Chapter 180 All-round oppression

Kunming, Wuhua Mountain, Yunnan Governor's Office.

The military and political meeting for four consecutive days came to an end. More than 30 Yunnan military and political officials, with tired faces, quickly walked down the wide stone steps, and tightly carried a briefcase containing top-secret documents and important meeting minutes. Almost without exception, they refused the help of the adjutant or secretary, got into a long car waiting in front, and hurriedly left.

On the high platform in front of the Governor's Office, Tang Jiyao, the Yunnan Governor who personally sent his military and political officials to the door, sighed slowly, looked at the blue sky, and couldn't help but rub his sore eyes.

"Please look, Mr. Li, you have got the two things you ordered last time back."

Zhang Zizhen, the chief of staff of the Yunnan Army, who was short and thin, with two thick beards, pointed to the lawn directly in front of the steps. The edge of the lawn that was slightly yellow but had spit out new buds was placed. A rare short-barrel cannon and a wide four-wheeled carriage were placed. On both sides of the cannon and carriage, eight young officers with enthusiasm were standing in a solemn manner.

Tang Jiyao looked in the direction of Zhang Zizhen's finger, then strode down the steps. Zhang Zizhen and several school officials hurriedly followed.

Tang Jiyao came to the front of the cannon and the carriage, nodded to the eight neatly saluted officers, stretched out his hand to touch the spotless artillery barrel, and then slowly circled around the cannon, looking at every detail of the cannon one by one with sharp eyes. Finally, he squatted down next to the steel wheel on the left side of the cannon and carefully checked the lines of inscriptions on the cannon seat.

A few minutes later, Tang Jiyao turned his head and asked in confusion: "Is it really made by the Sichuan Arsenal itself?"

Zhang Zizhen hurriedly pulled over the young captain beside him: "Meng Zhen, you will take care of this from beginning to end, so you will report it in detail to coach Li."

Meng Zhen, an intelligence officer of the Yunnan Army who looked ordinary and could not tell if he was thrown into the crowd, nodded gratefully, stepped forward and squatted down with Tang Jiyao's encouragement smile, pointed to the inscription that Tang Jiyao was most interested in, and whispered:

"Reported to the Grand Commander, this new infantry gun was indeed manufactured by the Ya'an Arsenal of Sichuan Army. According to our multiple verifications, it was initially concluded that the gun was designed from the German Krupp Company. The prototype is very similar to the m1904 type 75mm battalion gun produced in a small number of German trials. The gun has a caliber of 75mm and a total length of 2870mm. If it is equipped with an anti-shield made of thin steel plate, the shooting angle is -10-70 degrees, the shooting boundary is 45 degrees left and right, the total height is only 85mm, and the range is between 120-2800 meters. Advanced pipe retreat technology is used, and the total weight is only 245 kilograms. After installing this steel rubber-edged wheel, it can be easily pulled away with a horse, which is really convenient!"

Tang Jiyao immediately attached great importance to it and looked at the young captain who was quite moved: "Has the Sichuan Army been equipped with a large amount of equipment?"

Meng Zhenjing's eyes darkened slightly, and he replied with shame: "The specific situation has not been found yet. However, this rare new artillery appeared in the Phoenix Mountain Camp directly under the Teaching Brigade of the Sichuan Army General Command at the beginning of last year. We have never noticed whether the other departments are equipped. We have neglected our duties!"

Tang Jiyao waved his hand generously, stood up and smiled kindly, "It doesn't matter, the Sichuan Army's strength in confidentiality and intelligence are well known. You can't blame you, I just want to hear your opinions."

Meng Zhen shook his head guiltily: "Uncle... This kind of artillery did not attract the attention of our intelligence department at that time. Until early September last year, the first division of the Lu Pingshan of the Guizhou Army suddenly pulled out sixteen of these light artillery pieces during the exchange of fire with the Second Division of Liu Xianqian, and quickly achieved an overwhelming victory.

"After receiving the order in mid-September last year, the intelligence team of the humble leader immediately launched an operation. After more than four months of hard work, it spent more than 30,000 yuan and finally got it back. The four-wheeled carriage that the Sichuan Army had already equipped in large quantities."

Tang Jiyao nodded with satisfaction and walked towards a luxurious large carriage with Zhang Zizhen. The adjutants behind him were amazed and said that they had never seen a carriage with so many steel frames. They looked not only wide and stable but also very strong, and could hold at least 1,500 kilograms of goods. I don’t know how much it would cost to buy one.

