It wasn't until the day Long Qian's second son, Long Xinghua, ate the full moon wine, that Long Qian received a detailed battle report from Kanto.

Information outside the customs is delivered to the customs area through the encryption of the Mukden station. This time there was a lot of content, and in order to ensure safety, Fengtian Station took a series of measures, and it was too late to send it back to the headquarters.

In the afternoon of the same day, after Long Qian bid farewell to the guests, including Yang Shixiang, he held a secret meeting at the headquarters to report on the study of the situation in the Kwantung region.

Present at the meeting were two senior senators, Fang and Chen, and the officers of the General Headquarters included Chief of Staff Situ Jun, Director of Logistics Song Jinguo, Director of Intelligence Jiang Yun, Director of Equipment Division Lian Shupeng, Director of Military Judge Advocate General Cao Minzhong, and Director of Medical Affairs Qi Shangming. Ning Shijun, deputy commander of the Shandong Patrol Battalion (concurrently served by Long Qian), Wang Mingyuan, deputy commander of the Ninth Coordination and 17th Standard Commander, Feng Guozhu, 18th Standard Commander Shi Dashou and Cavalry Standard Commander Chi Chunxian.

At the moment, the news about the "Bailing detachment" is conveyed only to the standard level.

The officers of the Tenth Association did not attend this meeting because they were stationed far away and were forbidden by Long Qian to come to Jinan because of his son's full moon wine, including Long Qian's brother-in-law Ye Yanbing.

At the beginning of the meeting, Long Qian asked Jiang Yun to tell the map about the results of the two night battles of the South Manchurian Independent Regiment at Heigoutai and Shendanbao, and reported the losses and current situation of the troops.

The time when the information was sent was the fifth day of the first lunar month, that is, February 8 of the Western calendar, more than 20 days have passed since then, and according to Lu Shan's report, the independent regiment may have left Fengtian and headed north.

"They've done a beautiful job!" Situ Jun, the chief of staff of the fifth town, saw the information re-copied by the intelligence department and high-fived him in admiration. "It's perfectly correct to withdraw in time, Commander, it's time to write them a letter of instruction to open up the North Manchurian base area."

"Old Lu, they are amazing!" Feng Guozhu was excited after hearing the report, "It is said that the Japanese soldiers are fierce and difficult to fight, nonsense!" How many recruits did Lao Lu have? Isn't it the same as beating little Japan all over the ground looking for teeth? He couldn't help but compare his elite soldiers, and felt that if he used his seventeenth standard to fight, he would definitely be able to play a record that was not weaker than Lu Shan.

It's a pity that a large number of veterans were transferred to the patrol battalion last year, if they were in ...... Feng Guozhu couldn't figure out how much effort it took Long Qian to force veterans to retire from the army and transfer to patrol battalions, police stations, or return to their hometowns year by year.

"It is imperative to send a competent officer corps to replenish their losses." Fang Shengyuan said loudly, "Although they won the battle. But the losses were also significant. Lu Shan ignored the established strategy of the marshal. Fighting to the death with the Japanese army should be reprimanded! If we fight a few more battles like this, we will be wiped out by him for the little old foundation of our Mengshan army outside the pass! ”

"You can't say that," Wang Mingyuan felt that Fang Shengyuan, a "nouveau riche," had become more and more arrogant since the establishment of the "Youth Army Federation." Relying on the reuse of the commander. More and more do not pay attention to the veterans who followed Long Qian's entrepreneurship. And there are more and more signs of meddling in the affairs of the army. Do you think that you can do anything? "Will be outside, the king's order will not be affected. Lushan They are on the front line, and the actual situation should be used to determine the behavior of the troops. The strategy determined by the commander is not not not not to fight. Instead, it is to strengthen the ranks and use the strength of the Russians to finally control North Manchuria! If they don't play a convincing record, the Russians won't take them seriously! Support is definitely needed, but the rebuke is over, after all, they killed tens of thousands of Japanese soldiers! That's not something you can do with your lips! ”

Wang Mingyuan openly expressed his opposition to the other party's voice.

Chen Chao frowned, and wanted to say something, but he still held back.

Sure enough, Wang Mingyuan's speech set the tone for the meeting, and then, Shi Dashou and Chi Chunxian both said that they should continue to send backbone reinforcements to the Kwantung region, and the achievements of the independent regiment should be commended.

