Chapter 6 Chapter 6: Wang Zhanyuan is gone

It's another cool midsummer. It has not rained for ten days, the ground in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River is on fire, the trees are wilted and the grass is withered, and the three towns of Wuhan have become steamers again. Sun Chuanfang, the new commander-in-chief of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River Guard, only spent 10 days at the headquarters in Jingzhou before being sent to Wuhan by a telegram from Wang Zhanyuan.Wang Zhanyuan couldn't do without Sun Chuanfang, he lost his soul when he left him, his food was not sweet, and his sleep was not comfortable. As soon as Sun Chuanfang arrived in Wuchang, Wang Zhanyuan took him to a secret room. "Xinyuan, don't leave from now on, Wuchang cannot live without you."

When Sun Chuanfang heard this, he was startled, "Was Wang Zhanyuan intending to seize my military power?" Sun Chuanfang became more vigilant, he was afraid that Wang Zhanyuan would take his military power from him with a prominent and empty position. In Wang Zhanyuan's belt, I will be his vassal forever!" He hurriedly said: "I can run at both ends, take care of both ends, and take care of both ends, and nothing will happen. " At this time, Wang Zhanyuan didn't intend to take Sun Chuanfang out of the picture, but just wanted him to be more distracted by him.So, I don't mind saying: "It's fine to run at both ends, but it's too difficult for you, I can't bear it."

"I'm young, it doesn't matter." Sun Chuanfang also followed suit. Wang Zhanyuan hastily called Sun Chuanfang back from Jingzhou to Wuchang. There was indeed an urgent matter—— Wang Zhanyuan, who became the patrol envoy of the two lakes, took a lot of effort to get his chief of staff, He Peilu, to be the governor of Hubei.In this way, they can cover the sky with one hand, and wanton greed in Hubei.The incident caused resentment among merchants and peasants, and alarmed Beijing.Wu Peifu was afraid that Hubei would not end, so he discussed with Cao Kun, and in the name of "Hupe people governing Hubei", He Peiluo was removed from the post of governor, and Xia Fengkang, a Hubei native, was appointed as the governor of Hubei.Wang Zhanyuan was afraid of losing his right to rule over Hubei. On the one hand, he resisted the appointment of a governor by Beijing.In this way, there was a struggle between the "pro-Xia faction" and the "anti-xia faction" in Hubei for a while.Wang Zhanyuan was unable to control it, so he had to invite Sun Chuanfang to discuss it.

Wang Zhanyuan talked about the matter (but he didn't know that Xia Shoukang had a big backer, Wu Peifu), and then said: "Xinyuan, I can't ask Xia Shoukang to be the governor. But, how can I drive him away?" , I don’t know what to do. That’s why I’m in a hurry to get you back.” Sun Chuanfang was grateful to Wang Zhanyuan for not taking his military power.Now, Wang Zhanyuan asked him humbly again, and he thought about it seriously for a while, and then said: "This matter is easy to handle. The inspection will keep you away. I will come forward, civil and military, and show Xia Shoukang some color." Let him know that Hubei is not a place for him to squat, and that's it."

"You have a solution?" Wang Zhanyuan was very happy. "In any case, we must pay attention to the influence, and don't make a big fuss, and let outsiders scold us for being xenophobic." Sun Chuanfang laughed inwardly: "Aren't you xenophobic? You are afraid that others will get involved in Hubei and monitor your 'privacy'. Why do you want to be a good person?" But he still said: "Please don't worry about patrolling. I will do well. Completely." "Okay, I believe in you." Wang Zhanyuan said, "I believe that you are a person who can handle things and can handle this matter well."

Sun Chuanfang left the inspecting envoy and went to her own residence, where she racked her brains to think about countermeasures.The final decision: to draft a letter in a tone of kindness on the surface, but with a very vicious heart, and then send it to Xia Shoukang in the name of the brigade and battalion commander of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River Garrison Command, "advising" him to delay his appointment as Governor of Hubei Afterwards, another army was transferred to guard the provincial government, and someone was sent to the governor's residence to meet Xia Shoukang, and told him clearly: "The soldiers do not welcome you to be the governor of Hubei, you should go back to your original post." .”

