Chapter 110

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Protagonist:

Lv Muzhi

During the days Hans State Advisor William stayed by Lv Muzhi's side, US Advisor Sam also paid a hurried visit.

"Lv! My good friend, I've missed you to death!" Sam spread his arms, but seeing the Germanic-blooded William standing to the side, he became vigilant in his heart: "Who is this..."

Lv Muzhi introduced: "This is a military advisor from Hans State, responsible for adjusting the division's training plan, and I also have some dealings with him, you understand..."

Sam nodded to William, then looked at Lv Muzhi: "Lv, you still have a lot of money unspent in our country! I've seen your Mining Police General Corps training plan, listen to me, you need trucks and motorcycles, we can provide them all, buy some, Lv!"

Lv Muzhi smiled: "I've been waiting for you to come pitch to me! Mountain guns and infantry guns can be transported by mules and horses, but field guns, howitzers, cannons, and so on still need trucks to tow for convenience. I reckon your country's automobile tycoons haven't been doing too well lately?"

Sam waved his hand: "Don't mention it, my mailbox is almost stuffed by those automobile tycoons, and the office phone has been busy all the time. General Motors, Stutz, Ford, and other companies all hope to establish contact with you."

"Oh? That's great. I happen to have that intention, no need for too many, just try to supply military vehicles for the army."

Hearing that Lv Muzhi was interested, Sam immediately beamed with joy and hurriedly took out a thick stack of product catalogs and cooperation plans from his briefcase:

"Lv, you are truly wise! Look, this is General Motors' latest truck model, strong load capacity, sturdy structure, very suitable for the road conditions here...

This is Ford's, high cost-performance, easy maintenance...

And there's Stutz's, their engine technology is first-class!

We also have motorcycles, Harley and Indian, both good brands, perfect for reconnaissance, communications, and forming rapid reaction troops!

Bicycles, do you want bicycles? Bicycles are also good things!"

Lv Muzhi was dazzled by what he saw, while Hans State Advisor William drank tea, his eyes occasionally glancing at the two of them.

Lv Muzhi didn't think of avoiding William and Sam talking; anyway, once imported, at the port in broad daylight, there was absolutely no secrecy to speak of.

Sam enthusiastically introduced while carefully observing Lv Muzhi's expression, then lowered his voice and leaned close to Lv Muzhi's ear to say:

"There's more good news, Lv! Mr. Roosevelt has been successfully elected! According to your several economic suggestions, he is preparing to implement the New Deal!

Believe us, Mr. Roosevelt keeps your previous generous support in mind and specially asked me to convey his thanks.

He also very much hopes that in our cooperation, priority can be given to our domestic steel and automobile industries. You know, the job opportunities provided by work relief are still limited. If you can help expand imports of our country's materials, that would be even better. This concerns many people's rice bowls and the stability of several key states."

Lv Muzhi understood clearly in his heart: this was the other side reciprocating kindness, while also soliciting orders for key domestic industries.

"Sam, my friend, buying complete vehicles can solve the urgent need, but it's not a long-term plan. I hope more to introduce truck production lines and related technology, and establish my own automobile manufacturing plant on my own territory. That is the permanent solution."

Sam's eyes lit up, and he slapped his palm hard: "No problem! Absolutely no problem! Lv, it's great that you have such foresight! However, we all hope you can import our country's steel for processing and manufacturing. I know several automobile companies are now willing to transfer relatively mature production lines and technology, and the price is negotiable!"

Lv Muzhi thought for a moment: "If we do this, what if the money in the Foundation runs out?"

Sam cleared his throat: "It's fine, Lv. We can talk about installment payments. Mr. Roosevelt will push this matter. As long as you can expand imports and help us expand exports."

Lv Muzhi nodded: "Introducing automobile production lines is a good thing, but this means the demand for steel will increase sharply. On my side, although Qijiang Iron and Steel Works has already started production, its capacity is still in the ramp-up stage. Moreover, not only does it need to supply automobile manufacturing, but the production of various firearms, anti-tank guns, infantry guns, mountain guns, and mortars also requires a large amount of high-quality steel."

