Chapter 1021
Zhang Anping: For the Party and the Country, Unite as One
Fu Huabei had actually made secret contact with our side before the battle even began—however, this contact was not initiated by his special envoy, but by our side.
The contact between the two sides was, in fact, a secret test of each other!
Through our probing, we discovered Fu Huabei's ulterior motives, but we also confirmed that the peaceful liberation of Beiping was not impossible.
However, since the establishment of our party, we have seen too many instances of backstabbing after verbal promises and too much deceit and treachery, so naturally we would not place our hopes on negotiations—therefore, our army fought with exceptional determination.
Now, the Nationalist army in North China is divided into five parts and surrounded, but Fu Huabei's conditions are still outrageous, and he does not completely believe that they are now in a hopeless situation.
Based on this consideration, our army decided to give him a little color see sen!
Thus began the encirclement and annihilation of Zhangjiakou and Xinbao'an!
First, let's get the new security guard!
At this time, Xinbao'an and Zhangjiakou have a kind of pincer-like formation. Since you think this is a pincer formation, then our army will cut off the pincers!
On December 22, the all-out attack on the new security guards began at 7:00 AM.
Suffering from a fear of insufficient firepower, our army concentrated 156 cannons to bombard the city wall in the opening, and broke through the city wall defense line in just one hour. An hour later, three columns directly penetrated and separated the city.
The 35th Army was utterly humiliated by this "favorable treatment," and its headquarters was breached in just a few hours.
With the suicide of the army commander, the entire 35th Army was completely annihilated.
The 11th Army Corps, trapped in Zhangjiakou, saw that Xinbao'an had been breached and the 35th Army had been annihilated. They knew that they would be next, and since they were going to die either way, they decided to break out.
What if he runs away?
If they've run away, then they should go back to Suiyuan!
Unfortunately, no matter how loudly the abacus beads click, it's useless.
The 11th Army Corps, which broke through the encirclement, was pursued and intercepted by the 3rd Army Corps plus 11 brigades of the 4th Column. Finally, they were trapped in the area from Xidianzi to Chaotianwa. This area is a narrow valley, a deadly area that is 10 kilometers long and less than 1 kilometer wide. The army was trapped in such terrain that even a god could not save them!
In the end, only Commander Sun of the Corps escaped with a few men, while the rest were taken prisoner.
Two out of five!
As news of the complete annihilation of the 35th Army and the 11th Army Corps spread, a somber atmosphere descended upon Beiping.
……
A secret meeting of the Central Army.
Commander Li, as was his custom, raised the following issue at the meeting: "The 35th Army is finished, the 11th Army Corps is finished, and the Suiyuan Army is likely to be in jeopardy!"
The situation in Beiping's defenses, where the Central Army was responsible for external defenses and the Sui Army for internal defenses, was not only due to the large number of Central Army troops, but also largely related to concerns about the Sui Army's potential instability.
Previously, the 35th Army was still in Xinbao'an and the 11th Army Corps under Sun was still in Zhangjiakou. The two forces were mutually supporting each other. Although it was believed that these two unfortunate brothers would eventually perish, people always overestimate themselves. Initially, everyone thought that Zhangjiakou and Xinbao'an could hold out until January, with hope in the middle of the month and anticipation in the latter half.
As a result, their attack failed in one fell swoop.
The destruction of these two strongholds had a tremendous impact, to the point that Commander Li was filled with doubt about the Sui Army's current attitude.
“The possibility of wavering is indeed extremely high—” Commander Shi continued, “Deputy Director Zhang, your men must strengthen the surveillance of the Sui Army, especially Fu Huabei. If any unusual activity is detected, be sure to notify us immediately!”
Upon receiving Commander Shi's order, Zhang Anping stood up and solemnly replied:
"I will personally oversee this matter."
With Zhang Anping's solemn promise, the attendees did not take the matter to heart at all—they did not believe that with Zhang Anping personally overseeing the matter, the Sui Army could keep in secret contact with the Communist Army under his nose.
The subsequent meeting naturally focused on preventing the spread of the Sui army.
From this moment on, the Central Army in Beiping was essentially starting anew and had completely broken free from the control of the North China Suppression Headquarters.
Previously, at least they were selective in obeying orders. For example, when rescuing the 35th Army, the 16th Army could still be mobilized by the General Headquarters for the Suppression of Enemy Headquarters. Although they disagreed with the orders and made concessions, they could still be mobilized.
From this moment forward, the Central Army is officially starting afresh!
Initially, the Central Army and the Sui Army were at odds with each other, always obeying orders but not commands. However, due to previous conflicts at city defense points and the de facto separation of forces, the relationship between the two armies began to deteriorate rapidly.
