After Nicholas II left Mogilev, Van der Ping also went to Lublin. He had to report the situation in Petersburg to Wang Mingyuan in person.

General Wang Mingyuan, who was in Lublin, was anxious and had an unimpeded contact with the country, but the instructions from the presidential office were of a very principled nature -- they should make a decision on the spot and in light of the actual situation under the established principles. Freedom of movement of troops must be guaranteed.

The Chinese Expeditionary Force deployed 5 corps, 14 infantry divisions and two heavy artillery divisions south of Warsaw, facing 10 divisions of the German 10th Army. In addition, two corps and five divisions were deployed on the Lublin-Zhytomyr-Vinnitsa line (the 20th Division of the 10th Army and the 63rd Division of the 21st Army, which suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Bodong, have been repatriated). For the convenience of command, Wang Mingyuan moved the headquarters to Lublin, but Vinnitsa still left an auxiliary command post, and the joint logistics command of the expeditionary force was located in Vinnytsia.

The reserves of the expeditionary force are actually sufficient, and the 1st and 11th armies, which were used to replace the 12th and 10th armies, have already entered Russia, and they can be assembled on the front line in a month at most. But both Wu Peifu and Jiang Cunxian were deeply dissatisfied with Wang Mingyuan's rotation plan. Wu Peifu even crossed the line and sent a telegram to the president, stating that the 12th Army could continue to fight and continue to win after being replenished. Major General Jiang Cunxian asked Wang Mingyuan to withdraw his order on the grounds that the troops had adapted to the war. Jiang Cunxian's 10th Army suffered a lot of casualties in the Battle of Bodong, especially the 29th Division suffered a annihilating blow, and it is understandable that it was eager to correct its name. Wang Mingyuan convened a meeting at and above the army level for this purpose. It shows that rotation operations are the established policy, and more troops should experience European warfare, and not only the 12th and 10th armies will be exchanged back to China, but the rest of the armies will also be replaced and returned to China one after another. As for expanding the size of the expeditionary force, it is impossible to consider the pressure of military spending and logistics, and 30 divisions is already the limit of railway transportation.

The recent fighting has not been tense. Since the Battle of Bodong, both sides have been squatting in strong trenches against the bitter cold, and there have not been many skirmishes. The traditional means of reconnaissance were stopped and replaced by aerial reconnaissance, and the aviation unit of the expeditionary force under the command of Major General Cheng Jianguo already had four wings. Two of them are fighters and two bombers. More battles take place in the air. According to the instructions of the General Staff, the Air Force replaced training with real combat, and a large number of pilots who graduated from aviation schools were transferred to the front. The role of the Air Force in Romania and the Botong campaign was limited until the end of the Botong campaign. It is only in the air role of the expeditionary force that it is manifested. During this period of relative calm on the front. Aviation successfully covered the transport lines and fronts of the expeditionary forces. It also carried out effective reconnaissance and bombing of the German front-line positions and rear, and since the German air force was mainly concentrated on the Western Front, the air force of the expeditionary force obtained indisputable air supremacy over this section of the front. In terms of the battle loss ratio. Slightly higher than the German aviation, but those who graduated from aviation schools quickly grew up in a real combat environment.

The cold winter has finally passed. In this harsh winter, the expeditionary force withstood the test of the bitter cold climate, and the non-combat attrition of the whole army exceeded 10,000, exposing many problems in the equipment training of the Chinese army. As with Yan Sù's summary after the two battles, the Joint Logistics Department of the Expeditionary Force and the relevant domestic departments carried out rectification of the problems exposed in terms of equipment, food, medical care, and weapon maintenance in the shortest possible time. Fortunately, the winter has passed, the logistical supply is getting better and better, the ammunition and supplementary soldiers are all in place, and the most worried heavy artillery shells have been hoarded at 12 bases on the first line, and 8 shells have been hoarded on the second line positions.

