Section 1, Sudden Change of Fate (2)

Standing there, Tofu Hara Kenji was momentarily speechless, filled with both annoyance and anger. Today’s visit to the General's residence could be described as completely fruitless, and he had been left with nothing but disappointment. It seemed that this arrogant young general was not a suitable candidate supported by the Kwantung Army, and he would need to be dealt with sooner or later. A fierce glint flashed in Tofu's eyes as he left with a parting remark: "I hope the young general will think twice!" He picked up his briefcase and departed in frustration.

This document is extremely useful to me!" Zhang Xueliang suddenly exclaimed

"I heard that General Zhang is preparing to submit to the Nanjing government?" The somewhat calmed Tofu Hara Kenji raised another pointed question.

Hehe, it is like this: General Honjo Shigeru, the Commander-in-Chief of the Kwantung Army, is also very concerned about the development issues in Northeast China. Recently, he and I, along with others, have discussed and formulated this outline titled "On the Joint Development of Northeast China by Japan and China." We hope to work sincerely with the Young Marshal to jointly develop and construct Northeast China. I kindly ask the Young Marshal to review it.

Upon returning to the entrance of the handsome residence and just getting out of the car, Tan Hai hurriedly approached to report: "Young Marshal! The special envoy from the Japanese government, Lin Quanzhu, has arrived!"

However, this would be detrimental to me..." Zhang Xueliang, feeling guilty, spoke in a flustered manner

After taking a sip of the steaming hot pure coffee, Zhang Xueliang immediately felt all his drowsiness vanish. This era truly offers genuine substance! While he was reflecting on this, he suddenly noticed Liu Duoquan still standing at the door, seemingly hesitant to speak. "Fang Du, why are you being so evasive? Just say what you have to say!"

Zhang Xueliang (Chu Fei), whose heart was racing with fear, looked at Gu Ruiyu, who was already in tears, and couldn't help but feel a surge of sympathy. Alas, she was also a lovesick and pitiable woman. In pursuit of love, this young girl resolutely followed the charming General Zhang to the front lines, repeatedly traversing through the hail of bullets with the one she loved. Even in her own serious illness, she worried that if she left, no one would take care of Zhang Xueliang, and she stubbornly refused to retreat to the rear. However, Zhang Xueliang was indeed quite the flirt. In his later years, he revealed that he had eleven lovers and had even supported the popular star Hu Die, and he had even attempted to pursue the sister of Wang Zhengtian, who was then the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the National Government. With limited energy, naturally, he had less thought to spare for this second wife in front of him. The feeling of being neglected was certainly unpleasant, compounded by various misunderstandings. It is no wonder that this military wife later ended up living alone in Tianjin, indulging in a sense of "self-destruction" and revelry.

Dressed in simple attire, Gu Ruiyu was nervously pulled into the room by Zhang Xueliang. Once the three were seated, Yu Fengzhi spoke up: "You, leave!" pointing at Zhang Xueliang.

The elegant and fitted Western attire could not conceal her tall and alluring figure, nor the flawless face that exuded an imposing presence without anger. Her high nose bridge, cherry lips, and phoenix eyes perfectly combined to create a beauty before Zhang Xueliang, who, under the warm orange light, seemed to possess a touch of divine grace. Instantly captivated, Zhang Xueliang found it difficult to tear his gaze away from her, while his mind shamelessly pondered, "Is this my wife? I am truly fortunate!" As he swallowed hard, Zhang Xueliang suddenly realized that the beauty's eyes, which should have been filled with tenderness, instead sparkled with a cold, icy light, while a subtle scent of gunpowder quietly permeated the air.

You said! Why have you not come to see me even today! And you still say that my return to Shenyang will bring you harm!" Just as Zhang Xueliang was about to comfort Gu Ruiyu, he was suddenly taken aback by her rapid change in expression and her sharp questioning.

"Naive! Good, how have I been naive? Give me an explanation! Otherwise..." Gu Ruiyu said through clenched teeth.

Oh, thank you for the compliment. May I ask what brings Mr. Tofuhara here today?" Zhang Xueliang sat down on the sofa, crossed his legs, and casually picked up a toothpick to clean his teeth.

