Chapter 996
Xu Chuan: This farewell was not a final one!
The reason the reply from the adjutant's office was so quick was because... Commander Du downplayed the matter!
Commander Du stated in the telegram:
The secret service's armed special forces claimed they were forced to defect to the Communists by Mao. Deputy Director Zhang came from Beiping and publicly fought with Mao!
That's right, it's mutual fighting!
It wasn't a one-sided beating, it was mutual fighting...
For the General Staff, the most important thing right now is to rescue Huang's Corps. Everything else has to be postponed. Now that Commander Du has reported this matter in the name of the General Headquarters, and the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics is their own son, the General Staff can only deal with this major issue directly.
Furthermore, fighting amongst themselves isn't really a big deal.
The entourage then replied as follows:
Zhang Anping, deputy director of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, abandoned his post and flew from Beiping to Xuzhou. There, he openly beat his superior, Mao Renfeng, in front of the General Headquarters of the Suppression Headquarters. His disregard for the law and lack of decorum were outrageous.
Although there were extenuating circumstances, his behavior was outrageous and he should not remain in Xuzhou any longer. Zhang Anping is hereby ordered to return to his post in Beiping immediately and is not permitted to leave without authorization.
Mao Renfeng, as the director, failed to manage his subordinates effectively, leading to internal strife. He should have been severely punished, but considering his injuries and the importance of military affairs in Xuzhou, he will be temporarily retained in his original position to atone for his crimes and make amends. He must reorganize the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics and cooperate with the General Headquarters to eliminate the Zheng traitor.
I urge you all to refrain from private feuds and prioritize the interests of the Party and the nation. If you cause any further trouble, you will be severely punished.
The telegram emphasizes that Zhang Anping openly assaulted his superior. However, when combined with the last sentence, "deeply prohibit private fights," it can be seen that this was actually a "strict characterization" based on Commander Du's report, but it perfectly reflects the true situation.
In short, both sides were reprimanded and each was given equal blame, and then...
And then it was over!
The matter of the special weapons was thus effectively concluded.
Zhang Anping glanced at the scene and immediately saw through Commander Du's efforts to "mediate" – in reality, he dared to hit Mao Renfeng because he was certain that under the current circumstances, the Imperial Guard would neither punish him nor Mao Renfeng.
Beiping needs to be firmly under control. Although Mao Renfeng's actions in Xuzhou have caused the Special Forces to rebel, the head of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics cannot be dismissed or investigated simply because of Zheng Yaoxian's accusation of being a "traitor." Therefore, a swift and decisive approach, with both sides equally punished, is the only way to handle the situation under the current circumstances.
This is also the core reason why Zhang Anping is so fearless.
In fact, if it weren't for reinforcing his persona, Zhang Anping wouldn't have bothered making the trip to Xuzhou at all—but being able to give Mao Renfeng a good thrashing made the trip worthwhile.
Closer to home.
After reading the telegram, Zhang Anping saluted Commander Du:
"Thank you, Commander Du! We will return to Beiping immediately!"
Commander Du waved his hand and ignored Zhang Anping. He offered his help because he found Zhang Anping more agreeable than Mao Renfeng and because Zhang Anping prioritized the Party and the country. He had no intention of developing a close relationship with Zhang Anping, after all, he was a bigwig in the military and could not have too close a personal relationship with the head of the secret service.
Zhang Anping seemed to understand Commander Du's intention. After saluting, he didn't say anything more and turned to leave.
He actually found it amusing, thinking to himself that Lao Du was overthinking things...
[We can lend a helping hand in the future regarding family reunions for Lao Du...]
……
Xu Baichuan's retreat was very difficult - he "cut off his own arm" and left hundreds of men behind to cover the rear, but the rearguard was "swallowed up" by our army in one bite. During the pursuit, two regiments fled in panic, not only losing their field hospitals, but also all the artillery attached to the two regiments were "captured" by our army.
