Chapter 2, From Zhenjiang to Shanghai

Yuchen thought for a moment and raised a few fingers: "There are some matters that still require Brother Songting's assistance to resolve. First, we need him to carve a seal for the Jiangsu Revolutionary Army of China; having a name would facilitate our work. Second, we are running critically low on ammunition and would like to request Brother Songting to consider providing us with two to three thousand rounds, which would barely suffice. Third, and most importantly! We need a ship! A ship that can accommodate four hundred people to Shanghai! As soon as the ship arrives, we will set off immediately. The revolutionary cause is urgent, and we cannot afford to delay, brother."

When Tao Junbao was studying at the Military Preparatory School, he was Lin Shuqing's teacher. This time, Lin Shuqing specifically invited him to serve as the chief of staff for the town's military, which could indeed help him like a family member. Upon hearing Tao Junbao's words, Lin Shuqing became anxious: "So, does this mean that this kid is a spy? I will immediately have someone drag him back and eliminate him thoroughly"

At noon, indeed, a steaming meal was delivered, accompanied by five large boxes of ammunition, precisely two thousand five hundred rounds of 7.9 mm rifle cartridges. Each soldier was now assured of having two rows of ammunition. Yu Chen held Wu Cai's hand and expressed his gratitude repeatedly. Wu Cai smiled and said, "Commander Yu, please don't keep saying polite words. You are going to Shanghai to undertake a great cause that will be renowned for generations, and I truly envy you greatly. Is there still a vacancy here? I would be willing to serve as a platoon leader." Wu Cai smiled and said, "Commander Yu, please don't keep saying polite words. You are going to Shanghai to undertake a great cause that will be renowned for generations, and I truly envy you greatly. Is there still a vacancy here? I would be willing to serve as a platoon leader."

Lin Shuqing looked us up and down and instructed, "Please take a seat, and serve tea."

Upon entering the inner hall, I saw several individuals emerging with a dejected demeanor. A short, dark-skinned officer resembling a Southern Chinese was walking back and forth inside. He was Lin Shuqing, a native of Fujian, a graduate of the Japanese Army Academy, and the commander of the 35th Battalion of the 9th Regiment of the Qing Dynasty's Southern Ocean Standing Army, currently serving as the governor of the Zhenjiang Military Government and the commander of the local military.

Lin Shuqing came over and grabbed Yuchen's hand: "That's wonderful! The three thousand brothers of the town army all feel the great virtue! Where are the supplies and weapons right now?"

Chen Shanhe saluted Yu Chen with military precision: "Commander Yu, reporting in! This time we have six large grain ships, which can easily accommodate seven to eight hundred people. There are also provisions and side dishes on board, enough to sustain several hundred brothers for ten days in Shanghai."

Wu Caili stood at attention and reported loudly, then leaned closer to Lin Shuqing and introduced him in a low voice

The young officer, not waiting for the ship to dock, hurriedly jumped onto the pier and heavily thumped He Sui's chest: "You can't expect ivory to come from a dog's mouth. I hear this time we're going to Shanghai to pursue great endeavors with you all, and I am quite pleased. All the uncles and elders in our crew are members of the Hongmen, and they have no qualms about engaging in the business of dealing with the Manchus."

He Sui received the order and left, while Chen Shanhe smiled at Yu Chen: "Commander Yu, this time I will follow you closely, so please assign me a task as well." Yu Chen thought for a moment: "How about being my adjutant?" However, Chen Shanhe shook his head vigorously: "I have had enough of being an adjutant these past two years; if Commander Yu values me, let me fight alongside Zhuo Ran at the front."

Upon arriving on the ship, it was indeed found that Wu Cai had secretly hidden inside, accompanied by several like-minded young officers. Seeing Yu Chen's awkward smile, in addition to carrying a rifle and a pistol, he also brought along one thousand rounds of 7.9 ammunition for this team. At this point, Yu Chen had completely undermined Lin Shuqing's position.

Chen Shanhe bowed deeply with great effort, filled with joy as he jumped high, and went to find He Sui

In the afternoon, the Zhenjiang dock indeed received five or six black-sailed grain boats, on the bow of which stood a young officer. With delicate features, he resembled a young girl. Yu Chen, along with his more than four hundred men, had been waiting at the dock, their anticipation growing. As they watched the young officer escorting the grain boats over, He Sui shouted with a laugh, "Chen Dames, you are so slow to arrive!"

