Ch. 66: Pax Sinica
8:49 PM, April 26th, 1926, Black Army HQ
Because of the breaking news regarding the announcement of Japan's deal with China heard earlier in the morning, every member of the Black Army was stressed due to the severity of the situation. Everyone was working overtime, trying to ascertain the new predicament and come up with a last minute plan to counter it.
Wanting an update on the situation, Zero summoned Kim Gu, Gang, Jo, and Dietrich to his office to have them report their most recent findings and analyses.
"This is all you could find so far?" Zero asked Dietrich as he read the report he gave him.
"Yes Zero. I know it's not much, but this was all my team was able to scavenge in such a short amount of time." Dietrich explained.
"According to this report, you say there is belief that the warlords are cooperating with the Fengtian Clique and the Japanese out of their own self-interest and not those of the nation or the people like they are publicly saying?"
"Correct. However these claims are based on conversations from second-hand sources and speculation. We have no hard evidence confirming it."
"They're really putting effort to keep the exact details about this agreement hidden." Jo added. "Just further reinforces the claims in my opinion."
"Even if we don't have any hard evidence, couldn't we still propagate these claims to the masses in hope of fomenting some sort of revolt?" Gang asked.
"Me and my team in the Propaganda Ministry have already looked into the possibility of implementing that plan and we have determined it won't be effective." Dietrich answered.
"What do you mean?" Kim Gu asked.
"Based on information we have gathered on the general Chinese populace, the Chinese people are tired and exhausted of all the infighting and political chaos the country has been plagued with for the past decade and a half. As a result, the idea of Japan providing money and material aide to anyone in China who will agree to work with them and the Fengtian Clique in achieving peace and stability is extremely attractive. They will not be easily swayed by claims with little to no hard evidence" Dietrich explained.
"So we can't effectively fight back with propaganda and intelligence." said Gang. "Is there anything military related we can do?"
"I've already discussed numerous scenarios with the other senior military officers and all of them have an extremely low percentage of success." Jo answered. "Based on our current manpower and resources, we can at best launch several skirmishes and small operations that will leave them with a bloody nose. We are not adequately equipped to fight a full-on war with both the Japanese and a majority of China."
"Don't forget the Western powers." Dietrich added. "Because Britain, France, and the US have practically given their blessing for this agreement, it is fair to assume that they're interests are tied with that of Japan's. If we fight against Japanese interests, we would effectively be fighting back against their interests as well."
"Zero, what are your thoughts on all this?" Kim Gu asked.
Sitting at his desk silently with his hands folded, Zero took a moment to mentally digest all the information he had just received and come up with a plan.
"This treaty between China and Japan seems to be the focal point for all these situations we have to face. It's pacifying both the Chinese people and the Western powers, the two most powerful groups that can effectively deter this agreement. Because a direct military confrontation is off the table, we definitely should focus our resources on denouncing and delegitimizing the treaty. But how to convince the Chinese people and the world at large?" Zero thought to himself.
"Like Dietrich said, the Chinese people are so exhausted of war that they will accept anything that seems to bring peace. Besides, even if we launched a propaganda campaign against this treaty, the Warlords will undoubtedly denounce us and make us look like we are against peace in China, ruining our reputation amongst the people."
"There has to be something we can do to regain control of this situation. You did it once before in China when the High Eunuchs..."
An idea immediately popped into Zero's head, causing him to quickly jerk his head upward.
"Dietrich, when and where is this treaty between Japan and China going to be signed?" asked Zero.
"According to the newspapers, the signing is going to occur July 9th in Peking." Dietrich answered.
"Did the newspapers also say who was going to be signing it for China?"
"If I recall the Premier/Acting President is going to. Why do you ask?"
"Because what if we managed to get our hands on that treaty and confirm our suspicions?"
"How do you expect to do that? Besides the Chinese people don't have any sort of trust or allegiance to us. Even if we find any controversial info in the treaty, the people will simply brush it off as lies." Dietrich explained.
