Section 2, The Rise of Winds and Clouds (1)

"Please take a seat, both of you! May I ask what urgent matters bring Supervisor Yang and Chairman Chang here today?" Zhang Xueliang inquired with a warm demeanor

It is truly wonderful that General Zhang has said this; it must certainly put your mind at ease.

Listening to He Qianli's secret words, Zhang Xueliang could not help but sneer. Yang Yuting, known as the "Little Zhuge of Northeast China," had long harbored ambitions. In order to eliminate his greatest rival, Guo Songling, he executed Guo and his wife without waiting for Zhang Zuolin's orders after Guo's defection and defeat. When Zhang Zuolin died, he, along with Zhang Zuoxiang and himself, vied for Zhang Zuolin's position, but Zhang Zuoxiang's full support for him thwarted that attempt. Now, he foolishly dreams of colluding with the Northern Expedition Army in the interior, attempting to coordinate an internal and external effort to eliminate him. His calculations seem sound, but unfortunately, Bai Chongxi is from the Guangxi faction, whose influence is concentrated in Guangxi and shows no interest in the Northeast, a thousand miles away. Moreover, you, Yang Yuting, oppose the Northeast's change of allegiance. If the Northeast were to fall into your hands, you would certainly not submit to the central government under Chiang Kai-shek, who would undoubtedly continue to support me, Zhang Xueliang. Hmph, Yang Yuting, you have miscalculated and ended up being sold out in turn by Bai Chongxi and Chiang Kai-shek. Alas, you truly fail as a person.

is not

What? The three of them were all very astonished. Zhang Qun said: "The ambitions of the Japanese are truly unpredictable"

At that time, you will select ten guards who are skilled in marksmanship and are loyal and reliable to ambush in the back room. Upon hearing my signal, they will come out together and kill without mercy

"Well, you all have done very well," Zhang Xueliang praised, "For Northeast China to become strong and prosperous, these selfish and harmful individuals must be completely eliminated. You have helped me take the first step, and you have done an excellent job."

At the moment when Zhang Xueliang was sharpening his knife, Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhua came to his door on their own accord

While Zhang Xueliang and He Qianli were engaged in discussions in a secret chamber at the General's residence, He Qianli informed Zhang Xueliang of a significant matter, "General Zhang, there is a matter of great importance. Originally, it was General Bai Chongxi who reported this confidentially to Chairman Jiang. However, to demonstrate Chairman Jiang's sincerity in seeking peace, he has secretly instructed me to convey this matter to you, as it even pertains to your personal safety and well-being"

Soon, Chiang Kai-shek promptly replied to Zhang Xueliang's conditions for changing allegiance. He readily agreed to almost all of Zhang's proposals. To avoid putting Zhang in a difficult position, the Northeast's foreign affairs would henceforth be handled by the central government, while agreeing that the Northeast's "internal affairs" would still be managed by the current officials without any changes. All military and political matters in the Northeast would be under Zhang Xueliang's control. Major personnel decisions would first be proposed by Zhang, and then appointed by the central government. What delighted Zhang even more was that Chiang Kai-shek generously agreed to allocate 10 million yuan in military salaries to the Fengtian Army each month. This news quickly spread among the ranks of the Fengtian Army, significantly increasing support for the change of allegiance and greatly enhancing their goodwill and unity towards the central government. The specific date for the change of allegiance was set for October 10, which is also the National Day of the Republic of China. Following this, Chiang Kai-shek also invited Zhang Xueliang to Nanjing for his inauguration before October 12.

In matters of military and political significance, Xue Liang does not dare to treat them lightly. How about this: the night after tomorrow, I will host a banquet at the General's residence, and I would like to invite Supervisor Yang and Chairman Chang to attend. We can discuss further at that time, how does that sound

I sincerely thank the committee chair for the reminder, and I kindly ask Vice Chair He to convey to the committee chair that Xue Liang is fully aware of the gravity of the situation and will absolutely not jeopardize the matter of national unity

A meal was enjoyed in a friendly atmosphere for several hours, during which everyone freely discussed how national development could enable the nation to stand tall among the peoples of the world. Amidst laughter and lively conversation, time had already reached midnight. After the gathering, Zhang Xueliang arranged for Zhang, Wu, and Song to rest in the guest room of the General's residence.