"You are willing to export steel to make up for my capacity shortage, which just solves my urgent need. Especially cannon steel, which has higher requirements..."

Sam said: "How about this: as for introducing vehicle production lines, once you agree, it's done. At the same time, to make up for your current and future steel shortage, we can directly export some already smelted, standard-compliant steel ingots, especially high-grade alloy steel needed for making gun barrels and cannon barrels."

"On your side, conduct 'processing with supplied materials.' Use the steel ingots we provide, combined with the steel produced by your own steel mills, mixed use, prioritizing the quality and quantity of military industry production. After my steel mills further expand capacity and upgrade technology, gradually reduce dependence on imported steel ingots."

"Oh right, you mentioned heavy artillery? I recommend Gaul State's heavy artillery. The Gaul Roosters are experts in making cannons. Schneider Company's—I can contact them. 105mm Field Guns, 155mm Howitzers, everything is available."

Hans stood up: "Our country's Krupp Cannons are also not bad, Lv. The Gaul Roosters' stuff—just look at the paper data."

Lv Muzhi couldn't help but laugh. The Gaul Roosters and Hans State, this pair of century-old enemies—hearing that he wanted to buy French cannons, Hans also started promoting his own products.

However, Lv Muzhi had already made up his mind to order heavy artillery from Gaul Rooster Nation: "Hans, spread the favor evenly. I bought light weapons and mountain guns from your country; as for heavy artillery, I still have to find a way to order from Gaul Rooster Nation."

"But..." Hans stood up, wanting to strive again.

"Commander Lu, Zhang Shaoshuai has arrived!" Chu Yunfei came to Lv Muzhi's side to remind him.

"Oh, both of you, I have other matters. As for business matters, go inside and talk to my wife Lady Zhu Sanxiang. She is now the Director of Chongqing Development Office and can make decisions on my behalf."

After saying this, Lv Muzhi left the scene and went to meet Zhang Shaoshuai.

"Brother Wei Yue!" Zhang Shaoshuai was furious as soon as he saw Lv Muzhi.

"Brother Hanqing!" Lv Muzhi said with clasped hands.

"Wei Yue, a few years ago it was clearly agreed that the American steelmaking equipment was supposed to be mine. How did it end up installed at your Qijiang Iron and Steel Works?" Zhang Shaoshuai asked, obviously still bothered by the previous matter.

"No way. The little devils are causing trouble in Fengtian, and this latest set of steelmaking equipment had nowhere to be placed, so it could only be installed at my Qijiang Iron and Steel Works." Lv Muzhi pointed to the tall chimney behind him. "But I guess Young Marshal didn't come for this set of steelmaking equipment, right?"

Zhang Shaoshuai spread his hands: "No way. When a person is under another's roof, how can he not lower his head? I have over a hundred thousand troops, and now military funds, weapons, and ammunition can only be supplied by the Central Government. As for me personally, I have no choice but to temporarily retire and go abroad for inspection."

"So?"

"I don't have good connections in the Central Government. Only pity that the over a hundred thousand Northeast Army troops who entered the Pass with me hope that Brother Wei Yue can usually help out and take care of them more. I really can't bear it if, after I leave, the Northeast Army's organization gets dismantled by others." Zhang Shaoshuai leaned against the back of the chair, looking at the ceiling above.

Lv Muzhi didn't know what mood Zhang Shaoshuai was in at this moment, but the Northeast Army was indeed innocent.

"The military industry equipment of Fengtian Arsenal has all been transferred to Gongxian Arsenal. I can't guarantee military funds, but I think weapons and ammunition can be strived for you. Your military industry equipment, carrying out production inside the Pass to supply the Northeast Army, is also reasonable. I will go to Jinling for a meeting and naturally help say a few words."

Zhang Shaoshuai sighed: "It's also thanks to your industrial innovation plan proposed to me, which transferred the equipment away. Otherwise, if my father knew that the Fengtian Arsenal he built with all his heart and soul fell into enemy hands, I really wouldn't have the face to see him."

"By the way, I don't trust others. While I'm still in the country, you can submit a report to transfer the equipment and workers I temporarily stored at Gongxian Arsenal to Sichuan Province to support your production. Back in Fengtian, these equipment could produce four hundred thousand bullets a day. Here, they wouldn't be wasted either."

