Chapter One: A Sudden Change of Fate (1)

Having not fainted again at this scene, Chu Fei had to thank a website named "Iron Blood Chinese Network." Usually, he would browse this site for various time-traveling fantasy novels, which endowed him with an immunity to the "time-travel syndrome" several times stronger than that of an average person. In just ten minutes, he swiftly transitioned his identity from an ordinary university history student of the 21st century to the young Marshal Zhang Xueliang, the son of the warlord Zhang Zuolin from the early 20th century. To avoid revealing any flaws and to organize his thoughts, Chu Fei (Zhang Xueliang) quickly found a quiet place, dismissed the guards and maids following him, lit a Hamed cigarette of this era, and began to ponder deeply.

Hmph! Do I even need to say it? Of course, it is Jiang Guangtou who is constantly wishing to eliminate the old general!" Tang Yulin, the governor of Rehe and commander of the 12th Army, declared loudly, "Jiang Guangtou has gathered Feng Yuxiang, Yan Xishan, and Li Zongren to attack the Northeast in order to swallow it whole; removing the old general is most beneficial to him, and the situation is already clear! Moreover, the Japanese investigators have also presented evidence, clearly indicating that it was a bomb thrown by the undercover team sent from the south!"

Zhang Xueliang slowly said: "Over the past month, I have been thinking day and night about the path ahead, and I have come to understand many things. Ultimately, I have arrived at sixteen characters: 'Follow the greater righteousness, return to the central authority; endure hardship and seek revenge, it is not too late.'"

As the scene gradually quieted down, Zhang Xueliang took a breath and eloquently began to "enlighten everyone": "I understand everyone's thoughts; surely you all know what Xueliang is aware of. But after so many years of fighting, what have we truly gained? When my father was alive, he once told an American journalist that his greatest wish was for national unification. Once the country is unified, we can work together to build our nation, with our guns pointed outward, no longer fighting against our own compatriots. My father never engaged in treasonous acts for personal gain, and this is something everyone can see. Since we desire national unification, what difference does it make whether the president is Chiang Kai-shek or I, Zhang Xueliang?"

Once again, he looked at the mirror, at the young yet somewhat haggard face that appeared to be handsome but bore the marks of indulgence and opium use. It was indeed not the face of Chu Fei, but rather identical to that of the historical figure known as the "General of Non-Resistance." Chu Fei sighed helplessly, realizing that he had somehow exchanged consciousness with Zhang Xueliang, who had fainted from grief over his father's death. Although it was unbelievable, it was a fact. The first thought that crossed Chu Fei's mind was of his counterpart in that timeline. He imagined Zhang Xueliang suddenly appearing in the 21st century on the Chinese mainland, and he couldn't help but bitterly smile, estimating that the Zhang Xueliang who had taken over his body would likely end up in a mental hospital. As for his parents, Chu Fei counted on his fingers, considering that their retirement pensions and his accident insurance (the insurance company should compensate for a son going mad, right?) should be enough for their living expenses. Regarding his girlfriend, she had just flown off with someone else, and now, whether she fell into the Pacific Ocean while flying, it was no longer of any concern to Chu Fei.

But Young Marshal! The reason we are here today is entirely due to the support of the Great Marshal and General Wu. If we do not avenge the deep-seated blood feud, how can we face the Great Marshal and General Wu?

It seemed that Zhang Zuoxiang had long since perceived Zhang Xueliang's inner thoughts, and he slowly said, "Young Marshal, since you already have something in mind, just speak it out." Zhang Xueliang glanced at Zhang Zuoxiang and thought to himself, This old man's eyes are like those of a thousand-year-old fox spirit, as if they can see through a person's thoughts; it is truly uncomfortable. At this moment, everyone said, "We are all ears to listen to the Young Marshal's words."

Everyone exclaimed: "We shall undoubtedly remain loyal and devoted to the Young Marshal!"

Yang Yuting was the first to slam the table, his eyebrows raised and his voice stern: "Young Marshal! This territory of Northeast China was built by the old marshal and all of us through decades of hardship and bloodshed. It is soaked with the blood of Northeast men. How can we simply hand it over to Chiang Kai-shek? I firmly oppose your action! If Chiang Kai-shek wants to lay his hands on Northeast China, then let him step over my dead body! The Yang family is always ready!"

This ... ... Yan Xishan was at a loss for words, and after a long pause, he reluctantly said, "The human heart is difficult to gauge"

Hmph! The Fengjun has relinquished half a province and two cities in one go. Does Brother Baichuan still not believe in his sincerity?

Outrageous! Those damned Japanese are clearly the ones shouting to catch thieves! How could Chairman Tang, who claims to have a pair of tiger eyes, not see through this! Hmph, I think he has more of a pair of cat eyes! Just after Tang Yulin finished speaking, the commander of the Heihe garrison and the commander of the Second Cavalry Army, Ma Zhanshan, stood up and loudly retorted, "As everyone knows, the Japanese have always harbored ill intentions towards Northeast China! Especially in recent times, they have approached the General multiple times, claiming they could support our military operations. However, the Japanese proposed a series of harsh conditions, demanding that the General sell the sovereignty of Northeast China to them. The General flatly refused, and naturally, the Japanese were driven to murderous intent! They planted explosives on the railway where the General was returning, killing both the General and Supervisor Wu!"