"But what if the Premier of China exposed the truth? Surely his voice would have more sway over the Chinese people."
"Pardon me Zero, but how are we going to get the Premier to do that?" asked a baffled Gang. "The man is practically a puppet for the Warlords who are benefiting from this peace agreement. He has no interest to seeing this agreement fall apart."
"Who said he was going to do so willingly?"
It was then Kim Gu, Dietrich, Gang, and Jo realized what Zero had in mind.
"You're not talking about kidnapping the Premier are you?" Jo asked with disbelief.
"It's quite possible to do with the resources at our disposal." Zero explained. "Like Jo said before, we have the capability to launch several skirmishes and small operations. All we have to do is quickly go in, retrieve the Premier and the treaty, and retreat to a location where we can safely have him reveal everything."
"This is absolutely insane." Gang replied. "Surely you realize how much security is going to be at this event? I mean officials and representatives from the Chinese, Japanese, American, British, and French governments are going to be there. Also Peking is not near any areas we can safely project from."
"While I do agree this plan is extremely risky, it's not unprecedented." Kim Gu explained. "Do recall Zero and the Zero Division managed to infiltrate Hirohito's palace, intermingle with the Japanese elite, and flee."
"Of course the optics of this operation is going to be different." Dietrich interjected. "Taking the Premier with us will undoubtedly lead to the Warlords and the Japanese to say we are kidnappers, which effectively damages our image as soldiers for justice."
"Already accounted for that factor Dietrich." Zero replied. "I assure you my plan deals with that problem."
Trusting Zero's judgment and decision, Dietrich dropped any doubt or opposition to his plan. "Very well, I will redirect a majority of our intelligence gathering resources to Peking and the surrounding region."
"You really think this the best plan we got Dietrich?" Gang asked.
"Based on what resources we have, this plan appears to be the best shot on turning Chinese public opinion against the Warlords and the Japanese. Remember, the Western powers only approve of Japan's plans for China because they believe it will bring peace and stability to the country. If there's widespread resistance against Japan's plans, the Western powers will have no choice but to condemn Japan's plans."
"I agree." Kim Gu added. "Besides, Zero is the Man who Makes Miracles."
Gang, convinced by Dietrich's and Kim Gu's statements, dropped any doubt he had and approved of Zero's plan.
"Zero, as much as I have confidence in your decision making, your plan fails to address a major factor." Jo said.
"Please explain General."
"Once we make our move, the Warlords will undoubtedly concentrate the entire Chinese armed forces on us. This won't be like your escape from Hirohito's palace where you only had the Imperial Guard and local police chasing after you. Even if the goal is simply to quickly go in and get out, the Warlords' numerical advantage will be too great to overcome."
"Then perhaps we need to call in some assistance." replied Zero.
4:09 PM, April 27th, 1926, Whampoa Military Academy, Canton, China
Chiang Kai-shek, along with his aide-de camp Colonel Li Jiahao and other senior KMT commanders, were seen gathered around a large a table looking at a giant political map of China. Like Zero and the Black Army, they too were utterly surprised by the announced agreement made between the Republic of China and the Empire of Japan.
"This is unbelievable!" one of the officers bellowed. "When has the Fengtian Clique or any of their cronies ever been for "improving the lives of civilians"?!"
"When this agreement is officially signed, I bet you the first thing we'll see is Japanese troops stationed all over China." a second officer added. "Just the thought of Japanese soldiers standing on Chinese soil makes me sick."
"If you think that's the only thing to worry about, think again." a third officer added. "I've just received intel indicating there might be secret caveats in the agreement.
"Come again?" the second officer replied.
"This hasn't been 100% confirmed, but supposedly the Fengtian Clique will secretly lease several prominent ports and give exclusive mining, railway, construction, and trading rights with Japan. In exchange, they will receive massive loans that they will use to bribe other regional warlords to come to their side."
