Rise From Eight Hundred

Chapter 768 Brother Zhang (Part 2)

"Since the Japanese invaders invaded our defense line on July 7, Zhao and Tong both died on the battlefield for their loyalty to the country. As their comrade, how could Zhang do such a cowardly thing? Standing together, Zhang only hopes to fight the Japanese invaders to the death.

But the Japanese invaders are more powerful than we imagined. More than 100,000 troops are coming to Yanjing. Mingxuan secretly ordered me to negotiate with the Japanese invaders on behalf of the mayor of Yanjing. Since the military order has been issued, I have to obey it as a soldier. In this regard, I am far less courageous than your brother who disobeyed the order at the Sihang Warehouse. Thinking about it afterwards, I also regretted it.

Of course, Mingxuan's words, "In order to protect the ancient city of Yanjing from being destroyed by war, what's wrong with our personal reputation!" It really made me unable to refuse.

But, brother Tang, do you know what the most painful thing for me, Zhang, is?" Commander Zhang turned his back to Tang Dao, and a faint green smoke continued to rise from his front, and his voice was indifferent.

Apart from the cold wind outside the window, no one could see his facial expression, but Tang Dao seemed to see his eyes full of sorrow.

However, Tang Dao knew that in the face of this inquiry, he did not need to answer, but just be a quiet listener.

Quiet listening is far more useful than a spiritual mentor who talks endlessly from his own perspective. There is no real empathy in this world.

The wound of the soul cannot be mended like the body, it can only heal itself!

"My most painful thing is not when the whole country knows that it is me, Zhang, who is negotiating with the Japanese invaders. Public opinion is in an uproar, and even punitive. Since I have obeyed the order, I have been prepared for infamy.

But my old friend who personally ordered me for many years knew the inside story, but refused to come forward to refute it for me. I finally became the eternal sinner of the nation who caused the loss of Pingjin on the headlines of major newspapers. At that moment, Zhang was really heartbroken."

Speaking of the real pain in his heart, Zhang Junzhong's originally broad and strong shoulders shrugged slightly. Tang Dao almost didn't need to see it, and knew how excited he was at this time.

Tang Dao can fully understand the feeling of being betrayed by his comrades and friends. If he were in Lei Xiong's shoes, even if he was beaten with swords and axes, it would not be as painful as it is!

"After the Central Plains War, the 29th Army was incorporated by the Young Marshal. At that time, the Young Marshal wanted to appoint Zhang as the commander for various reasons. I refused and recommended Mingxuan as the commander of the 29th Army. I served as the commander of the 38th Division as his deputy. I treated him like this back then, but I didn't expect him to treat me like this today!" Commander Zhang looked back at Tang Dao with tears in his eyes. "Brother, tell me, is it because I am blind and have seen the wrong person? This blindness has lasted for many years."

Tang Dao could only sigh slightly, he knew this history.

This patriotic general was really a real person. He not only said the facts, but also downplayed his feat of giving up the position of commander.

You know, at that time, China was not only being watched by Japan, but also in a mess. Sichuan Province was at war, the Central Plains was at war, and the warlords of various factions could not stop fighting for their own interests. It was no exaggeration to say that it was a chaotic world.

In such a chaotic world where human lives were worthless, the only way to control your own destiny was to master power. How important is the military power of an infantry army with tens of thousands of troops?

Among 100 people, perhaps 99 people would choose to fight for it with all their strength.

But this person is the only one.

You know, if he wanted, the possibility that he could have become the first military person in the north was higher than 80%.

In the Central Plains War in 1930, Zhang Junzhang, then the commander of the 6th Division, participated in the war. The troops under his command defeated Xu Yuanquan, Zhang Zhizhong and other troops in Henan, and were praised as a tiger general on the Central Plains battlefield.

However, the anti-Yi coalition was defeated after the Northeast Army entered the pass to help the principal, and the old Shanxi generals, Feng and others stepped down one after another.

