Chapter 121: Signing of the Agreement

  At a time when the entire army was undergoing a major reshuffle, Gao Yang, who had the final say, sat in his chair and read the telegram sent by Gao Feng from Magic Capital.

  Kao Feng reported in a telegram the results of the supplementary meeting of the Washington Naval Conference held in Magic Capital. This conference has officially ended this morning!

  Kung Hsiang has arrived with the full text of the final agreement signed at this conference. It's a good several pages of telegrams!

  Gao Yang lit a cigarette and stared at the telegram, silently pondering the various implications this matter would bring.

  The most important thing is the attitude of the Japanese! One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers! Japan, which considers itself the overlord of East Asia, will react in what way to this matter?

  This naval conference had already reached an agreement among participating countries before it was held, and the meeting process was just a mere formality.

  In the final agreement signed, all nations agreed to receive the Beiyang government as the sixth signatory of the Washington Naval Treaty.

  The tonnage standards given by each country after mutual consultation and various compromises are: the main force warship is 315,000 tons, the aircraft carrier is 105,000 tons, and the rest of the ships have the same tonnage as Japan! Various restrictions refer to the Washington Naval Treaty.

  Capital ships and aircraft carriers are strongly supported by Britain and the United States, after all, without these tonnages, how can the old ships bought in Britain and the new ships ordered in the United States be used?

  Britain is ready to use the money from selling ships to Nelson to build several more! Not only did it enhance the strength of the Royal Navy, but also boosted the economy and reduced unemployment. At the same time, although they have so many warships, these old ships are not a threat to the Royal Navy at all, and can also contain the ambitious Japanese. British gentlemen continue their brilliant diplomatic balancing act.

  The Americans received a large order, which also boosted the economy and reduced unemployment. At the same time, the US Navy also acquired many important military technologies! Deepened cooperation with Kaohsiung, and created a powerful enemy for its main opponent, Japan, in the Pacific!

  After the representatives of various countries had signed, Mr. Foreign Minister finally signed his name on this contract, which he himself declared to be shameful, with a dark face after receiving the final notice at home!

  The document named Washington Naval Treaty (Mogadishu Supplementary Protocol) has come into effect! From now on, the second largest navy in Asia and the fourth largest in the world is reborn!

  The consul who signed the contract burst into tears of excitement. Thirty years of hard work, today... finally achieved his dream!

  Gao Feng said at the end of the telegram that the British hope that General Gao will send someone to the UK as soon as possible to receive the warship. He also stated that the Royal Navy is willing to provide door-to-door service, and the Royal Navy can be responsible for driving the warships purchased by Gao Yang directly to the Far East! At the same time, officer and crew training can also be conducted in the Far East, only need Gao Yang to provide a little extra "cost"! Meanwhile, the British envoy also discreetly asked if it is possible to pay the deposit now?

  Gaoyang gently put down the telegram in his hand and sighed, saying faintly, "Japan!"

  This treaty was imposed on Japan by the great powers of various countries, and Britain's intention is to maintain military balance in the Far East through this. To avoid a dominant Japan threatening British interests in the Far East! Using such a way to put huge pressure on an increasingly restless Japan! The centuries-old balancing act of the British Empire has long been played with ease!

  Although Japan was forced to sign this agreement, Gao Yang understood in his heart. This is not a supplementary agreement, it's a declaration of war!

  Although Japan is now a parliamentary democracy, pro-Western forces control the country's lifeline. However, strong opposition forces within Japan are increasingly dissatisfied with their pro-Western policies!

  Moreover, the most important thing is that Hirohito, one of the most notorious warmongers of the 20th century, will formally become the Emperor of Japan next year! At that time, Hirohito will support the radical elements in the military to seize power from the constitutional faction through physical elimination!

  Afterwards, the archenemy of Japan heading towards militarism was the Ko-yang fleet that posed a great threat to them!

  For Japan, the navy is the country! The huge shock left by the two giant ships of Tingyuan visiting Japan in 1886 is still remembered by the Japanese people today!

  Japan, which established its current status through the two bloody wars of Jiawu and against Russia, will absolutely not watch as this gigantic neighbor next to it once again possesses a powerful navy! They will choose to solve everything with their fists just like during the Jiawu war.

  Going to war with Japan is an inevitable thing. Gao Yang knows that the Japanese like to launch surprise attacks and fight without warning. Gao Yang's plan is to take the initiative! What needs to be done now is to bring all the warships back as soon as possible! Intensify training, quickly form combat effectiveness, and when the time comes, take the initiative against the Japanese first! Let them taste the flavor of being ambushed too!

  He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and after a moment of contemplation, Gao Yang turned to Yang Dong standing beside him and said in a low voice, "You go to Ningde, end this battle as soon as possible."

  "Yes, sir." Yang Dong saluted solemnly and turned to leave.

  The brief turmoil of the Sixth Division soon came to an end. With absolute control over Gaoyang, no one dared to oppose his orders. The storm was settled in a short period of time.