We have no choice but to do this; we can't just retreat with troops who have no wounded soldiers, can we?
After fighting for seven or eight hours and losing a large amount of supplies "borrowed" from the 74th Army, and bombarding for seven or eight hours, even a fool would know there was a problem if there were no wounded or casualties.
So this was the only thing he could do.
The 74th Army didn't think much of it. Commander Qiu personally welcomed Xu Baichuan, never mentioning the matter of "borrowing" supplies from the Traffic Police Corps, and even arranged a sumptuous meal for the Traffic Police Corps.
“Brother Xu, I was wrong in this matter, but you have seen the situation. If I had gone headlong into it, I’m afraid Xu Dong would have needed another rescue force.”
Faced with Commander Qiu's explanation, Xu Baichuan could only keep a dark expression on his face—he couldn't very well praise Commander Qiu as a good person, could he?
Only one of our divisions rushed over. If the 74th Army had pressed forward directly, this battle would have been much longer!
Commander Qiu didn't seem to care about Xu Baichuan's attitude; anyone would feel uncomfortable in that situation, so he changed the subject:
"By the way, Brother Xu, Brother Anping flew all the way to Xuzhou. He urged me to cross Pantang to rescue your troops, but he gave up the idea after seeing that the Communist army had ambushed him. However, he repeatedly told me to make sure that I rescue your troops. He should be at the General Headquarters now."
Xu Baichuan's heart skipped a beat. He's here?!
Like Tan Zhongshu, Xu Baichuan didn't care at all when Mao Renfeng arrived.
Because you can simply ignore him!
But then Zhang Anping arrived...
Xu Baichuan panicked!
Xu Baichuan knew Zhang Anping's abilities all too well—if Zhang Anping were stationed in Xuzhou, could the traffic police brigade still successfully stage an uprising?
"Huh? Brother Xu, you don't look too good..." Commander Qiu didn't expect that mentioning Zhang Anping would make Xu Baichuan's expression even worse.
He remembered that the two had a very close relationship, and that Xu Baichuan was able to maintain his position as the commander-in-chief of the traffic police brigade because of Zhang Anping's strong support.
Otherwise, how could Xu Baichuan, a former special agent with no military background, have such a firm grip on the traffic police force?
It's all because of Zhang Anping's strong support—Zhang Anping has extensive connections in the military, and whether during the War of Resistance or now, he has used his troops and equipment to gain countless friendships.
These friendships ultimately turned into strong support for Xu Baichuan.
Otherwise, how could Xu Baichuan, a spy who had never even attended the Whampoa Military Academy, have such a firm grip on the traffic police force amidst such fierce competition?
Why were members of the Transportation Army doing odd jobs in Xuzhou?
Besides being looked down upon by the loyalists, Xu Baichuan's failure to integrate into the Central Army system was also a major contributing factor.
Xu Baichuan realized his lapse in composure, and he covered it up with four words with a wry smile:
"I am so ashamed!"
Commander Qiu surprisingly shared the same sentiment. He patted Xu Baichuan on the shoulder and comforted him, saying:
"It's just a temporary setback, Brother Xu, there's no need to take it to heart."
Xu Baichuan, still feeling ashamed, gave Commander Qiu a perfunctory reply before hastily taking his leave. Commander Qiu assumed Xu Baichuan was going to see Zhang Anping, but he had no idea that Xu Baichuan was planning to launch an uprising ahead of schedule.
Nothing more than fear!
Upon hearing what Xu Baichuan, who had rushed back from the 74th Army, said, Zhao Gang was stunned: "What? You want to launch an uprising ahead of schedule?"
"Old Zhao, things have changed—he's here!"
"Old Zheng's matter has probably aroused his suspicion. If we don't act, I'm afraid..."
Xu Baichuan looked very uneasy. If Zhang Anping discovered something amiss, the traffic police would likely face a massacre of thousands or even tens of thousands of people.