Yuchen smiled and said: "Brother Songting, I am not here to beg for alms from you. Rather, when I was in Hong Kong, I had already made arrangements with Brother Boxian, and I confirmed it with Brother Yingshi again after arriving in Shanghai. This time, I intend to provide you with a supplement for your equipment."

Yuchen had long been prepared and smiled, saying: "My brother has always been in the United States, managing the family business. In the 30th year of the Guangxu era, Mr. Sun Yat-sen joined the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in the United States and was appointed as the leader of the Red Flag in all American branches. At that time, my brother was still young, but he was also inspired by Mr. Sun's charisma. Mr. Sun said that the revolution lacked military talent, so he encouraged my brother to study military affairs. Last year, my brother graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in the United States and was summoned by Mr. Sun. He first went to Hong Kong and then to Shanghai. Mr. Sun reiterated that the revolution lacked military talent and urged my brother to study military affairs. Last year, my brother graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in the United States and was summoned by Mr. Sun, first to Hong Kong and then to Shanghai. With the arrangement of the esteemed Mr. Ying, he went to Nanjing to connect with the 9th Division. Since he had been studying in the United States, he had little contact with revolutionary comrades from Japan. Mr. Sun's letters were thrown into the sea when the ship arrived in Shanghai, leaving only a photo of him with Mr. Sun, which can be shown to Commander Lin.

Yuchen smiled and said: "I am currently on mhetushucomcom Sea, wait for me to return and bring it back."

This is Brother Wu Cai, a revolutionary comrade from the 35th Brigade, who, like me, is an officer. He is from Hunan.

He Sui turned back and smiled, saying: "Commander, Wu Bing is the only son in his family, having been passed down for three generations. Unlike me, who has seven brothers"

The regiment led by Yu Chen, which was relatively orderly, entered and immediately drew attention. A young man dressed in an officer's uniform approached and spoke with a Hunan accent: "Are you brothers who retreated from Maling Pass? Are you from the 33rd or the 34th regiment? I have been ordered to provide shelter here"

Lin Shuqing's Zhenjiang Governor's Office was located within the original Qing Dynasty Zhenjiang Prefecture's yamen. The surroundings were in disarray, with official documents and clothing strewn everywhere. There wasn't even a guard at the entrance, and various individuals with white towels tied around their heads came and went freely. Wu Cai, accompanied by Yu Chen and He Sui, walked inside. Upon reaching the second hall, they heard someone inside roaring in a Minnan-accented Mandarin: "You ask me for supplies? What do I have? I can't even come up with the food expenses for over two thousand brothers! And now this commander and that army chief have suddenly appeared. When I was risking my life to restore Zhenjiang, where were they to lend a hand? Damn it!"

Yuchen felt a great joy in his heart as he looked at these spirited young men, and he was very pleased. He smiled and patted Chen Shanhe on the shoulder, then turned to He Sui and commanded, "Depart by unit, board the ship!"

Wu Caizhao whispered to us: "There are too many people asking about the bidding and the requisition of supplies and equipment now. His temper is not very good, so you all should be a bit more careful."

Wu Cai, who had been standing by, suddenly said: "The battalion adjutant Chen Shanhe of the Thirty-Six Mark is from Northern Jiangsu and has many connections with the Hui Party. He should be quite familiar with the shipping associations in Northern Jiangsu. He should be able to contact the boats."

Yuchen held his hand and smiled, saying: "I wouldn't dare to undermine Brother Songting; Niansun is Brother Songting's capable aide, and I am truly grateful for this sentiment, my brother."

Wu Cai displayed a face full of disappointment, while He Sui continued to urge from the side: "Currently, Zhenjiang is in chaos. Niansun should explain the situation below. What is wrong with our ship being lightly manned? After all, we are all contributing to the revolution, and Commander Lin will not say anything about it. Commander Yu, this Niansun brother is both cultured and martial; he was an outstanding figure at the Military Preparatory School. Such talent is of great use to us."

Lin Shuqing and Tao Junbao exchanged a glance: "It's easy to secure the defense. No matter how difficult the bullets are, we can still squeeze out 2,000 rounds. As for this ship..."

Yuchen had not yet had the chance to respond when Huo Sui rushed out of the line and grabbed his hand: "Brother Niansun! I didn't expect to see you again!"

Then Nian Sun embraced He Sui and spun around: "Zhuo Ran, you little brat are still alive! Quickly gather your subordinates and follow me to meet Commander Lin Biao! He knows you are coming and will surely be very pleased."