Gu Ruiyu sat down without any hesitation, and Zhang Xueliang, at a loss for words, said: "You, how did you come here?"

Zhang Xueliang was momentarily at a loss for words. He sighed inwardly, thinking, having finally dealt with one, there is still another, sigh! Historically, the cross-century romance between Zhang Xueliang and Miss Zhao Si has been hailed as "a splendid rose in the midst of war," and after their deaths, they were buried together. Before the Huanggutun Incident, Zhang Xueliang had lived in Beijing for a period, becoming acquainted with the Zhao family and often visiting them, which led to his meeting with Zhao Yidi. The two later spent time together in Beidaihe during the summer, but now Zhang Xueliang calculated in his mind that Miss Zhao Si was only 17 years old at this time. Moreover, their relationship was merely in the stage of mutual affection, with their feelings still in a hazy state. Historically, it was not until March 1929 that Zhang Xueliang formally welcomed her to Shenyang, and they began their official romance. Therefore, at this moment, Zhao Yidi essentially had no real connection with him. Thinking of this, Zhang Xueliang felt considerably relieved, secretly letting out a breath. The fewer romantic entanglements, the better, and he certainly did not have the energy to deal with the emotional mess of "exes."

On the afternoon of July 5, Zhang Xueliang had just finished a meeting with Shen Honglie, discussing matters related to the construction of the Northeast Navy, when he received a telegram from Mo Dehui. Mo Dehui, as the Northeast representative for the Northeast's change of allegiance, reported that he had met with Fang Benren, the representative from Nanjing, at the Liuguo Hotel in Beiping. The two parties had conducted preliminary discussions regarding the Northeast's change of allegiance, and Nanjing would soon send another envoy to Feng to discuss the specifics.

You... sigh, you are too naive..." Zhang Xueliang said in a moment of panic, uttering a classic line often used by the older generation when they find themselves at a loss for words in the face of rebuttal from the younger generation.

Zhang Xueliang understood that this matter had to be faced sooner or later, and that it was futile to keep avoiding it. With this thought in mind, he could only brace himself and say: "Let her in."

It was not until thirty seconds had passed that Zhang Xueliang realized the other party was still standing. He quickly got up and, with a voice lacking confidence, murmured: "Please, have a seat..."

I am unable to meet with Mr. Lin Quan Zhu today due to my busy official schedule. He has already been here for an hour and insists on not leaving without seeing you. Moreover, he has brought a personal letter from Prime Minister Tanaka Giichi of Japan.

Zhang Xueliang remained motionless on the sofa. Today's arrival of Tufuhara made him understand many things, and he deeply realized Japan's ambition to dominate Northeast China. At the same time, he became aware that there were individuals within Northeast China colluding with the Japanese, making the situation far more severe than he had imagined. He knew he must act with greater urgency.

Women need to be coaxed, Zhang Xueliang sighed softly

In the afternoon, in a side room of the Grand Marshal's residence, Zhang Xueliang lowered his head like a child who had made a mistake, pleading in a broken voice with Yu Fengzhi, whose expression was as cold as frost, about the events of last night. Finally, in a voice as soft as silk, he said: "Just accept her..."

I have truly never heard such a funny joke!" Zhang Xueliang rose solemnly, his tone severe, and said, "The Northeast's submission to the central government is entirely a matter of China's internal affairs. Why should I discuss this with the Kwantung Army? Why should I seek instructions from the Japanese government? It is truly ridiculous!"

Yu Fengzhi looked at her husband, who appeared imposing in front of others, yet now showed a look of grievance. She couldn't help but smile slightly, remained silent for a moment, and then sighed, saying: "Let her in."

Gu Ruiyu's heartfelt lament sent chills down Zhang Xueliang's spine. Goodness, I almost forgot that this fellow had a habit of smoking opium and was addicted to drugs. Fortunately, he had already quit before taking over his body

Is that so? Then where do you place Miss Zhao Si from Beiping?" Yu Fengzhi bluntly pointed out.

