Rise From Eight Hundred

At 4 pm!

A lieutenant colonel staff officer came to the hotel and was ordered to take Tang Dao to meet the commander-in-chief of the Second War Zone.

However, they were not going to the war zone headquarters, but to a small courtyard where the commander currently lived alone.

The courtyard was located in a small alley in the south of Linfen City, which was a little quiet.

However, the security was extremely strict. Even if the lieutenant colonel staff officer from the war zone headquarters who came from the Shanxi Suiyuan Army led the way and a guard squad followed, they were still strictly checked at three checkpoints along the way. When they arrived at the alley entrance, they were forced to wait for ten minutes until a call came from inside. The guards at the alley entrance removed the roadblocks and let Tang Dao in.

To meet the big boss, let alone a small colonel like Tang Dao, even the general surnamed Fu, who was the second-in-command of the Shanxi Suiyuan Army, all his entourage had to stay outside the alley.

Of course, everyone can understand that people are cautious for safety during wartime, but he is not domineering. There is a teahouse outside the alley, which provides tea and snacks for the entourage to rest. The only thing that makes Tang Dao curl his lips is that all consumption in the teahouse has to be paid by himself.

"You go there and wait for me. Don't be cautious. Eat and drink. If everything goes well, someone will be responsible for paying the bill." Tang Dao looked at the teahouse with simple decoration but definitely expensive prices, and said to Xia Dayu and Peng Chong.

It turns out that this kind of routine in the future is rotten in this era. Jin Province Lao Kou is really worthy of his reputation.

However, Tang Dao is confident that he, the sponsor with 20,000 taels of gold, will definitely praise him to the sky. The small consumption of his subordinates is nothing!

Obviously, it is better to have no books than to believe in them. Tang Dao was obviously deceived by history books.

Jin Province, a poor and remote place with almost nothing except coal, can be developed into one of the top five provinces in China's economy by this stingy old man. It is not enough to be evil-minded, but also to be thick-skinned.

In the quiet courtyard, Tang Dao did not receive any special treatment. He waited in the small living room until 5 o'clock. A middle-aged woman came in and looked at Tang Dao who stood up for a long time: "Captain Tang is indeed a brave general in the army. He is really a handsome man. No wonder my eldest brother favors you and specially asked me to come and meet you."

"Fifth sister, you are too kind! Tang Dao is ashamed!" When Tang Dao saw this woman claiming that person as his eldest brother, he immediately knew the identity of this person.

Everyone who lives in Shanxi Province knows that the old man from Shanxi has Fu, Yang, Shang, and Xu as his subordinates. They control the 300,000 troops of the Shanxi Suiyuan Army on behalf of the old man from Shanxi. However, there is only one person who can take care of the internal affairs of the family. Even if you want to see the old man himself, you have to get that person's nod. Although he has no soldiers, he is the old man's internal affairs manager, and his power is no less than any of the four great kings, and even more.

This person may be the middle-aged woman in front of him who is not outstanding in appearance but can make people feel like spring breeze. The old man from Shanxi calls her the cousin of the fifth sister.

Seeing Tang Dao reveal her identity in one sentence, the middle-aged woman was not surprised. She was not a secret in the upper class of Shanxi Province. If she was qualified to see the old man, but she didn't know her existence, it would be incredible.

However, Tang Dao's "fifth sister" made her smile, and her impression of Tang Dao was even better.

For men, time brings maturity, experience and stories. Young men have nothing but the smell of hormones, but for women who value their looks more, time can be called a thief, stealing the most precious things that once belonged to them.

Women will also have what time allows men to have, but if you say you can exchange it with youth, men may hesitate, but women will definitely choose to be willing at the first time.

After all, having a youthful and healthy body and a face with full apple muscles, it is definitely a disastrous mood to taste a fat waist and an increasingly loose face.

In addition to being called Wumei in front of the old man in Shanxi, Wumei, who is already middle-aged, has long been accustomed to being honored by official titles or honorifics such as "Wuyi". It is the first time in recent years that young people like Tang Dao call her sister.

Tang Dao is only in his early 20s, and this "Fifth Sister" instantly pulls her to the same level, and Tang Dao's identity at this time is not abrupt.

You know, Tang Dao is a colonel commander with a clear order from the Ministry of Military Affairs. As long as he can become a major general, even the old man in Shanxi who is over 50 years old cannot ignore his existence.

