Chapter 95: Jiang-Guì War III

"The Gui faction currently has about 200,000 troops," Chief of General Staff He Yingqin reported, "the main force of the Fourth Group Army, personally commanded by Li Zongren, is stationed at Jiangcheng; Huang Shaohong's unit controls Guangxi; Bai Chongxi is positioned toward Yanjing."

The Chairman stared at the map: "How many troops can we mobilize?"

"The main force of the First Group Army is about 150,000, and together with other units loyal to the central government, the total is roughly 350,000."

"Insufficient," the Chairman shook his head. "We must win Feng Yuxiang and Yan Xishan to remain neutral."

At that moment, the aide entered to report: "General Feng Yuxiang called, expressing support for the central decision."

The Chairman showed a slight smile: "Very good. Tell Feng Huanzhang that as long as he stays neutral, he will be richly rewarded later."

When only the Chairman and Li Yuxuan remained in the conference room, the Chairman suddenly asked: "Jingxing, what odds of victory do you think this battle has?"

"If judged purely on military terms, we have an eighty percent chance of winning," Li Yuxuan answered honestly, "but war has never been solely a military issue."

"Continue,"

"The Gui faction has been operating in Lianghu for a long time and has won the people's hearts. Moreover, they have close ties with the local gentry; if the war drags on, it may produce variables."

The Chairman nodded: "Therefore this battle must be swift. We must deliver a fatal blow before they have time to react."

On February 25, the Jinling Government officially issued a statement condemning the Gui faction for 'lawlessness and disorder,' demanding the immediate reinstatement of Lu Diping's position. At the same time, Li Yuxuan was ordered to secretly go to Jiangcheng to make a final peace effort.

At the Hongdu Gui faction headquarters, Li Zongren received Li Yuxuan.

"Jing Gong, on this trip, are you here to lobby?" Li Zongren asked with a smile.

"De Gong, you jest," Li Yuxuan said seriously, "the Chairman hopes this matter can be resolved peacefully. As long as Lu Diping's position is restored, Jinling can refrain from pursuing the case."

Li Zongren sighed: "Jing Gong, you and I are both clear-sighted. The Chairman wants more than just a Sanxiang Province Chairman; he wants the Gui faction to bow and submit."

"De Gong..."

"No need to say more," Li Zongren waved his hand, "go back and tell the Chairman that I, Li Zongren, act only to keep my conscience clear. The welfare of the Lianghu people is more important than any central decree."

That evening, Bai Chongxi met Li Yuxuan in secret.

"Jing Gong, you know De Lin's temperament," Bai Chongxi said, "but this matter may still have room for compromise. If the Chairman is willing to acknowledge the current situation, we can make some concessions."

Li Yuxuan shook his head: "Brother Jianshen, you also know the Chairman's character. This matter has already become a heated uproar; if we cannot uphold Jinling's authority, other warlords will follow suit."

The talks ended on a sour note. Li Yuxuan understood that war was now inevitable.

After returning to Jinling, Li Yuxuan immediately reported the meeting's outcome to the Chairman.

"As I expected," the Chairman said, "Li Zongren is determined to confront the central government."

"Young Master, although the Gui faction's unilateral actions are indeed wrong, starting a war now may give the Japanese an opening."

The Young Master walked to the window, gazing at the overcast sky: "Jingxing, do you still remember what I said during the Northeast Flag Replacement? Unification is not a banquet. Some people will not submit unless they are beaten."

On February 27, the Chairman formally issued an Order of Suppression, condemning the Gui faction for 'defying Jinling and destroying unity.' The Central Army began to mass at the Jingchu Border.

At the same time, within the Gui faction headquarters in Jiangcheng, Li Zongren was also reallocating troops.

"The Chairman wants to put us to death," Li Zongren told his subordinates, "this battle concerns not only the survival of the Gui faction but also the future of Huaxia. We cannot let the Chairman's despotic whims prevail."

Bai Chongxi added: "We have already made contact with Feng Yuxiang and Yan Xishan; although they will not fight directly, they have pledged to stay neutral. Moreover, Chen Jitang of Guangdong also expressed support for us."

The war was on the brink of erupting. Along both banks of the Yangtze River, the two armies faced off, and a civil war that would alter Huaxia's historical trajectory was about to break out. Meanwhile, in Jinling's President's Office, the Chairman stood before the Military Map and said a profound line to Li Yuxuan:

"This battle must not only be won, but must also showcase Jinling's might. Everyone must know what fate awaits those who defy Jinling."

Time quickly advanced to March 1929, Jinling, where spring was deepening, yet the political atmosphere was unusually heavy. The Chairman, in the President's Office, faced a massive Military Map, twirling a red-and-blue pencil in his hand.

"Report, Chairman, General Liu Zhi has arrived," the aide whispered.

"Let him in," the Chairman said without turning, his gaze still fixed on the Lianghu region on the map.

Liu Zhi strode in, his military boots striking the floor with a crisp sound. This officer, appointed by the Chairman as the commander of the Punitive Expedition Army, wore an expression of assured victory.

"I have been ordered to come, please give me your instructions, Chairman,"

The Chairman turned, gently placing the pencil on the desk: "Jing Fu, if it weren't for Jingxing's long experience in troop management and his shortfall in offensive warfare, I wouldn't have summoned you. Moreover, this battle is of great importance. The Gui faction has been entrenched in Lianghu for years, deeply rooted, and cannot be underestimated."

"Rest assured, Chairman, I have drafted a detailed operation plan," Liu Zhi straightened his back, "our forces will split into three routes: the Central Route will take Jiangcheng directly, the Eastern Route will block the Jiujiang direction, and the Western Route will call on the Sichuan Army to assist through the Three Gorges. Advancing on three fronts, we will surely annihilate the Rebel Army."

The Chairman gave a slight nod, walked to the window: "Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi are both rare talents, but unfortunately cannot be used by me. Remember, in warfare, attacking the heart is paramount."

At the same time, in the Gui faction's main camp in Jiangcheng, the atmosphere was equally tense. Li Zongren stood in the headquarters' Operations Room, staring at the map on the wall, while Bai Chongxi analyzed the situation beside him.

"The Chairman is determined to eliminate us this time," Bai Chongxi said, tapping the map with his baton, "Liu Zhi's Central Route forces have already reached Eastern Hubei, the Eastern Route under Chen Diaoyuan is moving toward Jiujiang, and the Western Route, He Jian's Xiang Army, is also gathering."

Li Zongren's expression grew solemn: "The Chairman's move is indeed ruthless. Advancing on three fronts aims to trap us dead in the middle."

"But we also have advantages," Bai Chongxi continued, "Lianghu is our base, and the people's hearts are with us. Moreover, we have already contacted Chen Jitang of Guangdong; he has agreed to tie down the Jiang Army in the South."

Li Zongren sighed: "My greatest worry is not the frontal enemy, but hidden arrows from behind. I heard the Chairman has recently been sending people to contact our men frequently."

Bai Chongxi sneered: "De Gong, rest assured, the Gui faction is united from top to bottom; the Chairman cannot easily sow discord among us."