He dares not gamble!
Zhao Gang looked solemn, but inwardly he was both amused and exasperated. He hadn't expected Xu Baichuan to be so afraid of Zhang Anping, but then he thought that if he were Xu Baichuan, he would probably be just as worried.
But Zhang Anping's identity was top secret, and without approval from his superiors, he couldn't possibly reveal it to Xu Baichuan. After thinking for a moment, Zhao Gang said:
"Here's what we'll do. I'll talk to my superiors first—even if he's stationed in Xuzhou, his primary task will be to investigate Comrade Zheng Yaoxian's uprising. We still have time."
Xu Baichuan, seemingly lost in thought, said:
"We must make it clear to our superiors—Old Zhao, Xu's death is not a pity, but our comrades who yearn for the light cannot be sacrificed in vain at the hands of spies!"
Zhao Gang nodded solemnly and was about to turn and leave when he saw a car speeding towards them.
Xu Baichuan instinctively reached for his waist, and the person next to him who was in charge of guarding him and secretly carried the title of a spy raised the muzzle of his Thompson submachine gun.
But when the car was still about ten meters away from the two men, it braked suddenly and stopped. Tan Zhongshu, the chief of staff, jumped off the car before it had come to a complete stop.
"Zhongshu?"
"General Manager Xu is at the airport meeting with all the team leaders."
Although Tan Zhongshu did not name names, the word "he" at this moment could only represent one person:
Zhang Anping!
Xu Baichuan's expression hardened upon hearing this. Just now, Old Zhao had said that even if Zhang Anping was stationed in Xuzhou, his primary task should be to investigate Zheng Yaoxian's affairs.
Why are they summoning all the chief commanders directly?
What are they trying to do?!
The words "seize power" involuntarily came to mind.
Thinking of this, Xu Baichuan dared not delay for a moment, fearing that if he was not there, Zhang Anping would seize power.
He said solemnly, "Old Zhao, Zhongshu, you two...get ready!"
"If anything changes, immediately cross the Pantang River and rendezvous with our army—without my orders, neither of you should return to the airport!"
Zhao Gang got anxious upon hearing this: "Old Xu, what are you going to do?"
"Strike first, strike hard!" Xu Baichuan's expression turned cold. He was unwilling to break ties with Zhang Anping, even though the two were now destined to be adversaries.
But not now!
Just as he told Zhao Gang, he now represents not only himself, but also countless good men in the Loyal Salvation Army. For the sake of these comrades, personal feelings can only be ranked last, or even insignificant.
Zhao Gang quickly advised, "Old Xu, things haven't reached the final stage yet, don't act impulsively."
Tan Zhongshu, however, said:
"He came to Xuzhou and beat Mao Renfeng up at the gate of the General Headquarters for the Suppression of Bandits—I think the incident with Zheng Yaoxian made him extremely vigilant."
Tan Zhongshu's "stirring up trouble" left Zhao Gang speechless.
As expected, Tan Zhongshu's words made Xu Baichuan even more determined in his stance:
“Old Zhao, you don’t understand him—his intuition is too sharp. We can’t take the risk and gamble with the entire traffic police force!”
Zhao Gang could only emphasize again: "Old Xu, things haven't reached the most dangerous point yet. You're taking too much of a risk right now!"
“You don’t understand him!” Xu Baichuan took a deep breath: “If he were really that simple, the Japanese wouldn’t hate him so much—Old Zhao, it’s not that I think too highly of him, but no matter how much you think highly of him, you’re underestimating him, do you understand?!”
I know!
I understand it so well!
Zhao Gang thought to himself, "Before I met Zhang Anping, I never believed that someone could be so at ease in the enemy camp."
Just based on Zhang Anping's "point control" over the past two years, he can only admire him.
But he couldn't say it outright, so he had to invoke his superior's name:
"Old Xu, this involves tens of thousands of people in the entire traffic police brigade. This matter must be approved by higher authorities!"