Yi, who was in a high position, admired Zhang Junchang as a tiger general. He once called him to win him over and promised him the position of general commander of the 24th Army, but was flatly rejected.

Zhang Junchang took the principal's appointment telegram and said to his subordinates: "As a soldier, loyalty is very important. Now the Northwest Army has failed, and many people have betrayed Mr. Feng, but I will not do that."

Afterwards, this patriotic general resolutely led his troops across the Yellow River and retreated to southern Shanxi. Some friendly neighboring troops knew his loyalty and also approached him and expressed their willingness to be under his command.

The Northwest Army gathered in Shanxi soon spontaneously reorganized into two armies and twelve divisions, but under the pressure of the situation, they were eventually forced to surrender and reduced to one army and two divisions according to the requirements.

There were too many people and too little porridge, so many division, brigade and regiment commanders were laid off. Under such circumstances, Commander Zhang was supported and was expected to become the commander of the army. However, he declined and took the initiative to support another veteran general of the Northwest Army, Song Zheyuan, as the commander of the newly established 3rd Army of the Northeast Frontier Defense Army.

After that, the 3rd Army was renamed the 29th Army, and he became the commander of the 38th Division of the army and the second person in the 29th Army.

No one dared to underestimate this relinquishment. Facts have proved that Commander Zhang, who was not power-hungry at all, was very important to the cohesion of the 29th Army in the future.

Although the troops of the 29th Army all came from the remnants of the Northwest Army, these troops belonged to different systems. If they could not unite together, the 29th Army would not have combat effectiveness. A unit without combat effectiveness would certainly not have played the glory of the Xifengkou Battle in the Battle of the Great Wall in 1933.

The 29th Army's Broadsword Team, led by Brigadier Zhao, killed the Japanese soldiers head-to-head with one thousand against one thousand. In the end, the famous "March of the Broadsword" was born because of the battle.

It can be said that Commander Zhang's ability to become China's most outstanding patriotic general in the future was not only due to his burning of his own life, but also his noble character that left people speechless.

The formation of the 29th Army was like a Republic of China version of the "Taoyuan Friendship". The eldest brother Song, the second brother Zhang, the third brother Feng...

History does not lie. The "brave", "loyalty", "righteousness" and other integrity displayed in this war between China's internal warlords are definitely patriotic generals with rare noble character in that era. And in the future anti-Japanese battlefield In the movie, Commander Zhang's performance was just like the second brother Guan who was worshiped by the people. He was extremely loyal and brave until he finally died for his country.

It was inexplicable how Tang Dao could not admire such a person.

Because after all, he is still a young man who cannot compare to Commander Zhang in two lifetimes. Although his thinking is more sophisticated than most people of his age, he still has the inherent characteristics of young people after all. His blood has not yet been Completely cold, and has not yet learned to ruthlessly put self-interest above friendship.

Commander Zhang never said that Tang Dao was not afraid of the power of the 20th Army Corps and faced dozens of submachine guns to pick up Mingxin. But he didn't need to say it. Tang Dao, who knew him better and better, also understood.

Because they are the same kind of people.

They can be cruel and ruthless to their enemies, but to their most valued lovers and friends, even if there are thousands of them, I will die!

But then again, this may be one of the reasons why Commander Zhang is unwilling to serve as commander of the 29th Army.

If you want to be the number one military person in northern China, if you are not ruthless enough, how can you subdue those arrogant and powerful generals, and how can you withstand the wolves, tigers and leopards of the Japanese?

However, as Commander Zhang himself said, he still misjudged the wrong person. Not only was that person cruel, but he was also motivated by some personal interests. He ignored the friendship between comrades for more than ten years and pushed him to take the blame for the defeat of North China. .

It’s no wonder that this famous anti-Japanese general was so disappointed. He went all the way south after escaping from Yanjing. He would rather come to Jinling to plead guilty than return to the 29th Army to take up a military position. If the 38th Division had not been reorganized into the 59th Army, plus the Fifth Theater The commander has repeatedly invited him to come out. I am afraid that at this moment he is still serving as a lieutenant general and counselor in the Military and Political Department!