"Damn bastards!" the first officer yelled as he slammed his fist on the table. "Anyone who accepts such a treasonous offer should be beaten and hanged!"
"The Fegntian Clique and the warlords they are working with will effectively make this nation a Japanese colony in all but name." a fourth officer protested. "We must take action immediately!"
"I agree." Li replied. "Commandant, I suggest we launch our long planned offensive ahead of schedule."
"Colonel are you mad?!" the first officer yelled. "According to our calculations, we won't be ready to launch our plan until at least 6-12 more months. Pre-emptively launching it before then would be suicide."
"Our plan will be useless by the time we are ready!" said the third officer. "Once this agreement is signed, the Fengtian Clique will have right to invite Japanese troops into China. Our chances of succeeding in that scenario will be significantly lower than if we launched our plan early."
As Li and the other officers continued to debate on whether or not to initiate their planned offensive ahead of schedule, Chiang sat quietly in his chair with his hands folded in front of him. It was then the sound of someone knocking on the door could be heard. Li excused himself from the meeting to answer the door. Upon opening it, a clerk carrying a sealed folder was seen standing outside of the meeting room.
"Just received a personal telegram for Commandant Chiang." the clerk announced.
"The Commandant is currently preoccupied in a meeting." Li responded. "Please redirect it to his main office."
"Colonel, this telegram is urgent. It's personally addressed from Zero, Chairman of the Black Army."
"Zero you say?" a surprised Li said.
Li then took the folder from the clerk before dismissing him. Once he closed the door behind him, he approached Chiang.
"Commandant, just received this telegram from communications. Apparently it was personally sent by Zero. Figured you would want to check this out as soon as possible." he whispered.
Hearing Zero's name, Chiang immediately took the folder and ordered all the officers in the room to stop talking. He then opened the folder, took out the telegram, and read its contents.
"What does it say?" asked the fourth officer.
"It seems Zero wants to personally meet with me and discuss a plan on dealing with this predicament this upcoming agreement has created."
"What exactly does he have in mind?" asked the second officer.
"Apparently it has something to do with delegitimizing the agreement and convince the Chinese people to support us instead of the Fengtian Clique."
"How does he plan to do that?" asked the first officer with disbelief. "I mean we've been trying to convince the people to not support the Fengtian Clique for years, and we've only succeeded with minimal success."
"Zero doesn't say. He insists it will be much more efficient for him to explain the details in person." Chiang answered.
"Sir, are you sure you want to go ahead with this meeting? I mean you've expressed concerns with him, especially since he's a foreigner and as advocated working with rival factions and the treacherous Western powers." Li asked.
"You're absolutely right. However, I am quite interested to hear what he has to say seeing how he insists he explain everything in person. Besides, a part of me always wanted to meet him in person."
Chiang then ordered Li to send a response back to Zero and make arrangements to meet up as soon as possible.
12:48 PM, May 1st, 1926, Dairen, Kwangtung Leased Territory
Located at the southern tip of the Liaodong peninsula in China, the Japanese-administered port city of Dairen was full of activity and energy. Due to it's access to the sea and the South Manchurian Railway that ran through Manchuria, the city was a major trading access point for all of Northeastern China. As a result of this, the Japanese and their Russian predecessors had invested lots of money into the city's development, which was exemplified by it's modern infrastructure, architecture, and industries.
All day long numerous boats and ships could be seen entering and leaving the port. Multiple boats and ships could also be seen docked along the harbor. Among them was the Hiba, a large Japanese destroyer.
Daisuke was quietly standing on the deck, leaning against the ship's railing while Nishimura was sitting down nearby reading a book on military tactics. Down below on the quay, a car approached and stopped in front of the warship. The rear passenger door opened and Matsuda exited the vehicle. He then walked up the gangway and stepped onto the deck.
"I'm back." he announced as he approached both Daisuke and Nishimura.
"How was the meeting with the Viceroy and the Commander of the Kwangtung Army?" Daisuke asked.