In the evening, Zhang Xueliang was alone in an office within the Shenyang City Government building, reviewing the government and military documents submitted to him. The continuous reading made him feel dizzy and yawn incessantly. Being a high-ranking official was not as good as it seemed, Zhang Xueliang lamented. Glancing at his watch, it was already past 1 o'clock, "Fang Du!"

Mr. Tofu, please do not misunderstand my meaning. I just felt a slight pain in my abdomen, and I will have to make a trip to the restroom shortly. The quality of the papers you sent is quite good and will come in handy for me, so I sincerely appreciate your kindness

After a while, Yu Fengzhi opened the door, still with a face as cold as frost, "Come in."

Of course, of course, the Empire of Japan and the Kwantung Army will always be the most steadfast friends and support of the Young Marshal. Tohohara Kenji nodded repeatedly and began to promote, but he was secretly puzzled. Did Zhang Xueliang really have such great ambitions, speaking so bluntly? Were all his previous actions merely a facade? However, the expression on his face while speaking did not seem serious at all

In order to ensure traffic safety, drive slowly to avoid hitting pedestrians. On the way back, Zhang Xueliang, with a serious and benevolent expression, instructed the driver. The understanding driver deliberately took two hours to cover a journey that should have taken less than half an hour to reach the General's residence. Seeing that it was still early, Zhang Xueliang took the opportunity to have a meal at a restaurant before burping and going to meet Toihara Kenji.

"The Great Japan will also support me in becoming the founding emperor, right?" Zhang Xueliang raised his head and said

Zhang Xueliang slowly spat out a small piece of meat before taking the document handed to him by Tojo Hideki

Zhang Xueliang suddenly found the rich coffee in his mouth to be extremely bitter. What was that Second Lady Gu Ruiyu doing here in the middle of the night? Having the First Lady Yu Fengzhi at home already made Zhang Xueliang anxious, and now with the arrival of a Second Lady, good heavens! Upon reflection, this Gu Ruiyu, who was known as the "Military Wife," had started living alone in Tianjin since Zhang Xueliang was stationed in Baoding, and had little contact with the Zhang family. She learned to dance, went to bars, enjoyed operas, and played mahjong with others until late at night. She often went to Beijing for several days to watch operas, sometimes using Zhang Xueliang's name to invite famous performers like Mei Lanfang to sing in the private apartments of her friends, thus affecting the box office income of those renowned actors. Although those performers were also displeased with Gu Ruiyu's endless gatherings, they had to comply because she was the mistress of the Young Marshal. When this matter reached Zhang Xueliang's ears, he was extremely furious. Zhang Xueliang even ordered that she could no longer use his name to invite performers from Beijing and Tianjin for her gatherings without reason, but Gu Ruiyu continued to act as she pleased. At this point, the two of them should have already fallen out; why would she come here to see him? Zhang Xueliang scolded himself for being foolish. She must have left Tianjin without permission to follow him after he received the news of the funeral. She had a private villa in Shenyang, which was bought for her by the "former" Zhang Xueliang. The reason was simple: although Zhang Xueliang had married her, the First Lady Yu Fengzhi could not tolerate her and forbade her from returning to the Zhang family residence. Alas, clearly a legitimate wife, yet treated like a mistress. No wonder Gu Ruiyu became increasingly temperamental later on.

Han Qing, regarding the book... Gu Ruiyu's gentle apologetic voice filled Zhang Xueliang with a sense of pride as he lowered his head. It seemed she had been swayed by his animated explanation; his eloquence was not to be underestimated. After all, he had watched so many romantic dramas on television and listened to countless vows of love, as well as observed numerous live debates among university students. Although he lacked the ability to point at the sun and claim it was night like those students, he felt more than capable of handling the situation with her. However, Gu Ruiyu's next words sent a chill through his heart: "It seems that for your sake, I think the time has come for me to leave you..."

The return of Northeast China to Nanjing will inevitably impact the interests of the Empire of Japan in Manchuria. The Kwantung Army is stationed in Northeast China to protect the interests of the Empire of Japan in Manchuria and to safeguard Japanese expatriates, which is, of course, related to the Kwantung Army! This move by the Young Marshal is tantamount to betraying Northeast China, and neither the Empire of Japan nor the Kwantung Army will accept it!" Tofohara Kenji argued with sophistry and intimidation.