Xia Shoukang knows that Wang Zhanyuan has controlled Hubei for several years and has already turned Hubei into his "fief".In a place like this, a polished governor would not be able to disturb even a dragon.What's more, he has not yet taken office, and the military has been dispatched in all directions.Therefore, Xia Shoukang quietly packed up his luggage and slipped away through the back door of the provincial government. Xia Shoukang left, and Wang Zhanyuan recovered from his heart disease. Soon, he promoted Sun Chuanfang to the rank of lieutenant general. With Xia Shoukang gone, Hubei is once again monolithic under the Wang family.Wang Zhanyuan was even more unscrupulously greedy, using his power for personal gain, eating up his quota, and reporting false accounts.Toss Hubei so much that it has to light candles in broad daylight.Because he withheld too much military salary, a huge mutiny broke out in Wuchang, where he lived.

The teams participating in the mutiny chanted "Beg for food, want to live" and looted wantonly in the city. Shops, banks, factories, and even citizens suffered.During the massive robbery, foreigners' stores were also robbed, which led to international disputes. The mutiny brought disaster, and the Hubei people hated Wang Zhanyuan deeply.Therefore, Jiang Zuobin, the E gentry, formed a petition group of Hubei merchants and people, raised huge sums of money, and went to Hunan to ask Zhao Hengti to send troops to assist the king of Hubei.Zhao Hengti, who had just won power in Hunan, was actively advocating "self-government", so in the name of "inter-provincial self-government", Song Hegeng, commander of the first division of the Hunan Army, was the commander-in-chief of the aid to Hubei. He led the first and second divisions and attacked from Yuezhou. Hubei.When Wang Zhanyuan learned that the Hunan Army was attacking the north, he immediately organized a counterattack. However, Wang Zhanyuan knew in his heart that due to years of deductions from the army, the morale of the army was broken, and the training was not effective, all the troops had no combat power.After thinking about it again and again, I had no choice but to appoint Sun Chuanfang, the current commander of the 18th Division, as the commander-in-chief of the 18th Division.

The battle between Hunan and Hubei started, and Sun Chuanfang felt that his chance had come again.Therefore, he led his troops to travel day and night, and soon arrived in Chongyang and Tongcheng areas.Sun Chuanfang was impatient to win. As soon as he arrived at the front line, he deployed three lines of defense at Yanglousi, Zhaoliqiao, and Puji to confront the Hunan Army.After the army was deployed, Sun Chuanfang braved the midsummer heat and went deep into the front line. He fought fiercely for 8 days and 8 nights, blocking the Hunan Army which was several times his own. The frontline commander of the Hunan Army also said, "I didn't expect Wang Zhanyuan to have such a tough fighter!"

However, Sun Chuanfang was fighting alone after all. Eight days later, the battle situation became more and more unfavorable to the Hubei army. Wang Zhanyuan urgently called Beijing for help, and Wu Peifu told him that "reinforcement has been dispatched to the south of Xiao Yao".However, Xiao Bu was far away in the sky, and he couldn't see his shadow for a long time.Wang Zhanyuan begged Wu Peifu again, but Wu Peifu still stood still, and secretly released rumors of "aiding Hubei" - "not aiding the king"-in fact, there had been conflicts between Wang Zhanyuan and Wu Peifu, and Wu Peifu didn't value this groom's background, only greedy The king of Hubei; Xia Shoukang was prevented from leaving Hubei, and the roots of division were further planted.Therefore, Wu Peifu also wanted to take advantage of this "Battle of Hunan and Hubei" to drive this warrior out.Sun Chuanfang, who insisted several times and suffered heavy casualties, suddenly felt uneasy: "The tour envoy is the main force of the direct line. Why didn't Wu Peifu support him? The battle has been fought for many days, and the reinforcements have not yet been seen. Is this reinforcement real or fake?" Sun Chuanfang has already Know the rumors "aid Hubei" - "not aid the king".It now appears that it is not groundless.At this time, Sun Chuanfang had long been determined to "preserve strength" and "expand himself". He said to himself: "Since the Beiyang government does not support Wang Zhanyuan, why should I work for him alone?" With the vast territory in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, he is not afraid that he will not be able to rely on the big pillars, nor is he afraid that he will have no world. "I have to find my own way of retreat, let's talk after walking."