Ma Zhanshan, who came from humble beginnings, unexpectedly garnered the support of the old veterans who fought alongside Zhang Zuolin and the passionate young officers with his unrestrained street-level criticism. Together, they condemned the compromise faction represented by Chang Yinhua. Initially, a few individuals intended to support Chang Yinhua's proposal to "minimize major issues and resolve minor ones," but before they could voice their opinions, they witnessed the public outrage directed at Chang Yinhua. They prudently swallowed their words, leaving Chang Yinhua alone to endure the scorn and spittle of the crowd, his face alternating between shades of green and white.

Ma Zhanshan glanced at him and said, "There is no need to feel guilty as if you were a thief!"

The adjutant of Zhang Xueliang, Tan Hai, who had always stood outside, entered and saluted.

The sky is overcast, with misty rain falling gently. The fine raindrops drift down from the sky, alleviating much of the heat in the city of Shenyang during the sweltering summer.

July 2, Shenyang Military and Political Council Hall

Zhang Xueliang stood quietly alone in a secluded pavilion of the Grand Marshal's residence, gazing at the distant scene shrouded in rain. His expression was blank, and his eyes were hollow. Outsiders believed that the Young Marshal was deeply saddened and troubled due to the sudden passing of his father. In reality, no one knew that a tremendous storm was already brewing within Zhang Xueliang's heart

This is just the first eight characters, but what about the last eight characters?" Zhang Zuoxiang, who had been silent for half a day, said slowly

At the moment when Chiang Kai-shek and others were at a loss, Zhang Xueliang's telegram proposing peace unexpectedly arrived. This surprising action left Chiang Kai-shek, Yan Xishan, Li Zongren, and Feng Yuxiang momentarily at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond

Zhang Xueliang closed his eyes and shook his head, saying: "I will not disclose this for the time being, because we are currently unable to seek revenge. I fear that if I were to speak out, someone might act rashly, bringing heavy disaster to Northeast China. At that time, the common people in Northeast China would once again suffer and be displaced."

Tang Yulin immediately became furious and said, "What nonsense are you talking about!"

Yang Yuting continued, "The Generalissimo was always anti-communist during his lifetime. He explicitly referred to the Soviet Communist Party as a ferocious beast and a venomous snake. Not only did he sever relations with the Soviet Union, but he also actively assisted Chiang Kai-shek in eliminating the Communist Party. He closed the representative office of the Soviet Transport Company in Harbin, searched the institutions and commercial offices of Soviet personnel in the Eastern Railway Bureau, and on April 6 of last year, he even attacked the Soviet consulate in Beijing, arresting a large number of Communist Party members. The contradictions between the Generalissimo and the Soviet authorities were also quite sharp; it can be said that besides Nanjing and the Japanese, the Soviet Union is also a suspect. But who exactly was responsible for the Generalissimo's death, the Young Marshal! Do you truly know?" Everyone turned their gaze towards Zhang Xueliang.

Indeed, the young marshal is wise! This action is truly a blessing for the nation! A group of young officers, including Wang Shuchang, Li Du, Wu Keren, Su Bingwen, and Zou Zuohua, all expressed their support.

According to the investigation report, Zhang Xueliang has indeed kept his word and has begun to withdraw the Feng, Zhi, and Lu troops from within the borders in batches. Currently, only a small number of follow-up troops are facing us. It seems that Zhang Xueliang is sincere. Why doesn't the Chairman use negotiations to resolve the conflict? said Feng Yuxiang

If we fail to take revenge and instead lose the legacy left by the old leader, we would be even more unworthy of him!" Chang Yinhai, the supervisor of Heilongjiang Province, said darkly, "I believe this matter should be resolved through negotiation and diplomacy.

The last parliament unanimously elected Zhang Xueliang as the Commander-in-Chief of the Security Forces of the Three Eastern Provinces and the Security Commander of Liaoning Province, officially assuming these positions. Zhang Xueliang fulfilled his wish by taking over the highest military and political authority in Northeast China from Zhang Zuolin.

What? Although he had mentally prepared himself, the intensity of the reactions that followed still exceeded Zhang Xueliang's expectations. The crowd had already erupted in chaos; after decades of enmity, how could they possibly surrender?