From He Qianli, Zhang Xueliang learned that Yang Yuting had met with Bai Chongxi twice in Luanzhou in August, conspiring to overthrow Zhang Xueliang and replace him with Yang. Yang even claimed to have secured support from the Japanese, and a faction within the Beiyang Army, led by Chang Yinhai, was also on his side. However, contrary to Yang Yuting's expectations, Bai Chongxi immediately reported the entire matter to Chiang Kai-shek, who promptly sent He Qianli to inform Zhang Xueliang.

In mid-June, under the dual pressure of Zhang Xueliang and the Nationalist troops in Guannei, the Zhilu Allied Forces led by Zhang and Chu had no choice but to withdraw entirely to Baihu Gou and Longhua by July 1, in accordance with Zhang Xueliang's wishes. After the Northeast Military and Political Conference on July 3, Zhang Zongchang proposed to Zhang Xueliang the request to return to Fengtian and reorganize the army, and demanded a permanent garrison area to be designated for him, attempting to seize control of the Northeast. At the same time, he passionately declared his intention to move the troops out of the pass to avenge Zhang Zuolin. Zhang Zongchang's petty schemes could hardly escape Zhang Xueliang's scrutiny; his proactive offer instead served as a reminder for Zhang Xueliang to guard against him. The 20th Army under Yu Xuezhong stationed in Chifeng and the 12th Army under Tang Yulin in Chengde immediately received orders to monitor the Zhilu Allied Forces.

In addition to the dismissal of Lü Ronghuan, we also request the Young Marshal's consent to establish the "Northeast Railway Supervisory Office." This office will oversee not only the South Manchuria Railway but also include the Central Eastern Railway, thereby consolidating the jurisdiction and governance of railway traffic in Heilongjiang Province. Chairman Chang will serve as the supervisor. " Yang Yuting became increasingly demanding.

"The total strength of the troops under my command now, including the recently surrendered Zhilu Allied Forces, is 550,000. After changing allegiance, they will all join the National Revolutionary Army of China, receiving their designations from the central authority. If necessary, there will be disarmament and reorganization. Major military movements will also be controlled by the central government. Should there be a need to engage in operations beyond the pass, everything will be absolutely under the command of the central government," Zhang Xueliang continued.

General Zhang, regarding the Northeast's change of allegiance to the Nanjing Central National Government, please specify your specific requests clearly. Zhang Qun began, addressing Zhang Xueliang as "General Zhang" rather than "Young Marshal Zhang," which clearly carries deeper significance

Young Marshal

Everyone drank it in one go, and the people from Nanjing frowned one after another, wondering why this cola was so harsh on the throat

On August 13, the U.S. Ambassador to China, John M. Leighton, personally traveled to Shenyang to negotiate with Zhang Xueliang's representative, Wan Fulin, at the U.S. consulate, supporting Zhang Xueliang's allegiance to Nanjing and the realization of national unification. Zhang Xueliang once again dispatched three individuals—Xing Shilian, Wang Weizhou, and Xu Zuzhi—to Beiping (at this time, the Nanjing government had renamed Beijing to Beiping; Zhili Province had also been renamed Hebei Province) to discuss the issue of changing the Northeast's allegiance and submitting to the Nanjing government with Fang Benren and others.

Speak slowly

There are also Kan Chaoxi, the director of the Military and Political Authority's Law Enforcement Office; Zhang Jinghui, a councilor of the Governor-General's Office and the Director-General of Industry; and Yuan Jinkai, the chairman of the Northeast Security Association and a naval councilor, among others. These individuals have had varying degrees of contact with the Japanese and are under suspicion. This is the specific investigation material; please review it, Young Marshal.

Just as Zhang Xueliang was busy with great fervor, an unexpected event occurred: the rebellion of the Zhilu Allied Forces led by Zhang Zongchang and Chu Yuping began

"Rest assured, Young Marshal! Liu Zhe has been my subordinate for many years. He is diligent in his work and possesses a loyal character, making him fully qualified to take on the position of Lü Ronghuan," Chang Yinhua boasted shamelessly. He then stepped forward and placed a document titled 'Personnel Transfer Notice of Heilongjiang Province' on Zhang Xueliang's desk, with a pen ready, clearly indicating that he had prepared everything and was just waiting for the Young Marshal's signature.

