On the 15th day after Tang Dao arrived in the mountain city, Tang Dao finally received a call from the Chief of Staff of the Military and Political Department.
The top official of the Ministry of Military Affairs, now the second most powerful person in China's military circles after him, wanted to see him.
Early the next morning, a special car sent by the Ministry of Military Affairs took Tang Dao to the reception room of the Ministry of Military Affairs and waited. However, the wait lasted nearly three hours. It was not until almost noon that the chief of staff hurriedly came from outside.
Walking in, he apologized profusely: "Commander Tang, I've been waiting for a long time. Chief He is very busy with work. I just confirmed that I have half an hour. Please come with me now."
What is the official formula? This is it.
If Tang Dao really took the polite words of others seriously, it would be a slap in the face. Of course Tang Dao was not that stupid, even if he was already getting angry from waiting.
Of course, what surprised Tang Dao was not that he had waited for so long, but that he did not expect that the colonel who came to pick him up when he first got off the plane was actually the boss's personal secretary. This specification was really not good.
It’s worth it!
Maybe he was the only one who was so generous, and he gave someone a blow as soon as he got off the plane before he could figure out the situation. But with this relationship, the effect was definitely better than Tang Dao expected.
However, this half-month-long wait is probably the big boss's response to Tang Dao's "spoofing" - I'm not as knowledgeable as a bastard, but I can leave you alone, right?
It is estimated that Mr. Tang spent the past half month either traveling with the Americans to Qingshan or going to the American Embassy to have a pleasant chat with Stilwell, looking happy and unhappy. I am afraid that this timeline will have to be doubled.
These people who are in high positions are not the ones who fought through brutal official struggles comparable to the battlefield. They are good at manipulating people calmly.
A smile appeared on Tang Dao's face, and he took out a long wooden box about one meter long from the backpack he was carrying, and said: "This is a gift from me to Commander He on behalf of the soldiers on the front line in North China. Please help deliver it on your behalf."
"Oh?" The chief of staff opened it in front of Tang Dao without any scruples.
This is what a close friend should do. If he didn't take the initiative to open it, Tang Dao might have to take the initiative to open it for him to verify. Even before entering the building, the wooden box was personally inspected by the guard battalion commander.
After opening the items and taking a look at the items inside, the colonel's staff director showed a smile on his face and said, "Okay! Commander Tang is interested. I will collect them for you first, and I will hand them over to you personally later."
There is still some distance from the reception room to the minister's office. Under the leadership of the Chief of Staff, the walk took more than 10 minutes and passed three checkpoints. Even with the unobstructed "business card" of the Chief of Staff, Tang Dao still
He was inspected from head to toe.
The military spurs and self-defense pistols he carried had long been left at the guard's office. Fortunately, Tang Dao was wearing a uniform and riding boots of the national army. Naturally, he did not have those odds and ends necessary for combat, which reduced a lot of trouble.
Otherwise, looking at the guards who were carefully checking their collars, cuffs and riding boots, Tang Dao knew that it would probably take half an hour just to explain to them, so most of today's wait would be in vain.
Already.
That Minister He was not an ordinary person who cherished his life.
In a quiet little living room in a small building without any sign, Tang Dao met the second commander of the Chinese military.
Wearing a military uniform, with three gold stars shining brightly on the collar badge, and the strict military discipline buttons, he showed the rigorous personality of this first-class general. He wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses but was not smiling.
Hearing the two people entering the door, he raised his head and looked at them, his expressions as calm as water.
As the saying goes, eyebrows are long and affectionate. The eyebrows are not too thick and the nose is straight, which gives this first-level Chinese general a cold air.
"Minister, Tang Dao, the colonel commander of the Fourth Army Regiment in the Second Theater, has arrived." The chief of staff reported respectfully to the general who was sitting on a chair and watching them.
"Hello, sir!" Tang Dao took a step forward, stood at attention, raised his chest and saluted, and his voice was full of energy.
"Okay!" Minister He did not stand up immediately. Instead, he looked Tang Dao up and down several times, then stood up and waved to the Chief of Staff to leave. The coldness on his face softened slightly, and he raised his hand in return.
A voice with a southern accent sounded: "Colonel Tang is indeed a talented man. No wonder he was able to disobey orders in Songhu and Jinan, and was protected by the direct superior officer."
I'm going, is this the rhythm of asking for guilt? Tang Dao didn't expect this person to be so direct. He went straight to the point and pointed out that he had disobeyed military orders and refused to return to the army a few years ago. He was still thinking about how to answer, and then heard this person say again: "
It is said that you, Tang Dao, are about ten feet tall, with eyes as big as copper bells, and arms as thick as the thighs of ordinary people. I think besides being a little taller and in line with the legend, why does your body still look a little thin?"