The white silk and gauze spread across the sky, while wreaths and mourning banners piled up like mountains. At this moment, the grand residence, which usually instilled fear in the hearts of ordinary citizens as a symbol of power and authority, was engulfed in profound sorrow. The somber music of the band intertwined with the heart-wrenching cries of the deceased's family, shattering the hearts of all who heard it. Soldiers, armed and wearing black armbands, stood guard at the entrance of the mourning hall, while each gate was adorned with archways made of black and white fabric. The archway at the main entrance was similar to those at the gates, but featured an additional plaque reading "United in Grief, Both Domestic and Foreign." Behind the archway rose two layers of four-cornered towers, displaying three plaques that read from top to bottom: "Star Sinking," "Heroic Spirit Enduring," and "The People Grieve Together." White mourning ribbons hung from the eaves, creating an extraordinary atmosphere. The columns of the mourning hall were wrapped in white gauze, with a horizontal plaque inscribed with "Heavenly Pillar Peak Collapsed." On both sides, numerous mourning banners sent by dignitaries from various fields were densely hung. Those coming to pay their respects moved back and forth like a shuttle, bowing and offering incense and candles in front of the spirit tablet. On the offering table in front of the spirit tablet were five pieces of cloisonné vessels, with smoke rising from burning candles and incense, and precious fruits and offerings filling the high table. Two pots of white flowers were placed on either side of the table, and prominently displayed in the center was the portrait of General Zhang Zuolin, who had dominated the northern region for over thirty years, dressed in military uniform. Just days prior, General Zhang's special train had suddenly exploded while returning from Beiping to Fengtian, resulting in severe injuries from which he ultimately succumbed. Thus, a generation's warlord departed from this world.

A heartfelt statement made everyone feel a pang of sadness. Originally, nearly everyone had guessed about the purpose of today's military and political meeting with about 80 to 90 percent accuracy. However, just now, Zhang Xueliang's remark, "The truth is already becoming clear," suddenly caught everyone's attention. "Young Marshal!" Zhang Zuoxiang, the Governor of the Northeast Military and Political Affairs, lamented, "The death of the old marshal was by no means an accident. Does the young marshal already know who the mastermind behind it is?"

"Hmph! The enmity of killing my father cannot be shared under the same sky!" Zhang Xueliang suddenly changed his expression, cold as ice, and said, "In ancient times, there were those who endured hardship and tasted bitterness; today, I, Zhang Xueliang, shall also emulate the ancients with the ambition of sharpening my sword for ten years to seek revenge. Once I resolve the internal and external troubles, I will vigorously develop military education and various industries in Northeast China. The day Northeast China rises will be the day my enemies pay the price!"

However, Wan Fulin hesitated and said, "If we surrender to Chiang Kai-shek like this, how will we establish ourselves in the future?"

"Pass me the command!" Zhang Xueliang took a breath and slowly said, "1. Call Chiang Kai-shek and inform him that I, representing the Zhili and Shandong United Army, am willing to advance the national unification effort through peaceful means. From this day forward, both sides shall cease any military actions and resolve the disputes through negotiations. To demonstrate our sincerity, we will withdraw the Zhili and Shandong United Army from Zhili, and designate the cities of Beijing and Tianjin as demilitarized zones to be handed over to the Nanjing government. 2. Notify the high-ranking officials of the Northeast Army and political circles that a military and political meeting will be held at 8:00 AM on July 2 in the conference hall of the Shenyang Military and Political Council. No one shall delay or be absent without valid reason!" To demonstrate our sincerity, we will withdraw the Zhili and Shandong United Army from Zhili, and designate the cities of Beijing and Tianjin as demilitarized zones to be handed over to the Nanjing government. 2. Notify the high-ranking officials of the Northeast Army and political circles that a military and political meeting will be held at 8:00 AM on July 2 in the conference hall of the Shenyang Military and Political Council. No one shall delay or be absent without valid reason!

In fact, Zhang Xueliang was in great distress, as he did not yet understand how to handle such public occasions with composure without revealing his true feelings. Moreover, he could not cry in front of Zhang Zuolin (after all, Zhang Zuolin was not his father, Chu Fei). He could only recite a few words of mourning in front of the mausoleum, and after being unable to think of anything else to say, he ended up standing there in a daze for a long time, wearing a profoundly inscrutable and cold expression before hurriedly leaving.