Especially after the Central Army began to point its artillery at the Sui Army and built defensive positions behind them, relations between the two sides plummeted to a freezing point.
You're guarding the outer city lines, but you're building defensive positions behind your backs that face inwards. Who are you targeting?
But that's not the most infuriating thing. What's most infuriating is that there are actually spies spying on the General Headquarters and the Commander-in-Chief's residence!
This is what angered the Sui army the most.
……
"Absurd! Absurd!"
At an internal meeting of the Sui Army, a general angrily said, "This is utterly ridiculous! The Communist army is besieging the city, but instead of thinking about how to strengthen the city's defenses, the Central Army is pointing its cannons and guns inward. Even the secret agents have started to openly spy on Commander Fu—where in the world is there such an outrageous thing happening!"
These words came as a thunderclap from a clear sky.
"What?! Spies have started tailing Commander Fu?!"
A group of Sui army generals stared wide-eyed in disbelief.
Fu Huabei nodded with a gloomy face and said, "That's right. These past few days, my convoy has been watched by eyes as it goes in and out. Even people leaving my house are being followed."
Upon hearing this, one of the generals immediately stood up and said, "Commander Fu, I'll go and take some men to wipe out these bastards!"
After saying that, he turned to leave angrily, but Fu Huabei stopped him:
"return!"
"Let him keep an eye on it. I have a clear conscience!"
Fu Huabei didn't want to completely break ties yet. Ultimately, he wanted to maintain this fragile balance, especially after the Central Army had already released a strong sense of malice.
He cannot break the existing balance; if he does, what if the Central Army stages a mutiny?
Whether he talks or defends, the Central Army, with its larger numbers, is one of his strengths. Therefore, even though the Central Army is becoming increasingly excessive, he cannot easily break the balance.
The general, furious and ready to purge the spy, retorted unwillingly, "Are you just going to let a dog spy shit and piss on your head? Commander Fu, you can tolerate this for the sake of the bigger picture, but I cannot tolerate this!"
Fu Huabei sighed: "In the end..."
"I'm simply not as strong as them!"
He shook his head: "Tolerance? Of course not! People like this are always the type to take an inch and then a mile. If we just keep tolerating them, they'll only take advantage of us. Let's do this: first, we'll remove our intelligence network from his hands as a warning. If he continues like this, then we'll take further action."
Does Fu Huabei not know the principle that cooperation benefits both sides while separation harms both?
he knows!
Zhang Anping knew that reforming the Beiping intelligence system was no easy task.
Zhang Anping, who controls the entire Beiping intelligence system, is actually the best candidate to do the dirty work now—suppressing the underground party in the city, etc. It is the safest way to do it now without any future troubles.
Separating the Sui Army's intelligence forces from Zhang Anping would only dirty his own hands.
However, if Zhang Anping's decision to have agents spy on the General Headquarters, his official residence, and even officials leaving the residence is not dealt with, it will damage his prestige.
He already has very few loyal followers in Beiping. If his prestige is further damaged and his subordinates develop disloyal thoughts, then he will be in big trouble.
Therefore, he could only slap Zhang Anping in the face – even if the Sui Army's intelligence system returned to his command, it would definitely do some dirty work.
Seeing that Fu Huabei had chosen to slap Zhang Anping in the face in this way, the attending generals stopped dwelling on the topic and instead began to discuss the current situation:
"Commander Fu, what should we do now?"
"The Central Army doesn't trust us; they've turned their cannons and guns inward, guarding against us at all costs!"
"The 11th Army Corps outside is gone, the 35th Army is gone, and we are trapped in an isolated city. How should we deal with this situation?"
A group of generals watched Fu Huabei intently, awaiting his decision.
Fu Huabei glanced at his trusted followers and thought to himself, "You guys really know how to play the peacemaker..."
These people were his trusted subordinates, and they would secretly report many things to him. There were underground party members who had been in secret contact with these trusted generals, and someone had already reported this matter to him.
But right now, these loyalists are keeping quiet about the matter at the meeting, only asking themselves what to do—clearly waiting for their final decision.
The conditions he set clearly indicated a loss of confidence in cooperating with the Central Army to defend the city.
With no way to retreat west and no confidence in defense, what should be the choice?
Fu Huabei sighed:
"Gentlemen, the moment of life and death has not yet arrived. The Nanjing government is trying to find a solution—let's wait for Nanjing's decision."
He chose not to reveal his true colors!
Fu Huabei deeply understood one principle:
If a ruler is not discreet, he will lose his ministers; if a minister is not discreet, he will lose his life; if important matters are not kept secret, harm will result.
Although he trusted his trusted generals, he dared not let them know about their secret talks—if someone used this as a pledge of allegiance, the Central Army could strike first, and it would be too late to regret it.
