Chapter 10: The Beiping 426 Tragedy

Jiang Xiaoxian was a member of the Jiang clan. He Yingqin carried Chairman Jiang out, effectively seizing his lifeline. Shortly thereafter, the garrison command issued several vehicles, followed by a platoon of armed military police, making their way once again to Xiehe Hospital in a grand procession

Chutian Ge is, after all, a university student. Although he is somewhat simple-minded, he is not foolish, and he does not exhibit the disturbing tendencies that Ouyang Yun was worried about. He quickly sensed that something was amiss and, with a silly smile, said: "It seems inappropriate, in broad daylight."

Commander Shao is correct

Ouyang Yun was completely unaware of this. Upon entering Tianjin, he looked at the Japanese ronin wandering the streets and was very perplexed, asking, "Have we arrived in Japan?"

Ouyang Yun laughed: "The name 'Beiping 426 Tragedy' is well chosen; we Chinese have finally created a tragedy for the Japanese as well." Then, his tone changed, and he couldn't help but ask Chu Tiange: "Hu Enpu and Bai Yuheng, these two individuals can't be Japanese, can they?"

I am astonished, how outrageous!

You, Chairman, have entrusted me with full responsibility for this matter

"You little rascal, you still remember!" Ouyang Yun affectionately gave him a playful knock on the head and said, "There are so many Japanese people, can you really kill them all? We have much more important things to do, far more significant than just killing a few Japanese."

Ouyang Yun initially did not pay much attention to this matter, but the development of the situation far exceeded his expectations. As one statement after another was issued by both China and Japan, he realized that he had poked the tiger's butt this time

Chutian Ge flipped through the two articles repeatedly, unable to restrain himself from cursing: "Shameless, utterly shameless!"

When Jiang Xiaoxian and his team arrived at Concord Hospital for the second time, they naturally returned empty-handed once again

Is it difficult to capture? He Yingqin seems to have become confused, while Shao Wenkai cannot understand: Are there still people in Beiping that Jiang Xiaoxian cannot capture? Those students who are protesting, he can catch them by the dozens, without any reservations.

"National Rights News"? Which country's national rights? Is it Japan? Here it is clearly Tianjin!

The two individuals exchanged a glance, and then, with remarkable tacit understanding, simultaneously made a gesture of cutting their throats.

Those who are close to vermilion become red, and those who are close to ink become black; this "I day" naturally learns from the style of Ouyang Xiu

He Yingqin: "The murderer must be handed over, otherwise the Japanese will definitely not let it go!"

He Yingqin furrowed his brows and said, "I know, the Blue Shirt Society also serves the Party and the Nation, right? Now that the Party and the Nation need them, they naturally should make sacrifices." As expected of a close partner of the highest authority, his words were all in unison.

Jiang Xiaoxian felt a certain disdain for He Yingqin and Huang Dajiang, yet maintained a calm demeanor as he said: "The person has indeed been found, but has not been captured"

During the same period, at the Beiping Garrison Command located on Xianmen Inner Street in Beiping, key military and political figures such as He Yingqin, acting chairman of the North China Military Commission, Zeng Kuoqing, director of the Political Training Department of the Beiping Military Commission, Shao Wenkai, the garrison commander, and Jiang Xiaoxian, the deputy garrison commander, were gathering to brainstorm ideas to address the current situation

Old Jiang glanced at him, seemingly intentionally, and said: "The current domestic situation is complex; we must first stabilize internal affairs"

Chutian Ge touched the katana under his seat and said, "Elder brother, should we go down and pull off a job?"