Of course, after the change of allegiance, the Northeast government will comply with national laws, pay national taxes to the central government according to the law, and unify currency with the central government; the central government may appoint a small number of officials from Nanjing to hold positions at high levels in the Northeast for supervision. All diplomatic matters will also be handled by Nanjing, and after the change of allegiance, the Northeast government will abolish its diplomatic institutions. Zhang Xueliang quickly said, taking out a document of several dozen pages, "This is the final agreement for the Northeast change of allegiance, all details are contained within. After the three of you review it, please submit it to Chairman Chiang." This document was prepared after he and Zhang Zuoxiang and others worked diligently for over ten days to draft and revise it.

Zhang Qun nodded slightly, "This is politics, what about the military aspect?"

In fact, the specific conditions are secondary; the primary condition for the change of leadership is that we hope the Nanjing government will recognize the autonomy of the four northeastern provinces, granting them personnel and other governing rights, and that the influence of Nanjing should not directly extend into the four northeastern provinces, nor should there be a Kuomintang party branch established in the northeast

These two old foxes, I never expected their power to expand so rapidly! Zhang Xueliang couldn't help but feel secretly astonished. If this continues, it is very likely that this group will openly rebel en masse!

Tan Hai, Liu Duoquan, and the summoned Commissioner of Police Gao Jiyi were all taken aback. The six individuals named by Zhang Xueliang were all high-ranking officials of the Northeast Army and government: two provincial governors, two military commanders, one vice governor, and one military supervisor. However, if the Young Marshal intended to remove them, they would certainly comply with the order. The three responded in unison, "Yes!"

It is once again your trusted confidant

The next morning, around 8 o'clock, Zhang, Wu, and Song, having completed their morning routines and breakfast, were invited to Zhang Xueliang's study. After the attendants served hot tea, they withdrew, leaving only the four of them in the room. The four engaged in the final formal discussions regarding the "Change of Banner in Northeast China".

So it turns out that https://mhetushu.com is your confidant, hm! You are going to cultivate your local power again! Zhang Xueliang, feeling furious, bluntly countered: "Chairman Chang! I have repeatedly asked you to cancel the positions of Chairman of the Beijing-Fengtian Road and the Northeast Transportation Committee, why has there been no response until now"

After Tan Hai, Liu Duoquan, and Gao Jiyi finished their preparations to leave, Zhang Xueliang sat alone in his study, deep in thought. He recalled that historically, when he was to kill Yang Chang and another person, he had wavered and could not make up his mind, ultimately deciding by tossing a coin, which resulted in six consecutive tails. Now, as he tossed a coin, would it also land on tails six times in a row? Feeling a bit anxious, Zhang Xueliang took out a Yuan Shikai silver dollar, held his breath, tossed it into the air, and quickly caught it. Upon revealing it, the outcome was immediately clear—the first toss was heads. This method of tossing coins had led to six consecutive tails in the past. Now, as he tossed the coin, would it also land on tails six times in a row? Feeling a bit anxious, Zhang Xueliang took out a Yuan Shikai silver dollar, held his breath, tossed it into the air, and quickly caught it. Upon revealing it, the outcome was immediately clear—the first toss was heads. At that moment, a question that had troubled Zhang Xueliang's mind was resolved: it seemed that his current "historical time and space" had no relation to "that time and space." What was destined in "that time and space" would not necessarily occur in "this time and space," but the history of "that time and space" could serve as a reference for the present. At that moment, a question that had troubled Zhang Xueliang's mind was resolved: it seemed that his current "historical time and space" had no relation to "that time and space." What was destined in "that time and space" would not necessarily occur in "this time and space," but the history of "that time and space" could serve as a reference for the present. With this thought, Zhang Xueliang let out a big sigh of relief; it seemed he would not be "destined" to be under Chiang Kai-shek's house arrest for a lifetime. However, whether he could also live as long as the historical Zhang Xueliang, reaching a full hundred years, was still uncertain.

Zhang Xueliang slowly flipped through the pages, "Where is Tang Yulin?"

This can only be carried out after the official change of flags

"The most rampant among them is Yang Yuting. He began to actively engage in activities as soon as you, the Young Marshal, announced negotiations for a ceasefire with the Northern Expedition Army, reaching out to former subordinates and bribing others. The garrison commander of Shancheng Town, Yu Zhishan, and the garrison commander of Taonan, Zhang Haipeng, are both colluding with him. The chairman of Heilongjiang Province, Chang Yinhua, is also in cahoots with him, having held multiple secret meetings together. Recently, he has made several trips to Luanzhou to contact Bai Chongxi. Furthermore, he may also be colluding with the Japanese, who are now publicly declaring their support for Yang Yuting, claiming that only he can effectively govern Northeast China."