"Think, talk about it." Chen Chao saw that Fang Shengyuan's face was pale, and hurriedly reminded Long Qian. He didn't want to see a rift within a thriving team.

"Lushan has brought out a strong army. Immediately see Shangwen, Akiyama is ancient, they are all famous generals of the Japanese army, planted in the hands of Lu Shan, good, great. This battle has written a strong and colorful stroke for the military history of our Mengshan Army, and it will surely go down in history! In the night attack on Shendan Fort, the troops dared to step on the mines and charge, which shows that Lu Shan has managed the army in a good way! The army must have such an invincible spirit! Long Qian said solemnly, "Okay, determine a few things. First, led by Situ and participated by Shi Jun, the fifth group of personnel from the fifth town and the patrol battalion were transferred to support the Kanto. According to Lu Shan's request, this time more doctors and artillerymen should be considered. Director Qi, don't be reluctant to send the best medical officer under your command over. The list was limited to five days and submitted to me for approval, and then after a short period of training, I set out to meet the brothers. Second, Lu Shan was asked to write a summary of the battles of Heigoutai and Shendanbao, which was the first time that our army had participated in a battle of such a scale, and the experience was very valuable, and it was necessary to comprehensively summarize the organization, command, tactics, logistical supply, coordination of various arms of the troops, the use of firearms, and the characteristics of the training, tactics, and equipment of the Russian army and the Japanese army. The experience or lessons they have gained in exchange for their blood are a great asset to the Shandong troops...... The General Staff had to draw up an outline, which they had to answer point by point, just like a questionnaire. Third, the General Staff Office drafted a letter of instruction for opening up the North Manchurian base area, stressing only principles and not interfering in minor affairs. However, it should be pointed out that relying on the supply of the Russian army will not last for a long time, and it must be based on itself. In this letter of instruction, we should fully affirm their brilliant achievements, express condolences to the war dead, express sympathy to the wounded, and especially express special concern for the injuries of Erhu and Xiong Xun, and hope that they will recover as soon as possible. Fourth, the General Staff Office organized a war game as soon as possible, and the Russian army had the upper hand after the Battle of Shendanbao, so let's see if the Japanese army has a chance to turn the tables? But no matter what, the Lushan Division wants to develop towards North Manchuria, and I think that the war between Japan and Russia in South Manchuria will take some time, and it will be difficult for them to stay out of the situation if they stay there. ”

"What the commander said is very true!" Situ Jun became excited, "I suggest that they can send a few people back, not only staff officers, but also one or two chief officers who participated in the formulation of the battle plan, Cheng Erhu and Xiong Xun were both injured, can they come back to recuperate from their injuries, and tell the battle in detail back then?" ”

"Huh? That's a good idea. Of course, it's good to be able to talk about it in person, but I'm afraid that Lu Shan won't let him go. He's facing an expansion there. Long Qian nodded. This matter can be brought up, and it is up to Lu Shan to decide, don't force it. ”

"The division will be expanded by the regiment, Erhu and Xiong Xun are natural candidates for the head of the regiment, and Lu Shan will not let them go." Wang Mingyuan said, "God has eyes, and there is no damage to the generals of our army." ”

"That's right," Long Qian looked at Jiang Yun, "Check it, among the officers who died." Have you ever married? The Logistics Service has to take care of their families. But don't say that they have died for the future...... Let's deal with it all together. Their parents must not be allowed to starve and freeze, and Jiang Yun and Jin Guo are responsible for this. ”

"Yes." They both stood in reply.

"Commander. For the establishment of a base area. Instead of going to North Manchuria. It is better to occupy Liaoxi. Situ Jun stood up, "West of the Liao River is a non-warring zone, and it is also a road passage connecting Shandong and Guanwai. And they went through this war. It is bound to shake the localities, and there are conditions for establishing base areas. North Manchuria, on the other hand, is sparsely populated and has a cold climate, and as it continues to go north, it is getting farther and farther away from Shandong. ”

"But the products of western Liaoning are not as good as those of North Manchuria! When the population is sparse, the government's control is weak, which is a good thing. Besides, Heilongjiang and Jilin always add up to 10 million, right? It would be a great victory to hold these 10 million people in your hands. Judging from the situation in the eastern part of the country, we must stand firmly in North Manchuria, especially Jilin, and then we can plot against South Manchuria. Therefore, it is necessary for them to learn to be self-reliant, not only to solve the problem of food and clothing, but also to solve the problem of arms. However, they should decide for themselves the specific situation, and they cannot copy Shandong's experience. Long Qian also stood up, "The tasks are clear, right?" ”

"Clear." Except for Chen Chao, the rest of the people stood up and answered.