"Zhao Gang, you don't understand him! There's no time to lose!" Xu Baichuan's expression and words became intense—he believed that Zhao Gang was underestimating Zhang Anping. After all, he, as Zhang Anping's good brother, had betrayed him. Under these circumstances, it was understandable that Zhao Gang underestimated Zhang Anping.
Moreover, judging from the current war situation, does the Kuomintang really have great talent?
He looked at Tan Zhongshu:
“Zhongshu, you also followed him after the Battle of Shanghai—knowing him as you do, what do you think we should do now?”
After a slight hesitation, Tan Zhongshu said to Zhao Gang in a deep voice:
"Brother Zhao, those who underestimated him... are all dead."
Without a doubt, Tan Zhongshu also supported Xu Baichuan.
Summoning all the chiefs of the traffic police corps is a very dangerous signal.
Seeing that both of them were so insistent, Zhao Gang knew that it would be difficult to persuade them—in fact, if it were him, he would definitely support Xu Baichuan without knowing the situation!
After careful consideration, he gritted his teeth and said, "Old Xu, Old Tan, trust me! I will never underestimate him—but this time, don't act rashly! Even if he has some doubts now, we are absolutely confident in our ability to counterattack!"
"I'm absolutely certain! Please believe me!" Xu Baichuan looked deeply at Zhao Gang. He knew that Zhao Gang was not an arrogant person. Now, facing his and Tan Zhongshu's insistence, he still opposed them and even said these words. Could it be that he really had an absolute countermeasure?
"Okay! I believe you!"
Xu Baichuan finally made a decision—but still left himself a backup plan:
"You and Lao Tan stay here and don't retreat yet. If you receive an order to retreat without my permission, don't hesitate, immediately cross Pantang and rejoin our army! Understand?"
Tan Zhongshu hesitated for a moment: "Xin Jie is in charge of the airport. If we open the passage, the brigade under Xin Jie's command should be able to withdraw."
Xu Baichuan replied without hesitation, "If it really comes to that, Xin Jie can't possibly leave while he's at the airport!"
Tan Zhongshu was speechless. If Zhang Anping made a move at the airport, Liu Xinjie would have no hope of leading the Jiulishan Garrison to evacuate.
"Don't worry, I know what to do—Comrade Xu Baichuan, you absolutely must not act rashly!"
Xu Baichuan felt uneasy about Zhao Gang's words.
On the way to the airport, Xu Baichuan kept thinking about what was wrong and what the countermeasures were, but no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't come up with a clue. There was indeed one possibility that was an absolute countermeasure, but Xu Baichuan would never even consider that possibility.
How is that possible?!
Upon arriving at the airport, a trusted aide was already waiting there. He quickly got into Xu Baichuan's car and explained the current situation—it turned out that Tan Zhongshu had left in such a hurry, claiming he couldn't contact Xu Baichuan, that he had no idea Zhang Anping was returning to Beiping.
This trusted confidant had been waiting here specifically to report on this matter.
Should we turn back to Beiping?
Given Zheng Yaoxian's "defection" with his troops, it's understandable that Zhang Anping would meet with the heads of various brigades before leaving.
But Xu Baichuan was still unsure, fearing that this was Zhang Anping's delaying tactic, so he inquired about Mao Renfeng's situation.
"Mao Renfeng is in a bad, no, he's in a terrible state." The confidant looked strange: "He's been beaten into a pig's head. In his current condition, given how much he values his reputation, he probably won't dare to show his face for quite some time."
Xu Baichuan wasn't unaware that Mao Renfeng had been brutally beaten, but he didn't think it could be that bad. Now, hearing his confidant say this, he asked curiously:
"Pig's head?"
"His face was covered in injuries, it was a terrible sight."
That's a good thing!
Xu Baichuan pondered further, and realized that it was quite reasonable for Zhang Anping to be ordered to return to Beiping because of the beating of Mao Renfeng.
