"Chiang Kai-shek promised that once the deed was done, the Huai River would be the dividing line between north and south. Everything north of the Huai River would be ours!"
"And besides, by then, there'll be plenty of vacant posts—provincial chairmen, commanders-in-chief, and the like."
His gaze drifted lazily across the faces of every general present.
"Which of you here doesn't want a promotion?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the generals who had been so indignant moments before fell silent.
Their eyes flickered, and their breathing grew rapid.
The Huai River as the dividing line!
That meant control over half of China!
And all those posts—provincial chairmen, commanders-in-chief...
Who could resist that temptation?
Dignity?
Compared to real territory and official positions, what the hell was dignity worth!
"Ahem... Marshal, you're wise indeed! Chiang Kai-shek may not come from the right background, but... but he does have his merits!"
Tang Yulin was the first to change his tune, without the slightest embarrassment.
"Right, right! We should unite with any forces we can!"
"Everything for the greater good! We firmly support the Marshal's decision!"
Watching those men change their tune faster than turning a page, Zhang Yuting scoffed inwardly, but kept his expression unchanged.
That was exactly the effect he wanted.
"Since no one has any objections, then it's settled!"
He rose and walked to the enormous military map. Picking up the pointer, he rapped it hard against the Pingjin region.
"September 10th!"
"My Feng Army's three hundred thousand troops will officially declare war on the Shou Army!"
"Zhang Xueming!"
"Here!"
"Your New First Army will serve as the vanguard and lead the charge! I want you to tear open the Shou Army's defenses at Shanhai Pass within three days!"
"Yes!" Zhang Xueming snapped to attention and shouted, his eyes blazing