~.-~ Volume One: The Turbulent Era Chapter 120: A surprise

"Zhang Ming, does the central government plan to join the war?"

Wu Peifu asked anxiously, and Huang Kaiyuan also leaned forward with a surprised expression. Since the outbreak of the European War, various factions in the country have reacted differently. Some have advocated joining the war, while others have advocated neutrality, because on the issue of Germany's return of Qing*dao, neutrality

The voice of the government has gained the absolute upper hand, and the political

Due to various considerations, the government finally chose to remain neutral. However, as the war gradually continued, the opinion of requiring participation in the war gradually emerged and was divided into two distinct factions. One faction requested to join the Allies. They believed that Germany was powerful because of its

The army will definitely be able to defeat Britain, France and China

The country now has a good relationship with Germany. If it joins the Allies and waits for the defeat of Britain and France, it can successfully recover its concession in China. The other faction advocates joining the Entente. It believes that Britain and France are old empires and are definitely not something that Germany can compete with. Although Germany is powerful, its offensive has now shown its strength.

decline,

As long as Britain and France can hold the line of defense and rely on their powerful navy, they will definitely win the war. Moreover, Britain and France are powerful in the Far East. It is definitely not a good idea to fall out with Britain and France. In recent days, these two opinions have been tit for tat, and each has its own reasons.

, it was such a big fuss.

In the military, these two voices also exist. There are people who are optimistic about Britain and France and those who are optimistic about Germany. However, no matter which side they are, they all believe that it is not a good thing for China to remain neutral in this war. Only by directly participating can the country be unified.

Sweep away decadence and stand up again in the world through the final winner.

"What? Ziyu also agrees to participate in the war? Judging from Ziyu's judgment just now, you are optimistic about the British and French sides?" Fang Zida asked with a smile.

"It's good to be optimistic, but no one can judge what the outcome will be, otherwise this war will not be fought." Wu Peifu shook his head and said cautiously: "As for the point of view of participating in the war, I think the current government's choice is very appropriate. Maintain

Being neutral and watching the tigers fight is the way to become a country. Those

The guys clamoring to join the war have ulterior motives, but you must not listen to their instigation! The country has been weak for many years, and finally has the opportunity to cultivate and recuperate. Isn’t it a joke to bet the country’s destiny on the gambling table at this time? If you win, you will still have to pay attention.

It’s easy to say, but what if we lose? We will be eternal sinners!”

Wu Peifu's anxiety and worry came from the heart, and Fang Zida was very pleased. At least, Wu Peifu had a clear mind and looked at affairs from a practical perspective. Can the country be strengthened by shouting slogans? Can the country be prospered by talking on paper? This is simply a joke.

Participating in the war is almost equivalent to a battle for the fate of the country. Once you make the wrong choice, you will be doomed. How can the country today stand up to such a torment?

"Brother Baochang, what do you think?" Fang Zida turned to the thoughtful Huang Kaiyuan and asked.

"I think Ziyu is right when he says that if a country is weak and starts a war recklessly, it will not do the country any good. It is better for us to take advantage of the war in Europe and bury our heads in development for a few years to increase our national strength."

"Brother Baochang, I'm so impressed after three days of separation!" Fang Zida didn't expect that Huang Kaiyuan, who usually only knew the franchise, would have such knowledge. He smiled and praised him on the spot. Huang Kaiyuan's face suddenly turned red, and he quickly said humbly that it was just

His own foolish opinion cannot be taken seriously.

"Haha, both of you are right. Going to war now will indeed do more harm than good. It is really not a good idea to start a war recklessly. The central government also thinks the same. Both the presidential palace and the government will still maintain the national policy of neutrality. At least,

This national policy will not change within a few years."

Listening to Fang Zida's words, Wu Peifu and Huang Kaiyuan exchanged glances, and they all heard another meaning in these words. They all understood it tacitly and continued to listen to Fang Zida's words.

"Nowadays, the reorganization of various departments of the National Defense Force is progressing well, but the next step is to reorganize local armed forces in various places, which will encounter many obstacles. You two need to be ready to go to the front line at any time. Once the local armed forces resist the central reorganization order, I am the eighth

The division must use force to solve these problems with thunderous force."

"Yes!" As soon as Fang Zida finished speaking, Wu Peifu and Huang Kaiyuan quickly stood up and responded, showing excited expressions at the same time. When Shandong was pacified, Zhang Xun's powerful braided army could not withstand the sharp front of the Eighth Division, not to mention those in the southwest.

What about the two-gunner with a pipe in one hand and a rifle in the other?

Pressing his hands, he motioned for them to sit down. Fang Zida added: "We have to do things at home, but we also need to pay attention to things abroad, especially when the European war is so fierce. Although our country is neutral, we cannot stand by and watch. In my opinion,

, taking advantage of the current opportunity of the European war, the Central Military Academy and various departments of the National Defense Forces sent elite officers to Europe to participate as military observers.

Obtain first-hand information on the European War for national decision-making. Secondly, we can also learn about modern warfare in Western countries, find out the differences between the two sides, and see how they use their troops. Of course, our country is a neutral country after all, and the dispatch of this military observer is not only

In terms of the agreement countries and the allied countries, they will also have to send people there. As for who will ultimately lead the team and how it will operate, we still need to carefully discuss it."