"Otherwise, after I retire, these equipment might be recklessly targeted by others. If you pity me, then in the future, the ammunition produced can support my Northeast Army a bit or two."

Lv Muzhi nodded: "Since Brother Hanqing has said so, I'll submit the report now. Rest assured, as long as the Northeast Army's organization remains, I will supply all the ammunition. I'm waiting for you to come back."

Zhang Shaoshuai stood up and shook hands: "With your words, I can rest assured to go abroad for inspection."

After Zhang Shaoshuai left, Lv Muzhi received an urgent telegram requiring him to immediately rush to Jinling.

Lv Muzhi handed over all industrial development-related matters to his wife Zhu Sanxiang. Zhu Sanxiang has now been arranged as the Director of Chongqing Development Office. As a member of the Fifth Great Family, no one has any objection to this.

Chongqing has now built an airport in the suburbs. Lv Muzhi can take a transport aircraft to Jinling and no longer needs to take a ship out.

Inside Jinling City, there was once again a crowd of familiar faces.

"The Wang Jingwei Regime has wolfish ambitions. They occupied our Northeast, attacked Shanghai, and even captured Rehe. A scholar can bear this, but who can bear it?"

Hearing the leader speak this way, He Commander stood up: "Leader need not worry. A small lack of restraint can ruin a great plan. The German-equipped Division's reorganization plan is being implemented. I believe that in the not-too-distant future, once we can restrain the Wang Jingwei Regime!"

Liu Zhi touched his round chin: "Yes, bear with it. The Wang Jingwei Regime now needs to digest the land they swallowed. The next invasion should not be in the near future."

The leader sat at the top, nodding: "Not bad. That's also my meaning. With internal unrest, how can we resist foreign aggression?"

Lv Muzhi and other younger Whampoa Clique officers sat in the back row; the front row was where the older commanders sat.

Lv Muzhi looked at the big head in front of him—it was Liu Zhi's. The "old men" in the front row had always decided to turn the blade inward.

As for the young people sitting in the back row, many shared the same opinion, longing for military merit.

"Muzi Ah, in Sichuan Province, first, prepare for war; second, restrain Liu Xiang." The President said.

"Yes! This subordinate will definitely prepare for war against Japan!" Lv Muzhi stood up and said.

"War against Japan? No no no... what I mean is..."

The President was correcting him when Lv Muzhi interjected:

"This subordinate believes the Japanese devils' next step has only two targets: one is Beiping, the other is Shanghai. Holding Beiping allows them to swallow our North China; taking Shanghai allows them to advance straight into our Jinling. In that case, our political and economic centers north of the Yangtze River will be completely lost."

"To protect these places, we must make war preparations as soon as possible."

He Commander became interested: "There is one difficulty regarding war preparations for Shanghai City now: we signed the 'Songhu Armistice Agreement' last year, and our army cannot station troops in Shanghai. So how do we make war preparations targeting Shanghai?"

Lv Muzhi replied: "We can't station troops, but it doesn't say we can't station police, right? Aren't our police forces still here!"

Lv Muzhi glanced at the God of Wealth Minister Song sitting at the end of the row.

Everyone looked at Minister Song. This was indeed a problem. Not being able to station troops in Shanghai had long troubled the President. Everyone was ready to organize a few Security Regiments to make do.

Song Zhiwen said without raising his head: "Ask for money, but no people. Those are the armed forces I use to suppress smuggling. Without these armed forces, collecting taxes is not an easy matter."

Lv Muzhi immediately feigned difficulty: "Since the Tax Police General Corps cannot send troops, then my Mining Police General Corps has an inescapable responsibility. My Mining Police General Corps is willing to send troops to station in Shanghai and guard the Shanghai Arsenal."

"Hiss~ Wei Yue's words just solved my urgent problem. This way, I don't need to worry about Shanghai City's defense anymore and can focus on my own affairs."

Liu Zhi also said: "Indeed. Xia Guo and Japan will eventually fight. The Mining Police General Corps normally uses police organization and is stationed in Shanghai. In wartime, it can be directly reorganized into a combat division on the spot—just exploiting a loophole in the 'Songhu Armistice Agreement'!"

