Chapter 158: Appointment

August 7, 1937, Jinling Military Commission underground command center. In the marble‑arched corridor, the sound of leather shoes striking the floor came from afar to near. Li Yuxuan's three General Officer stars on his collar glowed coldly under the dim corridor lights, and the armed guards standing solemnly on both sides straightened their backs as he passed, their rifle muzzles cutting the air with a crisp swish.

Officer Li has arrived!

The heavy oak door opened on cue, and smoke curled inside the oval Operations Room. In front of the giant Sand Table, the principal stood with his back to the doorway, the shoulder line of his dark blue military uniform pulled taut. Hearing the report, he turned slowly, and the red‑blue pencil in his hand tapped lightly against the edge of the Sand Table:

Our ever‑victorious General has arrived.

Li Yuxuan stood at attention and saluted, his gaze sweeping over the densely marked enemy and friendly symbols on the Sand Table. The North China Plain was already largely speckled with blue flags representing the Japanese army, and the markers toward Wanping City were especially glaring.

I have let down the Young Master's heavy trust.

"Sit," the principal gestured for him to come closer, "South Garden held out for eleven days, Liangxiang endured eight days and nights of bloody battle, and the Fifth Army displayed the Sect's prestige. We have summoned you today to discuss the grand plan for the future."

The aide silently unfurled a massive map, the bright red boundary winding across the Yangtze River basin.

"Given the current war situation, I have decided to divide the war zones and establish a lasting resistance system," the principal's pencil traced the map. "First War Zone, along the Ping‑Han Road, Cheng Qian serves as Commander. Second War Zone, in the Shanxi direction, Yan Xisan holds the post. Fourth War Zone lies in the Two Guangs…"

The pencil suddenly halted over the Jiangnan region: "The Third War Zone, covering the key points of Jing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, is the Sect's lifeline." He lifted his gaze to Li Yuxuan, "Jingxing, this burden is for you to shoulder."

The whole room erupted in murmurs. The Deputy Chief of the Military Affairs Department could not help speaking up: "Principal, the Third War Zone governs the three provinces of Jiangzhe and Anhui, and now commands five hundred thousand troops; should we…"

"Precisely because it is a vital point, we must use the sharpest blade," the principal cut him off, turning to Li Yuxuan, "Your Fifth Army is a model for the whole force, and the First and Eighteenth Armies are also elite. Entrusting this burden to you puts my mind at ease."

Li Yuxuan took a deep breath. He noticed the young staff officer standing beside the Sand Table—his only son Li Nian'an was diligently recording, the fountain pen rustling on the paper.

"Xuewen," the principal suddenly called, "You come and tell us where the key points of the Third War Zone are."

Li Nian'an stepped forward in response, his military uniform pressed smooth without a single crease: "Report, Principal, the Third War Zone has three key points: first, the Song‑Shanghai gateway; second, the Yangtze River waterway; third, the Beijing‑Wuhu defensive line. The students think that the Fifth Army should be the iron fist, the First Army guard the Yangtze, and the Eighteenth Army serve as the general reserve."

"No wonder he's the kid who went to the United States and met Roosevelt," the principal nodded, then abruptly changed tone, "Jingxing, I heard that when Xuewen was at the Central Party Affairs School he studied On War?"

"My son is foolish, entirely thanks to the Young Master and Madam Song's daily guidance."

"No need for such modesty," the principal took a document from the desk, "Li Nian'an's thesis at school, 'Mechanized Corps Combat Research,' has even the German Advisor raving about it. Such talent should be honed in actual combat."

He gestured for the aide to unfold the appointment decree: "Effective immediately, Li Nian'an is appointed Colonel and commander of the Fifth Army Independent Regiment."

The entire assembly gasped. The most senior, He Yingqin, could not help coughing, "Sir, Xuewen is only twenty‑three this year; according to precedent…"

"In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are required," the principal's gaze swept the room, "Everyone here, who wasn't already handling responsibilities in youth? I recall Jingxing, when he served as Section Chief, was only in his twenties."

Li Yuxuan replied at the right moment, "I am grateful for the Young Master's favor, but the Independent Regiment is the Fifth Army's main force; perhaps we should first send Li Nian'an to the reserve corps…"

"It is precisely to forge it on the tip of the blade," the principal waved his hand, "This matter is settled. Now let us discuss defensive deployments…"

Three hours later, smoke curled in the study of Li Mansion; Li Yuxuan unfastened his disciplinary clasp and stared absentmindedly at the war‑zone map on the wall. The door opened softly, and Li Nian'an entered carrying a tea tray.

"Father."

"Lock the door."

Li Nian'an obeyed, locked the door, and gently set the tea cup on the desk. He noticed his father's fingertips trembling slightly—an old ailment from the days of continuous fierce battles.

"What do you think of today's events?"

"The principal wants to set a benchmark in the Third War Zone," Li Nian'an said calmly, "Using our Li Family as an example for the other war zones."

Li Yuxuan turned and stared at his son, "The lives of the three thousand soldiers of the Independent Regiment are not a stage for people to watch."

"Therefore, son, please have Father arrange for Wang Yaowu to serve as Deputy Regiment Commander."

"Oh?"

"Colonel Wang has abundant combat experience, which perfectly compensates for my shortcomings. Moreover…" Li Nian'an smiled faintly, "With this General Officer present, others will find it hard to question his credentials."

Li Yuxuan finally showed the first genuine smile of the night: "It seems Roosevelt didn't teach you politics in vain." He pulled open a drawer and took out a list, these were the résumés of officers above the company level in the Independent Regiment. There are three suspected traitors from that side, one of He Yingqin's informants, and two of the principal's informants; you should…

"Make the best use of personnel," Li Nian'an took the list, "Assign those suspected from that side to the assault team, send the principal's and He Yingqin's informants to logistics. It shows magnanimity and eliminates future trouble."

From outside the window came the sound of a car engine; Li Yuxuan walked to the window and saw Madam Song's official car pull into the courtyard.

"Your Aunt Song has arrived; go greet her."

"Father," Li Nian'an whispered suddenly, "The compensation for the fallen soldiers of South Garden…"

"Huang Wei has already been sent to handle it," Li Yuxuan adjusted his attire, "Remember, tomorrow go report to the Independent Regiment, first visit the wounded, then inspect the Mess Hall, and finally review the troops."

"Understood. The emotional card must be played up front," Li Nian'an said.

The next morning, Central Army Academy auditorium

General Officer stars gathered, and the formal order to divide the war zones was about to be announced. Li Yuxuan was making final adjustments to his attire in the lounge when Chen Cheng pushed the door open.

"Lord Jing, congratulations."

"Your speech is overly solemn."

"Regarding the Lord's son's matter…" Chen Cheng lowered his voice, "There are some rumors below; should I…"

"No need," Li Yuxuan put on white gloves, "If a young man is to bear General Officer stars, he must learn to stand on the crest of the wind and waves."

The auditorium bell rang. When Li Yuxuan received the Third War Zone Commander's appointment from the principal, the strobe lights flashed alternately. He saw his son standing in the front row of the audience, the colonel insignia on his shoulder boards shining brightly.