"Adjournment."

After everyone dispersed, Fang Sheng was far from leaving, as if he had something to say.

"Dashuai, Fang has a few words, I don't know if I should say it or not......"

"Tell me."

"Shang Fengchun's letter, have you read it?"

"I've seen it. What do you mean by writing a letter for me to reprimand this guy, it's just nonsense! Long Qian's face sank. Shang Fengchun wrote a letter to Long Qian in his personal name, which was converted into a secret language by the Tian Shubang Intelligence Station and sent back to the headquarters. In the letter, Shang Fengchun enumerated Lu Shan's arbitrary actions and suggested that Lu Shan be transferred back, or that high-ranking officers who could be used to check and balance Lu Shan should be sent out of the customs to take up posts.

"Dashuai, Feng Chun is loyal. The rapid development of the troops outside the border and the rapid increase in numbers, as well as the extremely heavy casualties among the officers dispatched by the General Headquarters, must be treated with caution. Even if Lushan is not recalled, a general should be sent out of the customs to sit in the town. ”

What does that mean? Suspicious of Lushan? Besides, who to send? What's the rule? Let Lu Shan be his deputy? Minggao, you're not that clever in your idea. ”

"From Fan Deping and Deng Qinghua, who can restrain Lu Shan?"

"Why do you need to restrict? Could it be that Lu Shan wants to rebel against the Mengshan army? Where is the evidence? Long Qian's tone became stern.

"Not a mutiny. But people change. The troops outside the border have developed rapidly, and in more than a year, they are already about to be formed into divisions! I'm worried that there will be a situation where the inside is light and the outside is heavy. Fang's loyalty is by no means a relationship between the marshal and Lu Shan, and I hope to investigate it in detail. ”

"Loyalty is based on the cause and the group, and loyalty to me alone is unreliable." Long Qian slowed down, "The rapid development of the troops outside the border is the light of the Russo-Japanese War, and it is the result of their efforts, otherwise how could there be such a situation?" So I can't blame Lushan for fighting a tough battle with the Japanese army. Only by fighting a few tough battles can the troops truly have combat effectiveness. What worries me now is that they are developing rapidly, their roots are not deep, they lack qualified officers and veterans, and they lack the means to establish base areas. ”

"So the commander still has to send the general over!"

"Who to send? Mingyuan? Zhou Yi? Or Shi Jun? The fifth town is our foundation, Mingyuan and Zhou Yi can't leave, the patrol battalion is the reserve of our whole army, and it is stepping up construction, and Shi Jun can't leave. As for the junior officers, they could have sent a few more people over. Now I don't worry about the military, after the three tough battles of the Chen family's shack, Heigoutai and Shendanbao, Lu Shan's ability to command the war may have surpassed me. If you want to send them, it is even more necessary to send a few more people who are educated, understand military discipline and policy, and have experience in establishing base areas. ”

Fang Shengyuan's heart moved, "I don't know if it's appropriate for Mr. Chen to go?" When it comes to establishing a base, Mr. Chan is second to none. ”

Long Qian smiled, "Ming Gao, I understand your thoughts. I'll think about it seriously. ”

"At the very least, the troops outside the border should set up a youth army alliance. In fact, there are already people in the Youth Army Federation. ”

"This one does. The Judge Advocate General's Office should also be established. I want to send Min Zhong over, what do you think? ”

Cao Minzhong and Fang Shengyuan were very close, and they were greatly influenced by Fang Shengyuan ideologically, and they were both representatives of the absolute authority of advocating the establishment of Long Qian. So Fang Shengyuan agreed, "The handsome man is wise." Min Zhong will live up to the handsomeness. ”

"It's not a matter of failing me and not living up to me, but not to live up to the country and this era. Ming Gao, the current trend of constitutionalism is very strong, you should concentrate on studying this issue and see what impact it will have on Shandong? Yang Futai talked to me twice recently. Ask me about my attitude towards constitutionalism. I'm a soldier. What's in charge of politics? ”