Calculating from the time he assumed the position of Chairman in 1931 and implemented the policy of "First Secure the Interior before Expelling the Exterior," it has been four years, yet this "Interior" has not been "Secured"; meanwhile, this "Exterior" has grown increasingly robust, with an ever-expanding appetite

When some laugh, naturally others cry. Chairman Jiang of the Military Commission of the Republic of China did not cry, but he was so furious that he slammed the table and smashed his teacup, cursing vehemently. The Chairman has been working hard during this period—the Red Army has finally been encircled within Guizhou, and he is busy deploying troops, intending to block the two most likely escape routes for the Red Army, namely Guiyang and Yunnan, with the delusion of annihilating them in one fell swoop. However, just as he thought he had everything under control, urgent news suddenly came from the front: the Red Army had unexpectedly changed direction and was advancing towards the Jinsha River.

The newspaper is titled "National Rights Daily". The front page features an editorial with the headline "All the people of Asia unite to jointly condemn the murderous tyrant who wantonly harms the peace envoy, Ouyang Yun and Chu Tiange". The author is signed as Hu Enpu

Ouyang Yun, who had a certain understanding of Chinese history, the highest authorities, and He Yingqin's character, naturally knew what awaited the two. Therefore, after entrusting Bai Liusu to Chen Jiayao, he went missing with Chu Tiange.

He Yingqin, in a state of agitation, exclaimed: "Hero! Merely a shortsighted commoner. The situation in North China has finally stabilized, and now this! The Japanese will surely use this as an excuse to initiate war"

His words were smooth and tactful, and He Yingqin's expression immediately softened. He said softly, "Commissioner Huang truly understands the greater good. Well, this matter is settled. Xiaoxian, I have heard that the murderer has already been captured by you?"

However, just as this command was issued, before he could catch his breath, Chief Guard Chen Bulei brought in the Japanese protest statement. Initially thinking it was merely a typical tactic of the Japanese, he casually glanced at it and was shocked to find that the Blue Shirt Society had annihilated a branch of the Black Dragon Society. He couldn't help but feel anger: "This is an outright threat!" This statement was delivered with a powerful resonance, and Chen Bulei felt a surge of hope, thinking the old man was preparing to resist the Japanese. However, as he listened further, the tone of the words began to shift—"Ouyang Yun, Chu Tiange? Bulei, wait a moment, call He Zhonghan and inquire about the situation of these two individuals. If they have no significant background, then those who should be sacrificed can be sacrificed." A casually spoken sentence had already betrayed two anti-Japanese heroes.

The Black Dragon Society's Beiping branch, which has intricate ties with the Japanese military and domestic right-wing forces, was brutally attacked, resulting in the death of all 26 individuals without exception. This incident, defined by the Japanese army's North China garrison headquarters as the "Beiping April 26 Massacre," quickly spread back to Japan, provoking "indignation" across the political spectrum. In major cities such as Tokyo, several large-scale protests erupted in succession, with demonstrators rallying around the victims' families, loudly demanding that the authorities swiftly march into Beiping to capture and severely punish the damned Chinese perpetrators.

"Traitor, no wonder!"

Shao Wenkai, filled with rage, sat down and said in frustration: "Sacrifice, have they not sacrificed enough? Commissioner Huang, you speak."

Go buy a newspaper to take a look; it seems like something interesting has happened! I saw an old man in a roadside teahouse suddenly tear the newspaper in his hands in half, which piqued Ouyang Yun's interest

He drove the Ford car seized from the Black Dragon Society to the Ford dealership to exchange for a new license plate, and then took Chu Tiange to Tianjin. Chu Tiange's uncle, Chu Kuaiji, is currently serving as an aide to General Yu Xuezhong of the National Revolutionary Army's 51st Army. The two originally intended to seek refuge with him, but fate did not favor them. They arrived in Tianjin on the morning of April 29, and by the early hours of the next day, they had no choice but to "a man must kill". It was only with the help of Chu Kuaiji that they managed to hide in the student training class of the 25th Division.