"Haha! Commander Tang is really good at talking. Just for calling Commander Tang "sister", I sincerely hope to keep you for dinner today. Big brother seems to be in a good mood today." The middle-aged woman replied with a smile.

"Thank you for your advice, Fifth Sister. I sincerely hope that after I report to Commander Yan, Commander Yan's good mood can be maintained." Tang Dao picked up the suitcase in his hand and replied with a smile.

Walking from the reception room to the inside, passing through two small courtyards in succession, Tang Dao finally saw the big man who was famous in history and occupied Shanxi Province for 20 years.

As for what the first impression of this big man Tang Dao is, the appearance of a military uniform and glasses is no longer important. It can only be said that from the first meeting, Tang Dao has been constantly correcting his perception of this big man.

It is said that seeing is believing. No matter how much you write in the book, it is not as good as meeting him.

From the first moment they met, it was difficult for Tang Dao to have a bad impression of the man who personally stood at the door of the study to greet him.

It is said that the biggest advantage of this old man in being able to stand in Jin Province is that he knows people well and appoints them well. He also spared no effort in promoting generals from other provinces while focusing on his own relatives and fellow villagers. Facts have proved that he is extremely accurate in employing people. No matter in that war, Jin There are very few rebel generals in the Sui army. He firmly holds the military power and has been operating in Jin Province for more than 20 years, but he has some abilities.

But when Tang Dao met him face to face, he realized that if he just said that he knows people and is good at handling tasks, he really underestimated this big boss of the Republic of China.

His emotional intelligence is extremely high, and his ability to deal with people is extremely strong. Even time-travelers like Tang Dao who know his life have the feeling that later generations will underestimate him.

"Hello, Sir Yan!" Tang Dao put down his suitcase and first gave the fifty-year-old man a standard military salute.

This is a standard opening statement for subordinates to meet their superiors. Tang Dao is quite satisfactory, but it is also the most appropriate.

After all, the Four Elements Group is not this person's direct descendant, and Tang Dao is several floors away from this person, and has never had any communication with him in the past. The deliberate enthusiasm makes people feel hypocritical, and it is better to be ordinary.

"Commander Tang, please, I've been waiting for you for a long time." A smile appeared on the Shanxi old man's originally serious face. He raised his hand in return and invited Tang Dao to enter the room.

After the two sat down, Wu Mei personally brought tea, but the Shanxi old man's opening remarks were slightly unexpected to Tang Dao.

"Captain Tang! As soon as you came to Taihang Mountain, you gave the little devil a show of strength, but it added a lot of luster to my face, old man!"

The old Shanxi man seemed to have completely forgotten the scene that happened at the city gate in the morning. Instead, he directly praised Tang Dao and used it as a topic to talk about the battlefield in eastern Jin Dynasty with Tang Dao.

After listening to Tang Dao personally report some details of the Shentou Ridge battle, this person did not take Tang Dao's downplay and said that the Four Lines Regiment was just carrying out a raid on the formation, but followed Tang Dao's words. The 921st Division received a very high rating.

"The Eightyth Group Army has indeed contributed a lot to our war in Shanxi Province in the past six months. It is not like the Central Army who bullies the weak. Instead, it specializes in attacking hard problems. We fought hard at Parallel Pass half a year ago and at Shentou Ridge last month. The majesty and morale of our Chinese soldiers.

A few days ago, I wanted to invite my old friend to come to Lafen for a get-together, and by the way, I would like to ask them what the 80th Group Army needs. Old man, I will try my best to satisfy them if I can.

It's a good time for you to come here this time. The defense area of ​​your Fourth Army Regiment is relatively far away from them. We also have some contacts with the Japanese aggressors. When you leave, help me bring some gifts to Commander Liu and Brigadier Cheng. Just say, old man On behalf of the 13 million people in Shanxi Province, I thank them for their sacrifice and dedication.

This is a place in Jin Province! Old man, I have been here for more than 20 years and I know that the mountains and rivers are poor and the people are poor, but geographically it belongs to me, the gateway to northern China, so I can’t lose it! Old man, I and the 13 million people of Jin Province will defend it to the death! "

When the old man said the last sentence, his eyes widened and his thick eyebrows were raised high. If this was the first time for someone to see him, he might be filled with passion.

Fortunately, although Tang Dao is still the passionate young man, he has experienced both life and death and has lived in two lives, but he has a clearer understanding of people's hearts and human nature.

The Shanxi old man didn't do this deliberately, he was sincere.

However, his protection was not just against the Japanese.

