1905: Beer Hall Speaker

Page 62

Then everyone realized that foreigners weren't so scary after all. They also had two shoulders and one head. They would fall down if shot, and they would die if stabbed with a bayonet.

Before the fight, the foreigners were incredibly powerful. After Zhao Yan fought them all, he realized they were nothing special. As long as you dared to risk your life, you could kill the foreigners just the same.

While Zhao Yan personally led the troops at the front, no one in the rear dared to slack off. Zhao Yan's achievements were terrifying. In just over four months, he fought across Korea, Liaodong, and Outer Northeast China, winning three battles in a row and annihilating more than 200,000 enemy troops.

Not to mention the Chinese, even the foreigners were frightened. Apart from Hong Kong and the Kwantung Leased Territory, which had not yet been recovered, the other concessions did not dare to put up any resistance. All the countries remained silent.

The Germans were even willing to accept the Republic's government's proposal to redeem Qingdao with bonds, and directly returned Qingdao with war bonds worth 30 million taels of silver.

The Portuguese didn't dare utter a word, symbolically accepting 10,000 taels of silver before returning Macau, and announced their withdrawal from the Allied Forces, unilaterally ending the state of war with China.

The ports, customs, and concession areas along the coast have all been taken back by the Republican government. This was something that was impossible to negotiate before, but after Zhao Yan personally led the expedition, there was no need to negotiate anymore; they could simply go and take them back.

The British have now withdrawn their Far East fleet, and the British troops stationed in Hong Kong dare not move north at all. They have even abandoned the New Territories, and the British troops have retreated directly to Hong Kong Island and are staying there.

The British army has now completely abandoned the idea of ​​launching a ground offensive against mainland China. There's no way they can fight; there's simply no way they can fight. The Chinese are far more formidable than the Boers.

The British fleet hastily retreated to India to put out the fire, because Wu Zifu, Zhao Yan's top disciple, led an army on a southern expedition. Wu Zifu never thought about defense; he went straight for the British's lifeline. The southern expeditionary army of more than 50,000 men attacked from Yunnan and had already captured Lashio after crossing mountains and valleys!

While Wu Zifu was kept somewhat obedient and well-behaved by Zhao Yan in China, he became completely unrestrained after being released, and directly led a large army to launch a devastating attack on British Burma.

This devastating blow was not a purely military attack, but rather an export of revolution. In Burma, they implemented land reform, declared everything in the occupied territories to be public, eliminated all chieftain regimes that supported the British, confiscated all valuables and materials, and used everything that could be taken as military expenses. Land and property that could not be taken were distributed to local Chinese and Burmese who supported the revolution.

The Southern Expeditionary Army numbered only a mere 53,000, but the auxiliary troops that sprang up were growing like a snowball, and the maximum support from the homeland for the Southern Expedition was only enough to maintain the logistics of 50,000 men.

However, after entering Burma, the Southern Expeditionary Army no longer needed to supply its food, clothing, or any other supplies locally. Wu Zifu was even able to pay for his own military equipment and ammunition.

His master Zhao Yan became poorer and poorer in the north as he fought, while Wu Zifu's southern expedition, apart from the expensive preparations in the early stages, became richer and richer as he fought!

Wu Zifu implemented proletarian militarism, which meant that wherever they fought, the land became communist territory. The army took the lion's share of the spoils and continued fighting, while the poor took a smaller share, but they didn't take it for free; they had to continue fighting after receiving it.

The southern expeditionary force snowballed, and the British witnessed for the first time the formidable power of the second-in-command of the Restoration Party. His master, Zhao Yan, was a god of war, and his disciple, Wu Zifu, was a god of slaughter.

Despite the good news coming from the war, Zhao Yan, who was in Shenyang, still had a furrowed brow and seemed to be deep in thought.

The servants below didn't understand what Zhao Yan was thinking, so they could only serve him cautiously.

The whole country was very satisfied with such a victory, it could even be said to have exceeded expectations, but Zhao Yan himself was holding back a lot of anger.

Several times he was on the verge of victory, but at the crucial moment he always lacked a bit of luck. Zhao Yan did everything he could and thought of to the extreme, but in the end, man proposes, God disposes.

Fortunately, others didn't know Zhao Yan's true thoughts. If they knew that Zhao Yan had wanted to wipe out the great powers in one fell swoop in previous battles, they would probably be shocked.

What others see as invincible armies of powerful nations is nothing more than cutting melons and vegetables for Zhao Yan. It's one thing to crush them, but to want to completely annihilate them is truly a case of being greedy for more than one's potential.

But Zhao Yan is the kind of person who dares to think and act, only lacking a bit of luck.

"Alas, fate is cruel!" Zhao Yan couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

It seems that God felt his journey had been too smooth and wanted to make things difficult for him.

