Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 342: The Concerns of Ma Changfang about the Governors-General Entering Beijing

In a blink of an eye, nearly half a month had passed and it was the end of the first lunar month. The invited governors-general of Northern Frontier, including Ma Changfang of Xiazhou, Qu Guowei of Huzhou, Qian Haodong of Lizhou, An Chengjie of Quzhou, Wang Jin of Hanzhou, Yang Jianye of Suzhou, Lin Huaixun of Jianzhou, Liang Jiaman of Houzhou and others, all began to set out from their own territories and rush to Beilong City according to the distance. After all, this was the first time in the past five years that the Northern Frontier government had held a congressional meeting facing all provincial governors and frontier officials.

In previous congressional meetings, except for the fourteen members of Congress, governors-general such as Yan Baoguo and Han Xiwang who were not elected as members of Congress were unable to participate.

It can be said that this is also a rare event in northern Xinjiang.

In Northwest Ganzhou, at the Lantiancheng Railway Station, An Chengjie, Ma Changfang, Qu Guowei, and Qian Haodong appeared here accompanied by the guard troops, preparing to take the train to Beilongcheng. Now the Northwest Railway Bureau has connected the railway line from the Gannan Railway to the south of Linzhou, and then from Sanjiang City in the south of Linzhou directly to the former Sishui City of Yongzhou, and finally through the Yonglong Railway, you can go directly to Beilongcheng.

Although the entire north-south railway network of Linzhou has not yet been completed, the railway lines in southern areas such as Sanjiang City and Zhenyuan City have been initially opened. This has greatly promoted trade and transportation exchanges between the three northwestern provinces under Su Zhengyang's rule and accelerated the pace of economic development.

Looking at the large railway station in front of him that looked simple and heavy, yet magnificent, Ma Changfang couldn't help but sigh: "Su Zhengyang is really a young and promising boy. Since the three northwestern provinces fell into his control, they have changed every day and developed at an extremely fast speed."

Four people stood on the platform. They had already informed the Northwest Railway Bureau in advance that a large special train consisting of 28 carriages would be coming to take them and their security personnel to Sishui City. In addition to the four of them, Wang Jin, Yang Jianye, Lin Huaixun and others would also take this special train.

Now they are waiting for Wang Jin and others.

A quarter of an hour later, the white-haired Wang Jin, chatting and laughing with Lin Huaixun and Yang Jianye beside him, walked into the platform with a large number of followers.

"Councilor Wang, I haven't seen you for a long time. You are still as energetic as ever. Your demeanor is still the same as before."

Ma Changfang walked forward and took the initiative to greet Wang Jin and the other two. However, Huzhou Governor Qu Guowei looked at Wang Jin with a gloomy expression. Wang Jin's gaze was slightly evasive. After all, he had tricked Ma Changfang severely in Beilong City.

"Councilor Ma, the train is about to arrive. Let's settle down first and talk after we get on the train."

Lin Huaixun, a tall and serious-looking man, nodded and greeted Ma Changfang. Half an hour later, the steam locomotive roared and slowly drove out of the Blue Sky Railway Station. It was also time for dinner. Ma Changfang, Qu Guowei and four others gathered in a private room, forming two clear camps with Lin Huaixun, Yang Jianye and others in carriage No. 12.

"Congressman Ma, what exactly is the central government's intention in suddenly convening such a grand congressional meeting?"

An Chengjie picked up the white porcelain wine cup in front of him and took a sip, then asked Ma Changfang.

Ma Changfang pondered for a moment, and said solemnly: "In my opinion, President Yang is officially paving the way for his son-in-law."

"This time when we rush to Beilong City, at the congressional meeting, President Yang is very likely to directly determine the candidate for the next president."

"In my opinion, Su Zhengyang is unrivalled in terms of both popularity and strength among the people. The next president will definitely not fall to anyone else."

Qu Guowei beside Ma Changfang couldn't help but sneer, "Damn, the world has really changed. A twenty-year-old kid who is still wet behind the ears dares to covet the position of president. All of us governors have fought for half our lives and crawled out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood. Now we have to listen to the orders of a young boy. It's ridiculous."