At 8 o'clock sharp, Zhang Xueliang, dressed in military uniform and with a black scarf wrapped around his arm, entered the venue under the guidance of Wang Yizhe. Instantly, everyone in the room stood up, shouting, "Commander!" Zhang Xueliang shook hands and greeted the crowd that had gathered around him. At this moment, many prominent figures from Northeast China were present, allowing Zhang Xueliang to broaden his horizons and feast his eyes on numerous historical figures. Among the more notable attendees were Zhang Zuoxiang, Ji Jinchun, Wan Fulin, Mo Dehui, Shen Honglie, Zang Shiyi, Zhang Zongchang, Yu Xuezhong, Wang Shuchang, Li Du, Zou Zuohua, Ma Zhanshan, Su Bingwen, Liu Guiwu, Wu Keren, Feng Zanhai, Huang Xiansheng, He Zhuguo, Bai Fengxiang, He Xianmei, Chang Enduo, Dong Yingbin, Huang Dexing, Feng Yong, and Xie Ke, among others. There were also Tang Yulin, Yang Yuting, Chang Yinhai, Kan Zhaoxi, Zhang Jinghui, Yuan Jinkai, Zhang Haipeng, Yu Zhishan, and Xi Qia, among others. Of course, there were many influential figures who, at this time, held lower positions and were not qualified to attend this meeting. As for who among these individuals is loyal or treacherous, who will sacrifice their lives for the country and who will sell out for personal gain, Zhang Xueliang was well aware. The scoundrels must be eliminated, but there is no rush at present; meals are eaten one bite at a time, and people are dealt with one by one. Zhang Xueliang let out a cold laugh in his heart, but his expression remained calm as he approached the chairperson's position and said, "Many of those present are old comrades-in-arms of my father who have experienced life and death together for many years. I am merely a junior, and I feel quite apprehensive in the presence of such esteemed seniors. Please, everyone, feel free."

"Good!" Zhang Zuoxiang stood up and said loudly, "It is truly a blessing for Northeast China that the Young Marshal is so resolute in his ambitions! We will continue to assist the Young Marshal in achieving great accomplishments, just as we supported the Old Marshal!"

The crowd expressed their astonishment, saying: "What is the reason for this?" "Young Marshal! Who is the true culprit behind the death of the old marshal? Why not just say it outright? Even if it is the King of Heaven, I will hold him accountable!"

Zhang Xueliang began with a display of modesty, which undoubtedly put the elder members of the Feng faction at ease, thinking, "It seems this young man still understands the importance of respecting others; we will still need to rely on him in the future, and he will not look down on us."

On July 1, at the southern hillside of Gaolitangzi Village, 60 li east of Fushun, the tomb of Zhang Zuolin was constructed at this location. This site was studied by Feng, a master of water, invited by the Zhang family, who all believed that the area boasts clear mountains and beautiful waters, with an excellent geomantic configuration and picturesque scenery. The hillside is bathed in sunlight, the mountains are majestic, and the shimmering Hunhe River surrounds it on the east, west, and south. In the distance across the water lies Tiebei Mountain, making it an ideal resting place for the great commander. The entire project was initially planned to cost 1 million dollars and take two years to complete, but Zhang Xueliang, citing "money should be spent on the welfare of the people," used less than 100,000 dollars (earning a good reputation). The General's Office not only recruited a large number of craftsmen but also mobilized several engineering battalions from the Fengtian Army. In a rush, they finally completed a medium-sized yet imposing cemetery within the deadline set by the Young Marshal. On the day of completion, Zhang Xueliang arranged for the burial of Zhang Zuolin's coffin.

"The words of Governor Yan are perhaps overly optimistic." As soon as Yan Xishan finished speaking, Bai Chongxi, who was beside Li Zongren, shook his head and said, "It is natural for the morale of the Fengtian Army to suffer a blow with Zhang Zuolin's death, but Zhang Xueliang still continues to command the entire army. The Fengtian, Zhili, and Shandong allied forces currently still have over 500,000 troops. As the saying goes, a centipede dies but does not fall over. Even if we can take Northeast China, the cost we would have to pay is likely to be..."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhang Xueliang, with a pained expression, began to address the main topic: "A month ago, my father unfortunately met with an accident. The specific cause of the incident is still under investigation, but I have a general idea of the truth in my heart. The situation in Northeast China is dire; with the old chief gone, various forces are eyeing us. Inside the country, there are the four major military groups led by Jiang, Feng, Yan, and Li, while outside, the Japanese Kwantung Army is watching us closely. To the north, the Soviet Union is also coveting and probing. If we fail to protect the legacy left by the old chief, I will have no face to meet him after my death. What should our next steps be? Today, I have specially invited everyone to come together to discuss this matter."

What if Zhang Xueliang is merely buying time? When he has regained his strength, he might turn against us, and by then ... ... " Yan Xishan opposed.

Upon returning to the handsome residence, Zhang Xueliang first began to exercise the power in his hands, issuing orders: "Tan Hai!"

In the hall, as the crowd mourned and paid their respects to the portrait of General Zhang, a sudden commotion erupted. Several strong soldiers from the Fengjun rudely pushed through the crowd, creating an opening. A young officer, handsome and travel-worn, strode forward; it was none other than Zhang Xueliang, the eldest son of Zhang Zuolin. When his gaze met the portrait of the General in the mourning hall, Zhang Xueliang was struck as if by lightning, freezing in place, his body trembling violently and his complexion changing drastically. Upon seeing the General's coffin placed in the center of the room, he staggered forward, but with a thud, he fell to his knees. At that moment, tears streamed down his face, and after hoarsely calling out "Father," he suddenly fainted.