Sun Chuanfang hastily withdrew his troops on the front line and retreated to Wuxue to concentrate on standby.Due to Sun Chuanfang's withdrawal, the battle between Hunan and Hubei took a turn for the worse. The defeat of the Hubei army was set, and the defense line was completely broken.Wang Zhanyuan was overwhelmed, and was forced to resign from his post on August 7 by telegram.Wang Zhanyuan went to the field, and he fled to Tianjin with his family and a large amount of property looted in Hubei. Wang Zhanyuan left, and Sun Chuanfang was really lost in Wuxue for a few days—Wang Zhanyuan was kind to him, and he was promoted by Wang Yiyi.Originally, he just wanted to take a step back and wait and see. At worst, the Hunan Army would occupy some of their territory. Once Beijing came out to speak, it would have to return it to him.As a lesson, Wang Zhanyuan accepted it, and restrained himself in the future, and it was over as his patrol envoy.Not anymore, Wang Zhanyuan has gone to the field! The Beijing government has not expressed its attitude either.Wang Zhanyuan took his family to Tianjin! He went to Tianjin, but no one stayed.It can be seen that the Beijing government acquiesced in Wang Zhanyuan's resignation.Sun Chuanfang was cold in his heart: "I was born and died for half my life for the Beiyang government. I have gone to the wild, and I can't even hear a word of condolence. It's tragic!" At this time, he felt sympathy and guilt for Wang Zhanyuan: "If I don't retreat to Wuxue , and persist in Yanglousi and Puji for a few more days, maybe the Hubei army will not be completely defeated on the battlefield, and Wang Zichun may not be electrified to go to the field." It's just a trace of guilt, he has no ability to make Wang Zhanyuan live from death and make a comeback. On the sixth day after Wang Zhanyuan was electrified and left the field, that is, on August 12, the situation in Hubei changed drastically: Wu Peifu came to Wuhan with the title of patrol envoy between the two lakes, and the Hunan Army withdrew from Hubei without aiding Hubei.Since then, the land of Hubei has been peaceful again. Sun Chuanfang, who was lingering in Wuxue, learned that the new immediate boss had arrived. No matter how uneasy he felt, a visit was still indispensable.So, he flicked his crown and adjusted his clothes, and hurried to Wuhan. When Sun Chuanfang came to Wuhan, he hesitated: should I sign up for a meeting, or wait for the meeting? 37-year-old Sun Chuanfang has an inexplicable respect and fear for Wu Peifu, who is almost 10 years older than him.Wu Peifu is a Confucian general who was born as a scholar. He pays great attention to etiquette and law in running the army. He is a learned general, different from the reckless Wang Zhanyuan.Sun Chuanfang had never worked beside Wu, so he couldn't figure out his temperament, so he didn't dare to ask for a meeting.However, in terms of the relationship between superiors and subordinates, when a new official takes office, the subordinates should take the initiative to greet and report the situation.Sun Chuanfang couldn't wait to be recruited.After hesitating for a long time, he took the initiative to go to the patrol envoy office to ask to see the new patrol envoy in accordance with the routine. Wu Peifu, a native of Penglai, Shandong, was born in April 1874. He was admitted as a scholar at the age of 20. Due to troubles with local tyrants, he was forced to go to Tianjin to join the Huai army at the age of 22. He started as an orderly soldier and sent documents. , and became a figure highly valued by Cao Kun, who ruled the third town; another 10 years later, that is, in 1918, the Beiyang government sent troops south to fight against Sun Yat-sen's French defenders. command.Soon after entering Hunan, he entered Yueyang and Changsha and won the title of "General Fuwei".After occupying Hengyang, Wu Peifu did not move forward. He issued a telegram to "strike the war and seek peace", and sang the high-profile "Civilian officials should not be corrupt and traitorous, and military officials should not fight for territory", and declared that he would "not be a warlord in this life, live in the concession, and not borrow external debt". In 1919, the "May 4th Movement" broke out, and the anti-imperialist and anti-feudal anger of the people across the country burst out. The pro-Japanese government under the control of Duan Qirui became the target of public criticism.Wu Peifu repeatedly sent