Chapter 148: The Xi'an Incident (Conclusion)

On December 22, 1936, Xi'an Airport was shrouded in a solemn atmosphere, with security unusually strict. When the special aircraft slowly landed, Zhang Xueliang personally stood on the boarding stairs to greet it. He was dressed in military uniform, his expression complex.

"Madam, you have endured a long journey," he said respectfully.

"Xueliang," she asked anxiously as soon as she stepped off the plane, "is he all right?"

"Rest assured, the Chief is fine," Zhang Xueliang replied with a slight bow.

On the way to Zhang Gongguan, she observed the ancient city through the car window.

That evening, inside Zhang Gongguan, she finally saw her husband, whom she had not seen for many days. Seeing that he was slightly fatigued yet still in good spirits, her eyes welled with tears.

"You have suffered."

Her husband, however, wore a stern face: "You shouldn't have come here! It's too dangerous."

"Precisely because it's dangerous, I insist even more," she said firmly. "Moreover, Jingxing's troops are outside the city; they dare not act rashly now."

On December 23, the three-way talks officially began at Zhang Gongguan. Zhou Ming represented the northern forces, the Song siblings represented the Chief, and Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng attended as hosts.

Zhou Ming spoke first, presenting six proposals.

Mr. Song frowned: "These conditions are too harsh; the principal will not agree."

"Then ask the principal, Mr. Song," Zhou Ming replied evenly, "is personal face more important, or is the nation's survival more important?"

The negotiations proceeded unusually difficultly. The lady occasionally urged gently, expressing principled agreement with most conditions, but on certain specifics—such as the extent of governmental restructuring and the command authority of the northern forces after reorganization—both sides engaged in heated discussion.

On the evening of December 24, under the arrangement of the Song siblings, Zhou Ming went to the mansion to meet the principal.

Inside the room, the principal leaned half on the bed, his complexion slightly pallid. Seeing Zhou Ming enter, a complex expression flickered in his eyes—surprise, caution, perhaps a barely perceptible sigh.

Zhou Ming remained composed, bowing slightly toward the Chief: "Principal, we haven't seen each other for ten years; you look thinner than before."

The principal moved his lips slightly, then merely sighed, indicating for Zhou Ming to sit down.

Zhou Ming did not dwell on past grievances, but got straight to the point, targeting the crucial issue of the nation's survival: "Principal, the current situation leaves us no choice but to resist Japan to survive, and no choice but to unite to save the country. If the civil war continues, it will only hasten the nation's decline. This is not merely our view, but a consensus among enlightened people across the nation. The operation by Generals Zhang and Yang this time is aimed at the anti-Japanese cause, with no intent to cause harm. If the principal can agree to halt the civil war, the northern forces are willing to submit to unified command and march to the anti-Japanese front."

Zhou Ming elaborated on the six proposals, analyzing the perilous situation of Japan's relentless pressure and the International Community's concern, especially emphasizing that only united resistance against Japan can save the nation from disaster.

The principal leaned on his pillow, eyes closed, listening; he occasionally opened his eyes to glance at Zhou Ming, but remained silent for the most part. Zhou Ming's words were logically clear and emotionally sound, each hitting the point of the nation's fate that concerned him most. Meanwhile, the Song siblings also offered counsel from the side, analyzing the pros and cons and pointing out the risk that some might seize the opportunity to grab power.

After a long silence, the principal finally opened his eyes slowly; his gaze still bore fatigue, but his tone had noticeably softened. He gave a verbal commitment, phrasing it cautiously and retaining appropriate reserve:

"Zhou Ming, what you said... halting the civil war, uniting against Japan... is something we can consider.... internal military actions will be ordered to stop... the conditions you propose, I will discuss with all parties after I return to Jinling... the Japanese are indeed pressing too hard... once we begin resisting Japan, your troops must obey unified command..."

Although no written document was signed, this statement...

Almost immediately after Zhou Ming's talks with the Chief concluded, Zhou Ming also had a brief yet important meeting with Li Yuxuan.

"Jingxing," Zhou Ming said bluntly, "the negotiations in Xi'an City have made progress; the principal has in principle agreed to halt the civil war and unite against Japan. This is a blessing for the nation. We know the general fully understands the great cause and prioritizes resistance to Japan. Now a peaceful resolution is in sight; we hope the general will continue to prioritize the overall situation, restrain his troops, and preserve the hard-won peace."

Li Jingxuan looked at Zhou Ming, his expression calm, but his words kept a proper distance and caution: "Zhou Ming, I am aware of your activities in Xi'an."

He paused, his tone turning serious: "My attitude, Li Yuxuan's, has never changed. I fully support resistance to Japan. As long as the principal returns safely to Jinling, each of my units will serve the nation without question. As for the rest..." He gave Zhou Ming a meaningful look, "As long as it does not touch the fundamental principles, I welcome it. But if at the final moment the principal encounters any mishap, or someone tries to establish a separate central authority, disrupting the unity of orders and commands, then do not blame me for fulfilling my prior commitment."

An understanding smile appeared on Zhou Ming's face: "Jingxing, rest assured. A peaceful resolution and united resistance against Japan are the inevitable trend and a consensus among all parties. We all understand the general's stance, and Generals Zhang and Yang are also clear on it. We all hope to see a united Huaxia, together facing our true enemy."

Outside the window, the night sky over Xi'an glittered with stars.