According to a report by the General Administration of Ordnance Industry, the monthly output of artillery shells of various calibers in China has finally exceeded 300,000 rounds, but only about 70,000 heavy artillery shells of more than 100 mm have been put into operation. Together with the artillery shells purchased from the United States (about 120,000 rounds of large-caliber heavy ammunition imported per month), it is possible to meet the consumption of the expeditionary force.

The numbers surprised Wang Mingyuan. As a veteran of the Mengshan Army, Wang Mingyuan witnessed the start and development of the Mengshan Army's arms industry and was proud of the speed of military construction. During the war against Japan, Jinan's military industry basically worked in three shifts, but it still ate up all the ammunition in stock. At that time, he was particularly worried that Japan would continue to increase its troops, and there would be big logistical problems. But only three years later, military production has risen to a great level. However, these figures were nothing compared to a top-secret piece of information he had seen from the Military Intelligence Agency on German arms production, because the document said that the monthly production of German artillery shells was 4 million rounds!

The difference in national strength made Wang Mingyuan particularly cherish the consumption of ammunition. Every bullet and shell of the expeditionary force came from the country, and according to the secret terms of the Boston Accords, the Chinese army was completely self-sufficient in weapons. The previously agreed food was supplied by the Russian side because the Chinese side was not satisfied, and the food produced by the research institute of the Joint Logistics Headquarters was successfully trial-produced and was greatly welcomed by the troops. After the Battle of Bodong, all the supplies of the expeditionary force came from China. According to Wang Mingyuan's strict order, during the confrontation with the German army in winter, the artillery units of the expeditionary force generally did not take the initiative to attack the German army, and the German army rarely attacked and harassed the opponent with artillery fire, so the battle line appeared relatively calm.

In the eyes of Wang Mingyuan, Shi Dashou, Xiong Xun and others, the morale of the troops was high and they were eager to fight. Now, more than 200,000 troops on the front line are squatting in layers of trenches, waiting for the combat mission to be issued.

But something really happened in Russia.

After listening to Fan Deping's report, Wang Mingyuan, after affirming the work of Petersburg, severely criticized Fan Deping's proposal to send expeditionary troops to Petersburg, believing that this was Yan Zòng's ultra vires. Procedurally speaking, Fan Deping was not authorized, and such a heavy action, you, as the chief of staff of the expeditionary force, have no right to decide. Politically speaking, the expeditionary force must not use force to interfere in Russia's internal affairs! That would quickly stabilize the already chaotic political situation in Russia, and the Chinese expeditionary force might have to withdraw from Russia.

Fortunately, the Russians did not pay attention to Fan Deping's construction, so Fan Deping's bold construction did not cause serious consequences. Wang Mingyuan is not very self-conscious. But Fan Deping was warned that similar incidents must not happen again. This is a question that even I have no right to decide, and it must be approved by the president.

Fan Deping didn't dare to stand up to Wang Mingyuan's mouth. In the military system, Wang Mingyuan's status is transcendent, whether it is his position, qualifications, or the president's trust, he cannot shake it. But Van der Ping found something in the Petersburg incident that he did not understand in the past, that is, what seemed to be a behemoth, but in fact it was extremely fragile. Who would have thought that a group of unarmed workers would turn the situation in Russia upside down in two days?

Van de Ping said he accepted the commander's criticism, but immediately studied the impact of the Petersburg incident and determined a plan for a military response. Because the Petersburg incident has already involved the security of the expeditionary force. Van der Ping analyzed after introducing the Petersburg incident. If all the Russian troops defect, will there be an armistice with Germany? If that happens, how can the expeditionary force deal with itself?

Wang Mingyuan adopted Fan Deping's proposal. The commanders of the two army groups were summoned to study the situation in Petersburg and the consequent impact on the expeditionary force. After Shi Dashou and Xiong Xun came to Lublin. Brought the latest situation of the front-line troops of the Russian army. As Fan Deping expected. The morale of the Russian army was already unstable, and some Russian troops even had a party with the German army at the front, and the anti-war atmosphere was extremely strong. Xiong Xun even asserted. The Russians can't fight anymore!

