Chapter 7: The Phoenix and the Wild Chicken

He placed the soy milk and steamed buns by the bedside, and just as he was about to leave, Bai Liusu opened her eyes

First, adjust the search date to April 25, 1935, and press the confirm button. A log-style historical record appeared on the screen—at this time, Beiping, as a special municipality, was still under the control of the National Government, with the garrison being the Third Gendarmerie Regiment led by Colonel Jiang Xiaoxian. However, with the imminent signing of the He-Mei Agreement, the Third Gendarmerie Regiment, along with the 51st Army of the Northeast Army stationed in Tianjin and the Second and Twenty-Fifth Divisions of the Central Army stationed in other parts of Hebei, would completely withdraw along with the Nationalist government agencies. At that time, Song Zheyuan's 29th Army would enter Hebei at the invitation of the Beiping Military Sub-Committee, becoming the actual ruler of the Pingjin region. The Third Gendarmerie Regiment, the 51st Army of the Northeast Army stationed in Tianjin, and the Second and Twenty-Fifth Divisions of the Central Army stationed in other parts of Hebei would completely withdraw along with the Nationalist government agencies. At that time, Song Zheyuan's 29th Army would enter Hebei at the invitation of the Beiping Military Sub-Committee, becoming the actual ruler of the Pingjin region. After that, until the July 7 Incident, Beiping would enjoy a rare period of tranquility.

The night has deepened, and the moon shines ever brighter. The sound of insects is heavy in the air. Under the moonlight, incense burns at the three new graves. Ouyang Yun stands upright before Shen Jian's grave, saluting: "... ... One should strive to be a hero in life, and even in death, one should be a gallant spirit. Brother Shen Jian, rest assured, your sister will be taken care of by me. I will complete the unfinished business you left behind. Farewell on your journey!"

This issue was indeed a means for Bai Liusu to continue testing him; the "Blue Clothes Society" did not have a leader. Perhaps she had not yet recovered from the sorrow of losing her beloved, or perhaps she was simply too exhausted, which is why she chose not to linger on Ouyang Yun's identity and instead decided to leave. The reason she joined the "Blue Clothes Society" was because of Shen Jian; now that Shen Jian was dead, she had no reason to stay. "Wild Chicken, this is up to you now." After saying this, she walked into the room. The reason she joined the "Blue Clothes Society" was because of Shen Jian; now that Shen Jian was dead, she had no reason to stay. "Wild Chicken, this is up to you now." After saying this, she walked into the room.

I have taken it

"Isn't that very valuable?" The voice of Bai Liusu was soft and rustling, exuding a magnetic quality that sounded very pleasant, although it always gave a cold and distant impression

Ouyang Yun was not polite with her either, knocking her down to the ground, kicking the short sword away, swiftly drawing out a belt, and binding her hands together, saying: "I have requisitioned that batch of stolen money!"

Ouyang Yun smiled and sighed even more in her heart: If it weren't for that earthworm, just these pair of eyes alone would have captivated quite a few men? "Miss Bai, I think you have misunderstood my meaning. I do not believe that Brother Shen's career is merely about sending these trinkets to Nanjing. Are you still unaware of his grand ideals even today? It's a pity that you have been with him for so many years."

Heaven is always unjust, or perhaps the world is inherently unstable. Therefore, before the early Qing Dynasty, the land of Huaxia regarded itself as a heavenly kingdom, with the emperor referred to as the Son of Heaven. However, starting from the late Qing Dynasty, the world was turned upside down. Not to mention the so-called barbarians of the West, even Japan, a small island nation, was able to ride on the heads of giants and act with arrogance. If Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Taizong of Tang, and even Genghis Khan were to have spirits in heaven, one wonders what their sentiments would be!

Oh. I don't know why, but after confirming this matter, Ouyang Yun felt a sense of relief. "Return it to me. If you are interested, I can teach you how to use it."

Do the words you just said to my brother count

That period was also the most glorious time for Song Zheyu and the 29th Army. As newsreels documenting the 29th Army's battle at Jifengkou were screened in major cities across the country, composer Mai Xin specially created the "March of the Broadsword" for this occasion, and the Broadsword Brigade of the 29th Army along with Song Zheyu became renowned throughout the land

He said softly, "Promise me you won't run around, and I will help you untie the ropes"

Bai Liusu pondered for a moment, the colors in her eyes dimming before brightening again, her tone turning icy: "Are you trying to play tricks? Or have you set your sights on that wealth—" Her voice suddenly became sharp: "If it weren't for your coveting of that wealth, how could my elder brother have died?! Villain, taste my brother's vengeance!" She crouched down, using her legs to leap out of the window towards him, her left hand shaking in mid-air as a flying dagger shot towards his heart, while her right hand thrust a short sword forward.