However, seeing Commander Zhang, a staunch and iron-blooded man, bursting into tears when talking about his sad past, Tang Dao knew that he still refused to truly face his injuries after all.

This is also the most normal behavior for people who have been heartbroken.

Romain Rolland said: The real hero is one who still loves life after seeing through the essence of life!

But how many people in this world can truly do this? Who is not entangled in life and unable to extricate themselves?

After all, there must be more ordinary people in this world!

Being cheated by his boss and comrades made him feel depressed, but what really made him unable to let go was probably the overwhelming condemnation across the country. For someone who joined the Alliance at the age of 20 and devoted himself to "driving out the traitors" , restore China, establish the Republic of China, and equalize land rights.” For Commander Zhang who carried out the vigorous democratic revolution, this was definitely the biggest blow in his 47-year life.

That almost means that the ideal that one pursues is filled into the cesspit, and there is also one's own help in it.

And Tang Dao, who knew this history, knew that the involvement behind it was actually more complicated than what this person said.

After the July 7th Incident, most of the 29th Army, which was not ready for war, withdrew from Yanjing under the leadership of Song Dynasty. However, the principal still had a sense of luck and hoped to save the crisis in the north through negotiations.

Amid the raging anti-Japanese wave across the country, a secret order from Jinling to the north arrived at Song Dynasty. Originally, the biggest scapegoat could only be the top military figure in the north who the principal disliked. As a result, Song Dynasty came and caused trouble in the east. Yin, throwing the blame on his good brother.

The main force of the 29th Army has retreated, and Commander Zhang, who already has only two brigades and five regiments under his command, is faced with the heavy siege of the Japanese army, which has increased to more than 100,000 troops. What can he do? Apart from using that pitiful force to maintain law and order in Peiping, he may not be able to do anything.

The only thing he could do was not to surrender after the Japanese army captured Yanjing, and he would either die or escape. However, Commander Zhang, who did not want to be a prisoner under his command, may not have thought that sometimes, death would be easier.

After escaping Yanjing alive, he was attacked like never before. Media outlets across the country, from high-ranking government officials to ordinary people, seemed to have found a punching bag for the defeat of the North, and they all took pride in scolding him.

Various news media criticized him and gave him four words: "You think you are loyal!" On September 28, Shanghai's "Ta Kung Pao" published an article titled "The Northern Soldiers", "Don't imitate the shameless Yin Rugeng, and be smart. Zhang!" He was extremely disparaging of this patriotic general who was determined to resist Japan. The mainstream Jinling Daily even wrote: "Zhang Ni!"

Even when he went to Jinling to collect his guilt, when the train passed by the big city in northern Jiangsu where they were now, as soon as they arrived at the station, there were 30 or 40 young students holding high slogans "Denouncing the traitor Zhang" and "Zhang is Wu Sangui's second". Go to the door of the carriage and ask to get on the carriage to search for "traitors".

In the end, another general of the Northwest Army who was traveling to Jinling in the car hid him in a secret room. The students couldn't wait to find the restroom before they got off the car and left.

When he saw these words, Tang Dao could completely imagine the mood of this famous anti-Japanese general at that time. I am afraid that the second most painful thing was that the upright soldier who once devoted himself to expelling the Tartars became a terrible person who everyone shouted "traitor". Something unexpected happened!

In fact, Commander Zhang, who was burdened with the reputation of a "traitor", rushed to Jinling with the idea of ​​​​death. If he was really guilty of losing his troops and losing his land, it was not impossible that he would lose his head, and at least he would be imprisoned. But what kind of politician is that on stage?

On the one hand, he knew in his heart that the fault of the Yanjing incident was not with the army division commander. He was just the northern military leader and his scapegoat. If he were to kill him, it would be more than worth the gain if he was filled with grief and anger.