"Commander, if a sudden situation occurs, the Germans are likely to launch an offensive against our expeditionary force, and my left flank and Xiong Xun's right flank are in danger, so we must adjust our deployment and really control the key points behind our army, so as not to be passive." Shi Dashou pointed to the map and said.

"I completely agree with Commander Shi's opinion. The 12th and 10th armies, which were placed in the rear, were to be assembled in advance. Xiong Xun continued, "In addition, we must urge the 1st Army to come up as soon as possible, so that we can rest assured, even if the Germans are specifically targeting us, they have the strength to deal with it." ”

"This must not happen," Wang Mingyuan said with a calm face, "Deping returned to Petersburg to contact the British and French military delegations and let them put pressure on the Russians. It can be said to the British and French that if the front collapses, our army will move freely. In addition, we will immediately generate electricity for the country, and ask the president to make a decision quickly. ”

The Germans have a deep hatred for China's "treachery", and Shi Dashou and Xiong Xun's worries are not unreasonable. According to the latest intelligence, after the German army transferred some troops, the total strength of the Eastern Front was still as high as 66 divisions, and the Polish front had 48 divisions. Of course, this is a theoretical possibility, which in practice hardly arises. If there is a peace between Russia and Germany, the Germans may not hold on to the Chinese, even if Germany is determined to take revenge, it will take a lot of time for them to adjust their deployment, and the expeditionary force can take the initiative to withdraw from Poland before the Germans are deployed and then gradually retreat to the east.

On the same day, Van der Ping returned to Petersburg again. He went to Mogilev first, hoping to learn the latest situation there. In the Mogilev Russian army base camp, Van Depin had not yet met Alekseev, the chief of staff of the base camp, but first met General Artemeyev, who had returned from Pskov, and the solemn-faced Lieutenant General Artemiev dragged Van der Pin aside, "Dear old friend, Russia is finished, and now I need your help." ”

"What's going on?" Fan Deping was stunned.

So, Artemiev told Van der Ping the latest situation. The plan really couldn't keep up with the change, and just a few days after Van der Ping went to Lublin, the situation in Petersburg changed dramatically again. After a new round of games, the various political factions in St. Petersburg made the latest decision to end the imperial system.

Russia's path to a constitutional monarchy was also blocked. In Petersburg, the Provisional Council of the State Duma, which advocated a constitutional monarchy, and the Radical Soviet Executive Council sat down to discuss the formation of a provisional government.

"Lies and betrayals everywhere!" Lieutenant General Artemeyev's eyes welled up with tears, "His Majesty's life is threatened, and I warn him that he must not return to Petersburg, which is full of enemies. In fact, he is also not safe in Pskov anymore, Ruzsky is unreliable, the vast majority of people are unreliable. I have arranged for His Majesty to come to Mogilev and then to Vinnytsia, which is under the control of your army, under the pretext of inspecting the front line. Now, only the city controlled by your military can guarantee the safety of His Majesty. As long as His Majesty is safe, Russia will not despair. ”

Van der Ping was taken aback, was it because he said that the transfer of troops from the expeditionary force led to this episode, prompting Artemiev to make such an arrangement? But Wang Mingyuan's attitude is very resolute, and what he said is reasonable. At all hours. Even in the Manchu government, foreign interference in internal affairs would cause great resentment...... "Your Excellency General, where is His Majesty the Tsar now?" ”

"He's still in Pskov." Lieutenant General Artemiev whispered, "He fears for the safety of the royal family, they are all still in Petersburg, under the threat of the mob." Even Grand Duke Mikhail took refuge in the mansion of Duchess Bugakina. But I persuaded His Majesty that as long as he was safe, the queen and the princes would not be in danger. On the contrary, it will be difficult for him to say when he returns. Fortunately, the guards are still loyal to him, and perhaps they are already on their way to Mogilev. ”

"You have a point," Fan Deping nodded. "Who else knows about this?"