Ouyang was taken aback, saying, "Don't speak so casually." He turned around to see the corners of the young girl's mouth curling up, revealing the first smile he had seen since their meeting. He realized he had been tricked and couldn't help but smile wryly as he shook his head and said, "I really didn't see it coming; you are actually a negotiation expert. So, what do you want to exchange?"

It is just a plastic box

Bai Liusu's gaze fell upon Shen Jian, her eyelids becoming increasingly red and swollen. She rubbed them vigorously, forcing herself not to let the tears fall.

The car at the entrance belongs to the Japanese. Ouyang Yun's greatest concern is that someone from their side might escape and expose the secret of the "Ghost House." He intended to inquire further to confirm that it had been parked there since early morning. Considering the five burly men on the other side, they could easily fit into one car, and it seemed that no one stayed behind last night. There was no need to be polite with the Japanese; he naturally accepted this old Ford.

"Alright, then please take these sacks and wooden boxes to Nanjing," Bai Liusu said, her eyes fixed on him without blinking, resembling two pools of moonlight on the river, very clear and also very cold.

The situation of the 29th Army did not improve until it was relocated to Chahar in 1932, when Song Zheyuan was appointed as the Chairman of Chahar Province, allowing the 29th Army to finally secure a territory for rest and recuperation

Ouyang Yun smiled, feeling a bit more confident about winning the grand prize—he was determined to obtain that sum of money, not to buy a supercomputer, nor to build a hope primary school, but solely to drive away the Japanese.

How could I have slept for so long? It must be the work of the saltless woman. Sigh, how careless I am; this girl is originally a ghost! With this thought, he felt a surge of anger, not even putting on his shoes, and hopped to the door. Hearing her soft moans, he thought to himself that he did not expect this woman to enjoy romance. Remembering that she was in sorrow, he sighed and walked to the entrance, sitting down on the threshold.

Ouyang Yun did not respond. There is a guideline in the counter-espionage manual that states: when you are unsure about the truth of a matter, it is best to remain silent

Cremation

The cipher matched, and a faint smile once again appeared on the face of Bai Liusu, who had been in a state of sorrow, as she exclaimed, "Wild chicken!"

Elder brother, I often hear you recite Li Bai's "Quiet Night Thoughts," but I have never quite understood it until now. Now I finally comprehend... The bright moonlight before my bed, I suspect it is frost on the ground. I raise my head to gaze at the bright moon, and lower it to think of my hometown. Elder brother, did you foresee this day long ago? We, the wanderers from Sichuan, ultimately have to be buried far from home. I will bury you here, and you will be able to see the moonlight often. You are fortunate, with mice and bears to keep you company, while you have left me all alone. Elder brother, did you foresee this day long ago? We, the wanderers from Sichuan, ultimately have to be buried far from home. I will bury you here, and you will be able to see the moonlight often. You are fortunate, with mice and bears to keep you company, while you have left me all alone. Bai Liusu sat on a mound of fresh earth by the window, looking up at the moon in the night sky, which was a bit fuller than last night, and spoke softly.

With a fierce flick, Ouyang Yun tossed away the cigarette and began to smile wryly: Why think so much? Just take it one step at a time. It's just a little butterfly; what can we expect it to do? Sleep!

Yes

Ouyang Yun, unperturbed, tentatively suggested, "You could send a telegram back to headquarters to confirm."

Is this latrine very deep

What the hell, are you trying to solicit me? Fortunately, I am not a young lady, otherwise, I would have ended up pregnant from your advances

Ouyang Yun groggily opened her eyes, shook her somewhat heavy head, and reached out with her right hand to touch the bed, only to find nothing. Startled, she sat up. The moonlight was bright, streaming through the window, and the items on the bed were faintly visible; nothing was missing except for her laptop.

Yes

Bai Liusu furrowed her brows; the North China region, with Tianjin as the primary area of activity, is where the radio stations are located, while Beiping does not have any. She began to doubt his identity once again

The woman hesitated for a moment and said, "Agent 'Phoenix' of the North Peking branch of the Blue Shirt Society, and you?" She thought, could it be a colleague?