"Hmm~ not bad. I have a suggestion. Muzi, the industry you manage in Sichuan Province is on track. I heard your wife is very capable—women can hold up half the sky. I think most matters should be handed to her."

"As for you, I want you to concurrently serve as Commander of the Shanghai Defense Command. The Mining Police General Corps is prepared with the organization of two Type A divisions. Focus on the defense work of Shanghai City. As for suppressing bandits, your police need not participate..." The President said.

"To share the nation's worries, this student will surely not shirk hardship!"

After the meeting, Liu Zhi crossed his arms and walked outside side by side with Lv Muzhi.

"Muzi Ah, I see you, kid. You really have some tricks. Every time it looks like you're retreating behind the scenes, you always find a chance to jump up."

"Take the Central Plains War three years ago. You didn't join the army but insisted on doing industry, and finally carved out a piece of territory in Sichuan Province."

"Everyone says Liu Xiang is about to become the King of Sichuan, but we all know you're the financier behind him. I think you're more like the King of Sichuan."

"You have no army under you, yet you've gathered a bunch of police who aren't like police. You exploited a loophole in the 'Songhu Armistice Agreement' and actually managed to become the Commander of the Shanghai Defense Command..."

"Look how active Hu Gongnan is, running around everywhere. Isn't it all for this!"

"Some say Hu Gongnan is the President's crown prince. You, kid, are a vassal king outside. You, this vassal king, live much more freely than Hu Gongnan."

Lv Muzhi followed behind Liu Zhi, hands behind his back: "What this student has done is nothing more than expelling the Wang Jingwei Regime. As for territory and commander positions, they are merely unintended results."

"What an unintended result. Let me tell you, the leader has decided to re-rank the military within the next year or two. You now hold so many positions. We old men have privately ranked the merits of you young people and found you've done no less than those who fight every day."

"Take the Central Plains War. To put it bluntly, the victory was bought by you spending 2 million US dollars. Your industrial innovation plan made the Japanese devils fail in Fengtian. Not to mention that Pacific Foundation. Restraining Liu Xiang, taking charge of the Shanghai Defense Command—being given the rank of Lieutenant General when ranks are re-issued should be no exaggeration. However..."

"You've indeed experienced few battles. I'm afraid the young faction will have opinions."

After hearing this, Lv Muzhi took an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Liu Zhi: "Teacher, for your great kindness over the years, I have no way to repay it. It's all in the letter."

"Oh?" Liu Zhi opened the envelope, pulled out a sheet of paper, glanced at it, his eyes widened, and quickly pushed the paper back into the envelope, then put it into his own pocket—inside was actually a check for one million yuan.

"You! You always manage to come up with something new!" Liu Zhi's face turned red, pointing at Lv Muzhi: "Don't worry. You are my best student. I will definitely overcome all opposition and help you rise!"

Shanghai City, early spring of the third month.

Lv Muzhi came to Shanghai City for only three things: prepare for war! Prepare for war! And still prepare for war!

He had already submitted a national defense plan to the Jinling Ministry of National Defense: on the road from Shanghai City to Jinling, build three permanent national defense works.

If Shanghai City falls and the devils attack Jinling, Kunshan to Taicang is the first line; Suzhou's Changshu is the second line (Wufu Line); Wuxi to Jiangyin is the third line (Xicheng Line).

At the same time, in the Jinshanwei Beach area, permanent national defense works are also built to deal with possible Japanese landing operations. Behind Jinshanwei Beach, along Zhapu, Jiaxing, and Suzhou, a land defense line (Zhapingjia Line) is built.

Once this proposal is passed, Lv Muzhi will immediately buy reinforced concrete from the Americans. He hasn't been on a construction site for many years, and his hands are itching. This time, he will engage in large-scale construction and revive his civil engineering might!

Lv Muzhi serves as Commander of the Guard in Shanghai City. Hans State's William and the United States' Sam also smelled the scent and followed.

To these two, Lv Muzhi's body exuded the smell of money and mineral resources.

