Chapter 560: The Military Adjustment Bureau was still established

Military procurement?

Is that something you can get your hands on?

Zhang Yong knew full well that all procurement was deeply problematic. It could drown anyone at any time.

He didn't want to die.

And he didn't want to step into this quagmire.

It was actually quite good for him to just spy on the Japanese and plan fake intelligence.

Why get involved in the mess?

'I won't agree to it,' he said, making his position clear.

'It's not as complicated as you think,' Yang Lichu said weakly. 'You're not really being asked to organise it.'

'What does that mean?'

'It means that when you meet the Germans, you can mention it and lend your support.'

'Are you in trouble?'

'I think so. But it has nothing to do with our Air Force Department.'

'Oh...'

Zhang Yong vaguely understood.

It should be something on the side of Chiang Kai-shek. Madame was also helping to drum up support.

It was estimated that there had been some trouble in the process of army procurement. Therefore, Madame also wanted to help the Committee to quickly obtain the corresponding weapons and equipment.

'The key is the 150mm howitzer.'

'How many are missing?'

'We bought a total of 200, but only 75 have arrived so far. There are still 125 that have not been shipped.'

'The Germans refuse to ship?'

'They didn't say that. They just said that the production line was currently operating at full capacity and that they couldn't spare enough production capacity for the time being. They told us to wait.'

'Haha.'

Zhang Yong knew exactly what was going on.

It was all just an excuse. They didn't want to honour the contract. They wanted to stall. Arm the German army first.

Starting in 1935, Germany secretly ramped up its military might like crazy.

The Wehrmacht, which originally had only 100,000 troops, would expand to over 1 million in a very short period of time. Then it would expand from 1 million to over 3 million.

By 1939, before the German army entered Poland, it already had a troop strength of around 3 million.

This is a pretty terrifying figure.

In contrast, the British and French armies were constantly being reduced in size.

Before the German army entered France, the strength of the French army did not even reach one million. So there was a reason for the capitulation.

How could they fight?

There was no way to fight. Fighting would only mean death.

To expand the army, the first thing needed was weapons and equipment. What's the point of having a stick to start a fire?

Starting in March 1935, the German army had already implemented compulsory military service, and in one step, the army's strength increased from 100,000 to more than 500,000.

This huge leap required a large number of additional weapons and equipment. This included 150mm heavy artillery.

Previously, the German army had been unable to equip itself with heavy weapons due to the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles. Therefore, the initial 100,000-strong Wehrmacht did not have any heavy artillery. Now, it had to be massively supplemented from scratch. The waiting lists at arms factories such as Rheinmetall and Krupp were truly ridiculous. Production capacity was stretched to the limit.

125 howitzers were no small number.

Especially since this 150mm howitzer has a relatively long production cycle.

Since the German army needs it themselves, it has to be allocated to the German army first. Exports can only be scheduled. Wait. Wait for what? I don't know. Just wait.

'Actually...'

Zhang Yong paused.

He had an idea. But it was immature.

What idea?

It was to change the German equipment to American equipment. Buy American howitzers.

Because the calibre of the light weapon's bullets is already fixed at 7.92 millimetres, trying to change it would cause enormous logistical chaos. It can't be changed.

However, the 150-millimetre howitzer is independent. It can be separated from the light weapon.

It can even be separated from other artillery regiments.

It's true that the performance of the American 150-millimetre howitzer is inferior to that of the German one. However, it's cheap and can be delivered quickly!

The current industrial capacity of the United States is terrifying. There are military factories everywhere. There is absolutely no need to worry about supply. As long as you pay, they will deliver as quickly as possible. There will be absolutely no delays. 125 howitzers is nothing at all.

'You say,'

'the money to buy 125 German howitzers can buy 500 105mm howitzers from the United States.'

'Where did you hear that?'

'Rock Island Arsenal, have you heard of it?'

'Japanese?'

'No. An old American arsenal. It's in Illinois. It can produce almost all kinds of weapons.'