"Sir, I guess I fought a battle a few days ago and didn't eat much, so I must have lost weight due to hunger! As for the legend the officer just mentioned, it should be Zhang Fei!" Tang Dao replied loudly.
"Ahem!" The colonel's chief of staff, who was waiting in the secretary's room outside, coughed.
That is to remind Tang Dao, please stop talking nonsense. The commander has been dissatisfied with you for a long time. Don't you have some ideas in your heart?
It’s not that the colonel’s chief of staff had a good impression of Tang Dao, but a rude bastard from the front line like Tang Dao still made him fearful. He was sure that when Tang Dao really had murderous intentions, the personal secretary of the Minister of Military and Political Affairs would
Identity can't protect one's life, so it's better to stay away from a guy who risks his life if he disagrees.
"Huh? No wonder you, a little regiment leader, dared to disobey orders when you were a platoon leader. The courage to tell lies with your eyes open is really beyond the reach of ordinary people! If I didn't know you Tang Dao, then I might be really telling the truth.
I was deceived by you Tang Dao. Who made the whole country save money and save money for the war of resistance against Japan?" Minister He looked Tang Dao up and down with a half-smile, but his face gradually turned cold.
"Since you are here to report on your duties this time, come and tell me about the source of the massive funds that your Four Lines Regiment will be awarded every battle, as well as the 28 150-meter heavy artillery invested in the Battle of Zishan?
It is said that you, the commander of the Tang Dynasty, now have a strong army, and your personnel treatment and weapons and equipment are not as good as those of the Japanese invaders. But how did I, the highest military commander in the country, do it under my command? Is this incompetence?"
Although he is the one who holds the political and military power now, and he is only the second-in-command in the military, he is one of the few people in the country who can check and balance that person. These two cold questions, although there are no harsh words, but
It was the pressure of a superior person that surged toward Tang Dao like Mount Tai.
Not to mention how it felt to face his Tang Dao, the face of the army colonel sitting in the secretary's room outside also turned pale. Except for the failure of the battle, he had rarely seen a big boss so angry.
"Sir, if I said that all the officers and soldiers who were rewarded for their bravery against the enemy were captured on the battlefield, you might not believe it." Tang Dao, however, stood up straight and looked forward as he replied.
Minister He frowned but did not speak. He was still waiting for Tang Dao to continue.
If you don't believe everything, you don't believe it at all. Your Tang Dao will definitely defeat you in every battle, but the Japanese are not rich people. They take gold wherever they go.
Intelligence shows that the current pension standard for the Four Lines Group has risen to 400 oceans for each person killed in battle. The reward for military achievements is not included. How much is this?
Originally, Minister He had a good impression of Tang Dao, who had great military prowess and good looks, but now that his superiors knew that Tang Dao was still trying to show off, his favorability dropped sharply.
"But I still have to report to the commander. Since entering North China, our unit has fought dozens of fierce battles with the enemy, destroyed Li City and Shimen City, and seized a total of more than 60,000 taels of gold that the Japanese invaders had no time to transport away. With the permission of the theater commander,
, our regiment will use all this funds for officers and soldiers’ pensions, rewards and the purchase of equipment.” Tang Dao replied.
"How much?" Minister He was so shocked that he almost bit his tongue.
Sixty thousand taels of gold, converted into cash, would cost more than 2 million. That is almost the military expenditure of a Class A division for a year, but it only uses one infantry regiment. No wonder Tang Dao dares to pay so much!
The officers and soldiers of the whole regiment were inspired by this, no wonder they fought bravely and fought first, with amazing combat power! Thinking of the combat power of the Four Lines Regiment that gave the Japanese army a headache, the boss who was frowning just now found one of the reasons.
As for whether Tang Dao would deceive him on this matter, a quick check in the Second War Zone revealed that Tang Dao might not be an honest person, but that stingy old man would never take such a big risk to endorse Tang Dao, especially
It was in the context that Tang Dao offended him not long ago by committing suicide.
"Oh? It seems that Commander Tang defeated all the local tycoon troops among the Japanese invaders! I wonder if this is luck!" Although he was still a little suspicious, his expression softened.
"Okay, even if you Tang Dao are lucky, those 20 or so 150-meter heavy cannons will not fall from the sky!
Commander Tang, you are really awesome. Do you know that there are only two heavy artillery battalions in the country now? In a war zone as important as Tongguan, the commander of the 10th war zone flew to the mountain city several times, and he almost burst into tears because of his words.