On the other hand, he was also quite dissatisfied with Lao Song, who had never listened to his command. There was absolutely no harm in leaving an army division commander who was already disillusioned with him; besides, this army division commander had a reputation for running the army and was well known in the military. At a time when the whole nation is resisting Japan, it is better to have a general who can lead troops than not.

Based on various considerations, Commander Zhang, who took the initiative to go to Jinling to plead guilty, was not punished. However, under the pressure of public opinion, he was temporarily revoked from his position as commander of the 38th Division and placed under house arrest. After half a month of the limelight, he was I got a job as a counselor of the Ministry of Military and Political Affairs and was sent to the Ministry of Military and Political Affairs to live out my life.

Until more than a month ago, seeing that the war situation was so bad that even Jinling was about to be destroyed, the commander of the Fifth War Zone personally came to invite the unemployed Commander Zhang to come out. He believed in fighting Japanese pirates as a great cause and promised to take the post of commander of the 59th Army, which was adapted from the original 38th Division. , the disheartened Commander Zhang resumed his duties as military commander and came here.

Needless to say, Tang Dao also knew that he was determined to fight to the death with the Japanese invaders to avenge their past humiliation.

"Brother Zhang, the ancients said: The Duke of Zhou was afraid of the rumor, and when Wang Mang was humble and did not usurp it, Xiangshi died at the beginning. Who knows whether it is true or false in his life!" Tang Dao sighed with emotion.

"And to put it bluntly, there is not so much black and white in the real world. As a philosopher once said: "There are no good people and bad people in the world, only people who do good things and people who do bad things. "If you draw conclusions about someone or something prematurely, you are likely to be blinded by the appearance of things, wrong the good people, and indulge the evil people. When judging people and things, don't just focus on the present, let the bullets fly for a while, time can always Reveal the final answer.

Brother Zhang, believe it or not, one day your name will shine in this time and space and become a symbol of this era! "

"Brother, you think too highly of your elder brother and me. I have never expected to become a national hero like Zheng Chenggong through the ages. If possible, I only hope to wash away that stigma with my blood!" Commander Zhang said with a wry smile on his face. answer. "However, after saying this, I feel a lot lighter. I have to thank you, brother, for listening to me talk about these unbearable past events!"

"Brother Zhang, how should you get along with Commander Song now?" Tang Dao asked.

This is also a hidden worry in Tang Dao's heart. The wheel of history is very stubborn. If Tang Dao remembers correctly, the commander of the First Group Army has already arrived in Henan Province, and he will lead the Fourth Army Regiment soon. Passing through its defense area, dealing with that person is inevitable. If the two of them are on the same page, it may not be a good journey.

Even though Tang Dao had no contact with Commander Zhang before, the incident with the 20th Army Corps was quite a big deal today. For those big shots who are paying attention to the troubles, the connection between the two people may not be long before the relationship between them is revealed. Desk.

"When Mingxuan treats me like this, the brotherhood is over!" Commander Zhang said with anger in his eyes.

"It's just that this is the moment of the national war of resistance. I, Zhang, will never delay military affairs because of personal emotions. Even if my 59th Army is transferred to serve under him again, I will not refuse, but the friendship will only stop at the top and bottom from now on!

If I completely cut off all contact with him that day, it would definitely be the time when my war of resistance was greatly successful! "

"Brother Zhang is indeed worthy of being a true soldier of our country!" Tang Dao gave a heartfelt thumbs up.

This is not a deliberate compliment from Tang Dao, but a person like this patriotic general who can temporarily put aside personal grudges under the premise of a national war of resistance. There are many beautiful words, but there are really few people who can actually do it.

But this one really did it.

In the past time and space, the 59th Army was expanded into the Thirty-Third Army due to its bloody achievements in the bloody battle. This patriotic general was promoted as a result, and his military status was comparable to that of his former boss who had retreated to the second line. However, he lived his whole life until he died in battle. Even though he died for his country, he never said a bad word about that person to anyone.

