Chapter 187: Support Allies 1

January 25 1938, Jiangcheng, the radio in the Li Mansion was broadcasting news that Han Fuju had been sentenced to death for "losing territory and betraying the nation" and the execution had already been carried out, the tone cold and solemn. The news fell like a huge stone into the already turbulent Jiangcheng political arena, stirring wave after wave. Some clapped with delight, thinking such thunderous action was needed to intimidate the warlords who feared the enemy like tigers yet hoarded their strength. Others felt like the fox mourning the rabbit's death, secretly startled by the Principal's ruthless decisiveness.

Li Yuxuan turned off the radio, and the study fell into silence. He stood by the window, looking at the gloomy sky, his fingers unconsciously tapping the window lattice. Han Fuju's death was not only the end of a warlord who fled without fighting, but also a strong signal: at this moment of national survival, any passive avoidance of battle or disregard for the overall situation would face the severest punishment. This also meant that he, Li Yuxuan, and the troops under his command must adopt a more resolute attitude and achieve more glorious feats.

"Father, Han Fuju…" Li Nian'an pushed the door open, clearly having heard the news, a hint of complex expression on his face.

"He brought it on himself." Li Yuxuan turned around, his tone flat yet carrying an indisputable conclusion, "With a great enemy before us, hoarding troops and fleeing the land, not killing is insufficient to uphold military discipline, the civilians are angry." He walked to the massive Huazhong map, his sharp gaze landing on the southern segment of Jinpu Road, "Han Fuju's death is a lesson for everyone. Now it's our turn to make a statement."

His fingers hammered on Bengbu, Xuzhou and the surrounding area: "The Hatano Hisao Huazhong Front of the Japanese army, after breaking through the Huai River defensive line, will thrust straight toward Xuzhou. Li Delin and Gu Zhutong's Fifth War Zone is under huge pressure. If the Jinpu line is cut, the Longhai line will be in danger, and the northern gateway of Jiangcheng will be opened!"

Li Nian'an's expression hardened: "You intend to…"

"It's not my intention, the situation forces us to act!" Li Yuxuan cut him off, his eyes blazing, "The Principal's execution of Han Fuju is both a show of authority and a prompt! Our Third War Zone, especially the trump card in our hands, can no longer be hidden! Nian'an, I'm preparing to petition the Principal, transfer your unit, together with the main force of the Fifth Army, to immediately march to the Fifth War Zone, under Li Delin's command, to reinforce the Xuzhou direction!"

"Fifth Army?!" Li Nian'an was startled. The Fifth Army is the foundation of his father's rise, the elite forged with countless effort, modeled after German arms, also one of their biggest assets in this chaotic era. "Father, the Fifth Army is our foundation! Once thrown into that great furnace of Xuzhou, casualties will be inevitably heavy! Moreover… handing it over to Li Zongren of the Gui faction for command?"

Li Yuxuan inhaled deeply, a flash of pain crossed his face, but more was resolve: "You can't catch a wolf without a child! Precisely because the Fifth Army is our foundation, we must put it on the knife's edge, display might and reputation! Only then can the Principal and the world see that I, Li Yuxuan, my Li Family, are truly Anti‑Japanese and can fight hard battles! As for Li Delin…" He snorted coldly, "The Gui faction may clash with the Central, but Li Zongren does have a sense of the big picture and knows how to fight. Giving the troops to him is still better than handing them to some mediocrities. Besides, the Principal won't stand by while we are completely swallowed by him."

He stepped before Li Nian'an, both hands on his son's shoulders, his gaze deep: "Nian'an, this is no small matter. The Xuzhou Campaign will likely be larger than the Song–Shanghai battle, a true massive corps slaughter. I want you to take the Fifth Army there, not only to make a roar but to bring it back to me as much as possible! Understand? This is a political battle, also the life‑or‑death battle of our Li Family!"

Li Nian'an looked at his father's unmistakable resolve and hidden worry, nodded heavily: "I understand, Father! I will not disgrace the command!"

Half an hour later, the Principal was in Wuchang, marching. Li Yuxuan's request for battle was swiftly delivered to the Principal's desk. The Principal read it carefully, his face revealing no joy or anger.

"Jingxing wants to send the Fifth Army to the Fifth War Zone?" the Principal looked up at the attendant Chen Cheng beside him, "Ci Xiu, what do you think?"

Chen Cheng pondered a moment, answered cautiously: "Principal, Lord Jing's proposal, for you, indeed safeguards the overall situation and can serve as a model. The Fifth Army is our elite; deploying it to the Xuzhou battlefield will surely boost Li Delin's confidence and strength, dealing a heavy blow to the enemy. As for me… Han Fuju just died, and Lord Jing immediately dispatched his home troops; his loyalty is evident, also a clear support for the Principal's handling of the traitor Han."

The Principal nodded slightly, fingers drumming on the desk: "Jingxing… he always seems to think ahead of me." His tone gave no clue whether it was praise or something else. "He's telling me that Li Yuxuan is far from the likes of Han Fuju, and at the same time… put that restless son of his into the most dangerous spot to temper him, a win‑win."

He was silent for a while, then said to Chen Cheng: "Approved. In the name of the Military Commission, order the promotion of Li Nian'an to Army Lieutenant General, acting commander of the Fifth Army; the original commander Du Yuming remains in recuperation, lead the Fifth Army units, depart for Xuzhou today, under the command of the Fifth War Zone commander Li Zongren. Also, transmit a telegram praising Li Yuxuan's loyal service to the nation, truly commendable!"

"Yes, Principal!"

Late January 1938, on the eve of the Fifth Army's departure. Jiangcheng railway station, trains roared. Brand‑new German‑style equipment and spirited soldiers showed the extraordinary nature of this force. Li Nian'an, dressed in a lieutenant‑general's uniform, stood on the platform for the final mobilization. Behind him were the core leaders of the Fifth Army, including Qiu Qingquan, recently recovered from wounds, serving as Deputy Army Commander and honorary First Division Commander, and Dai Anlan, commander of the 200th Division, among other valiant men.

"…Going to Xuzhou, we'll face the fiercest Japanese pirate troops! We are the Fifth Army, the iron fist placed by the Principal and all our Fellow Countrymen with great expectations! No position is beyond our hold, no enemy beyond our defeat! Tell me, do you have confidence?!" Li Nian'an's voice rang through the loudspeaker, echoing across the platform.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" The mountain‑like roar echoed like a sea of waves, shaking even the floating clouds in the sky.

In the corner, Li Yuxuan did not appear; he stood beside a black sedan in the distance, silently watching everything. Zhou Wei whispered low: "Lord Jing, everything is arranged. The young master of studies has the most reliable people around him. We have also, through special channels, greeted some contacts in the Fifth War Zone and will try to look after them."

Li Yuxuan nodded, his gaze never leaving his son's upright and youthful figure, murmuring to himself: "A fledgling hawk must learn to fly on its own… whether it becomes a dragon or a worm, that's up to this turn."