'Have you been there?'

'When I was in Shanghai, I heard many Americans brag about it. Many of the weapons they stockpiled at home were produced by Rock Island Arsenal. They have a very wide range of products. Military and civilian. Some of the Springfield M1903 rifles in the Air Force's equipment were produced by this Rock Island Arsenal,'

Zhang Yong patiently explained.

Yang Lichu was only concerned with the development of aircraft. She didn't know much about land weapons.

It was limited by her profession. She didn't even know about the Iwajima Arsenal. It was indeed biased.

'In addition, I personally feel that the 105mm howitzer is more suitable for our national conditions in China. It is lighter, more flexible, and has better passability.'

'The 150mm howitzer is too heavy. Its own weight is often over six tons. It is difficult to manoeuvre. It is extremely vulnerable to road restrictions. Even a small bridge can become a roadblock. In fact, we have a lot of bridges that may not be able to withstand the weight of a 150mm howitzer.'

'Relatively speaking, the 105mm is much lighter. It weighs only about two tonnes. It can withstand normal roads and bridges. It won't be easily blocked. Mobility can be greatly improved. It can more easily avoid enemy aircraft.'

'In the future, the main enemy of artillery will not be the enemy's artillery, but the enemy's aircraft. It's the attack from the sky. Aircraft are fast and fly high, and can attack from above. Cannons simply don't stand a chance. They can be destroyed very easily.'

Zhang Yong spoke with conviction.

This was not his opinion. It was a lesson learned from past experience.

Without air supremacy, the artillery was doomed.

In fact, subsequent wars proved that the 150mm howitzers equipped by the National Army were basically destroyed by Japanese aircraft. They didn't play much of a role.

A waste.

And they were incredibly expensive.

Instead, some 105mm howitzers survived and became the only remaining main artillery.

No one doesn't want large-calibre artillery. 240mm is even better. However, given the country's situation, blindly pursuing 150mm was like throwing money away.

Everything German was expensive. A 150mm howitzer cost more than 40,000 US dollars. In silver dollars, it was more than 130,000!

That's 130,000 silver dollars for just one!

If the Japanese destroyed one, it was the equivalent of losing 130,000 silver dollars!

Zhang Yong didn't know how to command a battle. But he knew how to do the math. Fighting a war is really about fighting for money. Without money, you can't fight a war. This included the Eighth Route Army.

The Eighth Route Army's economy was not simply about money, but also included the supplies and population of each base area. As long as there were bases and they were running well, the Eighth Route Army could fight. It could even initiate battles. It even initiated the Hundred Regiments Campaign.

However, after the May 1st sweep by Okamura, the various anti-Japanese bases were severely damaged, their economies devastated, and the Eighth Route Army forced to downsize. It was almost impossible to fight effectively on their own initiative. It took more than a year before they could catch their breath a little. By 1944, the bases had basically recovered, and the Eighth Route Army was back on its feet.

This is the economy.

Why is the US so tough? Because they have money! They have a strong economy!

Why did Britain win the war and then decline? Because they ran out of money.

Talking about money is vulgar.

But the economy must be discussed.

'Illinois?'

'Yes.'

'Then I'll go there first!'

'What? You're going to the United States?'

Zhang Yong was quite surprised.

Why were the people in the Air Force Department so interested in artillery?

Isn't your specialty aircraft? If you go to the United States, you can go to Lockheed, Boeing, or McDonnell Douglas. Just don't go to Curtiss.

But you have to go to the Rock Island Arsenal? It's so incongruous...

'Well, preliminary investigation.'

'There's no one else.'

'Am I not good enough?'

'Aren't you from the Air Force?'

'Can't someone from the Air Force go and talk about artillery?'

'Well...'

Zhang Yong wanted to say something, but stopped.

It was wise to stop arguing. Otherwise, there would be endless trouble.

Yang Lichu's actions were actually what Madam wanted. If Madam told her to go out and investigate, she had to go out.

