Chapter 2, Seeking Light in the Darkness

Before the time travel, when visiting the World Trade Center, that person was not only red-faced and thick-necked but also argued with me, saying that it was because of the strength of China's Beiyang government at that time that we could not defeat Japan, which led to the signing of the Twenty-One Demands. Wasn't that humiliating scene played out at the Paris Peace Conference? Later, it was only under American mediation that we redeemed Qingdao in Shandong with money

In the country, Old Yuan from the Beiyang government passed away in June of last year. At this moment, Old Duan is serving as the Prime Minister and Minister of the Army in the Beiyang government. This individual is quite an interesting figure from the Republic of China era. While he may not excel in leading troops in battle, he is indeed skilled in politics and is genuinely patriotic. What he lacks are capable and loyal generals and troops, which just happens to be our strong suit

The earlier we enter the war, the better; the sooner we establish our military, the better! It seems that the Beiyang government intended to delay declaring war on Germany and Austria until August? Then they sent 200,000 laborers to Europe to participate in the war and dig trenches?

By the end of this year, Lao Duan will accept loans from Japan and declare war on Germany on the side of the Allied Powers in World War I. According to later analyses, the fact that the United States delayed its entry into the war until April of this year was already too late, and the Duan government representing China announced its entry into the war in August, which was even later!

Various new weapons, aircraft carrier missiles, penicillin, how many formidable weapons are waiting for me to bring forth in this era

Well, following the route of him and the Wan faction, it is likely the quickest way to realize one's ideals, using the Beiyang government to unify the country and defeat the Japanese and the Russians

How is it possible to return to 1917? What is going on with m.hetushu.com? How much effort does it take to go back from 2001 to 1917?

Wang Geng was unaware that his fainting was actually an inevitable reaction that occurred when the energy consciousness of his soul perfectly merged with this physical body, much like a computer in a previous life that had its system reinstalled, which often requires a restart to take effect. When he awoke once more, he found himself in the intensive care unit of New York Central Hospital

This fellow continues to ponder in a state of reverie. On February 24, 1917, ah, it turns out today is the 22nd birthday of this West Point cadet, Wang Geng. No wonder he is able to take leave from West Point Military Academy to come to New York City

China cannot defeat Japan? When the time comes, I will take down both the Middle East route and the Russians in one go! I do not believe it!

In this lifetime, how can we allow ourselves to be cuckolded? Absolutely not!

Hmph, just wait until I use the Beiyang Army to defeat Japan and show you! Just wait until I use the Beiyang Army to unify the entire country and show you!

But who knows how history would change if a butterfly flapped its wings

Wang Geng, lost in such chaotic thoughts, finally fell into a deep sleep once again

No matter how it changes, I have 84 more years of experience than you, so who knows, I might be able to foresee things even in the early stages!

No way! I am the top ace of the military region and the number one ace among special forces nationwide. I have won the most gold medals in the International Reconnaissance Competition, and I am the top ace in the Army Command. Even as a graduate student at the National Defense University, I remain the number one ace. How many beautiful young women in military compounds are eagerly awaiting their idol in the military!

One year after the world war ends, this is the 200,000 elite expeditionary troops of China, forged through blood and fire! When they return to the homeland, let us see who can stand against them in the world!

Is having three wives and four concubines really excessive? Can't we be responsible for them? With my ace, I am an ace no matter where I am placed!

What the heck! Digging trenches! Instead of forming a volunteer army at home, I would directly send 200,000 strong men to Europe to learn about warfare from the war

Opening my eyes, what comes into view is a softly illuminated ceiling light in the center of the room. The milky white light is neither glaringly bright nor dim enough to evoke a sense of coldness and solitude

Now that it is February 1917, the Russian Empire has already begun the February Revolution, right? In another six months, there will be the October Revolution, correct? When did the United States enter the war? Was it in April?

Moreover, it is unnecessary to mention the military formed by the Wan faction in the previous life; by the time it was truly established, it was already January 1919, long after World War I had ended, and even the daylilies had wilted! With my arrival as this butterfly, will history continue to unfold in the same manner?

If all goes well, after graduating from the National Defense University, he has the opportunity to become the first deputy division-level officer in the military region under the age of 28. The daughter of the deputy commander of the military region has been in a relationship with him for over three years, and they have already been intimate, but they have yet to obtain a marriage certificate. They are just waiting to celebrate their wedding after graduation.