telegrams, opposing the signing of the Paris Peace Treaty, advocating the cancellation of the Sino-Japanese secret treaty, and supporting the student movement, which won favorable comments from the public. In May of 1920, Wu Peifu led his army to the north, participated in the Zhiwan War in July, and was promoted to the Deputy Envoy of Zhiluyu Tour in September, stationed in Luoyang for "military training". In July 1921, he went to Hubei in the name of assisting Wang Zhanyuan to resist the Hunan Army. As a result, he replaced Wang Zhanyuan and became the tour envoy of the two lakes.This completely exposed Wu Peifu's ability to seize territory and expand his strength. Wu Peifu believes that Wang Zhanyuan is a reckless hero, not worthy of support.However, Wu Peifu has a good impression of Sun Chuanfang - Wu Peifu is clear about Sun Chuanfang's record and Sun Chuanfang's promotion. "This is a good seedling with hope." Just when Wu Peifu was thinking about Sun Chuanfang, Sun Chuanfang came.Wu Peifu was overjoyed and hurriedly sent a message: "See you in the living room!" It is a magnificent and fortified courtyard to inspect the mission.Sun Chuanfang is very familiar with it.In the past, when Wang Zhanyuan ruled the place, Sun Chuanfang came and went as if strolling in a courtyard, and all he received were smiling faces and enthusiasm.Once Wang Zhanyuan left, the courtyard suddenly became indifferent and gloomy.Sun Chuanfang stepped into the gate, sighed softly, and followed the attendants towards the living room. To Sun Chuanfang's surprise, the new visiting envoy, General Wu Peifu, stood outside the living room door in light casual clothes to greet him.As soon as the two met, Wu Peifu stretched out his hand first, and said with a smile: "I've heard about my fellow for a long time, and I don't want to meet in this city where Jianghan and Han meet. It's too late to meet, fellow!" A few kind words can eliminate a barrier.Sun Chuanfang also said with a smile: "Jiu admired the general's name, but I never got to meet him. We were lucky to meet each other today!" Wu Peifu still shook his head with a smile and said, "Why are you lucky? The earth is just so small Point, the mountain does not turn and the water turns, and there are still things that cannot be touched, it is just a kind of fate.If there is a destiny, mountains and rivers can’t be separated!’ Plantains don’t unfurl their clove knots, but they are both facing the spring breeze and worrying about each other, ah!” Sun Chuanfang also laughed. "Singing songs during the day requires drinking too much, and returning home with the company of youth. Commander..." Wu Peifu took Sun Chuanfang's hand, shook it affectionately and said, "Old man Wang, let's go, let's do it together!" One sentence reminded Sun Chuanfang, he really wanted to ask in person, "The south of Xiao Yao, who came to aid Hubei a few days ago, is close at hand, why can't he make it to the battlefield?" As a reinforcement, the subordinates act quickly and slowly, which is always related to the commander. Besides, Wang Zhanyuan finally has a home, and leaving a little regret may not be a bad thing." He thought: "Wu Peifu can top Wang Zichun's 'nest', how can it be I don’t want to show the Beijing government’s attitude anymore! I’m worthy of Wang Zichun, and I can’t be his last sacrifice.” So he said, “It’s a blessing in my life for Xinyuan to be able to cling to the commander in chief. If the commander doesn’t think I’m clumsy , I will always follow the handsome queen!". "The fellow is talking outrageously." Wu Peifu said calmly. "It can only be said that hand in hand, life and death are shared. 'Clinging' is an inappropriate term." The two talked face to face, and Sun Chuanfang said: "The war has just ended, and there are many things to be done in the army. I will go back to the front. " "That's fine," Wu Peifu said, "It will be a long time in the future, and I will look for you." Sure enough, not long after, the Beijing government issued an order: Sun Chuanfang will continue to serve as the commander-in-chief of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, and concurrently serve as the commander of the second division, stationed in Yichang.So far, after 13 years under Wang Yuanzhanyuan, Sun Chuanfang, who was promoted from a small battalion instructor to the commander-in-chief of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and a lieutenant general, became a general under Wu Peifu