Subsequently, Zhang Xueliang accompanied several envoys to discuss and negotiate item by item until evening, after which they attended a night banquet on empty stomachs. In the following days, Zhang Xueliang sent the mayor of Shenyang and other leaders to accompany Zhang Qun and others on tours of several famous sites in Shenyang, under the strict protection of Wang Yizhe's troops, making every effort to ensure their comfort. However, due to security reasons, three days later, the Nanjing delegation set off back to Beijing with Zhang Xueliang's final conditions for the change of banners.

On August 25, the leader of the "investigation team," Leng Feng, was ordered to return to Shenyang and secretly meet with Zhang Xueliang at the General's residence.

Sigh, so be it! Yang Yuting thought that continuing to hold on was meaningless, and thus he agreed.

On the morning of September 7, while Zhang Xueliang was racking his brains in his study to formulate the development outline for the first five-year plan of Northeast China after the change of banners, Tan Hai reported, "Director Yang and Chairman Chang have arrived." Before Zhang Xueliang could say, "Please come in," the two had already barged in with Tan Hai. Once inside, Chang Yinhai waved his hand dismissively at Tan Hai, indicating, "We have important matters to discuss with the Young Marshal; you may leave."

Seeing Zhang Qun display an expression of displeasure, Zhang Xueliang quickly explained: "The three of you may not be aware that the current situation in Northeast China is complex, with internal instability. Some high-ranking officials harbor ulterior motives and even attempt to replace me. The incident with the Bank of Communications yesterday has already illustrated this point. At the same time, the Japanese have repeatedly tried to intervene. Ending the division of the country has been my long-standing wish, but changing the flag immediately poses difficulties, with numerous internal and external obstacles. The fact that the national flags are already raised in Beijing, Tianjin, and Rehe is the utmost effort I can make. I hope the three of you and the Chairman can understand my predicament"

General Zhang, let us now discuss each clause in the document, and we kindly ask General Zhang to clarify some of our misunderstandings. "Oh, of course!"

However, this Liu Zhe ... ...

How is the situation

Are the Japanese also intervening? Zhang Qun was quite surprised

Please elaborate in detail, Mr. He. Regarding matters that concern one's life, Zhang Xueliang is indeed very concerned

"Railway transportation is a matter of national importance and should not be easily altered." Yang Yuting interjected, "Moreover, I am well acquainted with Zheng Qian; you can rest assured about his dual roles."

"Thank you for your hard work! Please, have a seat!" In the study's secret room, Zhang Xueliang greeted Leng Feng.

Mr. Zhang, Mr. Wu, Mr. Song, and everyone else, you have traveled a great distance, and it has been a hard journey! Today, you have also been startled; I would like to propose a toast to all of you as a welcome and an apology. Since we will be discussing important matters tomorrow, it is not appropriate to drink alcohol; this is a new beverage from Northeast China—cola. " At the dinner table, Zhang Xueliang warmly raised his glass to the delegation from Nanjing.

The Young Marshal truly possesses remarkable insight! He has long been aware of the treacherous actions of these individuals, and I am immensely impressed. Based on the list provided by the Young Marshal, I have assigned personnel to closely monitor them, and indeed, we have uncovered a significant number of their misdeeds

Zhang Qun, Wu Tiecheng, and Song Dazhang gathered together, carefully perusing the documents, occasionally whispering among themselves. Zhang Xueliang felt quite uncomfortable, as if he were a small employee submitting a job application and being evaluated. However, seeing that the faces of these esteemed officials did not show any signs of displeasure, astonishment, or disbelief, nor did they shake their heads or sigh in frustration, it seemed there was still hope, Zhang Xueliang consoled himself in his heart

Um, to my knowledge, this Lv Ronghuan is quite meticulous and serious in his work, and has achieved considerable political accomplishments

The senior officials of the Northeast government in Shenyang, along with several social elites and a delegation from Nanjing, rose enthusiastically together from their tables, exclaiming: "For the unification of the motherland!"