Shao Wenkai sneered: "Murderers? Those Japanese are all spies! Hmph, I actually think they are heroes"

This matter, when pursued, ultimately falls upon the shoulders of Ouyang Yun, this little butterfly

When the highest authority speaks, two heroes are abandoned, yet no one dares to label this as treachery. ... For the sake of the greater situation, there truly is no one he would hesitate to betray

At this time, although Tianjin is still under the control of the Nationalist Army, the presence of the Japanese Army's North China garrison headquarters also located in Tianjin, along with the existence of the Japanese concession in the city, has made the Japanese quite arrogant, and those treacherous collaborators are equally overbearing.

What happened?" After taking a glance at a newspaper from his hand, Ouyang Yun, filled with rage, laughed in anger, exclaiming, "I can't believe it"

Chutian Ge got off the car and bought several copies of the newspaper. After casually glancing at it, he suddenly shouted, "What the heck!" startling a few passersby.

Chairman, General Jiang has reported that a large amount of our military's top-secret information was discovered at the site of the murdered Japanese. Now, the people of Beiping and even the entire nation are applauding...

Chen Bulei nodded

They ran away? Now even Shao Wenkai has changed his expression. If these two people have escaped, it would indeed be difficult to explain to the Japanese. In this case, it seems that negotiations are unnecessary; either we directly accept the unreasonable demands of the Japanese side, or we might as well go to war.

I understand this—prioritizing the overall situation is crucial. The most important thing right now is to reassure the Japanese. Let Lao He handle it. When you call He Zhonghan, please mention that his two subordinates are audacious and should be dismissed

Ouyang Yun looked at him and rolled her eyes. What does this kid take the Japanese for? Can one just kill at will? Good heavens, am I going to end up creating a murderer?

Ha! Shao Wenkai laughed, thinking to himself that this Ouyang Yun is not an ordinary person

The Chairman truly deserves to be regarded as the final victor in the warlord conflicts. His military acumen is commendable, as he immediately deduced after the fact that the Red Army intended to force a crossing of the Jinsha River. He concluded that if the Red Army succeeded in crossing the river, this nearly cooked duck would indeed fly away. Therefore, on April 28, he urgently ordered the control of the crossing points, the destruction of boats, and the sealing of the river.

He Yingqin furrowed his brows and after a moment decisively said: "I do not care about any distinguished individuals; we must capture the person. Xiaoxian, as you know, the Chairman has entrusted me with full responsibility for this matter, precisely to prevent the Japanese from finding an excuse to create trouble. Therefore, you handle this matter as you see fit."

As the highest authority of the Republic of China, no one dared to openly accuse him of wrongdoing. Those occasional democratic writings in the newspapers were carefully collected by his attendants, yet he was well aware of the sentiments. Among the 400 million compatriots in China, it is estimated that half would privately curse him as a 'traitor' while poking their own spines. Every morning, as he stood on the balcony to 'cultivate his spirit,' he would ponder how ordinary people could possibly understand the true thoughts of this 'revolutionary': Why is China so weak? Is it not due to the chaos caused by warlords fighting amongst themselves? Therefore, I must first unify the country and establish the absolute authority of a leader, so that laws can be enforced and the strength of the nation can be mobilized to defeat the damned Japanese! Now, as it seems that this 'internal' issue is about to be 'stabilized,' I can finally clear my name. Yet, at this critical moment, this mess has occurred—damn He Yingqin, who cannot even manage a small Beiping and has created such a huge blunder! Well, he can clean up the mess he made; I will not concern myself with it.

No, no, but it is difficult to catch

Jiang Xiaoxian saw that the three people were arguing more and more fiercely, and hurriedly stood up to say: "Chairman He, there is something you may not know, the murderer is from the Blue Shirt Society"

Throughout the journey, I have received a great deal of his indoctrination. Chu Tiange touched his head and said: "Indeed, if we are to become the strongest among the strong, we must first possess the strength to rise. Strengthening the military through technology and empowering the nation through a strong military, I understand."