The news of Zhang Zuolin's death quickly spread across the vast expanse of the country, leaving the common people in the Nationalist-controlled areas astonished: How could that bearded man, who had contended with the central government and dominated the North for so many years, just die like this? Most of the local populace in Northeast China, however, held a mournful and sighing attitude towards this event. In conclusion, Zhang Zuolin was indeed a local warlord who cared for the common people. He had occupied Northeast China for many years and had made significant contributions to the development of agriculture, industry, commerce, and education in the region, improving the lives of the local populace considerably compared to before. Moreover, he had not engaged in treasonous acts over the years, earning him the support of the people in Northeast China. Now that this pillar of Northeast China had collapsed, the pressure on Zhang Xueliang was extremely heavy, with various forces eyeing the region. The four major military factions within the borders—Chiang Kai-shek, Feng Yuxiang, Li Zongren, and Yan Xishan—were all watching closely, while the Zhili and Shandong allied forces barely managed to confront them. At this moment, within Chiang Kai-shek's faction, several hardliners led by Feng Yuxiang were vigorously advocating for a direct assault on Northeast China, taking advantage of the disarray among the Fengtian Army. However, Yan Xishan and others feared that entering Northeast China would lead to a significant loss of their own strength, allowing the Japanese or the central government to benefit from the situation, thus opposing the idea. This left Chiang Kai-shek in a state of conflict and hesitation. Meanwhile, the Japanese Kwantung Army outside the borders was like a venomous snake, pressing in aggressively. At this time, Zhang Xueliang had already received several intimidating letters from the Japanese government or the Kwantung Army. Furthermore, across the Heilongjiang River, there was a red imperialist Soviet Union watching the situation unfold. Additionally, the Zhili, Shandong, and Fengtian factions were not united; it was likely that there were already hundreds of military and political leaders exchanging correspondence with various external forces.

"Rest assured on this point! We are loyal to the central government, not surrendering." Zhang Xueliang took out Chiang Kai-shek's reply and said, "I have already telegraphed Chairman Chiang to suspend military actions from both sides and expressed my intentions. Chairman Chiang has also agreed. Soon, representatives from Nanjing will come, and we will inevitably engage in bargaining negotiations. I will strive to maintain the autonomy of the Northeast and do my utmost to prevent central government forces from infiltrating the Northeast. Everyone's resources will not be handed over without compensation."

"Yes!" After recording the command, Tan Hai gave a slight bow and hesitated before saying, "Young Marshal, I fear that Zhang Zongchang and Chu Yuping will not heed your orders to relinquish their territory and retreat obediently"

Chang Yinhua also stood up and said: "The old commander has just been laid to rest, and before his bones have even cooled, you, the young commander, are about to destroy the foundation that the old commander built over a lifetime of military service. How shall we face the old commander in the afterlife?"

After the Kwantung Army murdered Zhang Zuolin, the then Japanese Prime Minister Tanaka was very disappointed. He believed that since the Kwantung Army had killed Zhang Zuolin, it effectively forced the entire Fengtian faction to oppose Japan. Therefore, apart from forcibly occupying Northeast China, there was no other path to take. Behind this incident was actually the conflict and struggle between the Kwantung Army and the domestic government. The Japanese government generally decided that economic plunder of Manchuria was more in line with Japan's interests, while the internal factions of the Kwantung Army believed that direct armed occupation should be pursued. The first step of armed occupation was to eliminate the disobedient Zhang Zuolin, but this plan never received the consent of the Japanese government. Frustrated by this, figures such as Goto Shinpei decided to take risks and act independently. After careful planning, they successfully eliminated Zhang Zuolin. After the "Huanggutun Incident," Goto Shinpei, Kōmoto Daisaku, and others were overjoyed, believing that the actions of the Empire of Japan to officially advance into Manchuria were about to begin. However, as they waited, they did not see the warships loaded with army soldiers docking in the Northeast; instead, they received the order to "recall Major General Goto Shinpei back to Japan, with Major General Hata Eitarō succeeding him." At the same time, Kōmoto and others were also directly ordered to return to Japan for "examination." These orders all came from the Japanese military, as the military hierarchy generally believed that the Kwantung Army was too reckless and should be properly reorganized. Later, this case caused great controversy within the Japanese government, dragging on for more than a year, but ultimately succumbing to the intimidation of young military personnel. The case concluded with the vague statement that "after thorough investigation, it was found that the Kwantung Army was not involved in the Zhang case." This also reflected the Japanese government's failure to control the military, leading Japan further down the path of militarism.