Seeing that Fu Huabei was still waiting for the Nanjing government's decision, his generals were at a loss for words.
What can be done in Nanjing now?
However, such things are never accomplished overnight. Since Fu Huabei doesn't want to bring this matter up now, let's leave it at that for now.
After all, Beiping had only been under siege for a few days.
……
Yandu Hotel. Zheng Yi rushed into the office:
"Commander, about a battalion of Suiyuan troops, fully armed, are heading towards the Yandu Hotel!"
Faced with the warning, Zhang Anping didn't even move his pen: "I understand—tell the guards not to stop them! If they want to come up, let them come up!"
Seeing that Zhang Anping remained calm, Zheng Yi understood that the matter was under Zhang Anping's control, and thus left with peace of mind.
After finishing the documents on his desk, Zhang Anping slowly got up and left his desk. He then sat down on the sofa and quietly waited for the Sui Army to arrive.
Outside the Yandu Hotel.
Military trucks sped towards the checkpoint blocking the road in front of the Yandu Hotel without stopping. This was initially intended as a show of force, but upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the roadblocks had already been opened, and the armed guards stood by coldly, making no attempt to stop them.
The military truck convoy drove directly to the foot of the hotel, and heavily armed Sui Army soldiers quickly disembarked, lined up, and assumed a fighting stance.
However, the head guard leading the group looked suspicious and did not get out of the car easily.
He was fully prepared for a direct confrontation with Zhang Anping, so why did the outer checkpoints let him through?
The medicine hidden in this gourd is probably poison!
But now that his own guards had already adopted a fighting stance, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and get out of the car. In his heart, he was filled with regret. He had been careless. This damn spy was not playing by the rules!
After getting off the bus, he thought that at least he would see the secret agents surround him, or if all else failed, the military police would surround him and they could confront each other. But no one did!
Nobody paid any attention to me!
Not only did no one pay any attention to them, but the secret agents at the entrance of the Yandu Hotel would occasionally flash by, and the military police standing guard at the entrance didn't move an inch—as if these hundreds of people who were in a fighting stance didn't exist.
At this moment, the chief guard's mindset was probably:
I brought a knife with me, and here's my reaction!
What's the reaction?
Fortunately, someone finally gave him some face—Zheng Yi came out of the Yandu Hotel at this moment. Facing hundreds of Sui Army soldiers who were in a fighting stance, she seemed not to see them and went straight to the head of the guards. Some Sui Army soldiers tried to stop her, but the head of the guards stopped them in the first instant.
Chief of the Guard:
It's not easy for someone to come. If you stop them, how the hell am I supposed to perform?
"Secretary Zheng?"
Zheng Yi remained calm and composed, as usual: "Chief Zhou, the District Commander is in his office—do you need me to show you the way?"
The captain of the guard was stunned. This...
If he were to say he would lead the troops up there, it would be a clear case of taking advantage of someone's kindness. Zhang Anping is not someone to be trifled with; if he were to actually do that, he would likely fall right into a trap.
But if I were to say, "Take me up with you"—what if I get captured myself?
Even though Zhang Anping wouldn't dare kill him for leading troops to storm the intelligence agency, given that he was Fu Huabei's chief bodyguard, he would certainly use it as an excuse.
Zheng Yi seemed to sense his predicament and said:
"Commander Zhou could consider leading troops up there."
A general, quite obviously.
The chief guard gritted his teeth and thought to himself, "If you dare to take me down, I'll just shoot myself. Then you'll be the one in trouble!"
After making his decision, he coldly said, "No need!"
"Please have Secretary Zheng take me to see Deputy Director Zhang."
"plz follow me."
Walking ahead, Zheng Yi felt the unwavering determination in Chief Zhou's steps behind him and almost couldn't help but laugh out loud. It was clearly you who brought your troops to cause trouble, but you've managed to make it seem like you're fearless and indomitable...
The seat in the district is still the best!
At this moment, Zhang Anping was leisurely looking out the window at the menacing guard battalion below. In his mind, however, he was already matching them with new military uniforms—what they would look like after undergoing ideological education and putting on the uniforms of the Volunteer Army.
[Yes, we need to send more veterans and instructors, and the political commissar needs to be a high-ranking official...]
It was inevitable that the Sui Army would come looking for trouble. After all, he had sent a lot of spies to the official residence and the General Headquarters for Suppression. There were still some experts in the Sui Army. With so many spies, how could they not find out?
Given Fu Huabei's current situation, he needs to firmly hold onto a reliable force. Therefore, taking back the Sui Army's intelligence network that he had taken over is undoubtedly the best option.
The fact that the spies in the Sui Army system were taken back would also be a good opportunity to slap themselves in the face.