  Since learning the news that a large number of officers had besieged the Chief of Staff of the Sixth Division last night, Zhang Shaojie, who had been staying in the Sixth Division, immediately withdrew all his men back to the courtyard. He tightly closed the gate and did not open it until the storm outside subsided and Gao Yang sent someone to invite Zhang Shaojie to have lunch together. Only then did Zhang Shaojie open the door and go to the command post to pay respects to Gao Yang.

  In Ningde City, General Sun's chief of staff received Yang Dong and his party.

  After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Yang Dong let one of his attendants step forward and smile as he said, "Director Zhao, you should know this person."

  "Huh?" General Zhao pushed his glasses and looked at the person in front of him with some surprise, saying "You are......"

  "Director Zhao, you're not mistaken, I'm Li Debiao!" said Li Debiao, dressed in the uniform of the Sixth Division, standing up straight and speaking loudly.

  "What's going on..." Colonel Zhao vaguely understood in his heart.

  "Director Zhao! I'm a rough man, I speak the truth. Last night, we met Commander Sun halfway. It was Commander Sun's personal order to have us fire all the shells into Ningde City!" Li Debiao said loudly.

  "What!!!" Everyone in the house stood up in anger!

  "You're a bloody traitor! I'll kill you!" The officer, overcome with rage, cursed loudly and reached for his gun.

  Director Zhao immediately stopped them. Director Zhao was a clever man. He knew things wouldn't be that simple! The Sixth Division, which had an absolute advantage, didn't need to use the tactic of sowing discord at all!

  Yang Dong chuckled and sat down in his chair, taking a sip from his teacup before speaking slowly, "General Zhao, gentlemen! The shells this morning all came from the south! Our artillery is all deployed in the north! How powerful our Sixth Division's artillery is, I think you all understood that yesterday. If we wanted to wipe you out, it would be impossible with such 'weak' firepower!"

  Yang Dong's words made the faces of the Fujian Army officers present look unsightly. The sixth division's cannon fire, which was enough to destroy heaven and earth, left a deep impression on them! In comparison, their own artillery firepower is not worth mentioning!

  Put down the teacup, Yang Dong slightly narrowed his eyes and continued to say "Commander Sun has already abandoned you as cannon fodder! This is a fact. You are all very clear about it! I came here just to tell you that Director Gao gives you two choices."

  Yang Dong stood up, his eyes scanning the faces of the Fujian military officers in the room. His face sank as he said, "Either you take all the civilians in the city with you and be flattened by cannon fire together! Or leave a way out for all the civilians, for the soldiers, and for yourselves!"

  Yang Dong adjusted his military uniform, slowed down his tone and continued to say "One hour, Director Gao gives you one hour of consideration time. One hour later... Artillery fire begins! How to go, you decide for yourself!" After finishing, he put on his military cap and turned around to leave.

  A house full of Fujian military officers looked at each other in dismay, all silent. They knew what was going on in their hearts! But, what to do after all?

  Suddenly, a young officer slammed his hat to the ground and burst into silent sobs, muttering "Brother! You died so unjustly!" This cry broke through the last bit of strength in the hearts of the officers.

  Half an hour later, the garrison of Ningde City announced its surrender! From then on, Commander Sun no longer had the strength to resist!

  Gao Yang and Zhang Shaozhai ate lunch on the only dining table in the command post. Canned meat, rice, and pickled vegetables. Gao Yang never cooked privately when he was in the army, eating whatever was provided at the command post. It was clear that Zhang Shaozhai was eating with some difficulty.

  Gao Yang's mouth corners slightly curved upwards, and he gently put down the bowl and chopsticks in his hand. He picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth and said softly, "Han Ying, things here are almost over. I'm planning to head back to Mo Du first. What about you?"

  Zhang Shaozhai also put down his bowl and chopsticks, looked up at Gao Yang with a smile and said: "Brother Zi Hou, thank you for your concern, I have gained a lot from this trip."

  He took the cigarette handed over by Gao Yang, lit it and continued to say "Since the war is over here, I'll also return to Mo Du with Brother Zi Hou."

  "Hmm." Gaoyang nodded slightly.

  Sun Commander received the news that his troops had all surrendered in Hong Kong. After rushing back to Fuzhou, he hastily changed clothes and quietly boarded a British cargo ship with his confidants, heading south to Hong Kong. His wife had already secretly arrived in Hong Kong with a large sum of money before the war began.

  General Sun had just disembarked when he heard from his subordinates who came to greet him that his troops had all surrendered and the territory had been taken over by Gao Yang.

  Although he had expected this outcome before leaving, Sun Commander was still furious and uncontrollable when he received the news! He slapped his subordinate's face with a loud slap of more than a dozen slaps!

  After working hard for so many years, it's all gone in just a few days!

  Arriving at the house rented by his wife, Commander Sun sat on the sofa and began to ponder how he could avenge himself and make a comeback.