"Everything seems to be in place. They both have assured me that the newly trained and equipped regiments the Crown Prince has sent have been deployed in their designated positions and are prepared to be moved should the Chinese request our assistance."
"And what about the transports? What's the status on them?"
"According to the reports I received, there has been a slight delay in the transports being received due to bad weather conditions. However this doesn't see to hinder any our plans."
"Glad to hear that." Daisuke replied.
Matsuda then stood next to Daisuke and leaned against the ship railing too. Both men then proceeded to stare straight at the sea.
"Can't believe most of the Warlords in China are going to stop fighting each other soon." Daisuke said.
"Same here." Matsuda replied. "Never thought most of them would agree to have peace with one another."
"Well I wouldn't call it a legitimate peace since we are essentially paying them off to get along." Nishimura quietly interjected as she continued reading her book. "Because if there's one thing they can agree on that they like, it's money and aide. "
"True." said Matsuda. "Still, if peace in China and the rest of the Asian continent requires us intervening and paying people off, then so be it. Don't you agree Daisuke?"
"Peace on the Asian continent would definitely be nice for everyone. The Chinese people have endured enough pain and deserve to have order, stability, and security in their lives."
"Seeing how large of an impact this upcoming peace deal will have, I can't imagine how much time and effort Crown Prince Hirohito put in behind the scenes to make this a reality." Matsuda replied.
"While I understand why the both of you are in celebratory mood, we should still keep our guard up and be prepared to fight immediately." Nishimura said. "Let's not forget we still have to do deal with the KMT Nationalists and their allies."
"We should also remember the Black Army is still active and could potentially try to ruin everything." Daisuke added.
"If the KMT and their allies don't comply with Peking's orders and refuse to accept the terms of the peace deal, then they are essentially telling the Chinese people they are against peace and prosperity. With that kind of message, their support amongst the local populace is going to drop significantly. As for the Black Army, they've haven't made a significant move for the past year and a half due to that corruption scandal they got ensnared in." Matsuda explained.
"Still, despite their lack of activity and resources, we shouldn't forget the Black Army is still being led by Zero, a man with the reputation of creating miracles."
It was then a seaman walked out onto the deck and approached Daisuke, Matsuda, and Nishimura.
"Excuse me, but communications has just received new orders from His Highness the Crown Prince." the seaman said as he saluted and pulled out a folded piece of paper.
All three of them immediately perked their heads upon hearing the news. Daisuke approached the seaman and took the paper he was holding before dismissing him. He then unfolded the piece of paper and read the order.
"So what does it say?" asked Matsuda.
"It says we have been assigned to oversee the security detail and arrangements for the Prime Minister when he visits China in two months for the treaty signing ceremony. Specifically the Hiba and it's crew is to serve as the escort vessel for the Prime Minister. Apparently Crown Prince Hirohito believes traveling by train to Peking leaves the Prime Minister more susceptible to attack." Daisuke answered.
"Anything else?"
"As a result, we are hereby ordered to stay in port and continue ensuring our forces are ready to be moved if need be until further details on the Prime Minister's schedule is provided. Also contact information for the Chinese government has also been provided so that we can coordinate our security efforts."
"Interesting thing for him to assign us. I thought we were strictly employed to deal with counterinsurgency."
"I'm not that surprised." Nishimura quietly added. "Insurgent groups like the Black Army are still out there ready to attack when they have the chance. The Prime Minister will be much safer from them under our protection."
"That is true." Daisuke replied. "And like I said before, we cannot afford to take any chances as long as Zero is still in charge."
2:44 PM, May 10th, 1926, Whampoa Military Academy, Canton, China
Inside a large conference room, leaders and representatives from the Black Army, the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, and the KMT sat at opposite sides of large, long table. Sitting in the center of the table was a small flag stand that held three small flags. One flag was of the KMT-ran government, which consisted of a red background and a blue canton containing a white disc with twelve white triangles surrounding it so it resembled the sun while the other two flags were of Black Army and the Provisional Government.