Fang Shengyuan nodded. I thought to myself, if you don't understand politics, I'm afraid there are few people in the country who understand politics, "Yes." But. Fang thought. Da Shuai is now taking a quiet look and see what happens. It's a wonderful way to not take a stand lightly. Any such big change, it is not good to stand up first. ”

"Hmm. If Japan had won the battle against Russia, I would have thought that the constitutionalists would have gained even more power. Recently, I received a letter from Zhang Jizhi. Later, you can go to Ouyang and take it away, and prepare a reply letter for me. This Zhang Jizhi has almost become the most enthusiastic figure in advocating constitutionalism. Long Qian no longer talked about the situation outside the border, and Fang Shengyuan couldn't say anything more.

When Long Qian returned home, he saw Wang Mingyuan and was talking to Chen Chao.

"Commander, Fang Shengyuan persuaded you to control Lushan again, right? Don't listen to him. Lu Shan will definitely not have two hearts. Wang Mingyuan got straight to the point.

"I know what to do. Let's eat dinner at my place, and I'll ask Sister-in-law Zhang to add a few dishes. By the way, the Germans have been looking for you again lately? ”

The German army has always wanted to hold another exercise, but Wang Mingyuan cannot be the master of this matter, and the Tenth Association also has some opinions.

"I've found it, I said I need the commander's approval."

"Well, I'm thinking about it. Something went wrong with you with the latest batch of mortars? ”

"Yes. Luckily, it didn't hurt. ”

"Oh, Lushan's report says that mortars are extremely useful, and it is recommended to equip them in large quantities and up to the battalion level. What do you think? ”

"Of course it's good, it's a good weapon for destroying the opponent's machine-gun positions, but the shells are too expensive. I think it should be heavily armed with light machine guns...... Commander, you have to pay attention to Fang Shengyuan, who is a little unauthentic. Wang Mingyuan saw that Long Qian didn't want to talk about Fang Shengyuan, so he turned the topic back, he had been chatting with Chen Chao for a long time just now. The reason why he came to Long Qian's room was to talk about this matter, "Lu Shan has been with you for many years, born and died, leaving his wife and children, if we don't trust it, it will be very sad."

"There are two sides to the story. Minggao is also for the group. The mountains on the other side of Lushan are high and the emperor is far away, the people are different, and the political and military conditions are also different from those in Shandong. It is necessary to strengthen the allocation of cadres, and it cannot be said that sending people to the past is a lack of trust. Could it be that I don't trust you by equipping you with assistants? In addition, it is not an easy task to establish base areas, and it is necessary to vigorously strengthen the transfer of cadres from Shandong to outside the customs. Long Qian glanced at Chen Chao, who was smoking, "Mr. Yuezhi, can we run a cadre school?" In what name? ”

The word cadre is an invention of Long Qian, and its meaning is fully understood by Wang Mingyuan and Chen Chao. What Long Qian lacks most now is not an officer, but someone who understands economics and can negotiate with the government, that is, the cadres that Long Qian said.

"I'm going to think about this." Chen Chao pondered.

"Well, this matter is bothering Mr. Eshiyuki. The army can also send people to work in local areas, especially the work of the rural autonomous committees......" Long Qian looked up and thought for a while, "There will be no war in Shandong for the time being, and we must seize this opportunity to train our cadres." By the way, Mingyuan, I want your Nine Associations and Ten Associations to change their defenses, what do you think? ”

This was relatively sudden, Wang Mingyuan was stunned for a long time, and finally understood, "It's okay, is it taking the opportunity to conduct a camping training?" ”

"That's even better. Go back and get ready, and wait for my orders. In addition, you have to study the establishment of firearms in the army, and I asked Si and Zhou Yi to also consider this issue, and after a while, we will hold a special meeting on the establishment of equipment. ”

"Retreat, believe in Lu Shan." Chen Chao saw that Long Qian didn't want to talk about it, so he expressed his opinion.

"Of course. When they settle down in Beiman, I am ready to send the families of Lu Shan, Erhu and others over. ”

"That's good."

"I really want to go to Guanwai, but unfortunately I can't leave." Long Qian was a little fascinated, "I really didn't expect them to develop so quickly. (To be continued......)