Zhang Xueliang observed as Toihara Kenji's complexion changed from rosy to purple and then to a deathly pale within a matter of seconds, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. This Toihara Kenji truly possesses a talent for the art of "face-changing"; it is a pity he is not from Sichuan, otherwise, we would have another master of Sichuan opera in our country. The Japanese already have the skill of changing faces without relying on props, so why do they secretly install cameras on the stages of our Sichuan opera performers in an attempt to decipher this art? Amused internally, he maintained a nonchalant demeanor and said, "This young marshal does not enjoy joking with the Japanese. I have no interest in the treaty on that paper. Your intentions are as clear as day; you wish to support me in becoming the emperor of Northeast China who listens to your commands, and you even encourage me to seek independence. Ha ha, I’m sorry, but I absolutely refuse to engage in anything that would lead to me being pointed at and called a traitor in the future!"

Tan Hai! From now on, if any Japanese come to bother me, I will not see them at all! Yes!

The disgusting Japanese devils! Zhang Xueliang cursed in his heart, "Alright, where is he now?" "He has been waiting in the living room for quite some time!"

"It is not as if I invited you here; if you are not satisfied, you may leave. I will not keep you!"

"Why doesn't the Young Marshal discuss such an important matter with the Kwantung Army or consult Tokyo?" Toihara said fiercely

The second lady has just arrived, should we ... ...

Seeing Zhang Xueliang's unceremonious demeanor, Tufei Yuan felt an overwhelming sense of anger. He had been waiting here for nearly three hours without even being offered a cup of tea. Such a rude attitude made him want to explode in fury, but the soldier's will and the sense of mission on his shoulders compelled him to suppress his displeasure and force a smile, saying: "Ah, General Zhang has just taken charge of the Northeast and is already so dedicated; I truly admire him greatly!"

"Am I not your legitimate wife? Wherever the husband goes, the wife follows; what is wrong with that?" Gu Ruiyu said coldly with a slight snort

That night, accompanied by a beautiful woman, Zhang Xueliang surprisingly handled a large number of documents with great vigor until the early morning. (Only a fool would waste the precious time with a beauty in his arms by sleeping.) It was not until the next morning that the two, utterly exhausted, sweetly embraced each other on the sofa, holding the delicate body that exuded a faint fragrance. Moreover, Gu Ruiyu's lips were gently breathing near Zhang Xueliang's ear, making him internally exclaim that he could not bear it and instantly unable to sleep. His body began to feel restless, and his hands became unruly. This scene startled Liu Duoquan, who had come in the morning with a serious demeanor to call Zhang Xueliang back to the residence, causing him to hurriedly retreat.

Hmm

Zhang Xueliang, who was immersed in the joy of taking the first step towards success, received a report that made him feel utterly disgusted: the special envoy of the Kwantung Army and senior military advisor to the Fengtian Army, Toihara Kenji, was already waiting at the governor's residence. Zhang Xueliang sighed, realizing that he could not keep avoiding them, and had no choice but to meet with these repugnant Japanese officials, so he ordered the car to return to the governor's residence

Zhang Xueliang felt a wave of despair in his heart. How could she want to leave him? Such a stunning beauty, like a flower, and his lawful wife at that. He had foolishly driven her away. Before she could finish speaking, Zhang Xueliang mustered his courage and suddenly leaped forward, tightly grasping her delicate hand, his face filled with deep affection: "Don't say anymore. Let the past be the past, and I promise to treat you well in the future."

Upon hearing this, Toihara Kenji was overjoyed; it turned out that Zhang Xueliang was not at all as anti-Japanese as his father. He was, in fact, an ambitious individual. For a young man with such ambition but lacking in strategy, being a puppet of the empire was truly ideal! However, Zhang Xueliang's next words immediately rendered him speechless.