The Yizhi Incident can be said to have gone smoothly, and Zhang Xueliang began to focus his attention on the internal affairs of Northeast China. While busy with the funeral, Zhang Xueliang ordered Liu Duoquan to select a group of capable personnel from the Guard Regiment and some reliable members of the former Fengtian Army's intelligence agency to secretly form an "Investigation Team" (which was essentially Zhang Xueliang's private intelligence organization) to closely monitor the individuals listed on a "blacklist" provided by Zhang Xueliang.

"Thank you for your praise, but this is merely a duty that comes with my position."

Cháng Yìnhuái, associated with Yáng Yǔtíng, was found through investigation to be vigorously cultivating personal power, with his family members placed in important positions. He leveraged the experience and connections gained from his brother Cháng Yìntíng, who served as the district magistrate in Heilongjiang Province, to establish guerrilla forces, and received support from Yáng Yǔtíng, the supervisor at the Shenyang Arsenal, in terms of firearms and ammunition. He indiscriminately utilized railway funds to organize and train approximately twenty battalions of mountain and forest security forces, thereby expanding his own power. His second brother managed family businesses in their hometown of Lìshù, while his third brother operated a pawnshop and commercial enterprises in Harbin for many years. Relying on his influence, he possessed a large amount of fertile land in the territory of Nehe County, Heilongjiang. According to the family steward, "He sets out on horseback at dawn to patrol and inspect the land, and does not reach the boundary until dusk." This illustrates the immense financial and material resources accumulated by the Cháng family.

After sending off Yang Chang and the other two, a glint of brilliance flashed in Zhang Xueliang's eyes, "Tan Hai! Liu Duoquan!"

General Zhang, we will certainly take this document back to Nanjing and deliver it to Chairman Jiang properly, you can rest assured about this. We believe that these agreements should be within the scope of the Chairman's acceptance. Zhang Qun's words immediately relieved Zhang Xueliang.

After sitting down in a grand manner, Chang Yinhua said: "Young Marshal, since the appointment of Lu Ronghuan as the supervisor of the Middle East Route, he has been merely occupying his position without taking any action. I request that you immediately dismiss him."

Indeed, but one must always remember that as a proud Chinese, I would never betray my country or act against the interests of my nation. The Japanese are currently attempting to entice and collude with certain high-ranking officials within Northeast China, even seeking to support the abdicated Qing Emperor Puyi in regaining control over the region. Just a few days ago, Zhang Zongchang's troops rebelled under the instigation and support of the Japanese, but fortunately, the situation has been resolved smoothly. However, the Japanese schemes and plots are truly difficult to guard against.

Yes. After my father's unfortunate demise, the former Japanese ambassador to the UK, Lin Quanxie, along with the consul general in Shenyang, Lin Jiuzhirang, came to Shenyang multiple times under the pretext of offering condolences. In reality, they sought to exert pressure on me to obstruct the unification of the Northeast and the South, but I rejected all their attempts. A few days ago, the Japanese Kwantung Army staff officer, Toihara Kenji, approached me again, making various temptations and even inciting Xueliang to pursue independence and nation-building in the Northeast

On August 18, Chiang Kai-shek dispatched Zhang Qun, Wu Tiecheng, and Song Dazhang as special envoys to secretly travel by train from Beiping to Shenyang for the third time. Zang Shiyi, who was responsible for their reception, temporarily accommodated them at the Bank of Communications. Unexpectedly, Zhang Xueliang quickly received a report from Liu Duoquan: a group of Fengjun armed forces attempted to surround the Bank of Communications, most of whom were subordinates of Yang Yuting. Upon learning this, Zhang Xueliang realized that these "pro-Japanese factions" intended to sabotage the peace talks and detain the Nanjing envoys. He immediately ordered Wang Yizhe's garrison troops to advance into the city to disperse the armed forces of Yang Yuting and escort the Nanjing envoys directly to the General's residence. "I don't believe Yang Yuting would dare to storm my General's residence!" Zhang Xueliang exclaimed angrily. To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, Zhang Xueliang also ordered Liu Duoquan's guard regiment to strengthen the defense of the General's residence.

