Chapter 99: Taking The Relationship To The Next Level
Even with Li Zongren’s decades of military experience, he couldn’t help but be shocked by Su Yaoyang’s words.
Today, China relies entirely on imports for artillery pieces above 75mm caliber; they cannot be manufactured domestically and are dependent on international aid.
As of 1938, the total number of artillery pieces with a caliber of 100mm or more nationwide was only 70-100 （ including various old and damaged models ）, with only fifty truly deployable on the battlefield. This illustrates the scarcity of large-caliber artillery and explains why the people of Xuzhou were so excited to hear that Su Yaoyang had destroyed four of the Japanese army’s 150mm heavy artillery pieces and twelve mountain guns.
To put it simply, even Li Zongren, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Fifth War Zone with over 600,000 troops under his command, had very few artillery pieces at his disposal.
What would his reaction be upon suddenly hearing that Su Yaoyang, a mere security regiment commander, possessed two companies of heavy artillery?
Suppressing the surging emotions within him, Li Zongren picked up the teacup from the table and took a sip before sighing with emotion, “Yaoyang, do you know I was almost going to issue a direct order to place your artillery companies under the direct command of the War Zone Headquarters.”
Instead of panicking, Su Yaoyang chuckled, “Commander, don’t worry, you don’t need to forcefully take them. If you can arrange for me to get some artillerymen, I can give you twelve.”
“Clatter!”
The teacup in Li Zongren’s hand fell to the ground, shattering into pieces.
He couldn’t help but exclaim, “Are you going to give me two heavy artillery companies?”
“What good thing are you thinking of?” Su Yaoyang rolled his eyes. “I mean, if you can help me get some artillerymen, I can give you twelve American-made 105mm artillery pieces, not give you my two artillery companies.”
“Hahaha… it’s all the same… it’s all the same…”
Li Zongren was delighted by this unexpected pleasant surprise and couldn’t help but laugh heartily.
Despite being the Commander-in-Chief of the Fifth War Zone with five to six hundred thousand troops, he possessed very few heavy artillery pieces, less than double digits, and even fewer shells. Every shot required approval from headquarters.
One can imagine the impact of Su Yaoyang’s sudden offer to give him twelve heavy artillery pieces.
But then he suddenly asked, “What about the shells… you’re not going to give me guns without shells, are you?”
“As for the shells… I can give you… half a combat load, which means thirty-five rounds per gun. If you need more shells after this, you’ll have to purchase them, and we can discuss the price at that time.”
“That’s acceptable, very reasonable,” Li Zongren nodded in agreement.
As a major figure in the Guangxi clique, he certainly had the perspective for this.
The fact that they were willing to give him over ten heavy artillery pieces was already a windfall; he couldn’t expect to get the shells for free as well.
Suddenly having acquired twelve artillery pieces, Li Zongren was in high spirits and waved his hand, “In that case… in the next couple of days, I’ll have Yanmou （ Xu Zuyi ） assign you three hundred artillerymen, what do you say?”
“That’s great… thank you so much, Commander.” Su Yaoyang was also overjoyed.
For him, who possessed a material conversion device, weapons and ammunition were minor matters. The most important thing was people, those with professional skills.
For example, drivers, artillerymen, armored troops, doctors, nurses, and veteran soldiers and officers with rich combat experience were what he desired most.
As for the artillery pieces to be given to Li Zongren, it was even less of an issue. It contributed to the war effort and gained the favor of a prominent figure, so why not?
As the King of the Northeast, Zhang Zuolin, said, the world is not about fighting, but about relationships.
What were a few artillery pieces compared to the opportunity to forge a connection with such a figure?
Thus, both parties got what they needed, and everyone was happy. In a friendly and pleasant atmosphere, they agreed to finalize the deal within three days.
After discussing official business, Li Zongren was in a great mood and asked Su Yaoyang with a smile, “Su Regiment Commander… I still don’t know your courtesy name?”
“This…” Su Yaoyang said somewhat sheepishly, “To inform the Commander, my father passed away early, and he didn’t have time to give me a courtesy name.”
“Is that so…” Li Zongren smiled. “In that case, if you don’t mind, shall I give you a courtesy name?”
“It is my earnest wish, but I dared not ask.” Su Yaoyang thanked him quickly.
“Yaoyang… it seems your father wanted you to shine like the sun when he named you. I also hope you will live up to your father’s wishes. How about your courtesy name being Mingxi, as enduring as heaven and earth, and as radiant as the sun and moon? What do you think?”
“Mingxi…” Su Yaoyang savored the name and solemnly bowed to Li Zongren, saying with gravity, “Thank you, Commander, for bestowing this name. Yaoyang would never dare to forget your teachings!”
Having been in this time period for some time, Su Yaoyang had gained some understanding of the customs of this era.
For instance, the practice of bestowing a courtesy name, also known as “zi” （, was a solemn and culturally rich ritual in ancient China, typically performed by family elders, mentors, or highly respected individuals. The courtesy name not only symbolized adulthood but also carried expectations for a person’s virtues and aspirations.
Take Li Zongren for example. Since he had given Su Yaoyang a courtesy name, and Su Yaoyang had accepted it, this indicated a personal connection had been formed between them, moving beyond the simple superior-subordinate relationship they had before, signifying a closer bond.
As expected, seeing Su Yaoyang bow to him, Li Zongren looked at him with increased warmth.
He waved his hand, “Mingxi… have a seat… orderly… bring tea…”
Soon, an orderly came over with a cup of tea for Su Yaoyang.
Looking at the steaming cup of tea in his hand, Su Yaoyang couldn’t help but inwardly marvel at the difference when the relationship was right; unlike before, he hadn’t even been offered a cup of tea.
In reality, he didn’t consider who Li Zongren was.
He was a distinguished First Class General of the Army, a prominent figure in the Guangxi clique, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Fifth War Zone leading over 600,000 troops.
Let alone a mere security regiment commander like him, even ordinary division commanders and army commanders might not be offered a seat when they came to see him. The fact that he was now able to sit and drink tea was purely due to the twelve artillery pieces and the courtesy name bestowed upon him.
Under normal circumstances, it would have been considered polite if Li Zongren had even glanced at him.
After taking a few sips of tea, Li Zongren suddenly asked, “Mingxi, what are your thoughts on the current situation at Xuzhou?”
“How do I see it… I see it standing up,” Su Yaoyang thought to himself. Although his history wasn’t great, he had some understanding of this famous campaign.
He pondered for a moment before stating, “The Japanese launched the Xuzhou campaign for no more than three objectives:
First, to open up the northern and southern battlefields and connect the supply lines. Second, to encircle and annihilate the main forces of our army and destroy the will to resist. Third, to pave the way for the offensive on Wuhan.”
“Indeed…” Li Zongren’s expression showed approval, and he continued, “Then, in your opinion, how should our army respond?”
Objectively speaking, this was no longer a matter for a colonel like Su Yaoyang to consider, but rather something for high-level strategists in the Ministry of National Defense to ponder. However, Li Zongren still brought it up, seemingly wanting to test this young man whom he had just bestowed a courtesy name upon.
