vrcanaries Chapter 1157: Avoid the important and focus on the trivial
Chapter 1157: Avoid the important and focus on the trivial
For the first hour or so, the entire presentation focused on the Fifth War Zone. Li Shaoyi was somewhat surprised and couldn't quite understand what they meant.
Although the Japanese army hasn't surrounded Hankou yet, it's definitely a key location for the next phase of operations. Are we only talking about the Fifth War Zone and ignoring what's right under our noses?
"In accordance with the spirit of the meeting of the Supreme Military Council of the National Government, we are prepared to issue 50 silver dollars in military pay to the Fourth Army and to commend the Fourth Army Commander and 17 officers under his command. A commendation ceremony will be held in Hankou soon..."
As the meeting was drawing to a close, Minister He personally announced these words, causing those around him to frown. Li Shaoyi, in particular, watched all of this with a cold eye.
Logically, rewarding Ma Leizi and his subordinates should have pleased Li Shaoyi, and these people certainly deserved the reward. However, the problem is that your actions, coupled with the timing, seem somewhat inappropriate.
Should the Fourth Army be awarded separately? It's important to remember that the Fourth Army is a unit under the 72nd Army Group. Without the support of the 72nd Army Group, how could the Fourth Army have achieved victory in the Lunan region?
According to precedents set by the Ministry of Military Affairs, Li Shaoyi should have been commended first, followed by the officers of the Fourth Army—this is the established rule within the military. However, the higher-ups ignored Li Shaoyi, and even after the entire meeting, they didn't say a word, bypassing Li Shaoyi and directly commending the entire Fourth Army.
Furthermore, demanding that the Fourth Army come to Hankou to receive commendations at this time is clearly absurd. The fighting is raging on their side, and you're asking them to send officers to Hankou? Isn't that just asking for trouble?
Of course, it's obvious to anyone with eyes to see that the Nationalist government is about to implement this policy of buying off its leaders again. During the previous warlord wars, the old man relied on both military victories and lavish spending on war-related matters to win over the generals of various warlords, thus achieving a superficial unification.
Now it seems they'll have to resort to their old methods again, but the question is, will this approach still work against the 72nd Group Army?
And Li Shaoyi is still in this conference room, yet you've already said such things. You all really don't want to live anymore. If Li Shaoyi really causes trouble, you'll all be in real trouble today. He's been busy in Hankou lately, helping you improve air defenses and catch spies. Is this all you get in return? If this is how it is, everyone will be disheartened.
Although Li Shaoyi's face still bore the same expression, anyone with eyes could sense that the temperature in the room was dropping rapidly. Don't think you can control this kid; the army under his command is no joke. If he really falls out with the Nationalist government, the Japanese will immediately start celebrating with artillery fire.
After Minister He finished speaking, he immediately said that it was almost noon and everyone could have lunch first, and the military meeting would continue in the afternoon.
"Minister He, please wait a moment, I have something to announce."
Just as those around him were preparing to leave, Li Shaoyi stood up from his seat. Those around him knew this matter wouldn't end so easily, and that someone like Li Shaoyi wouldn't swallow this insult. "You Nationalist government people, keep doing this," they thought, "you'll offend everyone sooner or later. This is a time for unity, yet you're still thinking about internal strife."
In normal peacetime, it would be one thing if you were willing to meddle in things like this. But the Japanese are about to attack, and the 72nd Army is the main force resisting them. You're pushing them out the door. If the 72nd Army stands idly by, then we'll see what happens. Besides, everyone here is watching. This has nothing to do with Commander Li; it's all your meddling.
"Let's talk about it at the meeting this afternoon. Everyone's hungry now, let's go eat first. You'll have a chance to speak this afternoon after lunch, you won't miss it."
Minister He joked with a smile, thinking Li Shaoyi would leave, but unexpectedly, Li Shaoyi walked directly to the platform, the very spot where the Chief of Staff had just given his battle analysis. Minister He glanced at the people around him; none of them were from the Central Army, so there was no need for them to listen to him unconditionally. Besides, even the army commanders and division commanders of the Central Army wanted to hear what Li Shaoyi had to say in this situation.
For the first time, Minister He felt that his words carried no weight at the Ministry of Military Affairs' operational meeting. Who was really the Minister of Military Affairs now? Despite repeated attempts to restrain Li Shaoyi from above, Minister He had always been among those who opposed it. But now, seeing Li Shaoyi's influence, he couldn't help but sid with those people. If Li Shaoyi wasn't restrained soon, perhaps they would be marginalized.
"Here I announce a few facts to you all. First, due to health reasons, I will be resigning from my positions at the Hankou Air Defense Command and the Special Affairs Committee. Second, I am not used to the southern weather, so I will be flying back to the north this afternoon. Also, regarding my troops in Hankou, I plan to transport them all by plane within the next day or two, so they won't take up too much of your land. Third, concerning the future of the war against Japan, I believe our differences are too great, so I will stay in the north and enjoy my comfortable life. If any of you wish to go to the north, I will certainly treat you to a good meal. But if you try to force me to stay, let's see who has the greater means."
Li Shaoyi's brief words immediately ignited a firestorm within the room. Before anyone inside could utter a word, a large contingent of military police stormed in. Upon seeing that these were all members of the Special Affairs Committee, the Ministry of Military Affairs guards were immediately forced against the wall by submachine gun fire. Was Li Shaoyi planning a coup?
At the same time, air raid sirens sounded in Hankou. Before anyone could understand what was happening, the suburban airport was on full alert, and combat aircraft began taking off. Li Shaoyi's air regiment had only arrived yesterday, and today it seemed they would be conducting air defense of the entire Hankou area.
However, the six planes that took off did not intercept the Japanese planes in the surrounding area. Instead, they flew over the main government buildings in Hankou with bombs hanging on them. If Li Shaoyi were to be in trouble, these bombs would probably not be able to stop them.