The young marshal is confused! Deceived by false appearances, Lü Ronghuan, after taking office, only knows how to embezzle public funds for indulgence and entertainment, with no achievements in governance. He must be dismissed. It is recommended that Liu Zhe be appointed in his place

Zhang Qun sighed and said: "General Zhang is indeed a national hero. Well then, let us temporarily set aside the matter of the flag, and after the change of banner—"

It has also come to light that the Japanese have made multiple contacts with the remnants of the Qing royal family, attempting to assist those nostalgic for the Qing dynasty in re-establishing a so-called "Manchukuo" in Northeast China. The most prominent among them is Xi Qia, the Chief of Staff and Vice Chairman of the Jilin Provincial Government, who is also a member of the Qing royal family. He has repeatedly declared his willingness to restore the Qing dynasty at any cost, and the Japanese have frequently reached out to him. Young Marshal, these remnants of the Qing dynasty are bound to cause trouble sooner or later; they are ticking time bombs. I urge you to eliminate them as soon as possible.

Ah, Xiaoliuzi, you are simply too young, lacking the decisive boldness that the old master had in his prime! These trivial matters could easily be resolved with just a word from you! Chang Yinhua spoke without restraint, actually calling Zhang Xueliang by his childhood name. It is important to note that only Zhang Zuolin is permitted to call Zhang Xueliang by that name.

At this time, all military actions of the Nationalist Army in the interior have ceased. The Northern Expeditionary Army has successfully occupied the territory of one province and two cities in Zhili and Pingjin, which was ceded by the Zhilu Feng Allied Forces. Chiang Kai-shek has also honored his promise to maintain close contact with Zhang Xueliang, leading to a flurry of telegrams and letters between Shenyang and Nanjing. Nanjing's special envoy, Fang Benren, held preliminary talks with Zhang Xueliang's envoy, Mo Dehui, at the Six Nations Hotel in Beiping, and the results of the talks were quickly reported back to Nanjing. Chiang Kai-shek was very satisfied with Zhang Xueliang's sincerity, and both sides agreed that Northeast China would change its banner and return to the central government in mid-September. At Chiang Kai-shek's request, Zhang Xueliang ordered the Chairman of Rehe Province, Tang Yulin, to announce on July 19 that Rehe Province would change its banner and submit to the central government. Upon receiving the news, Chiang Kai-shek was extremely pleased, and thus sent Fang Benren along with He Qianli, who was dispatched by Bai Chongxi, the front-line commander of the Nationalist Northern Expeditionary Army, to Shenyang. The purpose was twofold: first, to represent the National Revolutionary Army in mourning for Zhang Zuolin, thereby expressing sympathy for Zhang Xueliang's situation and indicating that there was no intention to advance into Northeast China; second, to seek a peaceful path to unification. Even if, for the time being, due to Japanese interference, it was difficult to change the banner, it was essential to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts between the two armies. Furthermore, efforts were made to restore the railway traffic between Pingjin. Zhang Xueliang quickly agreed to restore the Pingjin traffic, handing over 200 passenger and freight trains and 10 locomotives intercepted during the Northern Expedition to the National Government. On August 8, the Pingjin Railway began operations.

Is it permissible to currently display the Blue Sky with a White Sun flag in the three northeastern provinces?

Well said! Come, everyone, let us unite for the reunification of our motherland

The night after tomorrow, I will invite Yang Yuting, Chang Yinhua, Tang Yulin, Zhang Haipeng, Yu Zhishan, and Xi Qia to a banquet at the Shuai Mansion. These six individuals have undermined the new policies, conspired to rebel, and obstructed unification; they must be killed! At that time, watch for my signal, and give me—" Zhang Xueliang waved his hand across his neck

Since Tang Yulin assumed the presidency of Rehe, he has held the military and political power of Rehe in his hands. Relying on his past achievements in battles alongside the warlord, he has established a deeply entrenched personal influence in Rehe, ruthlessly plundering the wealth of the local populace. The 12th Army under his command has become his private militia, and his brothers and nephews have all been entrusted with significant responsibilities. These individuals, leveraging Tang Yulin's power, have colluded with one another, engaging in corrupt practices and reaping substantial profits. The local citizens tremble at the mention of the Tang family, referring to Tang Yulin as 'Tiger Tang.' Specific evidence and documentation are also available here.

"Good, for the unity of the nation!" Zhang Qun also stood up and raised his glass in response.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xueliang felt a mix of shock and anger. You two ambitious individuals, time and again expanding your own power, attempting to establish Heilongjiang Province as your independent kingdom, hm! It seems I have no choice but to eliminate you! Despite the murderous intent stirring within him, Zhang Xueliang maintained a calm demeanor and said: "These two matters are of great importance; for the sake of caution, I must discuss them with the personnel department. We cannot rush to a conclusion like this."

Zhang Xueliang nodded slightly