Meng Zhen, who was standing beside him, whispered:

"This special carriage uses old-fashioned car steel rims, solid tires and bearings, and is usually pulled by two-pin horses. We tried it yesterday. It was enough to install two thousand kilograms and use two-pin horses."

Amid the discussion, Tang Jiyao suddenly walked towards a half-new Ford car ahead, carefully observed the front and rear tires of the car, and quickly returned to the four-wheeled carriage. After checking for a long time, he slowly straightened his waist, his face full of surprise: "This tire is actually the same as the Ford car!"

Everyone quickly compared it. After reading it, Zhang Zizhen smiled bitterly: "The Sichuan Army is rich and powerful, and then he spread the commander-in-chief who shouted for learning, innovation, introduction and absorption all day long. It's not surprising that he walked ahead of us."

Meng Zhen saw the melancholy look in Tang Jiyao's eyes, stepped forward and whispered:

"Master and Chief of Staff, this kind of carriage was widely seen among the Sichuan Army units a year ago, and it has been sold to Guiyang and Yichang and other places... As far as Beishi knows, this kind of solid wheel that has been eliminated is not expensive, and is an elimination of goods in stock in Europe and the United States. Sichuan bought it in large quantities and produced this kind of carriage. It not only equips various departments of the Sichuan Army units, but also sold to carriage shops in various places in Sichuan. The price is about 250 oceans per car, and two-wheeled ones are cheaper. The most expensive one of this car is two sets of bearings. I heard that changing one bearing will cost 45 oceans."

Tang Jiyao nodded silently, as if he was not in a good mood, but he still nodded to Meng Zhen with approval, and then said to the adjutant beside him:

"A commendation for Meng Zhen to be promoted to the first-level military rank. In addition, all personnel participating in the operation will be rewarded internally, and five thousand oceans will be rewarded."

The adjutant quickly recorded it. Meng Zhen looked at Tang Jiyao's back as he walked up the steps, couldn't help but raise his hand and salute silently.

Tang Jiyao, who returned to the office, signaled Chief of Staff Zhang Zizhen and Chief Think Tank Liu Zuwu to sit down, took out several documents that were not discussed at the meeting today and placed them on the table. He patted them lightly twice and said with emotion: "It seems that we are going to change our course too!"

Zhang Zizhen smiled bitterly again: "That young little teapot never forgot to plot against us at all times. We still have to endure it. It's so fucking coward!"

Liu Zuwu, who also graduated from the Japanese Army Non-commissioned Officer School and was three years older than Zhang Zizhen, said with a smile:

"Qingpu doesn't need to be discouraged. No matter what, Xiao Yimin is still an open-minded person. Otherwise, he would not have actively promoted economic and trade exchanges between the two provinces at the end of the Sichuan-Yunnan War. In the second half of last year, he withdrew all the troops in the border areas of the two provinces and replaced them with local police and newly established tax police. In dealing with commercial disputes and various lawsuits in the two provinces, he also adhered to an objective and cautious attitude. In general, he has been showing goodwill to us and seeking mutual understanding and cooperation between the two parties. Our business and cultural circles are also deeply touched by this."

Zhang Zizhen smiled and said, "So, how should we explain the infiltration of military and political departments in western Yunnan by Sichuan's Xichang?"

Tang Jiyao waved his hand: "Qingpu, I have repeatedly considered the gains and losses of the governance in western Yunnan and northwest Yunnan over the past two years. I feel that it cannot be blamed entirely on the Sichuan Provincial Government and Sichuan Army. The biggest reason is not Sichuan's infiltration into our border areas, nor can I complain about any economic plunder. In the final analysis, we are not doing it well ourselves.

"Otherwise, why can Sichuan military and political circles reduce taxes from people in poverty-stricken areas in the border, but we cannot? Why can our merchants and mine owners organize themselves and rather pay for their own money to build the road to Sichuan than accept the leadership of our local officials? Are our common people blind? They are all so easy to be deceived?

"There are many such issues, which not only involve our policies and the moral integrity of officials at all levels, but also concern the people's will. If our policies are not adjusted as soon as possible, it may not be a problem of political infiltration or economic plunder. It is worth our reflection!"