After only a brief glance, Zhang Xueliang couldn't help but sneer inwardly. This was not a "Joint Development Outline" at all; it was clearly a scheme to make him a puppet ruler of Northeast China under Japanese support. Phrases like "the new Northeast Army will be jointly established by China and Japan," "the Japanese side is allowed to enjoy transportation rights on the Fushun-Shenyang railway," and "the coal mines in Northeast China will be jointly exploited by China and Japan," among others, were all part of it. Of course, the treaty also offered Zhang Xueliang several enticing benefits, such as "the Japanese side will fully support the Northeast government in any form of conflict with the Nanjing government," "the Japanese government plans to allocate 60 million yuan to lend to General Zhang to organize the Fengtian military and political affairs," and "the Kwantung Army will reinforce Northeast China when necessary to protect against military attacks from the south." This was simply a replica of Yuan Shikai's treasonous "Twenty-One Demands." These insatiable and perpetually greedy Japanese, what a bunch of scoundrels! Zhang Xueliang thought bitterly.

Tohihara Kenji was carefully observing the expression on Zhang Xueliang's face. At first, Zhang Xueliang's face was expressionless, as if struck by lightning, but gradually a hint of a smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. Overjoyed, Tohihara stepped forward and said: "The interests of the Empire of Japan have long been integrated with those of Manchuria. The treaties in question can actually be further negotiated. If the Young Marshal has any opinions, I can immediately convey them to General Honjo Shigeru for further study and discussion. The Empire of Japan also has great confidence in Young Marshal Zhang, even if the Northeast were to seek independence..."

The crisp sound of high-heeled leather shoes approached from afar and finally stopped outside the office door, each step striking at Zhang Xueliang's anxious heart. The door opened—"Second Madam, you and the Young Marshal take your time to chat, I will step out first," Liu Duoquan said in a low and submissive tone.

Tsuchihara Kenji felt a surge of anger rising within him; it was at this moment that he realized that this General Zhang was not as simple as he had imagined, but rather more difficult and stubborn than his own father. Recalling the humiliation he had just suffered, Tsuchihara's eyes were almost shooting fire as he stared at Zhang Xueliang. Zhang Xueliang, uninterested in admiring his so-called "beautiful eyes," casually crossed his legs and began reading the newspaper.

On the afternoon of that day, Zhang Xueliang immediately contacted Nanjing again, and both parties agreed to send special envoys to meet soon to discuss the specific matters regarding the "Change of Banner in Northeast China"

Gu Ruiyu was truly taken by surprise; she had originally thought she had gotten herself into serious trouble. Coupled with her various mischiefs in Tianjin, she believed that it was only a matter of time before Zhang Xueliang and she would part ways. She had even mentally prepared herself for the emotional rupture and breakup. Unexpectedly, a turn of events brought her back to hope, and when Zhang Xueliang said, "Tomorrow I will take you home," it resolved a knot in Gu Ruiyu's heart. Overwhelmed with joy, she suddenly burst into tears in Zhang Xueliang's embrace.

Ah, I didn't expect that Mr. Tufeiyuan is quite well-informed. Is that so? What? Is Mr. Tufeiyuan willing to help?

Furthermore, inform the family not to provide any tea or meals for the guest; let him go hungry instead

I have no interest in watching that twisted Japanese! I will go to the city government building tonight to engage in a night of public service! Let's see who can outlast whom! Yes!

Ah, Mr. Tofuhara, your visit to my humble abode truly brings great honor to my residence. I apologize for keeping you waiting for so long. Zhang Xueliang strode into the study in a casual manner, while half-heartedly cupping his hands in greeting to the nearly dozing Kenji Tofuhara.

"Unfortunate?" Gu Ruiyu looked at Zhang Xueliang with a mix of anger and amusement. After receiving a confirming "mm" from Zhang Xueliang, she angrily said, "Since I am the jinx in your life, why did you marry me in the first place? Why did you treat me so well back then?" (Zhang Xueliang silently protested in his heart: This is unfair; I never married you. It was the 'former Zhang Xueliang' who did, and now I have to deal with this big mess.) Seeing that Zhang Xueliang remained silent, Gu Ruiyu, with a gloomy expression, lamented, "Anyone can say this about me, but you are my husband, my everything. Even if I lose everything, I still have you. Back then, I accompanied you to the front lines, traveled with you far and wide. Everyone said I was your military wife, yet I could never enter the Zhang family’s door. Why do I deserve this treatment? Your addiction was never my wish. At that time, you often suffered from insomnia due to military duties and frequently used opium. I was worried about your health, so I spent my own money to hire British doctor Heath and Japanese doctor Yamada Jiro to help you quit. But I never expected that it would lead you to morphine addiction. For this, I have cried and felt guilty in private. Outsiders have criticized and misunderstood me. For you, I even fell seriously ill. Is this the result of my good intentions?"