Hans: "Lv, land fortifications alone are not enough. I recommend you buy more naval mines and torpedo boats, at least to blockade the Yangtze River."

Sam: "Our steel enterprises are saved. There's enough concrete too!"

Inside the Shanghai Defense Command, Hans and Sam stood on the left and right, vigorously marketing to Lv Muzhi.

"Commander Lu, the work of surveying and mapping the Wang Jingwei Regime Navy Marine Corps Command Headquarters has been arranged. Please sign on the expense sheet."

"Commander Lu, the highest US Navy officer stationed in the Shanghai Concession invites you to a banquet tonight."

"Commander Lu, the Green Gang has sent a visiting card."

"Commander Lu, Patriotic Students shot two Wang Jingwei Regime Ronin. The devils are gathering to make trouble."

Hearing about the devils, Lv Muzhi raised his head: "Patriotic Students shot devils?"

"Yes, Commander Lu. The matter is quite big. The Wang Jingwei Regime demands severe punishment for that student, and many Ronin are parading in the streets."

"Hmph! Notify the military and police to mobilize. If those Japanese Ronin dare to parade outside the Concession, beat them with clubs! What is that student's name?"

"His name is Zhou Wen. His family is very wealthy, but this time I'm afraid his life cannot be saved."

Lv Muzhi thought for a moment: "Transfer him away. Send him to the Concession and hand him over to the US Navy."

Advisor Sam raised his head, unsure whether he should refuse.

"Sam, my good friend. This shouldn't be a problem, right? Young people make mistakes. Why not give him a chance to reform? Also, I've already drafted the contract for building materials. Please tell Mr. Luo to deliver the reinforced concrete as soon as possible."

Sam beamed: "Of course, of course. Tonight I'll go to the Concession with you!"

That night, Lv Muzhi saw Zhou Wen, who had been secretly transferred here, aboard a United States Navy warship.

"Young man, you're quite brave." Lv Muzhi looked at Zhou Wen and said with a smile.

The Huangpu River wind blew against Zhou Wen's face as he glanced at the general's star on Lv Muzhi's chest and asked, "I only killed two Ronin devils; do you really need to deploy a general to execute me?"

Lv Muzhi laughed heartily: "What are two devils? Do you want to kill more devils?"

"I do, why wouldn't I?"

"Come enlist!"

Zhou Wen's eyes lit up: "I'll enlist, but the devils and the police say I'm guilty..."

"That's nothing. I am the Shanghai-Songhu Garrison Commander; I can settle things with the mayor and the police chief. Leave the Concession and go to Shanghai to apply for Whampoa Military Academy—you can make it for the Ninth Class."

Zhou Wen was thrilled: "Whampoa Military Academy? I've wanted to go for a long time! It's just that my father wouldn't allow it. Now, under these circumstances, I have to go even if I don't want to!"

Lv Muzhi patted Zhou Wen's shoulder: "I will contact General Zhang Zhizhong, the Education Director of Whampoa Military Academy; he will arrange things for you. Also, at the academy you can find a cadet named Zhang Fei, who will look after you;"

"By the way, you are now in a guilty identity, so you also need to change your name..."

Zhou Wen thought so too and was pondering what name to choose when Lv Muzhi made the decision for him: "No need to think; just call yourself Zhou Weiguo. You were meant to have this name."

Sam had listened to the whole thing from the side, watching Zhou Weiguo being escorted off the warship by several United States sailors, then walked forward with a smile: "Lv, this young man was destined to meet you; perhaps he will become your subordinate one day!"

Within Shanghai city, Lv Muzhi had established good relations with all forces except the devils.

Besides that, Lv Muzhi was also waiting for an old acquaintance, an old friend he hadn't seen in a long while, and he still had some things he hadn't asked clearly.

"Commander Lu, the Lixing Society's Secret Prison has sent word that Chen Geng has been arrested."

Lv Muzhi stood up from behind his desk: "Bring the person and come with me."

In the prison, He Zhonghan was grinning ferociously at Chen Geng: "Old classmate, long time no see. I never expected we'd meet again like this?"

"Commander Lu has arrived!!!" an announcement came from outside the prison.