Therefore, it was certain that the Sui army would come knocking on their door.
For Zhang Anping, Fu Huabei taking away the Sui Army's spies was something he was more than happy to do—firstly, it would dilute the spies in his hands, and secondly, Fu Huabei's control of a certain number of spies would better protect the peace talks and prevent him from being too passive.
While he was pondering, Zheng Yi arrived at the office with Chief Guard Zhou.
When Chief Guard Zhou faced Zhang Anping, who was sitting on the sofa waiting for him, he felt a sudden, inexplicable panic.
But thinking of his mission, he decided to go all out and, before Zhang Anping could speak, he said:
“Deputy Director Zhang, I have come on the orders of Commander Fu to take away all the personnel from the Inspection Division and the Second Security Section.”
Zhang Anping nodded calmly: "Okay."
Now it was Chief Guard Zhou's turn to be stunned. In fact, ever since he arrived at the Yandu Hotel, he had been taken aback by all sorts of unexpected situations.
At first, no one stopped them, as if to say, "Go ahead and charge in!"—it was supposed to be a ruse, but there were military police and pacification corps members all around.
Then, justice "invited" him to lead his troops in to meet Zhang Anping.
Finally, after confronting Zhang Anping, he thought that Zhang Anping would never hand over the intelligence forces directly under the Sui Army, but to his surprise, Zhang Anping agreed without even thinking about it.
This is so unexpected and so abnormal!
After a moment's thought, he decided to take the "benefits" and run: "In that case, I'll take my leave."
He thought to himself that if Zhang Anping disagreed, then he would see what kind of poison he was selling.
"and many more!"
As expected, after hearing this, Chief Guard Zhou's face turned cold. "Trying to negotiate?"
impossible!
"Chief Zhou, please tell Commander Fu that I will release the person shortly. However, I will be setting up inspection teams in each division of the Sui Army. Commander Fu, please reassure your subordinates and avoid any misunderstandings."
Zhang Anping said leisurely:
"Please inform Commander Fu of this matter!"
Chief Guard Zhou glared angrily at Zhang Anping. "What kind of pipe dream are you having?"
Your Central Army has a Bureau of Investigation and Supervision at the army level, so what gives you the right to plant spies in my Suiyuan Army?
"Deputy Director Zhang, are you kidding me?"
Zhang Anping's expression turned cold:
"Sergeant Zhou, I'm just telling you to deliver a message—whether I'm joking or not is none of your concern!"
Chief Guard Zhou was speechless after being choked, so he could only snort coldly and storm off.
But after leaving the office, he was full of doubt. The matter was easier to resolve than he had imagined. Why did Zhang Anping make such an outrageous request?
In particular, Zhang Anping made this request only after agreeing to let the Suiyuan Army's secret agents withdraw—this was clearly not a condition for exchange.
Zheng Yi was somewhat puzzled as to why Zhang Anping would make such an outrageous request: "Chief Qu, Fu Huabei won't agree to this, will he?"
Zhang Anping countered, "Why didn't he agree?"
Zheng Yi was taken aback: "You mean he'll agree?"
Zhang Anping laughed:
"He had no choice but to agree—now that the Central Army was showing such distrust towards the Sui Army, if he did nothing, was he just going to let the Central Army start from scratch?"
“But if we do that…” Zheng Yi said cautiously:
"Doesn't that mean we have complete control over whatever the Sui Army does?"
Zhang Anping shook his head:
"You're overthinking it. An inspection team can only have about twenty people at most. If the Sui Army really wanted to do something, what could those twenty people possibly do?"
The Bureau of Investigation and Statistics has inspection offices in all military units at the army level. But does that affect the defection or surrender of military units at the army level?
Under the circumstances, a mere dozen or twenty spies are not even worth mentioning!
Zheng Yi still didn't quite understand what Zhang Anping meant.
In any case, this is not the outcome that Fu Huabei should be happy to see!
If that's the case, why did he agree?
Zhang Anping did not dwell on the topic, but instead said to Zheng Yi:
"Make arrangements, I need to see Luo Qiyong."
Luo Qiyong was a general in the Sui Army, but his position was not high; he was only a deputy division commander.
But he was the only one among the Sui Army generals who was willing to flirt with Zhang Anping, the head of the secret service.
As for the other Sui Army generals, they all showed great resolve in the face of Zhang Anping's probing, and refused to "collude with Zhang Anping" in any way.
Seeing that Zhang Anping wanted to see Luo Qiyong, Zheng Yi thought to himself:
Could it be that District Commander Qu has made arrangements with Luo Qiyong? Is that why he's so certain that Fu Huabei will agree to establish an inspection team at the division level of the Suiyuan Army? (End of Chapter)