Just as Zhang Zizhen was about to defend herself, Tang Jiyao waved his hand again, stood up and pointed to the large map behind him, facing the two confidants, and said earnestly:

"You have also seen more than a dozen small blue flags inserted on it. Before you knew it, the aggressive posture of the Sichuan Army had already formed, but no one pointed at us in Yunnan. To put it bluntly, the Sichuan Army now does not need to look at us directly, look... Wang Lingji's first army has firmly taken up the throat of Yichang. His Yang Sen First Division, Liu Xiang Second Division, and Tang Shizun Third Division were entrenched in Xiangyang, Jingmen and Yichang. Last year, Sichuan's full economic development policies were moved to Yichang and western Hubei to implement. Now they have gained the recognition and support of the local people, and no one can shake them."

Tang Jiyao pointed to the north and south of Wuhan on the map again:

"Look at Xiaogan, Dawu and other areas, Wu Peifu gave all these military strategists to Liao Zhen's Sixth Army. Among them, Luo Zhihui's 16th Division quietly stationed in Xiaogan. The 17th Division led by the young general of the Sichuan Army, Yi Yi, quietly entered Dawu. Sun Xueyuan, a veteran general of the Sichuan Army, was highly valued by Xiao Yimin. He led the 18th Division, composed of the Sichuan Army's teaching brigade and two meritorious regiments, was entrenched in Anlu, not only did he completely control northern Hubei, but also formed a north-south echo with Wu Peifu's troops who went north to the Central Plains, and his vigorous ambition was about to emerge!"

Tang Jiyao moved his fingers: "Look here, in the southern part of Jiangxi, Wang Zanxu's Fourth Army followed Duan Zhiquan's orders. The three main divisions with excellent combat equipment have already set off to Ganzhou in a high-profile manner. Do you really think that nearly 40,000 elite officers and soldiers of these three divisions are going to suppress bandits? From here, it's Meiling Pass in northern Guangdong... I think, I'm afraid that those people in Guangdong have already prepared a ticket to Japan for vacation!"

Tang Jiyao was more excited than he said, and his fingers slid northeast on the map: "The most powerful 7th Army of Wang Jian, the Sichuan Army, are all young and strong sects with great military achievements, and are all Xiao Yimin's brothers and students. From the commander of the army to a small platoon leader below, they are all graduates of the Sichuan Army Officer's School. But now, they all put away their claws and lay quietly on the railway artery of Tongshan, Xianning and Puqi, and there is a surging Yangtze River next to them. But as long as they move, they can reach the city of Nanjing in three days. Moreover, the weapons, equipment and firepower of these three divisions are more than three times that of any main division of the Beiyang Army or our army!

"Everyone, do you see clearly the situation? Under such circumstances, when the country's huge changes are coming, do we still regard Sichuan as our enemy?"

The first time Zhang Zizhen and Liu Zuwu saw Tang Jiyao so excited, it was also the first time in more than a year that he heard Tang Jiyao express his will so clearly. He was shocked and his heart beat faster. He suddenly realized that his eyes and mind were so far away from Tang Jiyao.

Liu Zuwu, who was practicing steady, quickly stood up, and did not care about wiping the sweat and blushing Zhang Zizhen, looking at Tang Jiyao with guilt: "So that... has it settled?"

Tang Jiyao returned to his seat and sat down, raised his head and showed a sorry smile:

"Not busy. I just finished the meeting today. It's not good to take too fast. No matter what, Premier Duan and Marshal Xiao have to give us some 'encourage'. You said it's right? As for the people sent by Guangzhou, those who want to leave will be delivered to Yicheng and give it a gift. Those who are willing to stay must be placed well, but they cannot do nothing. First create public opinion. In the face of national and national justice, we in Yunnan cannot fall behind. You have to do this before you can rest assured. Others cannot grasp the right measure."

"I understand!" Liu Zuwu left happily.

Zhang Zizhen raised her head guiltily: "Soldier, little brother..."

Tang Jiyao laughed, walked out of the table, and stepped forward to hold Zhang Zizhen's arm: "No need to say, the situation is better than others! Come with me to the backyard, there are so many things waiting for you to work hard."

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ps: Although I introduced the weapon, the number of words is more than 700, and the emperor has a very good character!

Thank you for your great reward. The emperor sincerely summoned the subscription and monthly tickets. Thank you!

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Chapter completed!