She had heard about this matter and after thinking for a moment, she asked: "Have you received any instructions from the leader since you came here?"

Her gaze shifted away from the soy milk, the confusion and sorrow within her vanished, leaving only a deliberate hatred: "I won't run around, but I will kill you"

If only you had come a few days earlier, " Bai Liusu said melancholically, gazing quietly at Shen Jian's grave.

In the latrine

Abolish feudal domains to unify the nation, reorganize military forces to resist war, prohibit opium, combat corruption, and revitalize rural areas

Due to not being a direct subordinate force of Jiang, the 29th Army faced numerous difficulties in military funding and equipment during its initial formation, leading to a very harsh existence. The soldiers were all in tattered clothing, resembling beggars, and during the relocation to Chahar, they had to march at night for fear of being seen as bandits by the local populace during the day, which would frighten the civilians. Consequently, the broadsword became an essential piece of equipment for the 29th Army, making the broadsword tactics of the 29th Army less an innovation by Song Zheyuan and more a result of his helplessness. The 29th Army gained a formidable reputation through its broadsword tactics during the victory at Xifengkou, which can be considered quite a remarkable event.

"Do you want some of the bone eroding powder that I use?"

Bai Liusu coldly witnessed all of this, her left hand several times reaching into her waist, but ultimately withdrawing each time. Finally, with a soft sigh, she lifted the bowl with her left hand and picked up a bun with her right hand, beginning her breakfast

The courtesan raised her head to look at her, her gaze quite complex: "Which part are you from? The Communist Party?"

This is a line from Lu You's poem "To My Sons". It serves as a secret code they agreed upon. If Ouyang Yun is indeed the special envoy, he should respond with "Do not forget to inform my father during the family sacrifice." The "Blue Shirt Society" chose these two lines of poetry as their secret code, demonstrating their thoughtful consideration. If it were an impersonator, most would likely respond with the original line "The royal army will conquer the Central Plains on that day," while the more astute might reply with "In death, one realizes that all is empty." The "Blue Shirt Society" chose these two lines of poetry as their secret code, demonstrating their thoughtful consideration. If it were an impersonator, most would likely respond with the original line "The royal army will conquer the Central Plains on that day," while the more astute might reply with "In death, one realizes that all is empty."

What kind of notebook?

Pan Yuguo! Pan Yuguo..." Ouyang Yun softly repeated the name of this traitor several times, feeling a surge of murderous intent in her heart. If she were to kill Pan Yuguo right now, would the history of the 29th Army be rewritten? No, it is not that simple; as long as Song Zheyuan is determined to seek a "political solution," there will be a second and a third Pan Yuguo. Should she kill Song Zheyuan? This is not a consequence that a small butterfly like herself can bear; what if the 29th Army were to split as a result? No, it is not that simple; as long as Song Zheyuan is determined to seek a "political solution," there will be a second and a third Pan Yuguo. Should she kill Song Zheyuan? This is not a consequence that a small butterfly like herself can bear; what if the 29th Army were to split as a result?

However, human calculations cannot compare to those of heaven. The ambitions of the Japanese are indeed too great, while the National Government is truly inadequate

"Not anymore?" Bai Liusu blinked her eyes, somewhat surprised

Ouyang Yun shook his head and asked, "Are you from the Kuomintang?"

Bai Liusu clearly did not expect that despite exerting all her strength, she could not move him at all. The terms "Diamond Shield" and "Iron Cloth Shirt," which are only found in legends, flashed through her mind, leaving her momentarily stunned and forgetting to resist

Ouyang Yun turned around and walked into the room, saying, "Ah, I actually slept for such a long time." With a broad smile revealing two rows of bright white teeth, she thought to herself, trying to deceive me, hum, no way.

Of course, one can deceive others, but one cannot deceive ghosts; moreover, Brother Shen is still a ghostly hero

"It is possible, as long as you have the capability." He untied her ropes, gathered all the bodies into the main room, and then covered the corpses of those compatriots with the sheets from his own bed. After that, he returned the burlap sacks and wooden boxes to the cellar and closed the wardrobe.

No more. I don't know what she wants to exchange, so Ouyang Yun first lowered the price significantly.

Upon seeing his smile, Bai Liusu sensed something was amiss and quickly recoiled, but it was still a moment too late. A streak of white light struck her at the waist, and she could only manage to utter the word "despicable" before collapsing, losing consciousness.