Alas, she really isn't used to travelling on business!

These days, there are no direct flights to the other side of the ocean, only ocean liners. The fastest way would take a month. With all the travelling involved, half a year could pass in no time.

It suddenly occurred to her that the other two bigwigs of the military intelligence, Tang Zong and Zheng Jiemin, had been in Germany for a long time.

He has been so busy every day that he almost forgot about them. Illusion, there is only Boss Dai in the military alliance. In fact, apart from Boss Dai, there are others.

What can he do?

He quietly took out the US dollars and British pounds he had just received.

In any case, there is a place for her in his harem. If she is willing. He would be more than happy to welcome her.

'I really love you!' Yang Lichu suddenly said.

'What?' Zhang Yong was stunned.

'I came here to ask you for money.'

'Er...'

'Looks like I can live quite comfortably on this trip.'

'Then I...'

'What gift do you want?'

'You.'

'Not yet.'

'Why not?'

'You have to meet my father at least.'

'He definitely won't approve of our illegitimate relationship. Forget the meeting.'

'What's the big deal? Zhang Xiaoli and Miss Zhao Si are the same.'

'Er...'

Zhang Yong was at a loss for words.

Okay. Whatever you say.

If you're not afraid, what have I got to fear?

I don't have a normal woman by my side anyway. Who would a normal girl go out of her way to sleep with someone like me?

"Oh, there's something else...'

'If you want money, just say so.'

'I'll ask for it next time. I just wanted to tell you that Du Xiaodie's case has escalated and gone to the legal department.'

'Du Xiaodie?'

'Yes. It's the one that the Secret Service Division of the Fuxing Society took over. The top girl at Melody Exchange.'

'No. Is someone still bringing this up?'

'Yes. And the relevant files have already arrived at the Legal Department.'

'Who is messing with this again?'

'Have you found the murderer after all?'

'We have.'

'Then close the case as soon as possible! Don't drag it on any longer.'

'Okay!'

'I'll get back to work then.'

'Er...'

Yang Lichu came over to him of her own accord and kissed him on the cheek. Then she skipped off cheerfully.

Zhang Yong sighed inwardly. This woman really knows how to fleece a man! Just a little sweet talk and a kiss, and ten thousand US dollars is gone. Plus five thousand pounds. And he did it willingly.

Alas, what a degenerate...

Zhang Yong, you can't go on like this. From today onwards, you must quit smoking and drinking, and reject women...

Wait, I don't smoke or drink, and if I don't even have women, what's the point of living? Pah. No way. Refuse women, starting with you guys...

Frown.

The Du Xiaodie case, it's not over yet?

The file has even gone to the Ministry of Justice? Is there some kind of conspiracy behind this?

Is someone targeting the Special Branch of the Restoration Society?

After all, Du Xiaodie is just an ordinary dancer, isn't she? And she has a younger sister called Du Xiaoman? It doesn't seem like they have that much power, does it?

Zhang Yong's first thought was that the Party Affairs Investigation Department (Zhongtong) was behind it.

No one else but them.

He returned sullenly. Entering Li Boqi's office.

'A disagreement?'

'No. She told me that the Du Xiaodie case has gone to the Ministry of Justice?'

'Who did it?'

'I don't know.'

'Most likely it was those idiots over there again. Those bastards!'

'It must have been them!'

Zhang Yong nodded. Without hesitation, he put the blame on the Central Intelligence Agency.

He was used to it. Most of the time, it was the same. Whenever he couldn't think of anything, he blamed it on them. Whenever he had something to frame someone with, he just kept throwing it at them.

Otherwise, how could he show the 'close, brotherly, and united' relationship between the Central Intelligence Agency and the Military Intelligence Agency?

'There's something you probably don't know...'

'What is it?'

'Chen Lifu is going to become the Minister of Justice.'

'Huh?'

Zhang Yong was suddenly stunned.