The seventeenth year of the Republic of China, midsummer, Shenyang

At this moment, Zhang Xueliang felt a myriad of emotions that were difficult to articulate—confusion, fear, tension, helplessness, sadness, and so on surged within him. The complexity of the situation was primarily due to Zhang Xueliang's inability to immediately grasp the changes brought about by the shift in time and space; his mind was still somewhat muddled. In fact, unbeknownst to outsiders, Zhang Xueliang was no longer Zhang Xueliang. The soul, or rather the consciousness, occupying Zhang Xueliang's body belonged to a young man named Chu Fei, a well-mannered individual from the 21st century. To put it bluntly, Chu Fei was unaware of which deity he had offended, as his consciousness had traversed time and space, an old trope often found in fantasy novels. Chu Fei only remembered that on that day, he had been alone in his school dormitory, consuming eight bottles of Qingdao beer in a frenzy, leading to a state of extreme inebriation and confusion. The reason for his desperate drinking was simple: his college girlfriend of three years had left him for a foreigner, who promised to take her to the United States, offering her a green card, American citizenship, and countless dollars. In contrast, he was merely a destitute graduate student in the history department. Ultimately, he fell into a deep sleep after shouting, "Let me die!" several times. He had no idea how long he had been drunk, but when he awoke, he found himself surrounded by a group of strangely dressed individuals, and he was clad in a yellow military uniform.

As for the direct executor of this incident—Colonel Kawamoto, a senior staff officer of the Japanese Kwantung Army—he received direct instructions from the Supreme Commander of the Kwantung Army, Murakami Chōtarō. Some important generals of the Kwantung Army believed that Zhang Zuolin was the greatest obstacle to Japan's control over Northeast China. If Zhang Zuolin were not eliminated, Japan would face significant resistance in the Northeast. Therefore, Murakami personally oversaw the assassination of Zhang Zuolin. Initially, Murakami secretly dispatched the Japanese military attaché in Harbin, Takeshita Yoshiharu, to Beijing to carry out the operation, but this was uncovered by Colonel Kawamoto. He believed that Beijing was filled with informants, making it difficult to conceal the assassination. Thus, the plan was changed to execute the operation when Zhang Zuolin returned to the Northeast. Colonel Kawamoto was appointed as the overall commander of the operation, with the conspiracy's execution date set for after May 31. The original assassination site was intended to be the bridge over the Jiu Liu River on the Jingfeng Road, but due to the strict surveillance by Chinese military and police in that area, there was no opportunity for a careful arrangement. Consequently, Kawamoto chose the suspension bridge on the South Manchuria Road in Huanggutun as the site for the attack, which indeed succeeded in killing Zhang Zuolin with a bomb. The cunning Kawamoto also devised a way to cover up the responsibility. He first had the ronin Andarōsei find a Chinese unemployed soldier, Liu Daiming, who then located three beggars selling morphine to impersonate the assassins. On the night of June 3, they were taken to a bathhouse in the South Manchuria Road area to wash and change clothes, and were subsequently escorted by Japanese soldiers to the suspension bridge in Huanggutun, where they were killed with bayonets. One of the beggars, surnamed Wang, took the opportunity to escape while bathing. After Zhang Zuolin was bombed, this Wang beggar reported to the Fengtian Army, revealing that the two corpses identified by the Japanese as the assassins were actually the bodies of two Chinese beggars. The owner of the bathhouse had also gone to see the corpses and confirmed to the Japanese gendarmerie in Shenyang that they were beggars who had bathed in his establishment, thus exposing the conspiracy of the Japanese Kwantung Army.

The 17th Infantry Division, led by Wang Yizhe and recalled by Zhang Xueliang to safeguard Shenyang, comprised soldiers armed with live ammunition guarding the entrances and exits. The spacious hall was already filled with a bustling crowd, with over 300 seats occupied by high-ranking officials from Northeast China, as well as dozens of generals from the Zhili and Shandong allied forces who had retreated to Rehe, each group huddled together in small clusters, quietly discussing various matters.

Zhang Xueliang looked at the obedient crowd and finally let out a sigh of relief. The reactions of Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhua were within his expectations, as these two had always been staunchly opposed to changing the banner. Of course, there were also many others below who were calculating their own interests; these would be dealt with gradually later.

"You—" Tang Yulin nearly collapsed to the ground in anger. Seeing that the two were on the verge of fighting, Yang Yuting, the Chief Advisor of the Fengjun and Commander of the Fourth Front Army, intervened, saying: "Both of you, please do not continue to argue! Chairman Tang, General Ma, if you behave this way without regard for your status, won't it be a source of ridicule for others?" Tang Yulin and Ma Zhanshan exchanged a glare and let out a heavy huff before ceasing their dispute.

As the crowd gradually quieted down, Zhang Xueliang continued, "Let us set aside the matter of revenge for the time being. What we face now is how to proceed next. Where is the road to Northeast? When will this endless civil war between the North and South come to an end? Ultimately, it is the common people who suffer the most. The nation's strength and financial resources are being depleted in this manner. How can we justify this to the legacy of Premier Sun Yat-sen?"