The KMT's side consisted of Chiang Kai-shek, Li Jihao, and several other senior KMT political and military officials while the Black Army's/Provisional Government's side consisted of Zero, Kim Gu, Dietrich, Jo, and Kae.
"So let me get this straight, you want to steal the treaty and kidnap the Premier so you can expose the treachery committed by the Warlords?" a surprised Chiang asked.
"That is correct Commandant." Zero answered. "Me and my senior officers have already drawn up a plan to quickly get in and out of Peking."
"This proposed mission is suicidal!" one KMT general said while smoking a cigarette. "Even if you somehow managed to escape the city with the treaty and the Premier in hand, you would still have to travel hundreds of miles across hostile territory to make it back to Shanghai. You're talking about a logistical nightmare."
"We've already accounted for that." Zero replied. "For the past year the engineers and scientists have been working on a project that will drastically improve our logistical capabilities. According to the estimates they have provided, it will be completed by the end of the month. Isn't that right General?"
"Yes." Jo answered. "The most recent report made by Prof. Ronan O'Connor, the head of our R&D department, states construction on the project should be completed in at least two weeks. After that a month of tests and drills will be performed, meaning it should be operational just in time of the treaty signing."
"And what of the Provisional Government?" one KMT politician asked. "Are they on board with this plan?"
"I have already discussed the details of this plan with both the President and the other senior members of the government." Kim Gu answered. "Like you they were completely shocked and showed resistance when we presented our plan. However, after much discussion on the consequences this treaty will bring upon it being in effect, they agreed this course of action was the best option available."
Silence then filled the room for a few seconds as Chiang and the other KMT representatives thought to themselves.
"Your plan definitely intrigues me Zero." Chiang said as he stroked his chin. "Let me ask you this then. Why come to us specifically?"
"Because you have the numbers and resources we need to effectively counter the Warlords." explained Zero. "There is no doubt that when we make our move, the Warlords are going to throw everything to try and stop us. Based on our current calculations, the Warlords' numerical advantage over us severely reduces our chances of this mission being successful.
"However, if your forces were to launch an attack prior to us launching our plan, then the Warlords would be forced to divert much of their troops and resources away from Peking and the surrounding region. With more of their forces focused on the South instead of the North, our chances of successfully retreating with the treaty and Premier increase dramatically."
"So essentially what you are asking me and my forces to do is be a diversion." Chiang replied. "Is that correct?"
"Yes it is Commandant." answered Zero.
"And why should we bear the burden of your gamble."
"Because should this plan be successful, the treachery of the Warlords will be exposed to the Chinese people, causing support for them to diminish while support for you and the KMT to increase. I mean you were already planning to launch an attack on them in the near future."
"What made you think that?" a concerned Chiang asked.
Zero then signaled Dietrich to take out and hand him the intelligence report he had brought with him.
"For the past year we've been observing your actions, most notably troop deployment locations, resource allocation, and communications with the Soviet Union. Based on what we've seen, it would appear that your forces are being prepared to strike North in the near future, fulfilling Dr. Sun Yat-sen's vision of a unified China."
"Are you admitting that you have been spying on us? Because if you are, then you are crazy to think we will assist you..." angrily replied a second KMT general.
Chiang suddenly raised his hand to silence the general mid sentence. He then smirked and chuckled to himself for a bit.
"Zero, you truly impress me. You're assessment is absolutely correct." said Chiang. "Like you said, for the past year we've been preparing to launch a Northern offensive, a plan conceived by the late Dr. Sun. Unfortunately, a variety of setbacks such as factional in-fighting and difficulty securing funding have hindered our preparation efforts, therefore delaying our plans.
"When we heard about this treaty, we were actually contemplating launching our offensive, even though we were not adequately prepared. But should we work side-by-side, then both the KMT and the Black Army can make up for each others shortcomings."
