The sudden outbreak of the Battle of Tangnu and Ulianghai had a much greater impact on the new Chinese government than the Tsarist Empire.

Due to the sudden outbreak of war, the festive atmosphere of the founding ceremony has disappeared.

On 30 April, due to problems in communications, the General Staff was in a state of anxiety because it had been unable to understand the situation of the war, and the principal generals of the military and the principal heads of government all "set up" their offices in the West Eighth Institute to continuously study the military situation and diplomatic issues at the front.

On this day, because Minister Tang Shaoyi brought a message from the Russian Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Kuo Sovic, a conflict broke out between the bigwigs of the West Eighth Institute.

Kosovic approached Tang Shaoyi and threatened the Tangnu-Ulianghai military conflict that the Tangnu-Ulianghai region had special interests for the Russian Empire! The empire will never allow China to encroach on the Tangnu-Ulianghai region! China will be fully responsible for the consequences caused by the Chinese Defense Forces' attack on the Tangnu-Ulianghai area!

Tang Shaoyi is one of the few high-ranking officials in the new government who has a relatively complete analysis and grasp of the global situation, since the expeditionary force sent troops to Outer Mongolia, he has analyzed the attitude of Tsarist Russia with President Long Qian more than once, and has not been frightened by the aggressive protests of Minister Kosovic, and asked Kusovic, which country's territory is the Tangnu-Ulianghai region? Which treaty assigned the Donnu-Uliang Sea to Russia? Does the attitude of Mr. Minister represent His Majesty the Tsar or himself?

Tang Shaoyi believed that the protests and threats of Kosovic were not the attitude of the Tsarist government, and that they were completely autonomous. Since the well-arranged expeditionary force had the problem of breaking off contact with the rear, the Russian government must not have grasped the situation at the front. It is difficult to make a final decision diplomatically without mastering the situation on the front line.

Tang Shaoyi also has a trump card, that is, both the Military Intelligence Bureau and the General Administration of State Security have informed him of the situation of the Russian army in the Far East -- so far, there has been no offensive movement of the Russian army!

Sure enough, Kusuo Weici was stopped by Tang Shaoyi, and he really did not receive specific instructions from China. The Russian minister, who is accustomed to being high in dealing with the Chinese government, said indignantly, please convey to the president of your country, do not misestimate the shape! The Imperial Government will never tolerate any form of encroachment on the Empire!

Tang Shaoyi calmly replied that the foreign policy set by Mr. President is to live in friendship with all civilized countries in the world, including, of course, Russia. As you said, the Chinese Government will never allow any separatist forces to exist.

The talks broke up unhappily.

Tang Shaoyi sent Kusuo Weici away. Don't dare to slack off. Hurriedly ran to the West Eighth Institute to find Long Qian, because Long Qian had been squatting in the General Staff for most of the past two days.

But Long Qian was not there. He then reported the situation of the meeting with Kosovic to Prime Minister Fang Shengyuan, and Fang Shengyuan was anxious, "Lu Shan is innocent!" Sending troops without the approval of the center. Causing such a big mess. What should I do? ”

He was extremely worried about the outbreak of a full-scale war with Russia.

But Fang Shengyuan's words angered the military generals. He ignored the feelings of the military generals for Lushan.

Feng Guozhu, commander of the Central Military Region, was immediately furious. "The surname Fang, what do you mean by that? Is Lu Shan innocent of death? You repeat? Don't forget, who brought down this country! ”

Shi Dashou, commander of the capital garrison, has been Lu Shan's deputy for many years. Shi Dashou, who has always been steady, was also angered by Fang Shengyuan's unthought comment, "Premier Fang, not to mention that Commander Lu's entry into Tangnu Ulianghai has been approved by the president, even if he makes his own opinion, Gu has the ancient admonition that the general is not subject to the orders of foreign monarchs, since Tangnu Wulianghai is my country's territory, Commander Lu, as the commander of the Northern Military Region, has the responsibility to defend the territory, why not lead troops there?" ”

Song Jiaoren saw that it was not the words, and thought that his identity was not suitable to persuade him, so he hurriedly gave Hong Yuecheng a look, and as soon as Hong Yuecheng opened his mouth, he was choked back by Feng Guozhu, "You shut up for me!" Today he must make it clear what it means to be innocent! ”

Fang Shengyuan also felt that he was lost, but for the sake of face, he couldn't admit his mistake in person, and the scene was extremely embarrassing.