Well, rest assured, after our army retreats completely, only their Zhilu Allied Forces will remain in Rehe. I don't believe those two won't flee with us. Do they really intend to take on Chiang Kai-shek's four army groups alone? Besides, I am still the commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces, right? If they do not listen to me, aren't they afraid of my reprimands leading to them being besieged by both Chiang Kai-shek and us? Notify them and order their units to gather and rest in the area around Baihu Gorge and Longhua. Zhang Zongchang and Chu Yuping are heading to Shenyang to attend the meeting on the 3rd. Tan Hai felt a chill in his heart after listening to Zhang Xueliang's blunt analysis. When did the Young Marshal become so cunning? Without a second thought, he sold out Zhang Zongchang and Chu Yuping. Impressive! He quickly saluted and said, "Yes!" When did the Young Marshal become so cunning? Without a second thought, he sold out Zhang Zongchang and Chu Yuping. Impressive! He quickly saluted and said, "Yes!"

"Arrogant soldiers are bound to fail, Brother Baichuan!" Li Zongren said slowly, "Zhang Hanqing is one thing, but mainly he has a group of old veterans from Northeast behind him, each of whom has fought alongside Zhang Zuolin with heavy troops in the Northeast. They will never stand by and watch the Northeast fall into our hands"

The Young Marshal's words are indeed correct! The commander of the 20th Army of the Fourth Front Army and the commander of the garrison in Linsui, Yu Xuezhong, was the first to express his support, stating, "This action aligns with the greater national righteousness, benefits the country and the people, and with the unification of the North and South, our nation will end the scene of division and fragmentation. Then the Chinese nation can unite to build the country, and this action will also comfort the spirit of the late Prime Minister in heaven"

"No evidence, no proof! Utter nonsense!" Tang Yulin scoffed. Ma Zhanshan, infuriated, retorted, "Then show me the evidence!" Tang Yulin, equally enraged, replied, "The Japanese have specialized experts conducting investigations, and two bodies of plainclothes officers were found at the scene, along with letters from Nanjing. What more evidence do you need?" Ma Zhanshan sneered back, "Does Chairman Tang also believe in the so-called 'evidence' from the Japanese? As for the bodies, I just came down from the battlefield and could provide a trainload of corpses as evidence. I see Chairman Tang and the library are both defending the Japanese. Is it possible that Chairman Tang is also involved in this matter?"

As the originally solemn and dignified venue erupted into a cacophony of slamming tables and shouts, Zhang Xueliang had no choice but to signal with his eyes to his aide-de-camp, Tan Hai, who stepped forward and shouted: "Silence! Do you still see the Young Marshal in your eyes?"

"Negotiation my foot!" Ma Zhanshan's loud voice once again drowned out the rest of Chang Yinhai's words. "The old general has been killed by others, and you still want to resolve this through some ridiculous diplomatic negotiations! Do you have any backbone left? This matter is definitely the work of the Japanese! Rather than continuing to endure the humiliation from the little Japanese, it would be better to raise an army and wipe out all the Japanese in the Northeast to honor the old general's spirit in heaven! Since Chairman Chang enjoys living under the Japanese's control, then please continue!"

"A mere Zhang Hanqing, not yet thirty and still wet behind the ears, what is there to fear!" Yan Xishan retorted.

Hmph! Yang Yuting let out a cold snort and waved his sleeve as he left, while Chang Yinhua sat there with an expression of displeasure, not moving at all

With a sense of bittersweet nostalgia, Chu Fei began to engage in perspective-taking, contemplating how Zhang Xueliang should navigate the complexities of survival in this particular time and space. At this moment, Zhang Xueliang (Chu Fei) faced an intricately tangled situation in Northeast China, as the political landscape during the Republic of China was already exceedingly complicated. Fortunately, Chu Fei was a history major (albeit without a diploma yet) and also a World War II enthusiast, which provided him with a reasonable understanding of the historical context and geopolitical dynamics of China and the world at that time

On the side, Wang Yizhe, seeing Zhang Xueliang's predicament, showed a displeased expression and sternly said: "Silence! Silence! Everyone, let the Young Marshal finish speaking!"

Chiang Kai-shek walked slowly and after a while decided: "Apart from Zhang Xueliang, we also have the Japanese behind us! The Japanese have long desired to invade the Northeast, and once war breaks out, it will be uncontrollable. The Jinan Incident serves as a warning. I believe Zhang Xueliang is not like Zhang Zuolin; he has long harbored a disdain for war and a desire for national unification. It is better to resolve the Northeast issue through peaceful means. Therefore, we should accept Zhang Xueliang's demands and prepare to negotiate, with all factions halting military actions, peacefully occupying the areas vacated by the Fengtian Army, and allowing the Central Army to enter the cities of Beijing and Tianjin. Immediately send someone to contact Zhang Xueliang again." (Note: The Jinan Incident refers to the massacre that occurred on May 3, 1928, when Japanese imperialism brutally slaughtered Chinese military personnel and diplomats in Jinan, Shandong, also known as the May 3 Massacre. This is a blood debt that Japanese imperialism owes to the Chinese people. At that time, the Northern Expedition Army was unstoppable, and the Fengtian-affiliated troops were retreating northward. When the Northern Expedition Army reached Jinan, the Japanese intervened barbarically, leading to the Jinan Incident.)