He was given a heavy artillery battery and four 150-meter heavy artillery pieces to assist in the defense of the Tongguan theater."
"Sir, it's really not my fault. I was actually forced to do this. This was all done by American capitalists!" Tang Dao said with a bitter look on his face.
"American?" Minister He sat down on the chair again and tapped the table with his hand, eyes slightly squinting behind the lenses.
Tang Dao and Miss Laura, the third generation of the Rockefeller family, traveled together to Jinyun Mountain without hesitation, and also went to the U.S. Embassy in China to pay a visit to the new U.S. 7th Division Commander Stilwell. The information had long been placed on his desk. Tang Dao and the United States
It is no secret that people are inextricably linked.
No, it was probably not as simple as Tang Dao going to his office to report on his work, but going directly to the investigation bureau for questioning.
With that person's personality, he would never tolerate his subordinates making so many unknown moves behind his back, even if he was a general who was frightened by the enemy.
"Due to an accident, my subordinates discovered the role of antibiotics and ordered their military doctors to purify them, thus saving the lives of many wounded soldiers on the North China front. At that time, Miss Laura happened to come to my second theater to express condolences and to visit our regiment.
After staying there, I discovered the huge business opportunities in this drug, so I sent this drug to the United States for development and sales.”
"Wait a minute, what's the name of the antibiotic drug?" Minister He was slightly stunned.
"It seems to be called penicillin. I don't know the specific name. As you know, our department has been fighting against the Japanese invaders all year round."
"What? You discovered penicillin, you bastard, why didn't you tell me earlier? Do you know the price of that drug imported from the United States?" Minister He stood up from his chair and lost his composure for the first time.
"Then I don't know. Anyway, our Four Elements Group needs to use this medicine. According to the agreement, Miss Laura will provide it for free." Tang Dao spread his hands, looking very naive.
"You bastard, you are such a bastard. I don't feel sorry for you. We imported it from regular channels and got 50 oceans apiece. We bought it from the black market and got 200 oceans. You are a small group of four, how much can you use?" Minister He
Tang Dao was so angry that he almost vomited blood.
In his opinion, Tang Dao's business was lost to his grandma's family.
"No, sir, I misunderstood. I also stated in the agreement that I own 70% of the intellectual property rights of the drug, and requested not to sell such drugs to Japan. Once discovered, I can pursue claims from them.
All sales profits." Tang Dao waved his hand quickly.
"Then you still have some brains, so you can continue."
After all, Minister He was a man who had gone through great storms. He quickly realized that he was just being careless. The medicine was invented by Tang Dao and had nothing to do with the country. How he wanted to sell it was all his own business.
He is calling someone an asshole and a bastard, and he has somewhat lost his dignity as a commander.
"Miss Laura called me a year ago and asked her to give me some money, but I considered that our department was fighting the Japanese invaders and equipment was more important than money, so I asked her to exchange these funds for equipment and help me transport them into North China.
, the shipping fee will be deducted from the fee." Tang Dao had prepared the draft long before he arrived, and this half-truth and half-false conclusion turned out to be true.
"That's no wonder you said you were deceived by American capitalists. Is the shipping cost more expensive than the equipment itself?" Minister He is such a wise person. As soon as Tang Dao said this, he keenly grasped the key point.
Although China and the United States are thousands of miles apart, in fact, the thousands of miles of sea transportation is nothing. The real difficulty in transportation lies in the last few hundred kilometers from Jincheng to the Taihang Mountains, which requires opening up many joints.
"It has to be you, sir. I really didn't realize this problem at the time." Tang Dao quickly hit the snake on the stick and agreed.
"It doesn't matter that the rifles, submachine guns, machine guns and supporting ammunition purchased from the German Empire are a little more expensive than the normal price. After all, it is wartime, and it is not easy to open a business.
But I never expected it! This capitalist would be so evil-hearted that the freight would be 10 times the cost of the equipment. If I didn't agree, the equipment would be stored in the Jincheng Concession Warehouse and I would be asked to pick it up myself.
I'm not stupid. Not to mention that I only have one regiment, even a group army. I can't just march to Jincheng!
I can only be exploited by him, and the little money I finally earned with my skills is wasted like this." Tang Dao's face was full of anger, and he almost burst into tears.
"Because penicillin has been sold all over the world in the past year, in order not to pay you, Miss Laura tried every means to get 20 heavy cannons. The cannons are expensive, but the shipping cost is an astronomical figure. And then, right?
You still owe Miss Laura shipping costs, and the intellectual property fees in the next few years are not enough to pay for it?" Before Tang Dao could say anything, Minister He basically finished what Tang Dao was going to say next.