He suddenly understood the importance of the Du Xiaodie case.

Although it was a very small case. However, others could make a big fuss about it.

Just like Yang Naibu and Little Cabbage.

In the end, the people who lost their heads were officials at all levels. They were all the losers in the power struggle.

If the Minister of Justice had not been Chen Lifu, no one would have paid any attention to Du Xiaodie's case. No one would have picked on it. It would have fallen on deaf ears. And then there would have been no news.

However, since Chen Lifu was the Minister of Justice, Du Xiaodie's case became a typical example.

Perhaps Chen Lifu had ordered the relevant files to be transferred. Yang Lichu was being cryptic. I guess she didn't want to offend the Chen family.

After all, her father is the deputy head of the Ministry of Justice. And there are several deputy heads in the Ministry of Justice. At any time, they may be sent to the cold palace.

It's a conspiracy!

A grand conspiracy.

It's to make you, Boss Dai, submit. To make you obedient.

Otherwise...

'It has been confirmed that the Military Affairs Bureau has been established, with Chen Guofu as the director.'

'Already?'

'I guess the telegram is almost here...'

'Er...'

'Report!'

Before the words had finished, someone delivered the telegrams.

Two of them.

Li Boqi read them. No expression on his face.

Zhang Yong picked up the telegrams. He read the first one. It announced the appointment of Chen Lifu as Minister of Justice.

Well, it's true after all. Chen Lifu has risen quickly.

Reading the second one...

The Military Affairs Bureau is established. Chen Guofu is appointed Director.

The former Party Affairs Investigation Department is renamed the First Division of the Military Affairs Bureau. Xu Enzeng is appointed Director.

The original secret service office of the Fuxing Society was renamed the Second Division of the Military Affairs Bureau. Boss Dai became the director.

A new post and telecommunications inspection office was added. Ding Mo'cun became the director.

The chairman signed. The four parties were notified.

Nothing had changed...

Things had returned to the historical track...

The Military Affairs Bureau had finally arrived.

In the last few days of 1935, it was finally established.

In a daze.

It seemed like a lot had been thought of, but also like nothing had been thought of.

Suddenly, I feel that Boss Dai is having a hard time.

Other people are plotting against him behind his back, and there's nothing he can do about it.

Someone else has found a good opportunity!

A two-pronged approach.

Use the Ministry of Justice to keep an eye on the old accounts of the Fuxing Society.

Then take advantage of your absence from Jinling and move quickly. Cook the rice before it's cooked. Create a fait accompli.

Now that's good. What a hard life!

You can ignore the Ministry of Justice. Once or twice, maybe. But not for long.

How was Zhao Lijun executed later? He was caught by the Ministry of Justice. Then the various bigwigs fought behind the scenes, and in the end Boss Dai lost. He was forced to abandon his son.

As long as Chen Lifu is on the throne of the Ministry of Justice, he will pose a threat to Boss Dai.

Other heads of the Ministry of Justice may not be capable. But Chen Lifu of the Chen family definitely has no problem.

It's going to be difficult in the future...

What's more, Boss Dai has an additional mother-in-law in the form of Chen Guofu.

Of course, you can simply ignore this mother-in-law. But it is very easy for her to find you trouble and cause you problems.

Especially since the allocation of resources for the Special Agency for National Reconstruction needs to go through the Military Affairs Bureau, so you will definitely be tightly controlled.

If you resist and refuse to cooperate for a long time, I'm afraid the Special Agency won't be able to get even a single bullet.

It's difficult...

Really...

'You should be happy.'

'Me? Happy?'

'This only highlights the importance of the Good Samaritan.'

'Er...'

Zhang Yong looked at Li Boqi's face, which seemed to indicate that he wasn't joking.

It seemed that, perhaps, probably, possibly...

The more benefits he secured for the Special Services Department, the happier the head of the department would be. Because then he wouldn't have to grovel to Chen Guofu.

'It won't do you any harm. Get to work!'

'Yes.'