"Except for the captain of the palace guard, Vojkov. No one knows yet. ”

"In this case, I will report to Commander Wang immediately. If His Majesty the Tsar is willing to go to Vinnytsia, then I would say that it is better not to go to Mogilev and go directly to Vinnytsia. After all, it is Russian territory. Although under the control of our army. Fan Deping thought quickly. As far as I observed. The atmosphere at the base camp was wrong. ”

"Thank you very much." Lieutenant General Artemyev hugged his Chinese friend, "I came to Mogilev to look for you, and now I am relieved." I fear that the rebellion is spreading everywhere. I really can't think of a safer place other than the territory controlled by your army. Now I immediately return to Pskov. ”

"Okay, as long as His Majesty the Tsar arrives in the area controlled by our army, our army can guarantee the safety of His Majesty the Tsar. But you can't say you have our consent. Do you understand? This is a matter of great importance, and it involves diplomatic authority, which I have not studied with you. ”

"Understood." Artemiev hurried away.

Fan Deping took the telegraph operator, and he used the radio station of the Russian army base camp to send a secret telegram to Wang Mingyuan, in which he said, "The Russian emperor's visit to the area controlled by our army does not violate any agreement. Moreover, this is the desired goal in the domestic directives. I will go to Petersburg as soon as possible to contact the British and French representatives in order to reach an agreement on the situation. ”

Without waiting for Wang Mingyuan's reply, Fan Deping boarded the train to Petersburg. In his opinion, General Alekseev has defected, the base camp of the Russian army is about to be paralyzed, and if the Russian army loses control, the expeditionary force will face a catastrophe. This was more important than the accusation of the Tsar, and it was necessary to unite the British and French military delegations, and to exert pressure on the established Provisional Government through diplomatic means to ensure that the war would continue.

In the box of the train to Petersburg, Vanderpin realized that the president's previous deployment was magically close to being realized. China is now playing two cards at the same time, one is the revolutionaries and the other is the Tsar, who has been abandoned by the Russian political and military circles. The most important prerequisite for the rebels in Petersburg to take control of the situation was that the front remained stable, and God knows what would happen if the Germans took advantage of the wavering morale of the troops on the North-Western Front to make a surprise attack on Petersburg. It stands to reason that the rebels in Petersburg had to rely on the expeditionary force. But what's the use of holding the tsar in your hands? Fan Deping hadn't thought it through for a while.

The treacherous political struggle taught Fan Deping a hard lesson.

Van der Ping returned to Petersburg on March 7. When Ambassador Lu Zhengxiang heard this, he immediately went to the liaison office and reported to him the recent situation in Petersburg, where a provisional government under the leadership of the Provisional Committee of the Duma had been established as a result of the Soviet compromise. The British and French ambassadors and military delegations have drawn up a proclamation in the nature of an ultimatum, which is awaiting the signature of the Chinese side, demanding that the Provisional Government assume its sacred obligations in the war against Germany. On this premise, Britain, France and China could consider recognizing the legitimacy of the Provisional Government. At home, Fan Deping had been formally authorized to represent China with Britain and France and the new Russian regime, and China's position was basically the same as that of Britain and France, that is, if the new Russian regime wanted to receive continued assistance from the Entente, it must continue the war.

On the way to Petersburg, General Wang Mingyuan had already sent instructions to the Chinese authorities in Petersburg that foreign policy must be carried out in accordance with domestic instructions. However, on military issues, Lieutenant General Fan Deping was entrusted to contact Britain and France to present the position of the Chinese army. If the Chinese army faced shameless betrayal, the Chinese army had to make the necessary military deployments.

Fan Deping was excited. Immediately asked Lu Zhengxiang to call the head of the French military delegation, Major General Cailliaud, and asked for a trilateral military meeting on the situation in Russia. General Cailliaud immediately replied that at two o'clock in the afternoon, a military coordination meeting of China, France and Britain would be convened at the liaison office of the Chinese Expeditionary Force to study the current grim situation. (To be continued......)