"That's is exactly what I am saying." Zero replied.
"Very well Zero. I see your point. I'll agree with going along with this plan of yours."
Immediately Li and the other KMT representatives at the table gasped in disbelief.
"Are you serious Commandant?!" yelled the cigarette-smoking KMT general. "You're willing to have us be bait for this ridiculous plan?"
"With all due respects sir, but I find this highly unorthodox of you." Li replied. "I think we should give this some time before making a final decision."
"The Colonel is right sir. Before committing ourselves to this, I heavily suggest discuss this further with our other associates and allies." one of the KMT politicians urged.
"Gentleman!" Chiang yelled. "The advantage our enemies have over us increases each day that passes. We cannot afford any longer to wait and see. Action therefore must be taken. And out of all the plans that have been brought to my attention, this one gives us the best chance of coming out on top."
"But sir, we are effectively placing our fate in the hands of someone else. Surely we should be in control of our own destiny?" a third KMT general replied.
"If you have any other better ideas, please feel free to share them general!" Chiang said loudly.
The general, unable to think of a better solution, quickly retreated into his seat.
"Zero, I am glad to have met you today. While we have had differences in beliefs and goals, current circumstances indicate it would be best to work with you and the Black Army. My forces are ready to purge this nation of the treacherous scum that plague much of this nation."
"Same here." Zero replied.
Zero and Chiang then rose from their seats and shook hands across the table. This was followed by everyone else at the table getting up from their seats as well. Zero, Kim Gu, Dietrich, Jo, and Kae proceeded to then exit the conference room and walk back to the motorcade they had arrived in earlier.
"So Zero, what did you think of Chiang?" Kim Gu asked.
"You weren't exaggerating when you said he was dedicated to his cause." Zero answered. "He definitely has the right qualities to lead the Chinese people."
"Still, I'm quite surprised how quickly he overlooked our previous support of the Zhili Clique." Kae added. "If I were him, the last people I would trust would be those who had been supporting my enemies."
"Chiang is a realist and master strategist. He knows quite well that refusing to work with us would practically mean he would have no realistic shot in stopping the Warlords from essentially handing over China to Japan." replied Zero. "And seeing how devoted he is in seeing China unified and free of foreign influence, he would essentially be violating the oath he took if he refused our offer."
"Let's just hope he doesn't have any plans that we don't know about." Kae replied.
Back in the conference room, Chiang approached a portrait of Sun Yat-sen hanging on the wall and stared at it.
"Li, please send an alert out to all division commanders to begin preparations to advance Northward to their predetermined designated locations. After that await for further instructions." he ordered.
The young Colonel saluted and approached a nearby phone. Turning the rotary dial several times, he managed to establish a connection with the KMT's communications office. He then had them relay Chiang's order to all division commanders stationed all over Southern China.
"You better know what you're getting us into Commandant." replied the cigarette-smoking general. "Because if Zero fails, then we go down with him."
"Our goal was to have a China that would not be indebted to others." a KMT politician added. "We've already had to slightly compromise our principles by continuing to accept financial assistance and military training from the Soviet Union. This acceptance of being Zero's bait is even more humiliating."
"I understand all your concerns, but I assure you I have not compromised my principles." Chiang replied as he continued to look at Sun Yat-sen's portrait. "Before he died, I vowed to Dr. Sun that I would not rest until this land was united and liberated from the influence of the imperialists. And we shall do that by utilizing Zero's plan."
Author's Notes: In regards to the Covid-19 pandemic, I would like to take a moment to say I hope everyone is safe and healthy.
I truly appreciate everyone who has decided to follow and support this story, especially those who have done so from the beginning and waited patiently for new chapters to come out over the years. Remember please review if you can. Absolutely love to read the reviews, feedback, predictions, thoughts, and suggestions people post for they help me write.
Will release the next chapter as soon as possible. Really excited about writing the next few because they will be heavily action-based.