Chapter 167: The Qingdao Question

Chapter 167: The Qingdao Question

Because of Marshal Fang's guidance, Ludendorff once again verified Marshal Fang's "great and outstanding military talent" after receiving the order, and it was precisely because of Marshal Fang's prediction in advance that Ludendorff brought two siege weapons in time, and brought Marshal Fang's brother Bob with him. Because of the thorough preparation, I felt that after the fortress of Liège, everything was expected. Faced with the dangerous terrain and the well-defended fortress of Liège, Ludendorff could only say to Bob with emotion: "The Chinese marshal is the most outstanding military strategist today, and the trend of the war is indeed within his foresight." ”

Bob stood upright and calmly replied, "Yes, I never doubted that." Now that we've brought the airship and the plump Bertha in time, we should be able to take the Fortress in advance. ”

"Plump Bertha" is a kind of mortar, caliber 420mm, Germany has a total of five such guns, Ludendorff asked for four before the departure to attack the fortress of Liège, Moltke Jr. actually agreed. Therefore, this weapon arrived in Liège four days earlier than in history, that is, on August 8. At this time, the Austro-Hungarian large-caliber mortar "Slim Emma" was still on the way, and it would take three days to arrive.

Ludendorff did not wait for Emma of Austria-Hungary and ordered the bombardment of the strongest fort in Liege on the afternoon of the 8th.

Probably because of God's favor, the four Bertha only fought one round, and there was a violent explosion in the Feilailong Battery, and the cannonballs weighing a ton drilled into the fortress and exploded, the Feilailong Fort boiled like boiling oil and splashed water, and collapsed like an earthquake and a mountain, and the continuous explosion continued for nearly half an hour, and finally calmed down, when the German infantry rushed up, they saw a ruin. Ludendorff sent Bob under a white flag into the city of Liège to persuade him to surrender, hoping that the tragic situation of Fellon would deter the Belgian army.

The commander of the Belgian defenders, Liemann, refused to surrender, and the Germans immediately bombed the city of Liège with airships, killing and wounding 100 people, causing panic among the people. On the same day, Bertha continued to bombard other batteries, taking a roll call one by one. The Belgian defenders fought stubbornly in the face of a strong German army, isolated and helpless.

On August 10, three days earlier than in history, Liege fell. The commander of the defenders, Liman, fought until the last moment and was captured after being stunned by a shell. When handing the saber to the German commander, Liman raised his chin haughtily: "I was captured after being stunned by a shell during the battle, and this must be explained in the report." ”

The German commander Emich respected Leemann's military qualities, returned the saber to him, and said: "Your Excellency's honor as a soldier has not been damaged in the slightest, please keep this saber." ”

The Germans broke through to Liège, and a million German troops rushed to the French border a few days earlier than in history. Ludendorff was honored by Wilhelm II for his outstanding performance before, during, and after the war.

Returning to Asia, on August 23, Japan declared war on Germany. On the same day and night, the German minister urgently asked to see Fang Jianxiong, chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Republic of China, and Fang Jianxiong, who was in a meeting at the moment, met with Hahausen at the first time, accompanied by Huang, Jiang, and Zhang Cai.

"Your Excellency Marshal, His Majesty the Emperor of the German Empire has decided to cancel all unequal treaties with China, to terminate the indemnity payments to De Gengzi, and to return Qingdao to China, hoping that the personal and property safety of German citizens in Qingdao will be protected by their return."

As Hahausen spoke, Fang Jianxiong was slightly moved, and everyone around him showed excitement. This is the only time in modern times that sovereignty and interests have been withdrawn from foreigners.

"Mr. Minister, if I nod my head in agreement, will Your Excellency announce this to the world tomorrow?" Fang Jianxiong asked silently, Hahausen looked stunned, and then said: "That's the case, Your Excellency Marshal." ”

Fang Jianxiong smiled slightly and said, "Then it's decided, Your Excellency will work with me as Foreign Minister early tomorrow morning to announce this news to the world." When the time comes, the media from all over the world will come. ”

Hahausen was delighted, he knew exactly what the result would mean. But why did Fang Jianxiong, a cunning guy, jump into it knowing that it was a pit?

"So, do you want to do further negotiations on the Qingdao exchange?" Hahausen did not forget that the mission of Jì was to provoke a possible war between China and Japan.

"That's exactly what I want to see!" Fang Jianxiong smiled, and the greed in his eyes made Hahausen tremble slightly. This guy doesn't look like an easy person to deal with, he was deceived by his pro-German illusion before, and he can't be fooled this time. With great determination, Hahausen began a new round of detailed deliberations.

Two hours later, Hahausen walked out of the meeting room with a sad and angry face, Fang Jianxiong, the devil, actually only allowed the Germans in Qingdao to take away their belongings, and the rest had to be left to China, otherwise the Japanese would rather go to Qingdao. How can this condition be agreed? If he agrees like this, Hahausen will not want to mix in China in the future.

