
There was thunderous applause.
At this moment, regardless of faction, the soldiers present were all moved by this unwavering determination to reclaim their homeland.
However, as Lin Wei read out the third name, the applause in the hall stopped abruptly, and the atmosphere instantly became subtle.
"The third one!"
Lin Wei's gaze swept past the crowd and landed on the general in the Guangxi-style gray cloth uniform.
"The 21st Army Group, Li Pinxian's unit!"
"This unit went north to the Huai River to fill the defense line and demonstrated the resilience of the Guangxi Army in many battles."
All eyes instantly focused on Li Pinxian.
This is the main force of the Guangxi clique!
Although ostensibly heading north to fight the Japanese, they were actually semi-forced to leave their old base in Anhui.
Now, the goal is to completely dismantle and reorganize this force, bringing it under the unified command of the central government.
This was like cutting a knife into Li Delin's heart.
Li Pinxian sat there, feeling like her buttocks were stuck in nails; no matter how she sat, she was uncomfortable.
He subconsciously turned his head to look at Li Delin, who was sitting on the platform.
Li Delin remained expressionless, only tapping his pen lightly twice on the notebook before closing his eyes.
The meaning is clear: the situation is hopeless, make your own decisions, and prioritize preserving your team.
Li Pinxian gritted his teeth, and a fine layer of sweat appeared on his forehead.
He stood up, his movements slow and stiff.
"Chairman, Chief Advisor."
Li Pinxian's voice was somewhat hoarse: "Most of the soldiers in the 21st Army Group are from Guangxi. They may have some differences in living habits and language communication with the northern troops."
"If we rashly make drastic changes to the organization, it may cause difficulties for the officers and soldiers at the grassroots level. Moreover, since it is a reorganization and restructuring, it will naturally require a lot of time for rotation and rest. With a major battle imminent, shouldn't we proceed gradually?"
This is clearly an excuse, a last-ditch effort to negotiate.
Chu Yunfei picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said nothing, only looking at Li Pinxian with a half-smile.
That look in his eyes was like looking at a naughty child trying to block a tank with a paper shield.
Chang Ruiyuan, however, was not so patient. He snorted coldly, "He Ling, you're an old hand in the military too."
"Back when the Northern Expedition took place, your Guangxi Army fought all the way to Shanhaiguan, and you didn't complain about the climate and water conditions."
"What, now that we have American trucks and canned goods, and Soviet machine guns, we're suddenly being fussy?"
"Or is it that," Chang Ruiyuan's tone turned serious, "that you, Li Heling, don't want to fight the war, but want to lead your troops back to Guangxi to live a peaceful life?"
"This humble servant would not dare!"
"This humble servant had absolutely no such intention!"
Li Pinxian was so frightened that she jumped up and quickly denied it.
He glanced at Sun Weiru and He Zhuguo beside him; the two of them were looking at him like he was an idiot.
Let's look at the stage again.
Chu Yunfei slowly opened a document.
Li Pinxian was, after all, the acting commander of the Fifth War Zone, and his seat was very close to the front, so he could naturally see what was written on it.
After all, the name on the cover was quite eye-catching: "Proposal Regarding the Reduction of Combat Unit Designations."
Li Pinxian's last line of defense completely collapsed.
After leaving the Dabie Mountains, the Guangxi Clique's combat forces lost their base.
If the reorganization is not accepted, there will naturally be corresponding negative consequences.
If these tens of thousands of people run out of food, supplies, and ammunition, they probably won't last even a month before mutiny.
At that time, Li Pinxian will be a sinner of the Guangxi clique, and even more so a sinner of the people of Guangxi.
"call"
Li Pinxian let out a long breath, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders, and his whole body hunched over a bit.
"I am grateful for the high regard shown by the Chairman and the Chief Advisor."
Li Pinxian lowered his head and said in a low voice, "Episode 21 is willing to accept reorganization and obey all orders from the General Headquarters."
"but."
He raised his head, his eyes filled with a final plea, "I humbly request that, in the appointment of officers at all levels, you try to retain as many of the original core members as possible? After all, these brothers have followed me for many years."
Chu Yunfei glanced at Li Delin, gave him a reassuring look, and spoke up at the opportune moment: "Commander Li can rest assured about this."
"We are reorganizing the organization and equipment, not carrying out a purge like the Russians did."
"As long as they are capable officers and pass the assessment, they will not only remain in their original positions, but will also be given priority to be sent to the Army University for further study to learn modern strategic and tactical command."
"I know the reputation of the Guangxi Army's Wolf Soldiers, and I hope that this iron army can show its new glory in the future."
Hearing the words "not cleaned"...
Li Pinxian finally breathed a sigh of relief, a bitter smile of gratitude appearing on his face: "Thank you for your understanding, sir. I have no further questions."
