~Date: ~October 18th~

Tianjin, Dagang Industrial Development Zone, the temporary garrison of the First Army of the Central Army. At this time, for the tens of thousands of officers and soldiers of the First Army, they no longer need to participate in "support local construction" like in the past, but devote themselves to military training. After all, according to the schedule, the first batch of expeditionary forces will be sent to the expedition in two weeks...

“Expedition to Europa!”

Around the temporary station, you can see the white words written in the black paint of the First Military Woodblock everywhere, and you can see clearly hundreds of meters away. For the Chinese, you have never heard of foreign troops expeditions to China. When did squadrons expeditions to Europe? It was the territory of foreigners. Therefore, all Chinese people attach importance to this matter.

Almost every few days, condolence groups from all over the place will be welcomed in the temporary garrison. These official civil groups send various condolences to the officers and soldiers of the expeditionary army. Perhaps those condolences are not valuable, but they are full of the expectations of the people, just like the one written on the big-character card.

"Expedition to Europe will add glory to the country!"

Yes, for China, this expedition is related to the glory of the country and the dignity of the nation. It is precisely because of this that the officers and soldiers of the expeditionary army are all the best from equipment to military uniforms. Take the Central Army as an example. Because the officers and soldiers felt that the CSKA's Japanese uniforms were not grand enough, they all changed into Jiangsu Army's style uniforms. Not only that, the Army also spent money to make autumn and winter uniforms with wool. The wool uniforms and wool coats were not comparable to the "blending" of the Jiangsu Army.

In order to "show the Chinese army style to Europeans" in terms of appearance, in addition to military uniforms and deep-waisted leather boots, they even imitated the Jiangsu Army divisions and various armbands, and invited art specialists to design expeditionary armbands from the society. Finally, the shield-shaped inner embroidered small shield and shield were divided into four sections, with the Chinese Army's five-color stars and the armbands of the British and French flags appearing on the sleeves of the officers and soldiers.

Even the same military emblem flag was flying in the Expeditionary Force camp. For this Expeditionary Force, China has put a lot of thought into it. While China is full of expectations for the Expeditionary Force to expedition Europe, China is also often concerned about the position of the Expeditionary Force commander. As early as after the establishment of the Expeditionary Force Preparation Office, the newspaper began to speculate on the division of the Expeditionary Force Command. The director of the Expeditionary Force Preparation Office was Xu Shuzheng, the commander of the First Army, and the deputy director was Han Wu. These two were also considered famous Chinese generals. The former once attacked the Japanese defense line in Lanshan and annihilated the remaining 20,000 Japanese divisions, while the latter defended the Jiaoao defense line in Qingdao, and the Lin Fifth Division besieged 100,000 people without fear.

One is good at attacking and the other is good at defending. Now they have served as the chief and deputy director of the Preparatory Office of the Expeditionary Force, which naturally clearly shows the intention of the Army Department. It seems that Xu Shuzheng himself is determined to win the position of the Expeditionary Force commander. If nothing unexpected happens, the newspaper's speculation seems to be accurate. Even the German intelligence agency sent intelligence to the country, directly calling the two of them the commander and the chief of staff.

A three-story Red Building in Dagang Industrial Zone is the First Army Command. At this time, the air in the commander-in-chief's office seemed extremely solemn. Although there was only a general with the rank of lieutenant general in the room, if someone entered this office, he would probably only feel that the air in the room seemed to have dropped to freezing point, and even the heating stove could not raise the indoor temperature.

"Cai Songpo..."

When he spit out these three words, Xu Shuzheng's face, which was full of scholarly aura, was full of dissatisfaction, and his eyes were filled with strong hostility.

The cooked ducks still flew!

Xu Shuzheng, who was determined to win the position of commander of the Expeditionary Force, was considering how to deal with the French, but suddenly a news came from the capital - the President would appoint Cai Songpo as commander of the Expeditionary Force. As for him, although there is no news yet, the commander is not available to him...

How did Yuan Shikai's secret stick not annoy him, and what made him even more annoyed was something that only a few hours from the time he received the news to the issuance of the appointment letter, obviously he did not even leave room for opposition.

"Yuan Xiangcheng!"