Upon learning the direction of the family assets they were most concerned about, everyone, feeling reassured, increasingly agreed with Zhang Xueliang's proposal

The crowd was taken aback and hurriedly rushed forward, each one flustered as they attempted to provide aid. "Young Marshal!" "Young Marshal, wake up!" Yet, they saw Zhang Xueliang, who had collapsed on the ground, with a face as pale as gold paper and breath faint as a wisp of smoke, his seven souls drifting and three spirits lost, clearly on the verge of losing consciousness. The crowd was filled with deep anxiety: the Grand Marshal had just passed away, and the Young Marshal was overly agitated and unconscious. If anything were to happen to him, what would become of the Northeast legacy left by the old Marshal? Where would the Fengtian faction go from here? The crowd was filled with deep anxiety: the Grand Marshal had just passed away, and the Young Marshal was overly agitated and unconscious. If anything were to happen to him, what would become of the Northeast legacy left by the old Marshal? Where would the Fengtian faction go from here?

Zhang Xueliang sighed and said: "Although it is not one hundred percent certain, it is at least eighty to ninety percent likely. However, Xueliang will not disclose this to everyone at present"

After a day of bustling activities, the coffin of General Zhang Zuolin was finally laid to rest, marking the end of an era for a prominent figure in modern Chinese history. The funeral scene was extraordinarily lively, with over ten thousand attendees, including representatives from various domestic factions, notable figures from Northeast China, Japanese Kwantung Army envoys with ulterior motives, foreign and domestic journalists, security forces, and a large number of local civilians. However, everyone was astonished to discover that the main figure of the event—Zhang Xueliang, dressed in mourning attire—only paid his respects at the grave for less than half an hour before returning to Shenyang with his guards. The remaining arrangements were left to Zhang Zuo Xiang, Madam Shou, Yu Fengzhi, and his younger brothers Zhang Xueming and Zhang Xueceng. This peculiar and unusual behavior immediately sparked various speculations from all sides, particularly unsettling Yu Fengzhi, who wondered why her husband seemed to have changed after fainting in grief before his father's spirit and then waking up as if he were a different person.

A large group of people, including Wan Fu, Lin Ji, Jin Chun, and others, suddenly rose to their feet, either crying out in despair, beating their chests in anguish, or glaring at each other in anger, "The Young Marshal is confused!" "If the Old Marshal were to see this, he would die with his eyes wide open!"

Our troops have been fighting for several months and are already exhausted. Both the common people and the soldiers need to recuperate. Since matters can be resolved at the negotiation table, why reignite the flames of war and increase casualties?" Feng Yuxiang insisted to the previously silent Chiang Kai-shek.

The Zhili and Fengtian armies are retreating step by step, and unexpectedly, Zhang Zuolin has died. Naturally, Zhang Xueliang will seek peace with us; otherwise, he will certainly be unable to protect his hometown in Northeast China, and what face would he have to meet his father in the afterlife? Hahaha... Yan Xishan stroked his two beautiful mustaches and laughed heartily, "It seems our army's direct advance into the Northeast is just around the corner!"

At this moment, Wanfulin stated: "Recently, the Fengtian Arsenal invited Russian engineers Romitov and Darny, who, accompanied by the Japanese Chief of the Negotiation Office, Guan Gengze, conducted several on-site inspections. After their investigation, the Russian experts concluded that explosives were buried in two locations: one was above the stone pier on the south side of the bridge arch, connected to the upper iron bridge foot, and the other was at the north end of the auxiliary bridge of the middle arch. They confirmed that the explosives were placed from above the iron bridge, rather than being 'manually thrown bombs' as claimed by the Japanese investigation. Furthermore, Chief Guan reported that the Japanese had repeatedly pressured him to sign the joint investigation report, thus I also believe that the Japanese are the most suspicious."

At this time, within the borders, Chiang Kai-shek's central army was pursuing the Fengtian army along the Jinpu Road, pressing directly towards Beijing and Tianjin. Feng Yuxiang's Northwest Army was forcing Zhang Zongchang and Chu Yupu's "Zhilu Allied Forces" to retreat step by step along the Longhai and Jinpu lines. Yan Xishan's Shanxi army launched a fierce attack on Longquan Pass, while Li Zongren's Guangxi army made every effort to encircle the rear of the Fengtian, Zhili, and Shandong armies. The Fengtian, Zhili, and Shandong allied forces, driven to a desperate situation, fought fiercely in resistance. Additionally, internal conflicts within Chiang Kai-shek's faction due to uneven distribution of interests led to a stagnation of the Nationalist army's offensive, resulting in a temporary stalemate along the intricate front lines of North China.

Zhang Xueliang was annoyed to the point of gritting his teeth, but he noticed that among the crowd below, some young officers and veterans remained silent, their expressions serious and contemplative. He felt a sense of relief in his heart, thinking, it seems there are still some who support me. After all, having fought for so many years, especially in a civil war, one must be weary of it by now