Three new graves have appeared in the yard, with small wooden signs standing in front of them and paper streamers fluttering above. Under the moonlight, it seems to possess a certain ethereal quality. This yard has long been associated with the term "haunted house," and now with the addition of three new graves, it indeed lives up to its name. He glanced inside the main room, which was empty, and, somewhat surprised, asked: "Where are those Japanese devils?"

The neighbors around had long heard of the infamous haunted house and were quite worried about a young man daring to live there alone. Kind-hearted elderly folks suggested hiring a master to exorcise the evil spirits, introducing a whole bunch of fake monks and phony Taoist priests. Ouyang Yun, wanting to joke around, told them that there indeed were ghosts in the house, but he had come to an agreement with them to coexist peacefully, each minding their own business. Many of the elderly had been frightened by the 'hanged ghost' portrayed by Bai Liusu, and upon hearing this, their faces turned pale. They murmured among themselves, speculating that perhaps the young man had strong yang energy, which is why the ghosts did not dare to possess him. One elderly man even foolishly asked, 'Young man, are you still a virgin?' which left him both amused and exasperated.

Where are your documents, let me confirm one last time, I will leave this to you

Bai Liusu originally harbored deep resentment, wishing to flay him alive to feel satisfied. However, upon seeing him like this, she became somewhat bewildered: "One should strive to be a hero in life, and even in death, one should be a formidable ghost." She softly recited these lines, momentarily lost in thought

After killing several Japanese soldiers in the battle early this morning, he finally understood the true intentions of the two elderly men, and he also became clear about what he should do and what he was capable of doing

Is that so? He flashed a toothy smile, flicked his right hand, and the steel needle flew out

He turned off the computer, took out a cigarette, lit it, took two puffs, and then began to cough violently. This cigarette is a current street vendor product, which is in no way comparable to similar products of the twenty-first century, it is extremely harsh.

Bai Liusu gazed at him eagerly, suddenly recalling that Shen Jian had mentioned that the headquarters would send someone to accept this batch of goods. Could it be that Ouyang Yun is the special envoy? Thus, she abruptly recited: "But sorrow does not see the unity of the Nine Provinces"

"Of course, a priceless treasure!" Ouyang Yun said proudly, but immediately regretted it, for he saw her digging it out from the soil beside the grave marked with the words 'Grave of Elder Brother Shen Jian' and wiping it before placing it into her bosom

Lost?" Bai Liusu turned around to look at him, her eyes wide open.

It was precisely because the contrast between the before and after was too great that Song deeply realized the role of a territory in stabilizing a military unit. Thus, he chose to navigate cautiously between the Nationalist Party's direct line and the Japanese, hoping only to preserve his own territory

Foolish woman, if you are not afraid that your elder brother will die with his eyes wide open in the grave, then go ahead and give it a try

After the July 7 Incident, Song placed his hopes on a political resolution to preserve the last territory of the 29th Army. Despite the clear military advantage, he continued to compromise, sending his staff member Pan Yugui to engage in communication with the then Commander of the Japanese garrison in North China, Kiyoshi Kōzuki.

The historical records documented in the notebook indicate that the conflict in Pingjin triggered by the July 7 Incident concluded with the withdrawal of the Nationalist Party's 29th Army from Hebei, resulting in the abandonment of Pingjin. Upon careful analysis, the failure of the Chinese side can certainly be attributed to factors related to strength; however, the decisive responsibility can be traced back to two individuals: one is Song Zheyuan, the commander of the 29th Army, and the other is Pan Yugui, the director of Song's Political Affairs Office.

Thank you for the breakfast, " Bai Liusu said, and with a " bang " she closed the door.

The notebook must not come into contact with water; if it is truly thrown into a latrine, it will be ruined. In desperation, he said: "I promise you"

The two were no more than the distance of a grave apart. Ouyang Yuncuo was caught off guard and was simultaneously struck by a flying knife and a short sword. If he had not been wearing a bulletproof vest, he would likely have had two new holes in him immediately. Even so, his chest ached fiercely, which truly ignited his anger. No matter how good-tempered he was, he could not tolerate a woman provoking him time and again. He could not help but exclaim, "You are truly unreasonable!" Taking advantage of her momentary daze, he seized her right wrist, bent his left knee, and thrust it against her abdomen.