What he said was truly exquisite and thought-provoking.

First of all, his words were of high emotional intelligence. They did not refute Tang Dao's reputation and say that he was lying in front of him with his eyes open, but they also pointed out without any trace that he was still the king of Jin Province, even though he had not left the country. Jin Province, but the eyes and ears are still all over Jin Province. As for the hidden tricks of the Fourth Army Group and the 921st Division, there is really no way to hide it from him.

In fact, Brigadier Cheng and Tang Dao also talked about this. With the battle in Jindong so big, there were countless informants in Licheng and Lucheng arranged by the big boss earlier, trying to hide it from the one at the top. It's simple, but it is very difficult to completely cover the eyes of this big boss.

However, both Tang Dao and Brigadier Cheng came to the conclusion that not to mention that this person did not know how close the relationship between the two armies was. Even if he knew, based on the relationship between this person and that principal, I am afraid that he is not just pretending to be blind and deaf. , and still clapped and applauded from behind.

During the Central Plains War, if he had not been quick to adapt to the situation, he would have been wiped out by the principal. Although he was later given the power to continue to lead Jin Province, he never stopped infiltrating and infiltrating Jin Province. collapse.

Even at such a tense moment of the war, do you really think that the hundreds of thousands of troops entering Jin Province are just here to support Jin Province in the war? It is also the case that once the power of this subordinate is weak, he will replace it with a single order. An army of hundreds of thousands is the capital of his confidants.

After losing his base camp, losing his army, and losing his reputation, the best outcome for this man is to live out his remaining days as a rich man.

Tang Dao knew it from the history books, and Brigadier Cheng knew it from his understanding of his commander. How could a cunning old man like this old man not know that? He was also always on guard against the principal's men. Compared with this, the Eightyth Army, which also put pressure and threats on him, was much less harmful.

It was the lesser of two powers, and this extremely wise man chose this one.

The second intention contained in these words, and of course the most important one, is to tell Tang Dao his attitude: I don’t care how you and the 80th Army mess with the old man, as long as you don’t think about me like someone’s direct troops. This three-thirds of an acre in Jin Province is enough. This is the property that I worked so hard to build, old man. If anyone dares to touch it, I will have to deal with him!

This is a real old fox!

During Tang Dao's time here, he had met many important figures. Apart from several commanders in the army and the commander of the first theater, the one who put the greatest pressure on Tang Dao was probably the general commander in Xuzhou.

That first-level general was also an outstanding person who led a party, but the feeling he gave Tang Dao was completely different from this one.

That person is more calm and self-confident, full of momentum, giving people a feeling that everything is under control. Tang Dao is more straightforward when dealing with him, and communication is not so tiring.

As for this person, according to Tang Dao's understanding, he is not so much a theater commander as he is a politician, and he is the kind of veteran politician who has been immersed in the political arena for decades.

On the surface, the words he said were indeed literal, reflecting the praise and care of the highest commander in a war zone for his subordinate troops, and the determination of a Chinese soldier to defend his homeland.

But if you think about it carefully, it's not that at all.

No wonder this person said: I am not good at fighting, but I am good at managing people, as long as I have those who can fight under my command!

There are a few meanings hidden in this sentence. To say that he is just an economic boss is really to look down on him. Letting him become the dean of the Government Affairs Council will definitely be better than someone who is still in that position. People are much stronger.

Tang Dao looked at the fifty-year-old man who seemed to be still immersed in emotions and knew that he was waiting for his answer.

If Tang Dao didn't answer his question or didn't understand what he meant at all, then today's conversation would basically end here.

A dignified old man from Shanxi would not waste his time with a fool who couldn't understand a word, nor would he compromise with a young colonel who understood but pretended not to understand, unless Tang Dao one day became a general commanding an army.

This is qualification. In this chaotic era, strength is qualification, not just ability.

Having been in power for decades, who has never seen this person before? Before growing up, talents are limited to talents.

"Sir Yan's kindness, I would like to express my gratitude to Brigadier Cheng on behalf of Brigadier Cheng. Tang Dao hereby assures you that he will deliver Commander Yan's gift to Brigadier Cheng with no shortage of bullets!" Tang Dao stood up and saluted solemnly.

"Eh? How do you know that the gift I want to give must be arms?" The old Shanxi man came out of his rather excited mood, with a bit of amusement on his face.

"To be honest, when our group came to the Taihang Mountains, Brigadier Meng Cheng found a camp in the mountain and evacuated the original garrison of his 683rd Brigade. I personally have always admired Brigadier Cheng's character and magnanimity. .