in a blink of an eye. When Sun Chuanfang hurried to Wuchang to "thank you" to "Wu Yushuai", Wu Peifu became more enthusiastic: "Xinyuan, everything is normal now, and you are justifiably stationed on the Yangtze River. Don't go back to Yichang, there is a big thing you need to do, " Sun Chuanfang nodded in agreement, and then asked, "Is it literature or martial arts?" Wu Peifu smiled and said, "It's such a matter of urgency and slowness, and literary and martial arts..." Wu Peifu explained the whole story, and said, "Isn't Zhao Hengti your classmate at the Japanese Military Academy? I participated in the League together. This mission, I think about it again and again, is none other than you! You just have to work hard." It turned out that Wu Peifu wanted to reconcile with Zhao Hengti, Commander-in-Chief of the Hunan Army after the truce in Hunan and Hubei, and let Sun Chuanfang go to Changsha as a lobbyist.Of course, Sun Chuanfang is willing to "serve". On the one hand, he can show his talent in front of Wu Peifu and give Wu a good impression;Therefore, after receiving the order, Sun Chuanfang hurried to Changsha.Zhao Hengti, a powerful warlord.Not long ago, Tan Yanmin, the commander-in-chief of the Hunan Army, Hunan Governor and Governor Tan Yanmin, was forced to step down by conspiracy means, and he himself served as the commander-in-chief and acting governor of the Hunan Army.However, Zhao Hengti is only a teacher at this time after all, taking the position does not necessarily have an impact.Therefore, the first thing after seizing the throne is to create influence for oneself, and the first thing to create influence is to engage in inter-provincial self-government. Not long after Zhao Hengti's "inter-provincial autonomy" came out, he caught up with the "Battle of Hunan and Hubei". He wanted to unite with Hubei through war.As a result, Wang Zhanyuan was kicked out, and Wu Peifu came.Zhao Hengti frowned: "Wu Peifu is not Wang Zhanyuan. Wu Peifu is a man with army, power, ambition and knowledge. It is not easy to join forces with him." Just when Zhao Hengti was restless, someone reported: "Sun Chuanfang is visiting!" "Sun Chuanfang?" Zhao Hengti was startled: "In the battle between Zhaoliqiao and Puji, I just fought with him for 8 days and 8 nights. It was a life-and-death fight, and the outcome was not yet decided. I don't know why he withdrew his troops later? Today, He came to the door himself, why?" The "Battle of Hunan and Hubei" was fought by Wang Zhanyuan.Wang Zhanyuan left, the war stopped, and Zhao Hengti also looked forward to reconciling with Hubei.Therefore, he still warmly received Sun Chuanfang. Zhao Hengti welcomed Sun Chuanfang to the living room, and said with a smile on his face: "You are busy with Hubei affairs, how did you escape and come to Hunan?" Sun Chuanfang also said with a smile on his face: "You have won a big victory in the 'Battle of Hunan and Hubei'. As an old classmate, can I not come to congratulate you." Zhao Hengti looked at Sun Chuanfang and said deliberately, "I beat you." "This is even more worthy of congratulations." Sun Chuanfang said: "If you don't fight, you don't know each other! We already know each other, this is called not knowing each other without fighting." "You're still so optimistic." Zhao Hengti said, "I heard that Wu Ziyu (Wu Peifu, also known as Ziyu) treated you very kindly, allowing you to return to the post of commander-in-chief of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, and also serve as the commander of the second division..." "It is precisely for this matter that I came here to see you." "Why don't you talk about seeing you, I really want to listen to you." Amidst the chatter, the two sat down opposite each other, someone offered tea and smoke, and then they turned to the topic. Sun Chuanfang said: "To my old classmates, to be honest, I came to see you at the order of Wu Yushuai." "Wu Yushuai is okay? Why do you think of me?" "Hunan and Hubei are as close as brothers." Sun Chuanfang said: "We have always been close to each other and share life and death. Wu Yushi's first wish in Hubei this time is to repair with Zhao Du and create a new neighborly relationship that will be harmonious forever. Hunan and Hubei lost peace, There are many reasons, and those unpleasant things in the past are all over. "If you know that the world is brothers, where do you meet people who are not old friends?" Old classmate, I also came to see you with