From the founding of the Communist Party in Shanghai, the Changsha Uprising, the northward march to Wuhan, the decisive battle in the Central Plains, to the approach of the capital, Zhao Yan had almost used up all the good luck he had in his life.

He had all the advantages of favorable timing, location, and popular support along the way. He captured the capital in less than a year after the uprising. No new regime in history has ever been as successful as him.

But his good luck seemed to have run out. In the subsequent series of battles against the great powers, luck was no longer on his side, and he always failed at crucial moments.

"Your Majesty, what is the meaning of your exclamation?" At this moment, Dai Mingde, who was passing by, was chewing something and, out of curiosity, ran over like a silly roe deer.

Upon seeing Dai Mingde, Zhao Yan immediately looked up and asked, "What are you chewing on?"

Dai Mingde reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of pork jerky, handing it over: "This is the latest cured pork jerky developed by the Logistics Department. It's durable, easy to transport, and also very high in energy."

Zhao Yan looked at the fatty and lean pork jerky handed to him, which seemed to be covered with a layer of soot. He looked at Dai Mingde speechlessly, wondering how this kid had gotten promoted.

I just asked you a question and you pulled it out of your pocket. Why didn't you just shove it in my mouth? How come all the generals under my command are such oddballs? Wang Chongshan is stupid and cute, and Dai Mingde is just silly and cute. How did these two end up in the revolutionary ranks?

Zhao Yan kept telling himself that he should be tolerant of the people he had trained.

Dai Mingde seemed to realize he was being a bit rash, so he wiped the grease off the dried meat with his hand and handed it back: "Your Excellency, it tastes really good. The logistics department has decided to make large-scale purchases to supply the front lines."

It's much easier to eat than cured meat, but the cost is much higher, though still acceptable.

"Sigh!" Zhao Yan sighed helplessly, took the jerky, and started biting into it with his teeth. Dai Mingde just stared blankly at him, as if waiting for Zhao Yan's opinion.

Zhao Yan couldn't hold back any longer: "Idiot, get me a glass of water! Tell the kitchen to bring me a proper meal!"

Zhao Yan felt that this guy was beyond saving, so he had to speak up himself!

Dai Mingde then realized that Zhao Yan was hungry, not asking about his food rations research and development work.

He quickly had someone bring over hot food and a pot of warm wine, which were placed on the table. Zhao Yan nodded in satisfaction after seeing it. Although he was a bit stupid, at least he was obedient, and the thoughtful gesture of bringing a pot of warm wine meant he wasn't completely hopeless.

"Sit down and eat with me!" Zhao Yan said.

Dai Mingde reluctantly sat down to eat with Zhao Yan, but once he picked up his bowl, he turned into a silly deer. Before Zhao Yan could even pick up his chopsticks, he started eating his favorite dishes, and when he got excited, he even shoveled the meat and vegetables toward himself.

"Oh no, I forgot this guy is a glutton!" Zhao Yan didn't dare to keep up his airs anymore, quickly moved the dishes back, and glared at Dai Mingde.

When Dai Mingde encountered food, he would forget everything else. In his world, there were no leaders at the dinner table, only delicacies!

Halfway through the meal, Dai Mingde picked up the wine pot, filled his own cup, and then downed it in one gulp, looking completely content.

Even the brute Zhao Hao couldn't stand it anymore, so he quickly snatched back the wine pot and filled Zhao Yan's cup.

"Colonel Dai Mingde, I invited you to eat with me, and you actually ate with me?" Zhao Yan's eyes twitched, deeply regretting eating with that guy.

Dai Mingde reluctantly put down his rice bowl and chopsticks, and sat up straight: "Please give your instructions, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Yan waved his hand: "Never mind, never mind, you should eat your fill first!"

If Dai Mingde were alive today, he wouldn't even be qualified to be a squad leader, let alone a logistics minister!

There was no way around it. Although this guy was a foodie with low emotional intelligence, he was still very capable. Since taking office as the Minister of Logistics, he had managed to organize the originally chaotic logistics system in Northeast China into a well-organized whole.

All the railways in Northeast China were arranged clearly, and Dai Mingde was even able to spare some time to continue building highways.

All kinds of logistical supplies were stored in categories. He could deliver whatever the front line needed in a timely manner without making a mistake. Even if Zhao Yan needed Manchurian cannon fodder to fill the gaps, he could immediately arrange for a train to send it over.

Although he was not good at toasting at the dinner table and had no sense of social etiquette, he never made any mistakes in his work. Since the Changsha Uprising, Dai Mingde had been engaged in logistics and new recruit training. What others found a mess, he handled with great efficiency.

Although Zhao Yan always felt that this guy was a bit unreasonable, he couldn't do anything about it and could only let him be.

Sigh, Zhao Yan was so worried. He wanted his subordinates to be capable, perceptive, and ideally, good at flattering him and offering a toast at the table. Unfortunately, his group was too clueless.