Chen Chao, who had just come in and was about to report to Long Qian on the trial of the attempted assassination on National Day, immediately scolded, "Seal the national pillar! What is your attitude? How can you speak like that to the Prime Minister? Are there any rules?! ”

Feng Guozhu couldn't contradict Chen Chao, "Mr. Chen, it's him talking nonsense!" Brother Lu sacrificed for the country, but he ended up with a 'dead and innocent', who will dare to fight for the country in the future? ”

"That's the Prime Minister's gaffe! But as a military general, is it appropriate for you to despise the government so much?! You, immediately apologize to the Prime Minister! "Although Chen Chao is not Fang Shengyuan's direct subordinate, he must maintain Fang Shengyuan. If there were military generals bullying civilian officials at the beginning of the founding of the country, it would not be a blessing for Long Qian's new country.

"That's what Minister Chen said!" Defense Minister Wang Mingyuan was also dissatisfied with Fang Shengyuan's words just now, but he had to come forward to maintain the prestige of the government, "Commander Feng, your attitude is wrong, admit your mistake to the premier." ”

"No need, no need," Fang Shengyuan waved his hand, "Commander Feng, Commander Shi, I understand your feelings, I used the wrong words just now, but I'm worried that Russia will use force, we have just established the country, and everything is waiting to be lifted, how can we bear it?" Past experience, if not forgotten, is a guide for the future.. If you can't bear it, you will make a big plan. ”

"If you can't beat it, you have to fight!" Wu Nian, commander of the Northwest Military Region, interjected, "It is a legitimate move for our army to recover the lost territory, if it is afraid of Russia, won't it become the Manchu government?" Isn't that contrary to the teachings of the president? Besides, we don't necessarily lose him! ”

"You talk less!" Wang Mingyuan glared at Wu Nian, "Guozhu, you were wrong just now, you apologize to the prime minister!" ”

Wang Mingyuan is Feng Guozhu's old boss, not to mention that the Minister of National Defense is the head of the national defense force, let's just talk about the historical origins, Feng Guozhu can't help but listen to Wang Mingyuan, not to mention that there is a special Chen Chao, Feng Guozhu hesitated, "Mr. Fang, I didn't have the right attitude just now, and I confessed my mistake to you." But you shouldn't say that, you don't have to hurt the hearts of millions of soldiers of the Wehrmacht! ”

Shi Dashou saw Chen Chao looking at him, "Premier Fang, I apologize to you." It shouldn't be bumpered with. ”

"Forget it, let's stop it." Long Qian's voice. None of them noticed when Long Qian came in, "The Prime Minister's worries are not unreasonable, in terms of national strength, we really can't compete with Russia in an all-round way." The prime minister was worried about shattering the North. Even lost North Manchu and Kulen, I know. However, Lu Shan's march into Tangnu and Ulianghai is right, a soldier, to protect the family and defend the country as his duty, is to have the courage to overwhelm the enemy! If you don't fight if you know you can't fight, then you don't deserve to be a soldier! Commander Lu sacrificed his life for the country and is destined to go down in history! All the officers and men of the expeditionary force are heroes, and the country will remember their exploits! However, the pillar of the country. Shi Dashou. It is extremely wrong for you two to be senior generals of the Wehrmacht and to defy the head of the government! I will not tolerate it! Now that you have apologized to the Prime Minister, I will not impose a harsher punishment and a fine of one month. Outside of a verbal apology. Write a written check to the Prime Minister. Be deeply aware of your own mistakes. The Wehrmacht is the army of the country, and the government must be respected and not transgressed! ”

"Yes!" Feng Guozhu and Shi Dashou replied positively.

Long Qian seemed to maintain Fang Shengyuan. In fact, it is equivalent to 50 boards each, and some are even biased towards the military.