As far as I know, the 683 brigade is already short of guns and ammunition. It has fought two major battles in a row. Although some ordnance and supplies have been seized, with your wisdom, how can you not know that destruction is far easier than construction. This is useless. You can get a lot more out than you can get back!

As soon as you open your mouth, Brigadier Cheng doesn’t know how happy he would be if I sent him a telegram now! " Tang Dao replied.

"You kid, no wonder you give the Japanese such headaches. You're so clever!" The Shanxi old man smiled when he heard what Tang Dao said.

Tang Dao not only took over his fault, but also did it perfectly. He admitted with an almost candid attitude that he had a good relationship with Brigade 683. This alone cleared up his relationship with that person.

Who does the principal fear the most? Except for the 80th Group Army, there is no one else, and the Shanxi old man is just his defeated general.

As long as Tang Dao said he was in agreement with Brigadier Cheng, he was destined to never become a member of his camp again.

And who is the person Shanxi old men fear the most? The Japanese are one of them, and they are the ones who want his territory and life. The next one is naturally the one who has the reputation of commanding the country. As long as he is not one of them, then everything will be easy to say.

Of course, Tang Dao also had some reservations in his words. He only admitted that he had a good relationship with the 683rd Brigade, but he would never say that he had any contact with the 921st Division or even the senior officials of the 80th Group Army.

It is the most normal thing for military generals to develop friendships because they fight side by side on the battlefield, just like Tang Dao and the 67th Army or the 128th Division. People are all creatures with emotions. Even if the King of Heaven comes, I cannot stop the friendship between soldiers. no?

What's more, he is an outstanding person like Brigadier Cheng who can get along with both sides. It is said that heroes cherish heroes. It would be strange if Tang Dao said that he looked down on him.

But if Tang Dao has contact with the senior figures of the 80th Army, it will completely change the situation. Even the old Shanxi man who wants to give the principal a blow will probably have to mutter that the 80th Army is already very powerful, so give them another one. The strength of the Four Elements Group has increased greatly, right?

So, should we say that Tang Dao’s answer was almost perfect? The Four Lines Regiment did not fall to that person, nor did they say they were colluding with the 80th Army. They weakened their old rivals and did not increase new threats. I am still the boss in Shanxi Province. This situation is what the old man in Shanxi wants most. .

"You are right. The 683rd Brigade has made outstanding achievements this time. How can we pay tens of thousands of dollars to do it? It would be too cold to the hearts of the soldiers in our army. I have prepared to build 500 7.9 mm caliber rifles." , 100,000 rounds of ammunition, please help bring it to the 683rd Brigade when you go back." The old Shanxi man nodded slightly.

He raised his head and looked at the sky outside the window, and suddenly asked: "It's getting late, how about having a simple meal here? I'll let the fifth sister cook her special oily pork, and let you, a Sichuan boy, have a taste of me. Authentic Shanxi cuisine! ”

The fifth sister, who was standing at the door and was about to come in to ask if they wanted to have dinner, looked at Tang Dao with curiosity. She wanted to know how this young man who made her like him would accept the invitation from the first person in Shanxi Province.

Should he accept it respectfully or pretend to refuse it?

"Elder, please, I dare not refuse!" Tang Dao replied in a literary way.

"Haha! That's great. I haven't heard anyone call me an elder for a long time. I like it!" The old man from Shanxi couldn't help laughing.

Tang Dao also laughed.

It must be said that both of them thought that the other was a wonderful person.

One threw the bait, and the other swallowed it without thinking. It was interesting.

Moreover, he took the initiative to remove the subordinate relationship and turned it into a family dinner.

He was really brave.

More importantly, this tactic will continue.

The middle-aged woman's face remained unchanged, but she was quite surprised. Although her cousin looked modest, he was actually tough inside. Few people dared to show off their wits in front of him, but this young colonel did it smoothly and without any hesitation, which was also a manifestation of extreme self-confidence.

The Shanxi old man left a deep first impression on Tang Dao. He was a very wise and cunning player, a fox of at least a hundred years.

Tang Dao, on the other hand, left a deep impression on the two of them. He was confident, cunning and difficult to deal with.

Even the Shanxi old man, who was laughing, didn't understand what Tang Dao would say at this "private" banquet, but the man's intuition told him that it would definitely be a big surprise.

This young man is not like a fox, but more like a wolf!