Unfortunately, it was still five years before the victory of the Anti-Japanese War that he was looking forward to, and the man who had abandoned his comradeship for many years died a month earlier than him. I don’t know if he regretted what he did at that time before he passed away. for.

"Brother Tang, are you afraid that when your group of four elements passes through his jurisdiction, Mingxuan will deliberately make things difficult for you because of the relationship between you and me?" Commander Zhang is such a smart man. He can tell at a glance that Tang Dao is worried. Smile slightly. "Don't worry, although Mingxuan pushed me into the public eye because he didn't have the courage to lose Pingjin, his temperament is by no means narrow-minded! Not only that, he may take great care of your Four Elements Group out of guilt! I will edit a book at that time, and you can bring it to him for me, so that you can pass through Yu Province unimpeded!"

"Thank you, Brother Zhang!" After hearing this, Tang Dao couldn't help but express his gratitude. He stood up and filled Commander Zhang's tea cup with some boiling water. : "Brother Zhang, I wonder where your 59th Army General will be stationed this time?"

"The garrison has not yet been finalized, but I prefer ly. I, Zhang, was defeated in Beidi. If I want to be humiliated, I will definitely compete with his Itagaki division. Now that Qingdao has been lost, Itagaki's division is sharpening its sword and heading towards Xuzhou. Ly is an important place that he must conquer." Hearing Tang Dao's question, Commander Zhang turned his attention to the map and answered firmly.

Tang Dao admired it in his heart, this was the strategic vision and pattern.

Although the Battle of Ly belonging to the 59th Army in time and space was not as famous as the Battle of Taierzhuang, in fact its importance was no less important than that.

If the Battle of Ly was not fought too hard, Itagaki Division had no choice but to give up Ly and focus on Tengxian County, which ultimately led to the lone army going deep, I am afraid that the glory of Taierzhuang would be greatly reduced.

At this point, the person in front of me is a bit better than Comrade Lao Wu.

"Hehe! Brother Zhang, I'm afraid it's too late for you." Tang Dao smiled awkwardly. "Sir Wu also fell in love with this place just like you. He hurried to the theater headquarters. There is an 80% chance that he asked the commander for this task."

Stealing the 59th Army's job, but his idea would have been forgotten in the past, but now that he was having such a good chat with this person, Tang Dao, the instigator, finally felt a little embarrassed.

"Ouch! I've been fooled by Wu Jingshan!" Commander Zhang slapped his thigh, stood up and complained angrily in the reception room: "Wu Jingshan is so unloyal, no wonder he left me to drink! I'm sorry, It’s to seize the garrison place that our 59th Army has long valued.”

However, this one of the most famous generals in the country quickly calmed down.

He didn't turn around twice, but a smile appeared on his face, "However, ly is so important. Even if Wu Jingshan wants him, it depends on whether Chief Li will fight with him or not. After two consecutive hard battles in Songjiang and Jiashan, I remember him 67 More than half of the army was lost. Facing Itagaki's division, Wu Jingshan had a good idea. He might be in trouble!

"Ahem! Brother Zhang, you don't know. This time, the 67th Army used the equipment of four infantry regiments to replace the reserve soldiers of two infantry regiments from the 43rd Army. It set out from the mountain city a month ago and should be in full swing now. On the way to Xuzhou from Xiakou." Tang Dao could only use reality to extinguish this beautiful fantasy.

...

Equipment for four infantry regiments in exchange for 5,000 soldiers?

Lieutenant General Zhang was stunned.

Is this the legendary use of equipment to hit people? The rustic and arrogant style really makes people speechless!

That’s why it’s so enviable?

. . . . . . . . . . .

ps: There was a class reunion in Fengyue yesterday. I originally thought that I could come back at 9 o'clock and write updates for two hours, but I accidentally drank too much and became dizzy. It was already early in the morning when I came back. I could only stop updating for one day yesterday. Today I completed the 6,000-word chapter.

In addition, I would like to recommend the new book "The Death Battalion of Bright Swords" by the same group of military authors who has just released it!

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