Zhang Xueliang had no choice but to awkwardly walk out of the room, waiting outside for the outcome of the "Double Female Meeting"

Zhang Xueliang was taken aback by Tofuhara's words, and then, as if he had heard an incredibly funny joke, he fell back on the sofa, laughing uncontrollably. Watching Zhang Xueliang nearly roll off the sofa with laughter, Tofuhara could no longer contain his anger and exclaimed: "General Zhang!"

Zhang Xueliang felt extremely annoyed; the Japanese were constantly trying to meddle in the Northeast. The influence of the Japanese in the entire Northeast could be described as pervasive, infiltrating every aspect. The internal conflicts between Chiang Kai-shek and the Fengjun were relatively easier to resolve, but the most detestable and troublesome were the Japanese. While it is easy to dodge a direct attack, it is difficult to guard against a hidden one. Moreover, the Japanese were absolutely unscrupulous in achieving their goals, reaching a point of using every possible means. Zhang Zuolin was eliminated for not heeding the Japanese, and now he had to act cautiously. He could not be overly tough on the Japanese at this moment. Recently, the Japanese government and the Kwantung Army had sent no less than seven or eight letters. After the Huanggutun Incident, the Japanese pretended to participate in the investigation and later sent people to express condolences at the funeral. Last time, the consul general of Fengtian, Lin Jiuzhilang, even wanted to meet him in person, but he had to decline. The Japanese were merely trying to deceive and intimidate him into becoming a puppet under their support in the Northeast. Of course, the cunning Japanese were also trying to win over military and political officials in the Northeast to replace him, such as Yang Yuting and the last emperor Puyi. It seemed that he needed to expedite his plans. Zhang Xueliang thought to himself.

At first, Gu Ruiyu was filled with resentment towards Zhang Xueliang, but now, as she listened to the many insider stories that Zhang shared, the ice in her heart began to melt little by little. Especially with Zhang's words, "I have always cared about you," her anger was cast aside. She now realized, somewhat bewildered, that she had been too willful in the past and had misunderstood Zhang Xueliang. In truth, he still cared about her; however, as he rightly said, he was a young marshal, not an ordinary youth. The responsibilities on his shoulders did not allow him to devote excessive energy to himself. Reflecting on this, she could not help but feel a sense of relief.

Tohiyohara Kenji was momentarily taken aback, and upon regaining his composure, he was nearly driven to faint with anger. How could this arrogant Zhang Xueliang be so presumptuous? Even if his father were alive, he would not dare to act in such a manner! He actually claimed that these documents from the Kwantung Army were nothing more than waste paper for him to wipe himself with! Truly, how much can a gentleman endure? Just as Tohiyohara Kenji was about to explode with rage, he managed to suppress his anger and calmly asked, "Is the young marshal speaking in jest?"

Looking at Gu Ruiyu's red-rimmed eyes, yet unable to conceal a hint of joy on her cheeks, Zhang Xueliang finally felt a weight lift from his heart. "I know that my marriage to you was merely arranged by your father as a way to repay my father for his past assistance. You and Ruiyu are the result of your true love. Now, after five requests from you, I cannot be unreasonable. Let us accept this sister. Ruiyu, you can move in tomorrow." Listening to Yu Fengzhi's somewhat sorrowful words, Zhang Xueliang hurriedly pulled each of them closer and said, "You think too much. In my heart, you both are equal. My heart is divided in two; one half holds her, and the other half holds you."

"Young Marshal!" Liu Duoquan (courtesy name Fangdu), the commander of Zhang Xueliang's guard regiment, responded as he entered the room. "Have the sentry bring me a cup of hot coffee." "Yes!"