Volume 4: The Empire Strikes Back Section 6: The Portal's View [Chapter 3 of Thanks]
Since the birth of the Imperial Navy, the Imperial Navy and Army have had a gateway view. Initially, the Imperial Army looked down on the Navy and thought it was nothing more than a few broken ships (the Army even had its own fleet and fleet). However, in the "Hundred Years War between East and West" and later the "Tang-Japanese War", the Imperial Navy has always been the main force on the battlefield, and more than 200 years of continuous war have allowed the Imperial Navy to surpass the Army for the first time. In World War I, the Imperial Navy was the main force of the counterattack and became the most powerful army in the Empire, while the Imperial Army plummeted in status due to ineffective combat. From then on, the prejudice of the imperial navy and land army was very deep, almost to the point of irresolvability.
This can be seen when the generals and officers of both sides walk into the conference room. The admirals all came in from the left, and then sat in their positions on the left in order of rank. The generals all came in from the right, and then they all sat on the right.
Xue Xiyue, Nie Renfeng and Yan Dingyu were the last to enter. Tan Renhao sat in the second position of the admiral, he was also one of the two admirals attending the meeting, and the others were just officers. The army side was similar, only three generals came, most of them former army officers. However, Tan Renhao had already noticed that Wei Boyu was also among them, and it stands to reason that he shouldn't be in the capital, probably with Yan Dingyu.
The main discussion at the meeting was the strategic arrangements for the future, including the offensive in the northwest theater, the defense on the Korean Peninsula, and the counterattack against Japan. In addition, the provision of support to the Persian kingdom and the German Empire was also discussed. The Reich Army had already begun to organize expeditionary forces, and had already provided the Reich with two fighter wings to carry out the tasks of territorial air defense of the Reich.
"Yesterday, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America passed the War Lend-Lease Act, and the first shipments to the British Empire and the Kingdom of France were loaded onto transport ships and will set sail in a few days." Chancellor Xue Xiyue personally explained some important information, "The German Empire has also proposed Qingxiu to us. It is hoped that strategic resources will be available to it in a short period of time. We are already considering providing the German Reich with additional strategic resources. However, the important issue now is that the United States of America has begun to provide Japan with a large amount of strategic resources, and if we still do not defeat Japan quickly, the war will be at a stalemate, so we must do so before Japan's war strength is restored and the United States of America's strategic assistance comes into play. Defeat Japan as soon as possible. In this way, we can hope to win. Therefore, I hope that the army and navy of the empire can work together, advance and retreat together, and use our most powerful strength and the most powerful two fists to knock the Japanese down, so that the Japanese know that as long as the Tang Empire still exists. There is no place for them in this world! ”
The conference room burst into applause. For most of the military of the Reich. The British Empire and the Kingdom of France are enemy countries worthy of respect, and the United States of America is worthy of admiration. Moreover, the empire and these countries are only in conflict of interest. However, no soldier of the empire would admire Japan, for the simple reason that Japan was a country with wolf ambitions, and the empire poured all its efforts to help Japan quell the rebellion, which led to the rapid rise of the Western powers and the empire fell into a long war. Later, Japan not only did not appreciate the help of the Tang Empire, but also bit the Tang Empire back, causing the Tang Empire to be hurt again. As a result, World War I broke out, and the Tang Empire lost its throne as the world hegemon. This hatred alone made all the soldiers and civilians of the Tang Empire not forgive Japan, a despicable country.
Tan Renhao also deeply sympathizes, he has no personal enmity with Japan. In World War I, no one from the Tan family joined the army, but there was national hatred. For the soldiers of the Empire, national hatred was more effective than personal enmity.
The meeting lasted more than two hours, and Nie Renfeng and Yan Dingyu both made speeches, saying that both the navy and the army would fight hard. Win for the Empire. At this time, Tan Renhao also observed Marshal Yan Dingyu with great attention.
Unlike Tan Renhao's impression, Yan Dingyu was a little short, and because he served in the cavalry unit when he was young, his legs were bent outwards and not very straight. In terms of age, Yan Dingyu is a little younger than his actual age, and his expression is extremely majestic, which is probably the biggest difference between him and Nie Renfeng. In addition, Yan Dingyu has a scar on the left side of his face, which was left when he was young. This made the marshal look a little terrifying. Of course, this also makes Yan Dingyu's appearance look very special. Perhaps, this appearance alone is enough to leave an extremely deep impression.