The highest authorities gradually calmed down, regaining some of the "heroic spirit" they had when they were navigating the world in Shanghai: "Send a telegram to He Yingqin, giving him full responsibility for this matter, and he must capture the murderer as soon as possible; additionally, send a telegram to the Japanese cabinet in the name of the National Government, expressing our deep regret over such incidents and hoping that it will not affect the friendship between China and Japan"

Commissioner Huang, Huang Dajiang, a refined man in his thirties sent by the headquarters of the Blue Shirt Society to Beiping, had remained silent until now. Seeing Shao Wenkai push him forward, he thought for a moment and said: "Gentlemen, you are all aware of the purpose for which our Blue Shirt Society was established. When encountering Japanese spies, it is undoubtedly a situation of life and death—" He paused, mainly to observe He Yingqin's expression. Noticing the other party's unfriendly demeanor, he changed his tone and continued: "Of course, our code of conduct prioritizes the interests of the Party and the nation. If sacrifice is indeed necessary, our comrades will not flinch."

Furthermore, Chu Tiange handed over a copy of the "Zhenbao," which also featured a front-page headline reading "Deeply Mourning the Victims of the Beiping 426 Tragedy, Strongly Demanding the National Government to Severely Punish the Murderers, and Restore the Blue Sky and White Sun in North China," authored by Bai Yuheng

Ouyang Yun continued from the previous line: "It must be killed!"

The tiger's rear is not something to be touched lightly, but fortunately, it has left some countermeasures. Thus, after throwing a few top-secret documents to the newspaper, Ouyang Yun and Chu Tiange leaped to become passionate patriotic youths, beginning to enjoy the treatment reserved for national treasures. Under the protection of many social dignitaries, they evaded the first capture by the military police.

The murderer remains "at large," leaving He Yingqin in a state of panic. The Japanese army feigns outrage while secretly reveling in the situation. The governments of China and Japan begin a fierce war of words, while tensions in the sensitive region of Chahar escalate. The two countries' armies experience minor skirmishes today and accidental firings tomorrow, creating a chaotic scene. Poor Song Zheyu, the commander of the 29th Army and governor of Chahar Province, finds himself caught in the middle, unable to please either side and afraid to offend anyone. Despite this, he becomes the first scapegoat.

Jiang Xiaoxian blushed and said with a hint of helplessness: "The social elites in Beiping protect them like old hens protecting their chicks, and my subordinates cannot squeeze in."

Just strike, that's all. They have only that little military strength in North China. We have the 29th Army in Chahar, the 51st Army and the 25th Division in Hebei, and the elite Third Regiment of General Jiang in Beiping. I want to see how the little Japanese can come at us!

The highest authorities frowned and then laughed: "Damn it, could it be that Xiaoxian and the others are also involved in this matter? So, are those Japanese people spies?"

Chen Bulei and Jiang Xiaoxian had a good personal relationship, and he cautiously said: "It should not be the case, Xiaoxian has always been at odds with the members of the Blue Shirt Society"

Zeng Kuanqing nodded in agreement: "The two young men are indeed quite good"

traitor! great traitor!

The right-wing leaders and military officials in Japan laughed, believing that the deaths of these twenty-six individuals were highly valuable. Some with a twisted mindset even thought: why didn't those two "Blue Shirts" kill a few more people to escalate the situation further? In that case, international public opinion would surely tilt in favor of Japan, making Japan's occupation of the three northeastern provinces and the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo all the more justified—protecting its citizens from persecution by the Chinese! Under the direction of Hideki Tojo, the commander of the stationed troops in North China, Maejima Yoshijiro immediately lodged the strongest protest with the Chinese side, stating: due to the strong anti-Japanese sentiment among the Chinese populace in North China, guided by the government, and the organized criminal acts against Japanese citizens, the Japanese army will determine whether to send troops for protection based on the attitude of the Chinese government.

Chutian Ge: "Tianjin is like this; the Japanese have even moved the North China garrison headquarters to Tianjin. What else do they have to fear?"