We can only bear with it for now. We still need Dai Mingde's help later, so let this guy have his fill first.

Zhao Yan was determined to teach Dai Mingde a lesson: the leader's meal wasn't so easy to eat; there was a price to pay for it!

Once Dai Mingde had finally finished eating and willingly put down his bowl and chopsticks, Zhao Yan smiled and spoke.

"Mingde, have you eaten your fill?" Zhao Yan asked with concern.

Dai Mingde nodded and even let out a burp: "I'm full, Your Excellency!"

Zhao Yan said, "If you're full, then you'll have to get to work!"

Upon hearing this, Dai Mingde immediately stood up: "Understood, Your Excellency, I'll get to work right away!"

Zhao Yan didn't know if this kid was really stupid or pretending, so he could only try to keep him here. He didn't dare to beat around the bush anymore and said directly, "Mingde, prepare the logistics and supplies for tens of thousands of cavalry. I have a great use for them. The sooner the better!"

"Prepare for the entire winter first, and ideally have a million laborers to maintain the logistics line. Anyway, you can handle it yourself!"

Dai Mingde was dumbfounded after hearing Zhao Yan's request: "Huh? Your Excellency, this is no joke. Tens of thousands of cavalrymen will have to carry out a winter's worth of supplies and baggage, and a million civilians will have to go on the expedition."

"Your Majesty, where are you going to attack this time?"

Zhao Yan decisively said, "Fighting the Mongols! These Tartars refuse to submit to the king's rule and dare to declare independence. This is an utter disgrace and treason!"

"Speed ​​is of the essence in war. I plan to lead tens of thousands of cavalry to launch a blitzkrieg against Mongolia and completely quell the northern threat."

Dai Mingde never doubted that Zhao Yan would lose the battle, but it wasn't a matter of winning or losing, but rather a matter of simply not being able to fight. If Zhao Yan dared to send tens of thousands of cavalry to launch a blitzkrieg against the Mongols' supplies, the northern logistics line would immediately collapse.

Even if you invite Xiao He over, it won't make a difference. Putting aside the question of whether you have tens of thousands of cavalry, even if you, Zhao Yan, conjure up tens of thousands of cavalry, it wouldn't be much. Fifty thousand cavalrymen setting out from within the pass to launch a lightning attack on the Mongols would consume the equivalent of at least 250,000 infantrymen's worth of supplies.

Cavalry consumption has always been the most extreme, without exception. Otherwise, why would countries have abolished large-scale cavalry units after the advent of the modern era?

Does it mean that the high mobility and attack power of cavalry are no longer needed? It's simply because they are too expensive and costly!

This phenomenon only changed with the advent of tanks and armored vehicles. The military has always had a perpetual need for mobility and firepower, but cost-effectiveness must also be considered.

Cavalry was a very low-cost-performance force in the era of firearms, and it was completely incomparable to the era of cold weapons.

Now Zhao Yan suddenly appears and says he wants to recruit tens of thousands of cavalry to fight the Mongols. This is equivalent to when Sanders was fighting Stalingrad, and Rommel suddenly asked for 10,000 tanks to be sent to North Africa to wipe out Montgomery.

Which logistics minister wouldn't explode upon hearing this? It's simply impossible, and even if it were possible, it wouldn't be given to you; the main battlefield is the most important.

Of course, Zhao Yan wasn't stupid. He didn't expect Dai Mingde to agree at all. He only gave such an outrageous number to make it easier to negotiate.

As expected, Dai Mingde resolutely refused, without offering any reason or excuse, or even trying to bargain; he simply rejected the offer.

Zhao Yan had never seen a subordinate like this before. He was so angry that he almost ordered the guy to be executed. How could someone so bluntly refuse a leader's request? At least try to negotiate a price!

Zhao Yan had no choice but to reveal his true thoughts, as his subordinates were too stunned.

The requirements are not high: eight thousand cavalrymen, supporting combat supplies, and a smooth supply line are needed immediately, the sooner the better.

Chapter 114 The most crucial thing is that you have to do it yourself.

Dai Mingde learned a harsh lesson: all leniency from leaders comes at a price.

Zhao Yan's initial plan of 8,000 cavalrymen was eventually reduced to 5,000. There was no way around it; Zhao Yan's requirements were simply too high. Each of the 5,000 cavalrymen had to have three horses, be fully equipped, and have a considerable number of mortars and light machine guns, as well as a large number of special firearms.

In addition, the winter clothing, fodder, and tents must be of the highest quality. With 5,000 cavalrymen on the front line, at least 50,000 laborers are needed in the rear.

Even a simpleton like Dai Mingde felt this was a risky move and, for the first time ever, began to advise Zhao Yan against such a high-risk operation.