This fellow secretly rejoiced and cherished books. In his previous life, everything was good, except for that deputy commander's girl, whom he rejected and hurt the hearts of many other girls. This left him with feelings of guilt and regret. In this era, such regrets must not occur again

Wang Geng's previously listless heart suddenly became lively. Although it was not his own wish, the deputy commander's girl could only be seen in the next life. This era... this era is one without marriage laws. Which Beiyang warlord has only one wife?

Moreover, in his previous life, Old Duan was the Prime Minister of the Six Non-Party Coalition, and in terms of personal character, moral integrity, and cultivation, he was nearly unparalleled among the strongmen of the Republic of China. He was also instrumental in supporting and establishing modern Chinese Go, and at this moment, he was in control of the Beiyang central authority

Wang Geng was searching through the sudden memories of the original owner in his mind and discovered that the original owner of this body was also named Wang Geng! Moreover, he was the third Chinese cadet in the illustrious history of the United States Military Academy at West Point!

To discuss how those fellows could possibly be my opponents, isn't it just the fear of receiving a reprimand and losing the chance to return to the military district as the youngest deputy division-level officer, thus causing distress to the deputy commander's daughter

Step by step, complete Wang Geng's life journey: graduate from West Point, return to China to secure a position in the Army Department of the Beiyang Government, then marry Lu Xiaoman. Subsequently, be cuckolded by Xu Zhimo, and ultimately become the laughingstock of men across the nation

This body is surprisingly not much worse than my peak period in my previous life, could this be the side effect of soul transference

Damn it, how many times have I argued passionately with those guys from the Northern Military District, who were recommended to the National Defense University, over different interpretations and insights regarding significant historical events and the development of various major battles, to the point where we almost rolled up our sleeves and fought in the student dormitory

It is important to note that I enlisted at the age of 18, became the top ace of the military district's special forces at 20, and by the age of 22, I had already won five gold medals for my country and myself in the Elna Assault International Special Reconnaissance Competition, earning the honor of a second-class merit award.

The thought of possibly gaining an advantage in history through foresight suddenly invigorated Wang Geng, who had an inherently rebellious nature in his past life. After studying so many books at the Military Academy and the National Defense University, and researching numerous battles, tactics, and strategic directions, the vibrant era before him was laid out in front of him! Was this not the best opportunity for practical application?

The quality of the current body brings Wang Geng a sense of comfort, yet the road ahead leaves him feeling somewhat perplexed about what to do

Wang Geng quietly arched his back while lying in bed, and although Wang Xiaodi was asleep below, he still looked robust and strong, indicating that this capital is not insignificant

This situation is quite perplexing; I have inexplicably found myself in the year 1917, in the body of Wang Geng, leaving me momentarily unsure of what my next steps should be

In a previous life, at the age of 22, I was admitted to the Southern Army Command College after serving as a special forces soldier. Within two and a half years, I completed my undergraduate studies in the Tactical Command Department. Following that, I returned to the military and served for a year as the youngest special forces instructor in the military district, after which I was recommended by the military district to pursue graduate studies in Military and Library Strategic Studies at the National Defense University.

At this moment, Wang Geng was motionless in deep thought. He had just gently moved each of his toes and fingers in turn, then lightly rotated his neck to the left and right, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled

This situation made him feel both fortunate and helpless. The fortunate part was that he did not have to pretend to have amnesia in front of those around him, allowing him to seamlessly integrate into this era and society. The helpless part was that the life of Wang Geng at West Point may not be as carefree and whimsical as it had been in his previous life.

No! We are the ace! In 2001, we were the ace, and there is even less reason not to be the ace in this year of 1917!

Although the original owner's consciousness has completely vanished, at this moment, Wang Geng, who has awakened, has almost regained most of the memories of Wang Geng from 1917

How could the Beiyang Army be unable to defeat Japan! How many people and soldiers does Japan have! How many people and soldiers does China have? If the Beiyang Army had not been divided, the country would have been unified long ago. If the Beiyang Army had unified the country, how could it possibly be unable to defeat the small Japanese?

Wang Gengwei raised his head and glanced around the room. It was evident that this was an exquisite single patient room. The HOWARD brand clock hanging on the wall opposite the bed was delicate yet not extravagant, with the minute and hour hands just overlapping at the Roman numeral XII. Although fine sheer curtains were drawn in front of the window, the flickering neon lights unique to the night of a big city could be faintly seen through the gaps.

It is now midnight. A glance at the calendar on the bedside table reveals that the latest page prominently displays: February 24, 1917