"Won't it be too much to support the country? What a rare opportunity! What if the Germans did not agree to our terms and had to fight the Japanese? Jiang Fangzhen asked worriedly, and Fang Jianxiong said disapprovingly: "Don't worry, although the conditions are harsh, the Germans will agree." The Germans were only a few thousand men in Qingdao, and even with a strong fortress, it was impossible to hold it. Besides, Germany hoped that the exchange of Qingdao would trigger a war between China and Japan, so how could it be done without paying some price? ”

"Fuguo, I mean, what if Germany doesn't agree and the Japanese take Qingdao?" Cai Ye has been frowning, he is the commander of the Jinan Military Region, and this job is basically his.

"Then fight back, Qingdao is Chinese, and if Japan wants to use troops against Qingdao, it will be a provocation to the bottom line of the Chinese government." Fang Jianxiong raised his eyebrows, and his murderous aura gradually revealed.

"Understood, I'll go pack up and go to Jinan overnight!" Cai Ye saluted, indicating that there was no problem.

Fang Jianxiong returned the salute and shook hands with him and said, "Brother Songpo, I have been preparing for so many years, just for such a battle. If the war is won, China's chance to turn around will come. You tell the soldiers below that this battle must be won, and if you don't succeed, you will become benevolent! ”

Cai Yi's face was solemn, and he stood up and saluted again, his eyes resolute: "Please rest assured, Chairman of the Committee, all units of our Jinan Military Region have both the courage to become benevolent and the confidence to succeed. ”

Sending Cai Ye back, Fang Jianxiong and the others continued to be busy, although they had been preparing for a long time, there were still a lot of things to do. At present, there are only three A divisions in the Jinan garrison, the three divisions in Xuzhou must be transported to Jinan immediately, Li Daxiong's B division will be fortified in advance in Pingdu, and the people in Huangxian, Yexian and other places will be forcibly evacuated.

"According to my estimates, the Japanese may use the forces of two divisions to land. Our army concentrated seven divisions, ten heavy artillery regiments, two tank brigades, and ten aviation brigades, which should be able to win this battle. Unless the Japanese expand the war! Jiang Fangzhen saw that Fang Jianxiong's face was always solemn, and he explained with a smile.

"No one knows what will happen to the Japanese nation." Fang Jianxiong muttered to himself in a low voice, Jiang Fangzhen didn't notice it, but Yin Weijun, who came over with tea, noticed it and looked at him with some surprise. In Yin Weijun's mind, Brother Fang is omnipotent, how can he be afraid of a Japan? This is a kind of blindness, with Yin Weijun's knowledge, it will not be so. It's just that people are blind like this, don't those red generals in history also think that they can change the world? As long as there is xx thought as a weapon, ** can be popular all over the world.

Fang Jianxiong is very rational, and his understanding of the Japanese nation is there. In terms of overall strength, there is not much difference between China and Japan. However, in terms of short-term war mobilization and organizational capabilities, Japan is far stronger than China. In addition, there is the Japanese navy, in case little Japan goes crazy in a full-scale war, warships are bombarded everywhere, and they can land at any point at will, which is really impossible to prevent.

To be prepared for a protracted war, you must have. There can be no chances. This is Fang Jianxiong's true thoughts, and on the surface, he is still holding on, looking confident. This battle really can't be fought, otherwise China will not be able to raise its head, let alone become the boss of Asia. Only by winning this battle can we straighten our backs and face the world.

"What did Fuguo say?" Jiang Fangzhen, who didn't hear clearly, asked, and Fang Jianxiong hurriedly replied: "I didn't say anything." By the way, how is the readiness of the troops? Henan, Anhui, Hebei, Hubei, Shaanxi, Shanxi, and the B divisions stationed in these provinces should also be put on standby, and once the situation changes, they will immediately assemble in Zhengzhou, Jinan, and Beijing. There are also railways, the Jinghan Line and the Jinpu Line, which must ensure the smooth transportation of military supplies. ”

Tang Hualong hurriedly came to the door, and when he entered the room, he said: "Fu Shuai, Yan Xishan called from Wuhan and asked how to deal with German companies. ”

"What does Yan Xishan eat? Do you still need to call for instructions on this matter? These German entrepreneurs and German personnel are treasures, and now that Europe is fighting, they can't go back. Stepping up the pacification of these people, it is best to become a Chinese citizen, and sue these people, this is temporary. The Chinese government is fully committed to their safety. By the way, sue Yan Xishan, pay attention to the movements of the Japanese consulate. Fang Jianxiong explained, and Tang Hualong hurriedly went out again. Recently, government departments have moved first and are preparing for war under other banners.

Looking at Japan again, since August 15 an ultimatum was issued, demanding that the Germans withdraw all warships in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of China, and unconditionally hand over the Qingdao Concession to Japan. This ultimatum was ignored by Germany and China was contacted. Unfortunately, the appetite of the Chinese is not small, and in the early morning of the next day when Hahausen urgently asked for a meeting, Japanese warships appeared in the waters of Jiaozhou Bay. (To be continued.)