"This is a good idea!" Wu Peifu immediately agreed. Military observers from various countries have been in China for a long time. Since the Taiping Rebellion in the Qing Dynasty, Western countries have sent observers to the Qing army and even the Taiping Army to understand the military strength and tactics of both warring parties.

Wait. During the Sino-Japanese War, Western countries also

Military observers were also dispatched to the war between China and Japan, and the naval battles were analyzed in detail for reference by the navies of various countries. Nowadays, as a neutral country, it is natural for China to dispatch military observers to various European countries, which is beneficial to the construction of the country and the army.

All have great benefits.

At this point, Wu Peifu suddenly understood why Fang Zida had asked himself such a question before. He rubbed his hands with excitement and couldn't help but laugh.

"Zhang Ming, when will the reorganization of this local army begin?" Wu Peifu asked impatiently.

"What? Are you feeling itchy?" Fang Zida knew exactly what he was thinking, and burst out laughing: "Don't worry, Ziyu, I will definitely not delay your trip to Europe. If possible, I would like you to serve as a member of the military observation group.

Leader or deputy leader, but can you tell me where you want to go?"

"Go to Germany. The German army is the most powerful. Of course, if possible, I would still like to go to Britain and France to have a look. After all, the two sides are now tied, and we can gain more by corresponding with each other." Wu Peifu thought.

I wanted to say with a smile.

"You really have a big appetite." Fang Zida agreed: "Okay! No problem, I will help you arrange it when the time comes."

Fang Zida has long thought about sending military observers to Europe. Although the construction of China's national defense force is in full swing, it is still far behind that of Western powers. Take the opportunity of the European War to study hard to improve the combat effectiveness and command of the army.

level, this is an excellent opportunity. Of course, this matter is still being prepared. Fang Zida told Wu Peifu this in advance to give him a head start and let him prepare. When he arrives in Shanghai, he will formally propose it to the central government

, and start work in this area.

The Shanghai Naval Ordnance Factory has undergone several expansions and rebuilt a branch factory on the original scale of the Jinling Manufacturing Bureau. In terms of output, the Jinling Ordnance Factory is not lower than the Shanghai Naval Ordnance Factory, but due to the shortage of skilled workers,

In addition, some equipment is not yet in place, so the Jinling Ordnance Factory now only has about 60% of its original output.

Since Nanjing was in the garrison area of ​​the Eighth Division, Fang Zida arranged for the Eighth Division to take over the defense work of the Jinling Ordnance Factory. The next day, accompanied by Huang Kaiyuan, he went there to have a look and tried it himself.

Weapons produced by Jinling Ordnance Factory.

"The accuracy is pretty good. It seems to be a little lighter than the one in Shanghai. What's going on?" After firing a few shots at the shooting range, Fang Zida asked the technician accompanying him while fiddling with the rifle in his hand.

"It's because of the gun butt. The materials used here in Jinling are slightly different, mainly to save costs." This technician was transferred from the Shanghai Naval Arms Factory. When Fang Zida asked, he quickly pointed to the gun butt with a slightly different color.

road.

After taking a closer look, Fang Zida discovered that the gun in his hand was indeed slightly different from the first batch. No wonder it felt different in weight when held in his hand.

"Will it affect the battle?" Fang Zida asked.

"Don't worry, this kind of wood is also hardwood. Although it is slightly lighter, it will definitely not affect combat. And in some ways, the entire gun body is lighter, and soldiers can use it more accurately."

Nodding, Fang Zida felt relieved. The military industry is the foundation of the country, and he didn't want some minor problems to affect the combat effectiveness of the army, so he asked very carefully.

After walking around the factory, except for grenades, etc., which still need to be manufactured directly in Shanghai, Jinling Ordnance Factory can directly produce everything else. The training of new technical workers is still in progress. According to the introduction, it will take about two months.

Then it can reach normal production status.

Generally speaking, Fang Zida is very satisfied with the Jinling Ordnance Factory. The ordnance factory is now completely profitable, and the workers' income has also risen sharply. This is a very good start. But Fang Zida is still worried about Shanghai.

Although some major shipyards have begun enterprise reform there, Fang Zida has to go to Shanghai to find out what the specific situation is and how the reform is going.

"Zhang Ming! Zhang Ming!"

Just as Fang Zida was wandering around the ordnance factory with great interest, Wu Peifu suddenly ran over in a hurry. When he turned around and saw him, Fang Zida felt strange because he knew that Wu Peifu was very busy in the army, so he only asked Huang Kaiyuan to accompany him.

Why did he come all the way here again?

In the blink of an eye, Wu Peifu arrived and winked at Fang Zida with anxious eyes. Fang Zida's heart sank, knowing that something must have happened, but he still pretended to be relaxed in front of everyone and chatted a few words with the technicians around him.

, then he said goodbye and left.

"What's wrong, Ziyu?" Fang Zida and Wu Peifu walked side by side at the front, asking in a low voice as they walked out of the gate of the ordnance factory.

"Something big has happened!" Wu Peifu said with a heavy face: "Civil unrest broke out in Jiangxi, Fujian, Sichuan and other places, and nearly ten thousand mobs burned down county offices..."

"What!" Fang Zida was suddenly shocked. Yesterday he was talking to Wu Peifu about the reorganization of local troops. Why did such a big thing happen today?

~.-~
Chapter completed!