Tan Renhao originally thought that he would discuss the development of heavy bombers with the army at the meeting, but he did not get the opportunity to come to power. It was only at the end of the meeting that he reacted. Prime Minister Xue Xiyue certainly does not want the army and navy to quarrel at a meeting of so many people, and does not want to expand the scope of the contradiction, so he will definitely hold a closed-door meeting to discuss this matter with the top leaders of the two armies.
Tan Renhao's guess was not wrong at all, as soon as the meeting ended, Nie Renfeng stopped him. "Wait, it's Wei Boyu who is debating with you, be careful."
Tan Renhao was stunned for a moment, and immediately whispered: "The army knows that we are going to develop heavy bombers?" ”
"When Luo Yun rushed to the navy to report, the army aviation was suspicious." Nie Renfeng smiled and slowed down, "I also just learned that Luo Yunchong was in charge of developing strategic bombers in the army aviation before, but Wei Boyu didn't pay attention to it, because Luo Yunchong was Liao Hanxiang's disciple before. A few days ago, Yan Dingyu submitted a plan for the development of strategic bombers for the army aviation, but the prime minister didn't care much about it at the time, so he didn't read this report, which is a good thing, at least we can now compete with the army aviation to develop heavy bombers. ”
Tan Renhao immediately nodded and said, "Then now Lu Hang is also fighting?" ”
"Yes, otherwise what else Wei Boyu is doing in the capital?" Nie Renfeng sneered, "However, don't worry, Wei Boyu is a half-person who doesn't have much ability, and Lu Hang's talents are basically dug up by Liao Hanxiang." This time, play well. ”
Tan Renhao took a long breath, and then smiled reluctantly, he himself was a half-ass.
When they entered the small conference room, the personnel of the army and navy were still divided into two sides. Tan Renhao sat in the direction of Nie Renfeng's hand, while on the other side of him was a naval lieutenant officer who was in charge of recording the content of the meeting. It's the same on the other side, Yan Dingyu is the first to sit first, and then Wei Boyu. Finally, an army major.
Presumably to show that he treats the army and navy equally, Prime Minister Xue Xiyue has changed into a black Tang suit (black is the common color of the imperial army and navy dresses), instead of the dark green civilian clothes (dark green is the color of the imperial army's regular uniform).
"Okay, let's talk less nonsense and get down to business. However, I hope that there will be no quarrels and unpleasant things at today's meeting. Xue Xiyue's expression was very serious, "These days." I have been presented with a report that is essentially the same from both the army and navy. Both sides believed that heavy bombers would play a great role in future wars, so they proposed the development of heavy bombers. However, judging from the current capabilities of the Empire, it is impossible for us to equip a large number of heavy bombers in both branches of the armed forces at the same time, nor can we meet the needs of both sides at the same time, so we can only choose one side. ”
Yan Dingyu glanced at Nie Renfeng and said, "Prime Minister, according to our previous agreement, HNA cannot develop heavy bombers. Heavy bombers belong to the Army Aviation! ”
Tan Renhao immediately found out. Yan Dingyu does have an aggressive momentum, and he is no exception in front of the prime minister.
"I know, but it's not the same time it used to be. And we need a stronger navy now. "Xue Xiyue didn't give Yan Dingyu much face, Yan Dingyu was still his subordinate back then. Then, the prime minister's gaze turned to Nie Renfeng. "Marshal Nie Renfeng, what do you want?"
"Prime Minister, in fact, we are not intent on competing with the Army. The demands of the navy were all for the victory over Japan and the fight for the empire. As for whether it is the Army Aviation or the Hainan Airlines that will develop the heavy bomber, I don't think it matters in itself. Importantly, the Reich now needs heavy bombers. There is a need for a more effective chain of command, as well as a better development plan. Therefore, I think that whether it is land aviation or Hainan Airlines, as long as it can do this, then who will develop it, and what is important about this? Whether it's the Army, or the Navy. It's all the armed forces of the Empire, and it's all fighting for the Empire! ”
Tan Renhao wanted to laugh very much, Nie Renfeng's words immediately compared the army, and when it came to it, he was still speaking for HNA, but Prime Minister Xue Xiyue would definitely feel very comfortable.