Long Qian is not finished yet, "The responsibility for this matter lies with me!" Not in Lushan! Sending troops to Tangnu Uliang, Lushan fulfilled the formalities of asking for instructions, and I underestimated Russia's reaction. It also proves that the conditions for the recovery of Tangnu Ulianghai are not yet in place, and only by knowing the other and knowing oneself can one win a hundred battles, and beforehand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Premier Fang, advised me to withdraw my troops after recovering Kulun, and I did not listen to your opinions and approved Lushan's operation, so I am fully responsible. I have decided to withdraw the expeditionary force from Tangnu Uliang, hoping that this will be the end of the conflict and that we will create an environment for peacebuilding. But New China is not a late Qing Dynasty, it is not a traitorous government, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will never allow it to recognize Tangnu Ulianghai as Russian territory! Sooner or later, we're going to have to take it back! While boosting the self-esteem and self-confidence of the Chinese people, it also proclaimed our determination to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country, and let the people of the Tangnu Ulianghai area know that the motherland has not forgotten them, and that once the seeds are sown, there will always be a harvest. Shaochuan, did the Russians have an official reaction? ”

Tang Shaoyi reported on the beginning and end of Kosuo Weici's visit.

"Nothing remarkable. If they really want to fight, I'm afraid they don't need verbal intimidation. In this way, you will be in charge of the diplomatic side, continue to maintain contact with the Russian side, and you can inform me of the decision to withdraw my troops. But no territorial concessions, no reparations, and no punishment for anyone! If you want to fight, you can fight, I will accompany you! Now I order Shi Dashou to take over as commander of the Northern Military Region, immediately go to Changchun to receive Yin, and leave today. The commander of the garrison was succeeded by Cheng Erhu. The Ministry of Defense immediately issued an official order. ”

"Yes." Wang Mingyuan and Shi Dashou replied at the same time.

"The change of guard of the 1st and 6th divisions continues, and it is necessary to speed up. The General Staff Department is responsible for this, and it is necessary to continue to improve the war plan against Russia. The troops of the rest of the military regions should also be ready to move at any time. By tomorrow at the latest, the commanders must leave Beijing and return to their posts. ”

"Yes!" The generals replied in unison.

"Da Shou, when you arrive in Changchun, you must do a good job in the ideological work of the generals of the Northern Military Region, especially Fan Deping! Lu Shan died for the country, not in a private fight! This enmity must be remembered on Russia, and since it is an act of the state, the action must follow the orders of the central generals. While doing a good job in all-round defense, it is necessary to effectively control the troops and not take the initiative to provoke the Russian side! You are responsible for your safety! ”

"Yes."

When Fan Deping heard of the death of Lushan, he was extremely excited, and asked the General Staff to take the order for the entire army of the Northern Military Region to enter the first level of combat readiness, which made Long Qian deeply dissatisfied. Therefore, Long Qian decided to transfer Shi Dashou back to the Northern Military Region instead of using Fan Deping. Long Qian did not discuss this decision with anyone, but the important military generals present, especially Wang Mingyuan and Situ, all deeply agreed.

"Situ, is there any news from Chi Chunxian?"

"Not yet." Situ Jun pondered for a moment, "President, I personally think that the expeditionary force is safe, and they can get out of the crisis, as long as they don't love war. In addition, the Xiong Xun Department has already set off. ”

"Okay, keep in touch. Report the situation in a timely manner. Long Qian looked at everyone present, "Prime Minister, two speakers, come with me, let's listen to the report of the Ministry of Police on the security work of the National Day." ”

Long Qian, Fang Shengyuan, Hong Yuecheng and others left the Xiba Institute and walked in the direction of Haiyan Hall, and after walking for a while, Long Qian said to everyone, "It's too stuffy in the house, this place is very good, let's be here." He sat down on the ground and said to Chen Chao, "Minister Chen, are you talking or is Jiang Yun talking?" ”

"Let him tell." Chen Chao sat down on a stone chair.

"Just a brief."

"President, chiefs, at the behest of the Ministry of Police, the General Directorate of National Security has taken over the case. After two days of intense interrogation, it can be confirmed that someone instigated the assassin on National Day," Jiang Yun glanced at Xu Gongzhi beside him, "The assassins came from two sides, the Kuomintang and the remnants of the Manchu Qing Dynasty. It has been ascertained that, in addition to the four Assassins captured that day, five are still at large and are still under arrest. ”

Song Jiaoren hurriedly asked, "Where did those four come from?" ”

"Two of them were sent by the Democratic Party, they carried homemade bombs and were captured in the square. The other two were sent by the Manchu 'Zongshe Party', and one of them infiltrated the square posing as a student, but fortunately was captured in time, and a pistol and six rounds of ammunition were found on him. They confessed that the first target was the president, and the second target was government and military officials......"