Am I really overthinking this?
While I was thinking, I arrived at the command post at the airport.
Many military vehicles were parked outside the headquarters, and familiar commanders were waiting to be summoned at the gate. After Xu Baichuan's gaze swept over the faces of these commanders one by one, he felt inexplicably at ease.
They're all our comrades!
Looking around the headquarters, there were no signs of hidden "assassins," so it seemed to be just a simple summons.
After getting out of the car, he strode into the headquarters amidst the salutes of the other commanders. At that moment, Zhang Anping was talking to Madelin. Seeing the former troublemaker being so respectful in front of Zhang Anping, Xu Baichuan found it amusing.
Everyone says Old Ma is a rough man, but look at his respectful and admiring expression now! Anyone who dares to say Old Ma is a rough man will definitely argue with him!
"You've come—"
Upon seeing Lao Xu, Zhang Anping, who was encouraging Ma Delin to be loyal to the Party and the country, nodded slightly to him and then handed his sidearm to Ma Delin.
"Delin, this gun was a gift from the Americans. It's been with me for years, and today I'm giving it to you—don't follow Zheng Yaoxian's example; always put the Party and the country first!"
Madeline stood up and answered loudly, "Please rest assured, District Chief, I will be ashamed of him! I will live up to your expectations!"
"Okay, you can go now—I'd like to have a talk with Mr. Xu."
The dismissed Madelin had no idea that Zhang Anping had given him the gun because this "roughneck" had acted so well—he was a troublemaker during the reorganization of the Loyal Salvation Army, and he acted much better than the previous commanders.
Xu Baichuan hesitated for a moment before saying with a pained expression, "About Zheng Yaoxian..."
Zhang Anping waved his hand: "This matter is not your fault."
"Right now, the priority is to stabilize morale; we absolutely cannot let the traffic police brigade follow in the footsteps of the special forces..."
Zhang Anping started talking incessantly, as if he had put aside all the disagreements he had made in Nanjing.
Listening to Zhang Anping's rambling words, Xu Baichuan's heart became more and more at ease, and he was no longer as flustered as before.
There's a feeling of having reconciled.
Seeing this, Xu Baichuan naturally agreed, and together with Zhang Anping, they lamented the current battle situation and then optimistically envisioned the future battle...
However, the two did not talk for long, because Zhang Anping still had to meet the other captains. Xu Baichuan accompanied him all the way, watching with a strange feeling as Zhang Anping encouraged each of the captains one by one. "Anping, Anping, you probably don't know, but you are the only outsider here!"
Thinking of this, Xu Baichuan suddenly remembered an idiom:
They've created their own trap!
The Traffic Police Corps was reorganized from the Loyal Salvation Army, and without a doubt, Zhang Anping was the soul of the Loyal Salvation Army—he personally transformed the Loyal Salvation Army into a force comparable to the New Fourth Army.
As a result, after the outbreak of the civil war, this army, which was modeled after the New Fourth Army in terms of discipline, found itself questioning its own allies:
Do these friendly forces deserve to wear the same uniform as me?
Then I looked at the People's Liberation Army soldiers on the other side...
Oh my god, so I was wearing the wrong military uniform!
It can be said that the traffic police headquarters underwent a collective change without anyone noticing, and Zhang Anping was essentially the real instigator.
But this person is still completely unaware of this, and is still encouraging the various chief commanders to fight to the end for the Party and the country.
That's absolutely ridiculous!
What a pity, what a pity...
Xu Baichuan couldn't help but sigh again when he thought of this. Anping, such a pure-hearted person, should not perish with this corrupt regime!
Unfortunately, Dai Chunfeng placed too heavy a burden on him...
What a pity!
Time passed slowly, and Zhang Anping, his throat parched, finally finished summoning all the chief captains. Xu Baichuan wanted to invite him to dinner, but Zhang Anping shook his head:
"There's no time left, I have to rush to Beiping, now..."