He Sui smiled as he introduced him to Yu Chen: "This kid is Chen Shanhe, courtesy name Wubing. His family owns thousands of acres in Baoying County and he is the son of the leader of the Su Bei shipping gang, making him quite the local tycoon. He serves as an adjutant in the 36th Brigade, 1st Battalion"

On this day, Yuchen has repeated the words "revolution" countless times. He understands that in this era, where public sentiment is fervent and the entire nation is almost engulfed in revolutionary fervor, these two words still hold significant persuasive and destructive power. In truth, even if the revolution were to succeed, his plans remain uncertain and undetermined.

He patted his shoulder: "Alright, you will follow Zhuo Ran and serve as the deputy team leader. Do your best."

Having arrived in this era for just a little over a day, I find myself bound to the chariot of history. What changes will this journey bring to my life and the future of China? On the rainy morning of October 24, 1911, I had no way of knowing

Tao Junbao shook his head with a smile: "I cannot be certain about this either. The situation within the Tongmenghui is explained to him in a very convincing manner, but whether it is true or false, he will naturally discern when he arrives in Shanghai with Brother Ying. For now, his actions are beneficial and harmless to us. Why should we continue to question and investigate further?"

He Sui smiled and extended his hand to introduce Mr. Yu Chen to Brother Nian Sun: "This Mr. Yu Chen was introduced to us by Mr. Sun Yat-sen and Brother Bo to assist us in our uprising. Our team has already been incorporated under his command, and we are now the Jiangsu Revolutionary Army of China. We are not here to be sheltered, but to negotiate with Lin Biao, as we have grand plans ahead."

After seeing Yu Chen, He Sui, and Wu Cai leave, Tao Jun turned to Lin Shu Qing and said: "This Yu Chen has a very unclear background. He claims that all his letters and credentials were lost at sea, yet how is it that the most obvious photograph is still kept like a treasure? He was sent over by Ying Shi, and there must be a copy of Ying Shi's letters or telegrams, right?"

Looking at Wu Cai's sincere expression, Yu Chen felt somewhat moved. These young people from a century ago, in their quest for the restoration of their country, truly did not seek fame or profit at that time. The Qing Dynasty provided these new troops with quite generous salaries and benefits, and promotions were indeed very rapid. However, these young men, driven by their sense of righteousness, chose not to look back. How many martyrs who sacrificed their lives around the time of the Xinhai Revolution were scions of prominent families? It is truly countless. The Qing Dynasty provided these new troops with quite generous salaries and benefits, and promotions were indeed very rapid. However, these young men, driven by their sense of righteousness, chose not to look back. How many martyrs who sacrificed their lives around the time of the Xinhai Revolution were scions of prominent families? It is truly countless.

Lin Shuqing finally abandoned the idea of interrogating Yu Chen about his background. He stood up and said: "Mr. Yu has returned to the country to participate in the revolution, and I, Lin, greatly admire that! Moreover, you have also sheltered several hundred scattered soldiers from the 9th Brigade, for which my brothers are very grateful! However, the current situation of my brothers is clear to Mr. Yu; there are no supplies and no weapons. But we cannot neglect our revolutionary comrades. Why not, Mr. Yu, use your current strength to first organize a battalion? Would you be willing to take the position of battalion commander? Although the days may be tough, we will share life and death together." He also regarded Yu Chen as someone seeking official positions and supplies, and decided to seal the door tightly.

The night march had left Yu Chen, who was unaccustomed to exercise and wearing leather shoes, utterly exhausted. Upon seeing that Zhenjiang had indeed been recaptured, he noticed soldiers with white towels tied around their arms coming and going. In the streets, the families of the banner soldiers dressed in Mongolian attire were being driven out of their homes, wandering the streets in hesitation and tears. They were also being chased and pelted with stones by Han children, who laughed and mocked them. (The three thousand banner soldiers stationed in Zhenjiang were all from the Mongolian Eight Banners.) It was a scene of utter chaos. In the streets, the families of the banner soldiers dressed in Mongolian attire were being driven out of their homes, wandering the streets in hesitation and tears. They were also being chased and pelted with stones by Han children, who laughed and mocked them. (The three thousand banner soldiers stationed in Zhenjiang were all from the Mongolian Eight Banners.) It was a scene of utter chaos.