"Bastard!" Hong Yuecheng scolded.

"Who instructed it?" Song Jiaoren asked.

Jiang Yun said coldly, "On the Kuomintang side, it's Chen Qimei. But behind it is undoubtedly Sun Wen. The specific planners of the Zongshe Party were Pu Wei and Shanqi. ”

"It's not going to be a random bite, is it?" Fang Sheng is far away.

"No, it won't. We don't wrong. ”

Chen Chao couldn't help but shudder when he thought of the two 'living dead' whose flesh and blood were blurred and inhuman, he participated in one of the interrogations, and he really couldn't see the cruelty of the torture experts in the operation, and then he listened to the report, he understood the cruelty of the political struggle, admired Jiang Yun's composure, and even personally commanded the torture.

Jiang Yun continued to report with an expressionless face, "Prime Minister, two of them confessed without waiting for the torture, it won't be wrong." In terms of motives, they did not have a personal vendetta against the president, and they definitely did what they were told. The assassins hired by the Zongshe Party were all Beijing natives, all of whom were Manchus, and the guy named Ye Wu took five hundred taels of silver from Pu Wei himself, and the weapons were also given by Pu Wei, and he was also trained in shooting in Huangzhuang in Changping. Pu Wei promised to give him a heavy reward of 5,000 taels of silver after the deed was completed. The two of them from the Kuomintang are both from Zhejiang, and the surname of the leader is Jiang, but unfortunately he ran away, and the wanted warrant has been issued. According to the arraignment of Wang Zhaoming, who is in custody, the identity of this person has been confirmed as Chen Qimei's confidant, and it is possible that this person was also responsible for the assassination of Tao Chengzhang last year. ”

"What about Pu Wei and Shanqi?" Fang Shengyuan asked.

Shanqi ran away, and on the day of the National Day, he ran to Tianjin and hid in the Japanese concession. Pu Wei has been charged, but has not yet been arrested. All the members of the Jongsha Party who have been confirmed are under control, just waiting for orders. "Jiang Yun is still the answer," As for the KMT, it is confirmed that Sun Wenshang is still abroad and has not returned to China. But Chen Qimei came back and planned an assassination in Shanghai. The Shanghai Railway Station is verifying his whereabouts, and he must have returned to China, presumably hiding in the concession. The two groups did not cooperate and worked separately. ”

"The situation is clear. What do you think about this? Long Qian asked.

"Arrest, arrest all. Clean sweep. Hong Yuecheng replied without hesitation.

"Mr. Dull Chu?"

"President, at the beginning of the founding of the country, it is not appropriate to build a big prison, just talk about the facts."

"What is the opinion of the Prime Minister?"

"I heard that there was a riot in Jianzhou, where the thugs attacked the city government and killed many people below my mayor, and the report said that it was the party's actions, and I do not advocate the use of troops externally, but we must strictly rectify the internal situation, otherwise we will not be able to do anything. As the capital, Beijing should be even more calm. If the Zongshe Party is so unscrupulous, it is a shameless face. I advocate a strict purge of the people. ”

"What if there is someone behind Pu Wei?"

"This should be done with caution. It is best not to implicate Zaifeng and the Empress Dowager Longyu. ”

"Well, this matter is within the police department, so let's do it." Long Qian stood up and patted the floating soil on his buttocks, "Don't let go of any of the assassins involved." But try not to hurt people, and finally go through the legal process. In response to the Sichuan riots, I have ordered the local garrison to act. ”

"President, the external troubles are not settled, and it is better to calm down at home." Song Jiaoren's face was ugly.

Long Qian said coldly, "I don't want to go on a killing spree. But what the prime minister said is right: without strict purge, it will be difficult for us to obtain a peaceful internal environment, and we will not be able to accomplish anything. Minister Chen, you are fully responsible for this matter, so let's do it. (To be continued......)