The Rise of the Writers of the Republic of China

On the fifth day after the news of Zhang Zuolin's death was made public, Chang Kaishen finally left for the north.

Starting from Nanjing, he first went to Wuhan, accompanied by Wu Zhihui, Zhang Jingjiang and others. Going north along the Beijing-Han line, I met Li Zongren, Feng Yuxiang and other generals on the way, then turned to Tianjin, and the final destination was Beiping.

Chang Kaishen will stay in Tianjin for several days, which involves the power struggle of various branches of the Northern Expedition Army.

Where there are people, there are rivers and lakes, and the Northern Expedition is no exception. Today's land division in Hebei, Henan, Shandong and other places is the product of various compromises, and it also paves the way for the future Central Plains War.

Today, there are still many remnants of the Zhi-Shandong Allied Forces entrenched in Hebei and Shandong. In order to incorporate these warlords, all parties really took great pains.

Those remaining warlord forces are also suffering. They want to surrender, but the problem is that they don't know who to surrender to.

Take recently as an example, after Chang Kaishen came to Tianjin, he secretly ordered his subordinates to contact Xu Yuanquan (collateral general of Fengjun) and Sun Dianying.

Xu Yuanquan and Sun Dianying immediately agreed to accept the designation of the First Army, but Yan Xishan also came to persuade them to surrender, and Yan Xishan's troops were nearby. Ever since, Xu Yuanquan and Sun Dianying switched to the Third Army (Yan Xishan's faction), for fear that Yan Xishan would be attacked if he angered them.

After Chang Kaishen knew about this, he immediately promised various benefits. Xu Yuanquan and Sun Dianying immediately repented and surrendered to President Chang's first army again.

To put it bluntly, when Chang Kaishen came to the north for a meeting this time, what he was holding was a spoils sharing meeting, and the incorporation of the remnants of the Beiyang Army was just the beginning.

"Mother Hippie!"

Inside the Astor Hotel.

Chang Kaishen cursed after reading the telegram, and said angrily: "These military leaders, who have milk, are mothers! Inform Xuezhu (He Chengjun) and ask him to promise Xu Yuanquan and Sun Dianying each 50,000 yuan in military expenses. .We are the central government, so we must be more generous than Yan Laoxi!"

"Yes!" The herald saluted and retreated.

The aide-de-camp Chen Xiuhe knocked on the door and came in and said, "Principal, American journalist Harrett Aban, and Zhou Hexuan, please see me!"

When Chang Kaishen heard that it was an American reporter, he immediately straightened his sleeves, stood up straight and said, "Skyjue, help me find out, what's wrong?"

Chen Xiuhe said with a smile: "Special spirit and prestige."

"Let them come in." Chang Kaishen said with satisfaction.

When Zhou Hexuan and Aban entered the room, Chang Kaishen was already sitting on the sofa, holding a copy of "The History of the Turkish Revolution". Because the reading is so "concentrated", he doesn't even know that someone is coming in.

"Principal, Mr. Aban and Mr. Zhou are here." Chen Xiuhe walked over to remind him.

Only then did Chang Kaishen put down his books, stood up with a smile and shook hands with the guests: "Please sit down, both of you!"

Hallet Aban smiled and said, "Hello, Commander Chang, I hope to give you an exclusive interview and talk about your thoughts on the Chinese revolution and your vision for China's future."

"Okay," Chang Kaishen suggested when he saw the camera hanging around Aban's neck, "Let's take pictures first."

Haret Aban looked at the light in the room, he opened the curtains and said, "Your Excellency, please face the window, it feels more natural."

Chang Kaishen was kind, and held the "History of the Turkish Revolution" in his hand again, and put on a seemingly easy-going smile.

"Lift your head up a little more, that's good, that's it!"

"Crack, click!"

They kept taking pictures over there, Zhou Hexuan had nothing to do, and stared at Chen Xiuhe for a few more times. Well, this one is also a socialist.

In fact, in China in the 1920s, many progressives were socialists (non-communists). They believe that the primary task at the moment is to build the country and develop national strength, and advocate that the whole society should be taken as a whole, and the society should own, control and manage products, capital, land, etc., and then distribute the benefits to the citizens.

Zhou Hexuan's political thoughts in "Guns, Germs, and Steel" also have many supporters. It's just that these supporters are usually of the practical side, and they don't like and don't want to participate in the war of words.

Hallet Aban finished taking photos of Chang Kaishen, and soon entered the interview stage. He didn't go straight to the point, but started gossiping, glanced at the book in the other party's hand and asked, "What books does Commander Chang usually like to read?"

Chang Kaishen said with a smile: "I read eclecticly. Of course, political and military works are the first choice, and social and economic works are also involved. I like the traditional Chinese Four Books and Five Classics, and I am also interested in Western philosophy and psychology."

"What are you reading now?" Haret Arban asked.

Chang Kai praised the cover: ""Turkish Revolutionary History" was edited by Chinese scholar Mr. Cai Yuanpei this year. I especially like this book. Under the leadership of Kemal, Turkey won the victory of the independence movement and realized the national rejuvenation of Turkey. , he inspired revolutionaries all over the world."

Hallet Aban laughed and said, "You are about to unify China now."

"It's still a little short of the last." Chang Kaishen said modestly.

Hallet Abban added: "European and American countries often have a worry that you will have radical actions. For example, the Nanjing incident last year, or forcibly taking back the concession and canceling all previous treaties."

Chang Kaishen said with a serious expression: "The Nanjing incident was not done by the soldiers of the Northern Expedition Army. It was all a conspiracy by the Red Party! It was a vain attempt to drive a wedge between the Nanjing government and the foreign powers. As for the treaty, this aspect needs to be discussed separately, and it is not possible to say a word." Clear. But I promise that I will absolutely abide by international rules and laws and will not engage in any brutal and disrespectful behavior."

The interview lasted for 40 minutes, and Hallet Abban got up and shook hands in thanks.

Zhou Hexuan spoke suddenly: "Commander Chang, can I talk to you alone?"

Chang Kaishen was a little surprised, and then smiled and said: "Yes. Spyker, you go out first, and chat with Mr. Aban."

"Yes, Principal!" Chen Xiuhe took the order.

After the two left, Chang Kaishen said gently: "Mr. Zhou, many people have mentioned you to me. Especially Heqing (Cai Yuanpei), he highly respected you and recommended "The Rise of a Great Power" to me. And "Guns"...well, what about guns?"

Zhou Hexuan laughed and said, ""Guns, Germs and Steel"."

"Yes, this is the book," Chang Kaishen said with a smile, "Sorry, I haven't had time to read this book, I only read your "Rise of the Great Powers". I also read it often, and I have to review it whenever I have time."

"Commander Chang is absurd." Zhou Hexuan said.

Chang Kaishen issued an invitation: "I heard that you are engaged in education, why don't you go to the south with me, in the Ministry of Education... No, it should be called a graduate school now, and go to the graduate school as a committee member."

Zhou Hexuan declined, saying, "I just bought a house in Tianjin, and I don't want to go to the south for now."

"That's a pity." Chang Kaishen put on a regretful expression, but he didn't pretend like he was distracted like he was when facing the American reporters.

The two chatted, and Zhou Hexuan suddenly said: "Commander Chang, I can help you persuade Zhang Xueliang to realize the change of flag in the northeast and support the national government."

"What!"

Chang Kaishen, who was originally calm, almost jumped up when he heard this.