"Sir, you are the one!" Tang Dao gave a heartfelt thumbs up.
This lie is better than what he made up himself!
"Tang Dao, Tang Dao, when I said you were bold, I was praising you for daring to resist unwise orders for the country and the people. That was loyalty and bravery. But now when I say you are bold, that is really bold. What do you think?
I, Commander He, have the head of a pig, so I just believed your half-truth and half-false lie?" Minister He suddenly sneered and sighed.
"I don't dare. I was just about to say that you were wrong about something just now. Because the war is so urgent, Miss Laura hasn't reported the specific amount to me yet, so I don't know how much money I still owe her company."
"I'm sorry, you don't believe it. They say that your Tang Dao is a typical hob meat. I really don't believe that there is nothing you can do with your Tang Dao. Now..." Minister He's face was cold, and he was about to call someone.
The meaning of taking Tang Dao down.
"I am willing to hand over 50% of the proceeds after settlement to the state free of charge!" Tang Dao immediately expressed his bachelor's attitude.
"You guy, how can the country value your little money!" After staring at Tang Dao for a long time, Minister He's expression gradually softened and he sat down again. "No wonder you are hiding your head and tail and playing tricks in front of me.
If you are afraid that your own interests will be damaged, don’t worry! No matter how poor the country is, they will not plunder your home to fill the national treasury.”
Tang Dao's self-defeating move was simply perfect.
In such troubled times, it is not uncommon to shed blood for the country and the people, but it is really rare to see someone who does not consider their own interests at all. People are all the same, and only Tang Dao like this is suitable for the big boss in front of him.
group.
The half-truths and half-false lies are just to protect one's own intellectual property rights. This is only reasonable.
"Of course, it's good that you have such a heart. Not only can you help the country on the battlefield, but you can also do it economically! I heard that there are many bosses starting businesses in the area where you are stationed in the Four Elements Corps, and the economy is booming."
"I had this intention for a long time. This time when I came to the mountain city, I accidentally met Director Wang of the Aviation Research Institute. As a soldier, I have always been saddened by the lack of fighter aircraft in our country, which has led to the long-term disadvantage on the ground battlefield. I heard that his aviation research institute is short of funds.
, I happened to talk to Miss Laura and learned that she also wanted to help China. In addition, General Stilwell predicted that sooner or later the United States would be involved in this war, and sooner or later our country and the United States would form an alliance.
I just thought that it would be better to form a business alliance in advance. Our country will produce land and people, Miss Laura will invest the funds, and the American military will provide enough raw materials and equipment to develop fighter jets, and then our country will purchase them to fight the enemy!"
Tang Dao talked eloquently.
There is no deception in this. This has been communicated between Tang Dao and the other two parties.
He
The minister's face, which had been calm just now, suddenly showed a rare joy.
Revitalizing an aviation research institute to manufacture aircraft is only a trivial matter. This boss obviously values the latter, especially the later ambitions are even greater, which is to hope that the alliance between the two countries can obtain a large amount of military aid from the United States.
This suggestion made by Tang Dao is really wonderful.
High-level officials like Minister He naturally have studied the American political system. They know that the United States is a plutocracy, and the Rockefeller family itself has great influence on American politics. If they can be tilted, there is a high probability of obtaining military aid.
Nine can succeed.
"This matter is your fault. You should go back first! I will give you an answer on this matter after I report it to the superior." With his thoughts on his mind, Minister He began to drive away the guests.
"But I haven't reported yet on the war situation in southern Hebei and the size of our regiment." Tang Dao blinked, but refused to move.
Tang Dao is not stupid, he doesn't want to wait here for a long time anymore.
"Go away! I know all that, what do I want you to report! But you can't leave the mountain city these days. You and Miss Laura have an old relationship, and this matter must be implemented by you." Minister He waved his hand impatiently.
"This is the style of a superior! A typical matchmaker throws the matchmaker over the wall when a newlywed comes into the room! He didn't even ask for a lunch." Tang Tuanzuo complained to the Colonel's Chief of Staff who was accompanying him out as he walked.
The colonel's chief of staff looked as if he had seen a ghost. He sent Tang Dao out of the small building and turned around and ran away. If he stayed with this guy any longer, he felt that he would lose ten years of his life.
Really, in order to keep the little money he had, this Tang Tuanzu was so clever in telling lies that he almost believed it despite being a wise officer.
The key is that this man who always talks about cheating walked out of the commander's office intact, but he actually got the word "get out". This is something that cannot be obtained unless the commander is happy!