It has been transformed by me

The girl before me, with a face that bore no scars, was once a vision of beauty that could make many young women envious and stir the affections of numerous suitors. However, a single scar has now distanced her from all of that. She is now referred to as the "Saltless Woman," and it is likely that even the original Saltless Woman would have her objections: "It is true that we are not beautiful, but that is due to our parents. What is her excuse? It is a failure of care in the days that followed."

The car could not be driven into the yard, so Ouyang Yun parked it in an alley and hid it well. On his way back, he saw Bai Liusu sleeping soundly and did not wake her. The events of the previous night had evidently taken a toll on her; there were still traces of tears on her face, and the sheet beneath her cheeks was dampened in a patch, indicating that she had likely cried for a long time even in her dreams. Looking at the scar on her face, he pondered how he could remove it as easily as lifting a worm, and he let out a gentle sigh.

History has given Song a high evaluation—he is regarded as a renowned general in the anti-Japanese war, noted for his accomplishments in both military affairs and governance. However, this is not entirely accurate. In the Battle of Xifengkou, the 29th Army indeed displayed great spirit and prestige, and at that time, it was not an exaggeration to call Song Zheyuan a renowned general in the anti-Japanese war. However, from the moment he entered Chahar, the halo of this anti-Japanese general began to fade.

Ouyang Yun has won another prize. Having participated in counter-espionage training, he immediately realized that Bai Liusu's words carried deeper meaning. However, he had forgotten most of Du Fu's poem, and when he opened his mouth to continue, the only line that came out was the last one: "In family sacrifices, do not forget to inform your ancestors."

"Wild Chicken?" Upon hearing this code name, Ouyang Yun nearly collapsed. Sigh, I suppose I am just unlucky, he said: "Phoenix?!" He stepped forward, helped her unbuckle her belt, and assisted her to her feet.

What nonsense are you talking about? Do you still want this thing? Bai Liusu's face, with its angry worms, began to squirm, exuding a fierce aura

"The latrine, sister, you are ruthless!" Ouyang Yun gave a thumbs up, walked towards the latrine, and thought to himself that it still had to be buried; exposing it would inevitably lead to trouble. Upon arriving there, however, he did not see the corpse. "Did they really throw it in the latrine?"

At the onset of the July 7 Incident, the Japanese army did not hold an advantage in the Beiping area. If at that time, Zhao Dengyu's troops had been able to annihilate the encircled Japanese forces, the Lugou Bridge would not have fallen. What alternate path might history have taken?

Ouyang Yun stroked his chin, where some fuzzy whiskers had grown. The information about the "Blue Shirt Society" in the computer left a good impression on him. If the "Blue Shirt Society" could indeed grow within the Kuomintang, it might be a good thing for the resistance against Japan. The problem is that the "Blue Shirt Society" originated from the German "Black Shirt Party" and advocates for a cult of personality. Chairman Chiang has too much influence within it. If he collaborates with the "Blue Shirt Society," will it indirectly assist Chiang Kai-shek? The issue is that the "Blue Shirt Society" originated from the German "Black Shirt Party" and advocates for a cult of personality. Chairman Chiang has too much influence within it. If he collaborates with the "Blue Shirt Society," will it indirectly assist Chiang Kai-shek?

Thinking of Shen Jian, the young girl fell silent. She had merely gotten herself into a stubborn mindset for a moment, or perhaps the blow she received was too great, leading her to not want to think too much. Upon deeper reflection, she also understood that her elder brother's enemy had actually already died.

He patted her shoulder and said, "Take heart, the revolution has not yet succeeded, comrades still need to work hard! There are many more things waiting for us to do."

"Woman, you now have two choices: leave, or follow me to kill the Japanese."

Ouyang Yun glanced at the tear stains on the bed sheet and thought to herself that women are truly made of water, their tears as deep as the sea. She stood up and walked out. At this moment, allowing her to cry for a while would be beneficial rather than harmful to her mental health

Lying in bed, he felt no drowsiness at all and took out his handheld computer to browse through it slowly

My surname is Bai, not Shen. Your name is Ouyang Yun, isn't it

Alright, once you deliver the items, I will give you this box

"The Blue Shirt Society?" Ouyang Yun blinked a few times, rushed into her room, and a few minutes later, after obtaining detailed information from the computer, she came out and said: "How amusing! Weren't you all committed to 'overcoming the crisis of Japanese invasion and stopping the corruption and degeneration of the Kuomintang'? How did you end up as thieves now?! 'The Blue Shirt Society', I wondered why everyone is dressed in blue shirts and blue pants."