With winter fast approaching, the idea of ​​leading five thousand cavalry to reclaim the northern desert in the dead of winter is truly outrageous.

The risk is too great. If a head of state were to lose, no one could bear the consequences.

What Dai Mingde could understand, Zhao Yan himself was well aware of as well. But the ancient price of losing Mongolia was too high; Zhao Yan couldn't afford it!

Losing any territory is easy, but getting it back is incredibly difficult.

Mongolia has now declared independence, and this independence came after Zhao Yan's series of victories, with Britain and Russia providing strenuous support. The Mongols have also expelled their Eighth Division, which they had sent there, to Inner Mongolia, and the Eighth Division is now on the verge of collapse.

Once the Mongols completed their independence procedures internally, annihilated the 8th Division, and gained foreign support externally, they would have firmly established themselves, and the National Defense Army would have its first permanent division annihilated.

Others thought this was an acceptable price to pay, but Zhao Yan would never allow it to happen.

Whoever controls the Mongolian Plateau will have a huge advantage in the future, able to dominate from a high position. It's not clear how advantageous it is yet.

But once internal combustion engines become widespread and armored vehicles emerge, the Mongolian Plateau will become a battleground between China and Russia. Whoever controls this territory will be the other's nightmare.

If the Russians get it, the entire area north of the Yangtze River in China will be plunged into a nightmare, with constant fear that the Russian steel torrent will roll south.

If the Chinese get their hands on it, the Russians will also have sleepless nights, because the Trans-Siberian Railway is right under the nose of the Mongolian Plateau, and the entire lifeline connecting Russia's east and west is at risk of being cut off at any time.

Putting Mongolia aside, Zhao Yan simply cannot abandon the Eighth Division, which is besieged on the grasslands. At this critical juncture, no more troops can be spared, and only Zhao Yan's intervention offers a chance to save them.

Once winter truly arrives, the last remaining supply line of the Eighth Division will disappear. Even if the enemy doesn't attack them when winter ends, the remaining 11,000-plus men of the Eighth Division will freeze or starve to death.

From a national macro perspective, the loss of more than 10,000 people is negligible. As long as it can bring about overall stability, it is a completely acceptable price to pay.

But Zhao Yan couldn't accept it. This group of people all called him "boss," trusted him, and even entrusted their lives to him. That's why he went from south to north to devote himself to the grasslands without hesitation.

Now you're just abandoning and sacrificing that beautiful young woman, saying it's a necessary price to pay? Zhao Yan would never do something like that.

Even fraudsters have a sense of loyalty, let alone the current head of state?

No one else can do this job; only Zhao Yan can do it personally. It's a crucial and life-or-death task that must be done, and it would be a waste to hand it over to anyone else.

If Dai Mingde lacked confidence, then other generals were even less so. Before doing anything, the most important factor is to have confidence in your ability to succeed. Even if you don't have confidence in your heart, you have to pretend to have it on the surface.

If you order other generals to do this, they will definitely go, but how much they can accomplish and whether they can succeed is unknown. After all, you are the boss, and you will definitely do your best, but you have no idea whether your subordinates will do their best.

Maybe they encounter some difficulties, struggle a bit, then say they've done their best, and finally withdraw their troops. What can you say? You can't say anything!

Zhao Yan couldn't possibly say that in the future, there would be steel monsters weighing tens of tons, capable of speeds of tens of kilometers per hour, and traveling thousands of miles a day, and that the Russians could build them, and even build tens of thousands of them, which would then sweep south along the Mongolian Plateau and flatten the entire northern China in one go.

Even if you were the head of state, your subordinates would think you were crazy for saying that; it's completely unrealistic.

Now, Dai Mingde's most frequent advice to Zhao Yan is to fight another day. He says that they really can't hold on now, and they should wait until this battle is over before making any further moves. There will be plenty of time later.

Zhao Yan didn't believe such words at all. Now was the best opportunity. During the great war, morale was high and the country's war machine had been put into operation.

If you can't get it now, and you wait until later, that wait could be for ten or even twenty years, or even until you never get it back.

What you can't get on the battlefield, you can't get at the negotiating table either. After this war ends, there will definitely be negotiations, and after the negotiations, the whole country will enter a period of rest and development.

It's easy to store weapons away, but difficult to take them out again. If you can't conquer them during a major war, how can you launch an expedition to reclaim Mongolia in peacetime? Few people would agree to that.

Everyone says the big picture is more important now, and they'll say it even more in the future. From an economic point of view, the Mongolian Plateau is a liability, but from a geostrategic point of view, it's a giant shield in the north!

After Zhao Yan made up his mind, no one else tried to dissuade him, and Dai Mingde obediently went back to racking his brains to arrange logistics.

Five thousand cavalrymen were easy to find. The cavalry base left over from the late Qing Dynasty was still quite good, and various units in the army could also draw some skilled knights out.