Xu Shuzheng, who was already full of opinions about Yuan Shikai, was even more angry. He clenched his teeth, his face turned pale, and his heart was filled with anger.

When Cai Songpo came to Beijing, Yuan Shikai wanted to press him to the position of the chief of the army. If the old man from Beiyang would be dissatisfied, he would probably have fallen for the position of the chief of the army. But now, Yuan Shikai pressed him to the position of commander of the Expeditionary Army. Yuan Xiangcheng was too bullying...

"Yan Fengcai!"

Screaming at the door.

"have!"

The sound fell and a major officer appeared in the office.

"Notify the train station and I'll go to the capital!"

When he goes to the capital, of course he has to go to the capital. The Expeditionary Force headquarters is about to be established. How could he, the director of the Expeditionary Force Preparation Office, not go? But after the adjutant left, Xu Shuzheng was talking about another name.

"Han Tianren!"

Speaking of this name, now that Xu Shuzheng has become a staff officer, what else can Han Tianren do, maybe...

In the capital, Cai E, the army general who was about to take office as the commander of the Expeditionary Force, was lying in front of the case. He referred to the information provided by the Army Department and France, and wrote about the participation in the war and formulated a corresponding plan for the participation. At this time, the guard Lei Biao walked in.

Lei Biao said carefully:

"General, there is a saying that I have been holding it in for several days. I don't know whether to say it or not?"

Stopped the pen in his hand, Cai E said to look at the guard officer who has been following him since Yunnan:

"you say."

"General, as we all know, Yuan Shikai trained the war army to use this to retain full power from the central government. Li Zhiyuan cooperated with him, first in Hunan, then in Jiangxi, and then in Zhejiang. Now every province has agreed to send troops to the war. You go to the Expeditionary Force to be the commander-in-chief. It seems that the military power is in hand, but there is Yuan Shikai's ambition outside and Xu Youzheng's hostility inside. In the end, wouldn't Yuan Shikai benefit from it?"

The words of the attendant only made Cai E smile slightly, and then he said very seriously.

"What I command is a squadron. As long as Yuan Shikai is still the president, it is not against common sense that this army is loyal to him."

In Cai E's mind, his view on national defense has always been very simple. What he has eliminated was a national army that was truly loyal to the country, rather than a private army like the one that only knew the generals since the late Qing Dynasty. For today's China, establishing a national army may be an indispensable link for China to move towards prosperity.

"But if this army becomes Yuan Shikai's private army, it is really not a blessing for China..."

After a moment of silence, Cai E said earnestly:

"Lei Biao, our soldiers will not intervene in the political dispute. The "Ministry Rebellion" is why I support the central government. The soldiers aim to be loyal to the country. For China, if China wants to avoid being bullied by the great powers, it must have a powerful army. The Beiyang Army, Jiangsu Army, and local army can not only become Yuan Shikai, but also China."

Cai E has always been full of expectations for going to Europe to participate in the war. In his opinion, expedition to Europe is a good opportunity to integrate the central and local armed forces of China. This opportunity does not require the Chinese people to pay the price for the civil war. In expedition to Europe, middle and lower-level officers can directly contact Europe's most advanced military technology, weapon tactics, and also contact European colleagues. Through those European colleagues, they can understand the importance of establishing a national army, and at the same time fully understand what the responsibility of soldiers is. While integrating these troops on the battlefield, they may pave the way for the establishment of the Republic of China...

Although the general was right, Lei Biao still expressed his concerns:

"I know you want to transform the Beiyang Army and local army, but I am afraid that you will not be thankful for your efforts."

Cai E was slightly stunned by his subordinate's words, and then Weiran sighed again:

"How easy is transformation? But doing it is better than not doing it. Now, maybe they don't understand it. But when they arrive in Europe, they may gradually understand the importance of a state army independent of politics to the country! If a country wants to be prosperous and strong, it must establish a national army!"

At this time, Cai E didn't know that he was going to face more difficulties than he thought, at least. Before he took office, someone was thinking about giving him a warning.

On the day Cai E was appointed commander-in-chief of the Expeditionary Force, Director Xu Shuzheng, the "Expeditionary Force Preparatory Office" far away in Tianjin, and the commander of the First Army, generously returned to the capital. His friends and old subordinates even made a big fuss for him and ran to Qianmen Station to welcome him. In the spotlight of the reporters, he sent him to the house of Tieshizi Hutong, and held a big banquet to welcome him.