Li Pinxian nodded.
This power struggle over military control has finally come to an end.
Three factions, three attitudes, but ultimately they all converged in the face of absolute power and interests.
From then on, the claims of Shaanxi Army, Northeast Army, and Guangxi Army ceased to exist.
Only the Fourth Army Group, the Fifteenth Army Group, and the Twenty-first Army Group of the National Revolutionary Army.
Lin Wei closed the folder and looked at the entire room: "Now that the first batch of names has been finalized, each department should immediately contact the Joint Command's Military Affairs Department after the meeting to obtain the reorganization details and equipment list. The relevant personnel still need further confirmation. Please ask the three officers mentioned above to stay after the Kaifeng meeting to discuss the details of the retention of the relevant personnel." Chu Yunfei looked down at his wristwatch.
Lin Wei immediately understood and walked to Chang Ruiyuan's side: "Chairman, it's getting late. Why don't we adjourn the meeting and rest for a while, and continue in the afternoon?"
Chang Ruiyuan nodded upon hearing this, then announced loudly, "Meeting adjourned. The meeting will resume at 2 PM. Everyone, please go back and rest."
"Yes!"
-
In the corridor, numerous generals exchanged their views in small groups regarding the current troop reorganization and restructuring.
The afternoon sun slanted across the blue brick ground, warmly enveloping everything.
Chu Yunfei was speaking in a low voice to Lin Wei and Fang Ligong.
His words were full of confidential information regarding the subsequent troop deployment along the Jinpu Railway.
"Brother Yunfei!"
A deep, yet slightly hoarse shout came from behind.
Chu Yunfei paused slightly, raising an eyebrow. Even without turning around, he could tell who the voice belonged to.
Fang Ligong and Lin Wei exchanged a glance; both of them were shrewd and experienced individuals.
They immediately turned around and nodded slightly to the person who had come, then continued forward in perfect unison.
Fang Ligong said in a low voice, "Your Excellency, then the Chief of Staff and I will go and finalize the logistics vehicle arrangements first."
"Go."
The two figures disappeared around the corner of the corridor.
Chu Yunfei then turned around, his face bearing his usual calm and composed smile.
Although Li Delin's steps were steady, the solemnity between his brows could not be dispelled.
Half a body length behind, followed by Li Pinxian, whose face was still pale and whose eyes were unfocused.
"Lord De".
Chu Yunfei turned slightly to the side and gestured for them to join him: "Let's have dinner together and talk as we walk."
The three walked side by side toward the canteen, their leather boots making a hollow and monotonous sound on the bluestone slabs.
For the first part of the journey, no one spoke.
Until they turned through a moon gate, there was no one around.
Li Delin then spoke casually: "Yunfei, today's performance was quite impressive."
"Two billion yuan and the equipment for thirty American mechanized engineers, that's quite a generous investment."
"Even I have to admire your courage."
"You flatter me, Master De." Chu Yunfei said without looking at him. "It's just a way of offering something for the sake of the overall war effort."
"The big picture"
Li Pinxian couldn't help but interject, her voice low but revealing an urgent probing: "Chief Advisor, we all understand the big picture. But we still feel uneasy."
Everyone knows that when the so-called "big picture" is mentioned, it often means that the person involved is not part of the big picture.
These local factions, such as the Guangxi clique, naturally became the price that had to be paid during the reorganization and consolidation process.
This is a good thing for the country and the people.
But for these individuals, it is a major event that results in the loss of their interests and even endangers their lives.
It's perfectly normal for Li Pinxian to feel uncertain.
Chu Yunfei stopped and looked at Li Pinxian with a half-smile: "Commander Li, if you have something to say, please speak frankly."
There are no outsiders here.
Li Pinxian glanced at Li Delin, and seeing the latter's tacit approval, he gritted his teeth and decided to cut to the chase: "Chief Advisor, let's be frank. Accepting reorganization means handing over our Guangxi foundation, even command authority, and even dispersing the troops."
"This is simply... suicide."
Little did they know that they were at the mercy of others, like fish on a chopping board.
Li Pinxian stepped forward and spoke very quickly: "If the war is over in the future, or if that person from the mountain city suddenly turns against us, we will have no men and no guns. Wouldn't we be at the mercy of others? The old story of the reduction of the fiefdoms is still fresh in our minds!"
This is indeed the biggest worry for all non-direct subordinate generals.
Without a gun, there is no protection.
Li Delin didn't speak, but simply stood with his hands behind his back, staring intently at Chu Yunfei, clearly waiting for a promise, or rather, a bottom line.
Upon hearing this, Chu Yunfei did not immediately refute it. Instead, he slowly took two steps, took off his gloves, and gently patted his palms.
"What you two fear is 'settling scores after the harvest' and 'discarding the bow after the birds are all gone'."