guilt. I hope that old classmate can treat neighbors as a Heavy, show some face to your old classmates." Zhao Hengti is an introverted and extremely insidious person who seeks power for profit and does whatever it takes.In Hunan, he, Tan Yanmin, and Cheng Qian are called the "Troika", and Tan is not only his immediate boss, but also very kind to him.But he was ungrateful, and his first goal was to suppress Tan Tan.Tan was pushed out, and now he is preoccupied with scheduling.The current so-called battle to aid Hubei is actually Zhao Hengti's ambition to expand.He didn't expect that, while the groom general Wang Zhanyuan was gone, Wu Peifu, a illustrious Confucian general, would come! For Wu Peifu, Zhao Hengti both respected and feared him. It was when he was in a state of panic that an "old classmate begging for peace" came out, which he couldn't wish for—however, Zhao Hengti didn't have a good impression of Sun Chuanfang.Back in Tokyo, Japan, when they joined the League, they didn't agree; after returning to China, Sun Chuanfang threw himself into the arms of the imperial court, and Zhao Hengti looked down on him; especially what he did with Wang Zhanyuan in Hubei in the past 10 years, Zhao Hengti watched In his eyes, although his heart is also for power and profit, Zhao wants to improve himself by beating the king (Zhanyuan) and grandson (Chuanfang).The love of classmates has long been thrown out of the sky.In today's situation, Zhao Hengti not only wants to seek a harmonious situation with his neighbors so as to realize the internal "scheduling" plan, but also wants to give his old classmates a smooth favor and rebuild.As a result, the gloomy face all day suddenly became brighter. He smiled and said: "The old classmate has worked so hard, so I naturally respect him very much. Besides, Wu Yushuai is also an idol I have always admired. Why did I not think that the old classmate mentioned the matter of repairing it?" It’s not that I have been haunting my heart for a long time! The old classmate is here, and my heart and feelings coincide with each other. Please tell Wu Yushuai that I will do everything according to my orders.” "I am deeply grateful to my old classmate for showing Chuanfang such kindness." Sun Chuanfang saw that the lobbying was successful, so he got up and left. "The old classmate has a lot of things on his shoulders, so I won't bother you too much. I'll see you another day." "What's the point of this?" Zhao Hengti was friendly. "Although Changsha is not as outstanding as Wuhan, it has a long history and many historical sites. It can be regarded as a resort of "the lips and teeth of Jingyu, the throat of Guizhou and Guangdong". Even Tai Shigong called her "the millet of Chu"! How can you go without taking a look? Rest today, and I will walk with you tomorrow." The hospitality was hard to come by, so Sun Chuanfang stayed in Changsha for two days. The lobbying task was completed very well, and Sun Chuanfang returned to Wuchang, where he was greatly appreciated by Wu Peifu.Soon, Sun Chuanfang, as Wu Peifu's representative, sat down with Zhao Hengti's representative to discuss and reach the "Official Hunan-Hubei Peace Treaty", which eased the tension in the south for the Zhili lineage. After the peace of the two lakes was restored, Wu Peifu brought Sun Chuanfang to him and said sincerely: "Xinyuan, Hubei is a place full of outstanding people, who play an important role and should not be treated lightly. I, as you know, intend to stay in Luoyang. Hubei Well, I have to entrust you." Sun Chuanfang immediately said: "Hubei is under the governor of Xiao (Yaonan), and I am only in the Yangtze River." Wu Peifu shook his head. "I know it, but I can't put it into words. Of course, in the future, I hope that the two of you will work together in the same boat! The situation is severe and the overall situation is uneasy. There are still many important things to do. The old man (referring to Cao Kun) and I. After Wu Peifu served as the deputy envoy of Zhiluyu Tour and was called "Shuai", people renamed Cao Kun as "Old Marshal" to show the difference) After discussing, Hubei will hand over to you, I hope you will take good care of the South Gate, don't be here There's trouble." "Please rest assured, Yushuai, the natural moat of the Yangtze River must be as solid as gold!" Sun Chuanfang expressed his firm attitude: "I, Sun Xinyuan, will definitely live up to the teachings of the old commander and Yushuai!"