On this day, Xu Shuzheng seemed very energetic. Although Beijing was covered with ice and snow and the weather was cold, he did not wear a coat, but only a military uniform. He did not wear other medals on the military uniform, and only a "Jiaoao Incident Memorial Medal". Any soldier who participated in the "Jiaoao Incident" defense battle won this medal. The purpose of his doing so was obviously to show the outside world that he had made contributions to the country.

Wearing a military cap and rosy face, he looked extremely happy. He smiled and greeted all the military, politicians and reporters. For a moment, the atmosphere at Qianmen Station seemed very warm, as if he was a general on an expedition who returned triumphantly.

But he was so full of fanfare, but in order to convey a signal in the capital, the government and the government knew that "Xu Shuzheng is back! And he is back with a hundred times more energetic!" As for what he came back for, it was probably what the government and the government were most concerned about.

"General Xu, what does General Xu think about the President's appointment of General Cai as the commander of the Expeditionary Force?"

"Yes, I wonder if General Xu is dissatisfied with this..."

The reporters did not give General Xu any mercy. Instead, when he got off the train, he asked the key point of the question directly, which was also the most concerned thing for the outside world.

Surprisingly, Xu Shuzheng did not show his anger, but instead said with a smile on his face.

"The President appointed Mr. Songpo as commander, so he naturally had his considerations. He was a national soldier and should obey the military orders..."

His answer was also beyond the expectations of the outside world. In the eyes of the outside world, when the "shaking fan military advisor" was so humble, not only the reporters were surprised, but even his subordinates and friends were also surprised. As we all know, Xu Youzheng was famous and could not tolerate a look in his face. Everyone was thinking that after he returned to Beijing, he would probably face Cai Songpo head-on, but who would have thought that Xu Youzheng could actually say such "supplication".

"... The expedition to Europe is something that my country has not seen in a century. It is related to my country's national destiny in the next few decades. There is no way to avoid any mistakes. Shu Zhengding cooperates with Mr. Songpo to live up to the heavy trust of the people! He will not humiliate the honor of the Chinese people!"

Although he was very humble and changed his previous domineering attitude, some people still tasted the taste from his words. The taste was no longer simple. From beginning to end, he did not call Cai E, the "General Zhaowei" who ranked first in the general's mansion, a "general", but directly called him "Mr. Songpo". Obviously, he did not regard him as a soldier at all, at least as a member of the expeditionary army.

"I don't know that General Xu thinks that General Han from Jiangsu should have any position..."...

Another reporter asked an extremely sharp question among the reporters, but the reporter's question was clever. He did not ask Xu Shujueji, but directly asked another person. Han Wu, whose position was like him, had not yet been announced. According to the previous speculations from the outside world, Han Wu was the chief of staff of the Expeditionary Force, but his current position has become a suspense because they have not yet been appointed. Asking this question will naturally lead to some Xu Shuzheng's thoughts.

His brows jumped slightly, but Xu Shuzheng's face still had a smile.

"When General Han Tianren's brother was defending the Jiaoao war, he used weak soldiers to fight against strong troops, and 50,000 to fight against 100,000, which had long demonstrated his military strength. When it comes to defense, no one in China has surpassed him, and Shu Zheng is willing to give up the disadvantage..."

After praising Han Wu, § Shuzheng slightly changed the subject.

"As we all know, the European battlefield is currently in a stalemate, and the most important thing on the French front is to focus on defense. Before our army can adapt to the European battlefield environment, we must not attack rashly. Therefore, Yu Shuzheng's view, brother Tian Ren is far more suitable to serve as the chief of staff of the Expeditionary Force than Shuzheng!"

With a close relationship in his words, Xu Shuzheng tied Han Wu, the representative of the Jiangsu Army, with him, with his close tone, seemed to prove to the outside world that his relationship with Jiangsu was not close. If Han Wu is suitable for the position of Chief of Staff, then Xu Shuzheng will naturally be self-evident.

As soon as he said this, everyone knew that the "Shake Fan Military Advisor" still showed his true nature, but I am afraid that there will be no storm in the capital.

