Mr. Situ's trip to the Republic of China went very smoothly. Not only was he warmly received by senior government officials including the principal, he was also accompanied by the principal's wife to inspect many emerging industrial projects in Shanghai, Nanjing and Wuhan, including Jiangnan Shipyard and Hanyang Iron and Steel Plant. , Hanyang Arsenal, etc., and held a grand donation ceremony in Nanjing, handing over the $3.5 million cashier's check donated by overseas Chinese in North America to the president.
Time soon came to mid-January 1934, and Mr. Situ's return trip was about to come to a successful conclusion.
Zhou Wen has been acting as Mr. Situ's personal guard during this period. The two of them get along well and have become close friends who talk about everything.
I don’t know whether it’s because Mr. Situ received the highest level of security after arriving in the country, or the Japanese themselves felt that there was no need to take action after Mr. Situ handed over the donation to the government. Mr. Situ has been quiet and peaceful in the country for more than a month. , was not harassed by the Japanese, but Zhou Wen still did his job wholeheartedly and did not dare to relax at all.
In fact, after Mr. Situ arrived in China, with the strength of the mercenary group and the Attendant's Office, and being in China's own country, there was no need for Zhou Wen to personally protect him. He could leave the security work to Zhao Xiaojin or Zhang Xiaoping. With either of them present, even if Little Japan wants to engage in any conspiracy, they can protect Mr. Situ's safety.
But Zhou Wen put aside all the business and work of the mercenary group. Not only did he personally take action, but the two masters Zhao Xiaojin and Zhang Xiaoping were also by his side at all times, just because he wanted to be foolproof.
Putting aside Zhou Wen's respect and admiration for Mr. Situ, a patriotic old man, Zhou Wen did not allow the slightest accident to happen to Mr. Situ, both in public and in private, because of the things they had communicated and agreed upon over the past month.
Of course, there is another reason, that is, Zhou Wen wants to take this opportunity to establish close cooperation and forge a deep friendship with Mr. Situ.
This is not just about purchasing aviation clubs and walkie-talkies. Zhou Wen also needs Mr. Situ's help for some personal matters.
The so-called private matters are actually Zhou Wen's arrangements and considerations for his family.
Once the Anti-Japanese War broke out, Zhou Wen didn't know if history would develop according to its original trajectory through the flapping of his butterfly wings.
It turns out that others are small and weak, so naturally it is difficult for them to have any impact on the direction of history.
But that's different now. First of all, after the Songhu Anti-Japanese War and the Great Wall Anti-Japanese War, he and his mercenary group had become famous in the country, and they had a certain influence on the top leaders of the Republic of China. They were no longer a small player in the eyes of others.
Moreover, he believed that as his series of layouts in Shanghai and Shanxi gradually unfolded, the mercenary group would become stronger and more influential. In addition, his relationship with the principal has gradually improved, and at least he has the opportunity to meet with him and make suggestions at any time.
This gives him some say in the future Patriotic War. Even if this say is minimal, it may have a certain impact on the course of the war.
For example, he had previously suggested to the principal the battle concepts and tactics for Shanghai and Nanjing after the war broke out. The principal had summoned a few confidants such as General Chen and Chief Zhang to conduct secret discussions and deductions, and the result was something terrible. I don't know, but at least it means that my original suggestion has planted a seed in the principal's heart.
But now there is a question. If Nanjing really makes some changes, won't Little Japan change?
In the early days of the Pacific War, the little Japan, which defeated the United States and the United States, was not a vegetarian. Not only were their officers and soldiers highly qualified, but their tactical command was also extremely clever. When the battlefield situation changes, they will also adjust their deployment.
Zhou Wen is not afraid of tactical adjustments. What he is afraid of is Little Japan making strategic adjustments.
Once Japan makes strategic changes, it will lead to changes in its original historical trajectory. For example, the focus of the Japanese army's attack was no longer upstream along the Yangtze River, but suddenly shifted to the direction of Shanxi and Shaanxi, crossing the Qinling Plateau to attack Sichuan. Let's not say whether this attack strategy can be successful, but the fall of Shanxi and Shaanxi was not It's very possible.
In that case, the mercenary group will be surrounded by heavy Japanese troops. Although it will not be wiped out by the Japanese army, the combat space will be greatly compressed and the living environment will become very harsh.
Zhou Wen and his brothers will naturally not retreat. The worst they can do is fight guerrilla warfare with the Japs. Even if they die on the battlefield, they will have no regrets. But there is no need for family members to suffer along with the troops.
Zhou Wen had planned before that it would be best for his father, his soon-to-be-married wife, and his brothers' relatives to move to safer areas and countries before the war.
The safest country during World War II was the United States.
In the past, he had placed his hope in old Henry's family, but he still felt that it was not very safe. After all, Henry Sr. and Henry Sr. both belong to the lower-middle class of American society. Even if they are not short of money, their abilities in other aspects are limited.
Now if I can get Mr. Situ's help, with the strength and influence of Mr. Situ and An Liangtang in the United States, I and my brothers' families will have an extra guarantee when they go to the United States. Zhou Wen doesn't need his family to struggle and develop in the United States, he just wants them to live in peace.
It was already January 15, 1934. After attending the farewell dinner held by the government for Mr. Situ, Zhou Wen, Zhao Xiaojin, Zhang Xiaoping, Ti Jing, and a group of guards from the Military Inspectorate escorted Mr. Situ back to the Central Military Academy deep inside. temporary residence.
For safety reasons, Mr. Situ did not stay in any hotels or restaurants during his return to China. When he was in Shanghai, he stayed at an annex belonging to Commander Yang of the Songhu Garrison Command. While in Nanjing, the principal specially set aside a foreign-style building in the Central Military Academy for senior foreign military experts as a place to stay for Mr. Situ and his entourage.
Of course, Mr. Situ's real followers, Situ Hai, Situ Jiang and Lei Bao, are still training hard at the Lujiaqiao Base in Shanghai. And Zhou Wen and the others became Mr. Situ's inseparable followers.
After several people got out of the car and went upstairs, Mr. Situ, who was slightly drunk, called Zhou Wen and walked into the study. After Zhang Xiaoping served them a pot of hot tea, he quietly withdrew and stood guard at the door.
He knew that Mr. Situ would return to the United States tomorrow with a delegation sent by the government. He would definitely have a lot to say to his senior brother before leaving, so he naturally wanted to ensure that their conversation was not disturbed.