At that moment, the words of Gu Dong He Sui were recounted to Lin Shu Qing once again, and Lin Shu Qing pondered over them thoroughly. He then invited the Chief of Staff of the Town Army, Tao Jun Bao, to join us. We discussed the matter again and all felt that it was indeed feasible. The plan was to use the remnants of the 33rd and 34th divisions to assist in the recovery of Shanghai. If it failed, there would be no loss to them; if it succeeded, the support from Shanghai to Zhenjiang would flow continuously. Why not pursue this? Moreover, Lin Shu Qing had indeed been praised by Huang Xing as a loyal revolutionary comrade, and he was genuinely supportive of the recovery of Shanghai. Everyone felt that the plan was indeed feasible. The plan was to use the remnants of the 33rd and 34th divisions to assist in the recovery of Shanghai. If it failed, there would be no loss to them; if it succeeded, the support from Shanghai to Zhenjiang would flow continuously. Why not pursue this? Moreover, Lin Shu Qing had indeed been praised by Huang Xing as a loyal revolutionary comrade, and he was genuinely supportive of the recovery of Shanghai.

Rain Chen also shook his head and sighed: "Since Brother Bo's failed uprising at Huanghuagang, he has been heartbroken over the fallen heroes, and his health has completely deteriorated. I still feel a pang in my heart when I think back to the time he held my hand on his sickbed, earnestly advising me."

He made a face: "Lin Biao has always been quick-tempered, and this is not just a matter of today."

Wu Cai smiled and playfully punched He Sui, then looked at Yu Chen with a hint of suspicion. Yu Chen, dressed in a blue suit with a small lapel and sporting a short crew cut, stood out remarkably in this group. "Mr. Yu is sent by Mr. Sun Zhongshan and Brother Bo? That is truly wonderful. Please settle down first, and I will take the two of you to meet Commander Lin Biao"

Lin Shuqing asked Yu Chen again: "Mr. Yu, when do you plan to set off? Do you need any assistance? It's just that my family's resources are quite limited, so I fear I may not be able to help much."

Lin Shuqing and Tao Junbao exchanged a glance, both feeling that they should invest some resources. Lin Shuqing said, "Alright, brother, let’s assign Chen Shanhe to be under Mr. Yu's command. Mr. Yu and Zhuo Ran should take a rest for now; I will have Niansun bring some food and drink right away. As soon as the ship arrives, we will ask the gentlemen to set off!"

The grain ship untied its mooring lines, unfurled its sails, and slowly sailed downstream under the gradually darkening sky. Rain Chen stood at the bow of the ship, exchanging a somewhat awkward military salute with the send-off party of Lin Shuqing and Tao Jun. His heart was also in a state of turmoil.

Yuchen felt somewhat moved. Currently, there is a severe shortage of officers in the so-called Jiangsu Revolutionary Army of China, and those who were merely squad leaders in the military have all been promoted to company commanders. Although he has only interacted with Wu Cai for a short time today, this young man is decisive in his actions and highly organized; such talent must not slip through his fingers.

Lin Shuqing looked at the photograph that Yu Chen treated as a treasure, furrowing his brow in contemplation for a while. He then slowly said: "It seems that the gentleman has aged considerably, worrying about national affairs, no wonder he looks haggard... Have you seen Uncle Bo in Hong Kong?"

Yuchen looked at these vibrant young officers and momentarily felt that there was nothing in the world that could not be achieved. In the society he came from, there were no longer any young people who would recklessly risk their lives for their ideals.

Chen Shanhe's face flushed: "Commander, do not listen to Zhuo Ran's nonsense. What does it matter if it has been passed down for three generations? The blood in our veins is still Han! This time, we are avenging our Han people and establishing a new Huaxia. Ever since I became a soldier, I have been looking forward to this day! If I am still made a deputy officer, I will turn around and leave."

He said to Wu Cai with a serious expression: "I will treat what you just said as if I never heard it, and you never said it to me. If there happens to be someone like you on the ship when we set sail, it would be purely coincidental..." The next line revealed the flaw in Yu Chen's plan: "If Nian Sun were to come, the commander of this second team would undoubtedly be Nian Sun."

Yuchen supported the teacup, sitting there watching Lin Shuqing in silence. It was Lin Shuqing who spoke first: "Are you sent by Mr. Sun Yat-sen and Brother Bo? When my brother was in Japan, he had quite a bit of correspondence with Mr. Sun, but I have never heard of your esteemed name."