After a moment of silence, Zhang Anping said again, "Next time!"
Xu Baichuan assumed Zhang Anping was still resentful about Zheng Yaoxian's uprising, so he didn't think much of it and nodded, but inwardly thought:
Next time... there won't be a next time!
And what he was thinking was exactly the same as what Zhang Anping was thinking.
There won't be a next time!
Zhang Anping was heartbroken. He had kept a great deal of secret from Xu Baichuan, and even now—and even after his death—he probably would never know his true identity.
And I'm afraid I'll never see Lao Xu again.
Old Zheng, Old Xu, the Ming brothers, Tan Zhongshu, Liu Xinjie, Zhao Gang...
One by one, the figures appeared in Zhang Anping's mind. In this lifetime, he was afraid he would never have the chance to see these old friends and comrades again.
The two silently proceeded to the takeoff point. Amidst the roar of the aircraft, just as Zhang Anping was about to step onto the steel ladder, he couldn't help but turn back and take a deep look at Xu Baichuan:
"Take care, Lao Xu!"
Xu Baichuan nodded slightly: "You too."
After giving Xu Baichuan a reluctant look, Zhang Anping turned around with a resolute air and slowly stepped onto the steel stairs.
As Xu Baichuan, who had come to see them off, stepped back, the roar of the plane intensified, it began to taxi, and finally pulled up sharply, soaring into the sky.
Only then did Xu Baichuan finally feel relieved.
His arrival was just in time!
Mao Renfeng, who caused trouble, is currently out of the public eye and is unlikely to resurface anytime soon.
Because of his involvement, the matter of Lao Zheng's uprising can be considered settled—even if there are reversals later, what difference does it make?
He unintentionally helped me a lot on this trip!
Xu Baichuan was filled with emotion, but after the last stone landed, a feeling of emptiness and discomfort welled up inside him.
That year, he and Dai Chunfeng met Zhang Anping, who looked energetic, at the dock.
That year, he, Zheng Yaoxian, and Zhang Anping, under the title of preparatory committee members, established the Guanwang Temple training class from scratch.
That year, he took over Wu Jingzhong's power and became the stationmaster of Shanghai Station;
That year, he finally resigned himself to his fate, knowing he couldn't defeat Zhang Anping, and began to yield for the sake of the bigger picture;
That year...
That year...
That year...
Too many "that year" memories bind me to my relationship with Zhang Anping.
But now that we've parted ways, is there ever a chance we'll meet again?
there is none left!
Xu Baichuan was saddened. With Anping's fierce spirit, how could he possibly be willing to be a prisoner?
Was this farewell forever?
A look of sorrow appeared on Xu Baichuan's face. Was this a final farewell?
He stood alone on the side for a long time before he could suppress his gloomy mood. As he turned to walk towards the headquarters, the image of Zhang Anping's sad expression when he left unconsciously surfaced in his mind.
At that moment, Xu Baichuan felt as if he had been struck by lightning.
he……
Why did Zhang Anping, who encouraged all the chief commanders to fight for the Party and the country, inadvertently reveal a sadness that only he felt at that moment when they parted?
The absolute countermeasure that Lao Zhao mentioned...
Zhang Anping's trip inadvertently helped him countless times...
A series of thoughts flashed through Xu Baichuan's mind, and his expression became incredulous, his eyes widening as if they were about to pop out of their sockets.
how can that be!
but……
His appearance in Xuzhou didn't cause the huge uproar he had imagined; instead, it quietly provided countless acts of kindness...
There may be countless coincidences in this world, but there are absolutely no countless coincidences on the brutal underground front!
and so……
Xu Baichuan gazed at the horizon; he couldn't see the plane carrying his old friend, but a smile appeared on his lips.
You kept this from me for so long!
When we meet again someday, the three of us brothers will drink until we're drunk! (End of Chapter)