"Marshal Nie Renfeng's words are not wrong, whether it is the navy or the army, they are all the army of the empire, and they are all fighting for the empire, and now the enemy is currently the enemy, if there is anything to divide each other, you and me, then the empire will continue to fight?" Xue Xiyue glanced at the few people seated, then took out two documents and said, "I have already decided, and I will make a choice according to the plan submitted by both parties." Originally, I should have given you more time to refine your plans. There's not so much time to waste, though. After careful consideration, among the proposals submitted by both sides, HNA's plan is more complete, more comprehensive, and more feasible. Therefore, HNA is responsible for the development of heavy bombers this time. ”
Tan Renhao immediately breathed a sigh of relief, but he also immediately realized that the problem was not over yet.
"Prime Minister ......" I'm afraid that the most disappointed person at this time is Wei Boyu.
Yan Dingyu immediately kicked Wei Boyu below, and then said: "Prime Minister, I have no objection to this. However, the establishment of the HNA is already very complicated, so I think it would be better for the Army to command future strategic bombing operations. ”
"Marshal Yan Dingyu, I'm afraid this is unfair, right?" Nie Renfeng also immediately spoke, "The Army Airlines has more than 4,000 combat aircraft in the mainland, and according to the plan determined last time, the Army Airlines will have more than 10,000 fighters in the next year. And now how many are HNA only? Less than two thousand combat aircraft, and that's not counting all carrier-based aircraft. In terms of scale, the land aviation is far larger than the naval aviation, and the command system of the naval aviation is no worse than that of the army aviation, so why do we think that the naval aviation is not capable of directing strategic bombing operations? ”
"Enough, two!" Xue Xiyue came out in time to stop the two, "Your words all make sense, and you all have certain problems. Now, I'm already considering whether a third branch of the military needs to be formed. However, this will not be implemented for the time being. Since you all think you are capable of commanding strategic bombing, then I decide. In the squadron and coastal operations, the HNA is responsible for strategic bombing, while in inland and western front operations, the strategic bombing is in charge of the NAVY. However, the focus now is on Japan, and after the war against Japan, we will consider the strategic bombing campaign against the Russian Empire, as well as the British Empire, the Kingdom of France. Two, do you have any opinions? ”
Yan Dingyu and Nie Renfeng glared at each other before nodding.
"Since you don't have any opinions, then it's decided." Xue Xiyue obviously didn't want anyone to question his authority, "HNA is specifically responsible for bomber research and manufacturing, and in addition, the two aircraft factories of Shenfei and Hafei are fully responsible for assisting HNA's work. The aim is to complete the design within three months and start production by mid-year. I want to be able to know the specific plan at any time. ”
"No problem, we'll plan it!" Nie Renfeng looked a little proud.
"So, that's all for today, and if there are no problems, you can go back to the front tomorrow!"
After walking out of the Prime Minister's Office, Nie Renfeng laughed. Tan Renhao was also very happy in his heart, but he was not as "arrogant" as Nie Renfeng.
"Yan Dingyu must be scolding his mother!" After getting in the car, Nie Renfeng smiled even happier, "To be honest, Wei Boyu will definitely be unlucky this time, the plan he took doesn't make sense, but Yan Dingyu completely believes him." However, now that we are under a lot of pressure, are you sure that you will complete the task on time according to the Prime Minister's arrangement? ”
"I'll let Luo Yunchong keep an eye on this matter, he is solely responsible, there shouldn't be any problems!" The best person in charge Tan Renhao could think of was Luo Yunchong.
"Well, after I go back, I will immediately promote Major Luo Yunchong to colonel, without a high military rank, the aircraft factory, and the people of the army aviation will definitely not buy his account." Nie Renfeng sighed, "Now, Lu Airlines also knows that the navy has more than just warships and small planes!" ”
Both laughed and won the program to develop a heavy bomber, which was of extraordinary significance for the Navy.