Chapter 91: Northeast 2

Zhang Xueliang walked to the window and gazed at the falling snow outside. Shenyang's winter is much colder than Jinling's, but his heart is colder. His father's corpse has not yet chilled, the Japanese are watching greedily, the Jinling Government presses in step by step, and he must find a way to survive among the various forces.

"What do you think?" Zhang Xueliang asked without turning around, his voice calm.

Zhang Zuoxiang stood up and walked to Zhang Xueliang's side: "The Grand Marshal valued the Northeast's self‑reliance above all while he was alive. If we Flag change now, wouldn't we betray the Grand Marshal's legacy?"

Wang Shuhan adjusted his glasses, his tone cautious: "But the situation is different now. The Northern Expedition Army has already occupied Pingjin, Yan Xishan and Feng Yuxiang both pledge obedience to Jinling. If we raise a lone flag, I fear…"

"Fear what?" Zhang Zuoxiang interrupted him with displeasure, "We have three hundred thousand Northeast troops and the most advanced industrial base outside the region. Even if Jinling wants to move against us, they'll have to weigh it carefully!"

Zhang Xueliang raised his hand to halt the two's argument: "What about the Japanese? Will they just watch the spectacle from the side?"

The room fell silent. All three knew the Japanese ambition toward the Northeast had been brewing for more than a day or two. If the Northeast Army clashed with the Jinling Government, the biggest beneficiary would be the Japanese.

"Summon all the General Officers for a meeting," Zhang Xueliang finally turned, a resolute expression on his face, "It's time to make a decision."

The next morning at dawn, an emergency meeting was convened inside the Jinling Presidential Office.

President Jiang sat at the head of the long table, with He Yingqin, Li Zongren, and Yan Xishan and others of the military‑political leadership on either side. Li Yuxuan was also invited to attend, seated beside President Jiang.

"According to the latest intelligence, Zhang Xueliang has already convened the senior General Officers of the Northeast Army in Shenyang to discuss the Flag change," He Yingqin reported to the attendees.

Yan Xishan stroked his chin, thoughtful: "Zhang Hanqing is no ordinary youngster. His father died only recently, yet he managed to stabilize the Northeast situation, and now he must make such a huge decision."

Li Zongren chuckled lightly: "He is merely forced to choose under pressure from all sides. The Northern Expedition's momentum is now set; unless he wants to oppose all of Huaxia, there is no other path but to submit to Jinling."

"The Japanese attitude is crucial," Li Yuxuan suddenly spoke, and everyone's gaze focused on him, "During my time in the United States, I paid special attention to Japanese media reports. Their ambition toward the Northeast is obvious, and they will not easily relinquish their vested interests."

President Jiang nodded: "Jingxing is right. The Japanese Kwantung Army has been reinforcing troops, which is precisely pressuring Zhang Xueliang."

"Then what should we do?" He Yingqin asked.

President Jiang stood up and walked to the massive map on the wall: "We cannot give the Japanese any opening. We must let Zhang Xueliang know that as long as he Flag change, the Jinling Government will be his strongest backing."

He turned, his gaze sweeping each person present: "Immediately redeploy troops to conduct a military exercise around Hebei. At the same time, send someone to secretly approach Zhang Xueliang and tell him that as long as he announces a Flag change, the Northeast's military‑political authority will remain in his hands."

"Is this too much of a concession?" someone objected.

"In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are required," President Jiang's tone left no room for doubt, "As long as the Northeast nominally affiliates with the central authority, that is our victory. The rest can be deliberated later."

After the meeting ended, President Jiang deliberately kept Li Yuxuan behind.

"Jingxing, what's your view on the Northeast situation?"

Li Yuxuan thought for a moment: "What Zhang Xueliang needs most now is a sense of security. He must guard against the Japanese and against us, so his heart is inevitably full of doubt. If we can give him sufficient security guarantees, the possibility of a Flag change is great."

"Then what do you think we should do?"

"Beyond military support, we can also provide economic aid," Li Yuxuan said, "The Northeast's fiscal situation is poor now; if we can offer loans to help stabilize its economy, that would be a huge bargaining chip."

President Jiang nodded with satisfaction: "You think the same as I do. I'll leave this matter to you to handle, okay?"

Li Yuxuan was startled for a moment: "Young Master, I just returned from the United States…"

"Precisely because you just came back from the United States, you understand the international situation better," President Jiang cut him off, "Besides, I can't trust the others."

Li Yuxuan was silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright, I'll go."

In the conference hall of the Shenyang Grand Marshal's Mansion, smoke curled. The senior General Officers of the Northeast Army sat on both sides, each expression unusually solemn.

Zhang Xueliang sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping each person present: Zhang Zuoxiang, Wan Fulin, Tang Yulin, Yang Yuting… these veterans who had followed their father for years were now awaiting his decision.

"Everyone," Zhang Xueliang began, his voice low yet powerful, "I have called you here today to discuss a matter of great importance to the Northeast's fate."

He stood up and walked to the map on the wall: "The Northern Expedition has succeeded, and the Jinling Government has nominally unified the whole country. Now, President Jiang hopes we will Flag change and submit. The Japanese warn us not to act rashly. Where should we go from here, I'd like to hear each of your opinions."

Tang Yulin spoke first: "Little Six, the Grand Marshal despised the Kuomintang most while he was alive. If we Flag change now, wouldn't that betray the Grand Marshal?"

Yang Yuting shook his head: "Times change. Now the Northern Expedition Army is strong; if we insist on not Flag changing, it may give them an excuse to invade the Northeast."

"Fear what?" Zhang Zuoxiang slammed the table, "Our Northeast Army is no pushover! If they want to fight, we'll see it through to the end!"

Wan Fulin chuckled wryly: "Fight? Fight whom? If we fight Jinling, the Japanese will seize the opportunity. If we fight the Japanese, Nanjing may not support us. Then we'll be surrounded on all sides, and the Northeast will truly be finished."