Hearing him casually recite the purpose of the "Second Revolution," Bai Liusu was quite astonished and, feeling somewhat anxious, asked, "Who exactly are you?"

Ouyang Yun sincerely pays tribute to the martyrs, without any convoluted thoughts. Upon seeing her, he earnestly says: "Miss Shen, I am truly sorry for deceiving you just now, but this box is extremely important to me, so—"

Lost

You are the thief; we are raising funds for the "Second Revolution"

A small-scale Sino-Japanese war that took place in the "Haunted House" ended with a tragic victory for the Chinese side, and Ouyang Yun was fortunate to be the last yellow sparrow to emerge. Upon reflection, he regretted not having struck earlier, which led to the unnecessary sacrifice of several compatriots. However, considering that these compatriots had come with the intent to eliminate him, it served as a decent self-comforting rationale.

"Bone-eating powder?" This seems to be something only found in martial arts novels. Ouyang Yun had always thought it was merely a fabrication of the author. Now, realizing that this vile substance actually exists, she couldn't help but shiver. "No, no, please keep it for yourself. By the way, where is my notebook?"

"We buried them in the evening." Ouyang Yunduan sat down on a chair, quietly watching her finish her breakfast, and said

"Then I will throw it into the latrine," Bai Liusu said lightly, her body moving gracefully.

"Help me deliver all the sacks and wooden boxes to Nanjing," Bai Liusu said as she took out her notebook, adding, "If you don't agree, I'll throw them into the latrine right away"

Six months later, the War of Resistance against Japan broke out at the Great Wall. The 29th Army fought fiercely against the Japanese troops of the Suzuki and Hattori brigades at Xifengkou, using broadswords and grenades to counter the advanced weaponry of the Japanese army, annihilating five thousand enemies and gaining fame in a single battle, yet suffering over ten thousand casualties, severely weakening their strength. However, due to the disbandment of the Anti-Japanese Allied Army organized by Feng Yuxiang in Chahar by Chairman Jiang, the 29th Army was able to learn from others' experiences and achieve a rebirth—expanding the entire army to four divisions with more than sixty thousand men, while also receiving a large amount of weaponry and equipment from the Anti-Japanese Alliance, including more than thirty mountain guns from the former Northeast Army under Tang Yulin. This truly enabled them to become a military force capable of influencing the situation in North China.

A few minutes later, Bai Liusu opened her eyes and found herself lying in bed. She moved her hands and feet with ease, feeling unexpectedly delighted. She jumped out of bed, sensing that her weapons were still with her, and couldn't help but feel overjoyed, thinking to herself that this treacherous villain had been careless and had not searched for her weapons. With a short sword in her right hand and a flying dagger in her left, she slowly walked to the window

Bai Liusu sat on the ground, glaring at him with resentment: "Kill me if you must, otherwise, one day, I will take my revenge."

Ouyang Yun sensed that the situation was not good and hurriedly said: "You have met Chen Jiayao, and as soon as we arrived in Beiping, we encountered her being kidnapped. In order to save her, the result was..."

Pan Yuguo was undoubtedly a traitor, betraying Song at a critical moment, which allowed the Japanese army to fully grasp the deployment of the 29th Army's forces. As a result, during the subsequent Battle of Nanyuan, the 29th Army was constantly on the defensive, falling behind at every turn, making defeat in the North China campaign inevitable

However, upon closely examining the growth history of Song and the 29th Army, it is not difficult to understand why such a transformation occurred. The 29th Army was formed after the Central Plains War, essentially a reorganization of the severely weakened Northwest Army. Having experienced the Central Plains War, Song deeply understood the suffering that civil war brought to the nation and its people. Therefore, at the inception of the army, he clearly proposed the slogan "No civil war, guns pointed outward," which received unanimous support from his subordinates. Subsequently, Chairman Chiang attempted several times to order the 29th Army to move south to suppress the Communists, but Song evaded these orders with various excuses. His wariness of Chiang's ability to manipulate the situation during the warlord conflicts led Song to harbor suspicions towards the National Government under Chiang's leadership. This skepticism influenced many of his important decisions later on and was also a primary reason for his diplomatic maneuvering with the Japanese during his governance in Chahar and Beiping.