Chu Yunfei's voice was calm, yet it struck like a heavy hammer: "But I ask you this: whose army is the National Revolutionary Army now?"
Li Pinxian was taken aback, and subconsciously replied, "Naturally, it belongs to the Party and the State."
"Do not."
Chu Yunfei abruptly interrupted him, his gaze sharp as a knife: "In your hearts, it is your private army, the bargaining chip of the Guangxi clique, the capital for your survival and even for bargaining!"
Li Pinxian's face turned pale, and she opened her mouth, but Li Delin stopped her with a raised hand.
Li Delin said in a deep voice, "Yunfei, though it sounds harsh, it is the truth."
"In chaotic times, those without soldiers are nothing but weeds."
"We are both soldiers. If we lose this asset, who can protect our lives?"
"Times have changed, De Gong."
Chu Yunfei turned around and pointed to the guards changing shifts on the parade ground in the distance. They were the Joint Command's directly subordinate guard regiment, equipped entirely with American weapons.
“In the past, everyone ruled the mountain like kings, and whoever had more guns was right.”
"But in the future, the military can only have one attribute, which is the national army, the armed force of the nation."
Chu Yunfei looked directly into Li Delin's eyes and said, word by word, "Why do I want to promote the reorganization and restructuring of the military?"
Why implement unified logistics?
"The point is to break down the boundaries of this kind of 'private army'."
"When you are a soldier, your salary is paid by the state, your gun is provided by the state, and your officers are trained by military academies. You can only be loyal to the country, not to any particular officer!"
At this point, Chu Yunfei glanced at Li Pinxian, who was covered in cold sweat, and softened his tone slightly: "Commander Li, are you worried about the purge of Shancheng?"
"I can say something I shouldn't say."
"Once the reorganization is complete, even Chiang Kai-shek will not be able to command this fully modernized army to fight a civil war or carry out a purge!"
"Because the operating logic of this army has changed."
"It is large, sophisticated, and efficient, but it is also extremely dependent on a unified industrial and logistical system."
"Whoever betrays the national interest will not be able to turn this machine around."
"You handed over your private army in exchange for a dignified and unshakeable position within the state apparatus."
Chu Yunfei held up three fingers: "I can make a promise to the Guangxi Clique on behalf of the General Headquarters."
"As long as your people are not ambiguous on the anti-Japanese battlefield and do not engage in any underhanded tactics."
"In the future national defense forces, there will definitely be a place for Guangxi clique generals."
"Not as a representative of warlords, but as a national hero!"
"This is a public resource, not private property."
"Do you two understand?"
His words were powerful and resounding.
The only sound in the corridor was the whistling wind.
Li Pinxian was stunned.
He was surprised that Chu Yunfei didn't seem to be making up any lofty reasons or offering any excuses.
Rather, it was his deep conviction in the vision of "nationalization of the military" that he depicted.
For him, who was accustomed to the old warlord mentality, it was both shocking and unfamiliar.
Such a bright future.
What makes you so certain?
Li Delin couldn't understand it, and he remained silent for a long time.
The wariness and probing in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a complex expression that mixed with loneliness and relief.
He was a powerful and shrewd man, so how could he not understand the weight and future plans in his words?
This is an open conspiracy.
With its current force of 200,000 men, the Guangxi clique is utterly powerless against the legitimate Central Army.
Should we adapt to the times, or continue to resist stubbornly?
Anyone who isn't an idiot knows how to make the right choice.
Li Delin murmured these words repeatedly, then suddenly gave a self-deprecating laugh.
His smile carried a hint of melancholy, like that of a hero nearing the end of his life: "It seems that we old guys are really going to be left behind by the times."
He raised his head and gave Chu Yunfei a deep look, as if he wanted to get to know this young man again.
“Yunfei, if anyone else had said these words, I, Li Delin, wouldn’t have believed a single punctuation mark.”
"But coming out of your mouth..."
Li Delin sighed and patted Li Pinxian on the shoulder: "Heling, stop thinking about those things."
"Don't worry about it. Since you've already committed, commit completely."
Li Pinxian's body trembled. Looking at the old commander's resolute expression, he finally lowered his head completely: "Yes, Lord De, I understand."
A faint smile returned to Chu Yunfei's face as he reached out and pushed open the cafeteria door.
A delicious aroma of food wafted over.
"Please, gentlemen."
"The soup dumplings from Kaifeng are absolutely delicious."
Sunlight shone on the three of them.
Li Delin stepped across the threshold, his steps still steady.
But at that moment, the figure of the once-powerful warlord of the Guangxi clique seemed to have faded somewhat.
Instead.
The profile of a pure senior general in the National Defense Forces.
In the future, he will continue to fulfill his duties as deputy commander-in-chief, contributing his own strength and wisdom to the War of Resistance against Japan. (End of this chapter)