Qian Haodong, who had not expressed his opinion, spoke up at this time: "Although Senator Su is young, he first quelled the civil unrest in Northern Xinjiang with his own efforts, and then personally led the Northern Expedition Army to recover the lost territory in Northeast China. In terms of achievements, he has created an unprecedented precedent in Northern Xinjiang. I think there is nothing wrong with him succeeding the presidency."

Ma Changfang glanced at Qian Haodong meaningfully and said, "Actually, there is no problem with Su Zhengyang being the president. It is understandable that President Yang wants his son-in-law to continue to control Northern Xinjiang. The only thing to worry about is that Su Zhengyang is young and ambitious, and he will change the situation in Northern Xinjiang that has been stable for twenty years."

"What does Councillor Ma mean?"

An Chengjie's eyes collided with Ma Changfang in the air, and both saw a hint of worry in each other's eyes.

"Now Su Zhengyang has the great achievements of suppressing the rebellion and recovering lost territory. He also has the support of the president's faction. In terms of hard power, the Northwest Revolutionary Army under his command is already the top combat force in the entire Northern Frontier and even in China. If he secures the position of the next president and turns around to force us, the old officials of the Northern Frontier, to hand over our military power, will Councillor An hand it over or not?"

Before An Chengjie could say anything, Qu Guowei slammed the table angrily, almost knocking it over.

"I have fought for the Northern Frontier for most of my life! I have been pierced by so many bullets to get to where I am today. If Su Zhengyang dares to do the same, I will be the first to fight him to the death!"

An Chengjie was slightly startled, then pointedly said: "Councilman Ma thinks Su Zhengyang will risk the world's disapproval and touch the fundamental interests of these governors? If he does this, I'm afraid their staunch allies like Jiang Dapao will no longer support him."

In fact, what An Chengjie said was right. Those who are now sitting in the positions of governors of various provinces are all old men who followed Yang Jiakai to start the uprising and establish the Northern Xinjiang regime. Now that they have conquered the world, they have begun to hold high positions and enjoy the benefits brought by the power in their hands. You, Su Zhengyang, want to deprive others of their military power with just one sentence. No one can easily accept this result. If Su Zhengyang does this by force, I am afraid that the entire Northern Xinjiang will be in flames and fall apart in an instant.

"It's not certain yet, but in my opinion, Su Zhengyang is definitely not a person who will keep to his proper place. If he takes the throne, Northern Xinjiang will at least go through a major reshuffle. After all, a new emperor appoints new ministers."

At this time, in the box where Yang Jianye and others were in carriage 12, after having a good meal and a few drinks, Wang Jin tentatively said to Yang Jianye: "Governor Yang, in my opinion, this congressional meeting should be for President Yang to confirm the specific candidate for the next president. At present, Congressman Su Zhengyang is definitely the best choice. What do you think?"

Suzhou Governor Yang Jianye was once a brave and fierce general beside Yang Jiakai and was also the previous commander-in-chief of the six northern border troops. In fact, he was the eldest grandson of Yang Jiakai's second grandfather and could be considered a cousin of Yang Jiakai. Yang Jiakai had always been very confident in Yang Jianye and settled Yang Jianye in the northwest, perhaps with the intention of letting him stand up at a critical moment to stabilize the situation in the northwest.

"The position of the President of Northern Xinjiang has never been based on so-called qualifications or connections, but on strength, as well as the development and benefits that can be brought to Northern Xinjiang in the future. In my opinion, there is no one in the entire Northern Xinjiang who is more suitable for this position than Congressman Su. I am willing to support him to become the new President of Northern Xinjiang."

Beside Yang Jianye, the usually taciturn Lin Huaixun also nodded in agreement. The two had been comrades-in-arms since the early days of the Northern Xinjiang uprising. One was the commander-in-chief of the six towns in Northern Xinjiang, and the other was the chief of staff of the six towns in Northern Xinjiang. Both were highly trusted direct subordinates of Yang Jiakai.