In the Iron Shizi Hutong, drums and music were heard at the gate of the Army Department, and the car Cai E was riding slowly came. Today is the day he came to take office, and the Expeditionary Force Preparatory Office is located here.

As in the past, Duan Qirui took a leave of absence. As for Xu Shuliang, he stayed in the office on the grounds of military affairs. The only ones who greeted Cai E outside the army department were Han Wu, Qian Guohua and others.

When Cai E's car drove into the Army Department, in the upstairs office, he watched Cai E walking out of the car accompanied by Yuan Shikai's general manager Yuan Naikuan, Xu Shu raised his lips slightly, and his face was full of sarcasm, and his sneer became stronger.

Han Wu, as deputy director of the Preparatory Office, was the first to applaud. The rest of the people who were welcomed also applauded.

As soon as Han Wu got off the car, he walked towards Cai E, who was dressed in an army general's uniform.

"Hiss Commander, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Preparatory Office of the Expeditionary Force, Han Wu!"

While speaking, Han Wu respectfully gave a German military salute, and Cai E glanced at the young lieutenant general who was comparable to that of Little Lieutenant Lie, and replied with a military salute.

"I have long admired General Han's reputation. Last year, General Han's reputation in Jiao'ao greatly increased the reputation of our squadron! It is a blessing that I can share the position with General Han now!"

"I dare not, the commander will set the southwest in one battle, and be a hero of the founding of the country! He will serve in Beijing for national defense, and is a model for our soldiers!"

When the two were polite, the people around them were observing the two of them. General Cai's close behavior can be understood as mutual appreciation. After all, in China, there is only one thing that mentions Han Wu's name, and there is no one who doesn't point a big hunk. As for General Han, he is all respectful to his superiors, and there is no trace of personal emotion at all. Based on this alone, everyone feels a little admiration for him. Of course, if this is not a superficial appearance.

Then, Han Wu introduced the people in turn. Whenever he introduced an officer, he even specifically emphasized what the other party was from, obviously to let Cai E remind him of the composition of the preparation office.

"This is the First Division of the Hunan Army, General Che Zhenche! He arrived in Beijing the day before yesterday. The Hunan Army set off with Lianyungang for the first time!"

Looking at the unknown Che Zhen, Cai E saluted:….

"Hello General Che!"

Cai E left some impression on this General Che, and raised his evaluation slightly in his heart. The reason was very simple. When Hunan General Tang Xiangming gave up his military power, he did not object. Instead, he came to Beijing to serve as a position as soon as possible. From this, it can be seen that this person at least has the country in mind.

In the rectification plan of the Expeditionary Force, Cai E had already decided to get close to middle and lower-level officers, thus affecting their direction and promoting the formation of his national military concept. As for the senior officers who have been affected, they should try their best to maintain their relationship. However, not all of these senior officers. At least those officers of the Jiangsu Army can still be used. Through some contact, Cai E was full of favorable feelings for the Jiangsu Army, this local army that only knows the country, and also had good feelings for the General Manager Li. If he had not been afraid of causing trouble for him, he would have been visiting him long ago.

And at this moment, a man came out of the Army Department building. It was Xu Shuzheng. As soon as he appeared, he immediately stole the limelight from others.

"Mr. Songpo, long time no see!"

Xu Shuzheng held his fists while walking. This etiquette and this title obviously did not regard him as a soldier.

And Cai E is still neither humble nor arrogant:

"Mr. Youzheng, I haven't seen you for a long time, everything is fine!"

Like Cai E, Xu Shuzheng passed the exam at the age of 13 and was known as a child prodigy when he was young. When they met, although they had a smile on their faces, no one knew that the fire was about to be wiped out.

"It's okay, it's okay..."

There was a smile on his face, and Xu Shuzheng only saw a smile on his face, but he seemed to have agreed to the appointment of the president, but at this moment, his face was stern.

"Everyone, the expeditionary army is about to go to the forefront, and the preparations are numerous. Have you forgotten your position?"

A cold snorted, but everyone's heart trembled. I immediately realized that Director Xu began to give the commander an eye drop. It was indeed the military advisor who could not tolerate sand in his eyes! (To be voted for recommendation, monthly votes,.

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Chapter completed!