LRAB Chapter 138 The First Destroyer in the Far East and the Joint Anti-Wu Campaign
Chapter 138 The First Destroyer in the Far East and the Joint Anti-Wu Campaign
December 29, 1925, morning.
Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard.
Current funds: £4,907,058,231
Current Strength:
•Army: German-equipped Guards Division (30,000 men), Newly formed German-equipped Division of the National Revolutionary Army (150,000 men), Centrally reorganized Army Division (100,000 men), Engineer Brigade (50,000 men), Independent Armored Division (expanded from Independent Armored Brigade), Independent Heavy Artillery Brigade (expanded from Independent Heavy Artillery Regiment), Wusongkou Fortress and its garrison brigade, Maritime Anti-Smuggling Brigade of the Tax Police Corps (reorganized from the Shanghai Independent Fleet)
• Industry: Ma'anshan Coal-Steel Complex (annual production of 500,000 tons of special steel), Jiangnan Shipyard (under construction of a 10,000-ton dry dock).
• Navy: The first 2000-ton Type A destroyer is under construction.
[Mission Progress]: Destroyer Construction - Completed
Chen Zijun stood at the entrance of the shipyard, looking at the steel behemoth before him.
The area surrounding the Jiangnan Shipyard has been secured like an iron barrel.
Three battalions of German-trained Guards Division soldiers guarded each entrance and exit, with machine gun positions, watchtowers, and barbed wire all in place.
"Young Marshal," Liu Zhenliang strode over, "everything is ready."
Chen Zijun nodded: "Lead the way."
……
Dock No. 1.
Inside the massive dry dock, the deafening roar of clashing steel filled the air.
Hundreds of workers are busy at work, and sparks from welding torches cascade down like a waterfall.
In the center, a massive warship is taking shape.
The basic construction work has been completed, and tens of tons of special steel plates were slowly lifted away by a crane.
German Navy Chief Engineer Hans Schmidt stood next to Chen Zijun, pointing to the warship.
"Young Marshal, this is the Type A destroyer we built based on the blueprints you obtained from the British." Schmidt's voice was filled with pride. "Standard displacement: 2000 tons, length: 105 meters, speed: 35 knots."
Chen Zijun looked at the warship, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.
"Weapon configuration?" he asked.
"Three twin 127mm main guns, one aft and one aft of the bridge," Schmidt said. "There are also four triple torpedo launchers and six anti-aircraft guns."
Chen Zijun nodded: "That's enough for now."
After all, a destroyer that would only be considered a second-class fleet configuration among the great powers would definitely be a first-class main cruiser in modern China!
"Young Marshal, the performance of this destroyer is more than enough to crush Japanese destroyers of the same tonnage, and even most types of light cruisers," Schmidt said. "The largest main gun caliber of Japanese destroyers is only 140 mm, but their naval gun technology is outdated and far inferior to our 127 mm main gun, which is derived from German Krupp. Moreover, the speed of Japanese destroyers is mostly between 25 and 30 knots. Our Type A destroyer completely overwhelms them in firepower, speed, and protection."
Chen Zijun laughed: "Okay."
He walked to the edge of the dock and looked at the warship.
The keel of the special armor steel gleamed in the sunlight, and each steel plate underwent rigorous testing, with quality far exceeding international standards.
This is the achievement of the Ma'anshan Coal and Steel Composites.
This demonstrates the industrial strength of Chen Jiajun's army.
"Young Marshal," Liu Zhenliang said, "as agreed upon, eight months have passed, and we have successfully completed our mission. Now we can proceed with the mission."
"Can we go into the water?" Chen Zijun frowned. "That's great."
"Young Marshal, I have to thank you for your support," Liu Zhenliang said. "Although we can't catch up with the British in four months or the Germans in six months to build a destroyer of the same tonnage, eight months is already our limit."
Chen Zijun remained silent.
He looked at the warship, pondering his next move.
Eight months is indeed a very short time.
However, time waits for no one.
The Japanese fleet was still eyeing the Yangtze River estuary covetously, while Chiang Kai-shek was making moves in Guangzhou.
He needs to move faster.
"Increase the workforce," Chen Zijun said. "Transfer the engineering brigade and have them participate in the construction. Get the other two ships completed and launched as quickly as possible, and continue building six more!"
"Young Marshal, the engineers don't know how to build ships," Liu Zhenliang said.
"If you don't know how, you can learn," Chen Zijun said coldly. "I want to see the engineering brigade in the shipyard within three days. We can start with simple manual labor."
"Yes!" Liu Zhenliang bowed his head.
"And one more thing," Chen Zijun turned around, "Don't be stingy with funds. Buy whatever materials you need. Buy whatever equipment you need."
"yes!"
"I want two more destroyers, to be launched within two months. The newly added warships must be completed by the end of the year at the latest!" Chen Zijun said.
"Two months? Before the end of the year?" Schmidt exclaimed in shock. "Young Marshal, that's impossible! Even with a huge number of workers, we couldn't build it!"
"If I say it's possible, then it's possible." Chen Zijun's eyes were cold. "Liu Zhenliang, listen to me. Military matters don't wait for anyone. The other two ships in the first batch must be launched within two months. The new batch of six ships must be launched by the end of the year. If you can't do that, you can go to the East China Sea and explain it to the Japanese warships yourself..."
Liu Zhenliang trembled all over: "Young Marshal... I... I will do my best..."
"It's not about trying our best, it's about having to do it," Chen Zijun said.
"Yes!" Liu Zhenliang gritted his teeth. "I will definitely do it!"
Chen Zijun nodded, turned around and walked out of the dock.
……
in the afternoon.
Chen Zijun stood on the banks of the Huangpu River, looking at the distant river surface.
At the mouth of the Yangtze River, the black smoke from the Japanese fleet was faintly visible.
"Young Marshal," Shen Li walked over, "the Japanese fleet has made a move."
"Oh?" Chen Zijun turned around. "What do you mean?"
"The main warships of the Japanese Third Fleet in Qingdao are assembling at the mouth of the Yangtze River," Shen Li said. "It seems they are testing our reaction."
Chen Zijun sneered: "Test them? Let them test them."
"Young Marshal, our naval strength is still very weak," Shen Li said. "If the Japanese fleet really invades, we can only use the Wusongkou Fortress to flood it. But the problem is, what if they attack from other directions?"
"I know," Chen Zijun said, looking at the river. "Therefore, I must build a powerful navy as soon as possible."
"But……"
"No buts." Chen Zijun interrupted him. "Shen Li, remember this. The Yangtze River is our inland waterway, not Japan's backyard. If they want to come in, they'll have to ask my guns for permission first."
Shen Li nodded: "Yes!"
"And one more thing," Chen Zijun said, "inform Mo Lanzhi to strengthen her surveillance of the Japanese fleet. Tell the Wusongkou Fortress and our submarine force that if they dare to cross the line, open fire immediately."
"yes!"
……
evening.
Chen Zijun returned to the Chen Mansion.
He had just entered the study when a communications officer rushed in.
"Young Marshal!" the communications officer gasped, "Urgent telegram from the Northeast!"
"Northeast?" Chen Zijun frowned. "Zhang Xinmin or Zhang Jialiang?"
"It's Zhang Jialiang." The communications officer handed over a telegram. "Young Marshal Zhang of the Fengtian Clique has secretly sent someone south to request an audience!"
Chen Zijun took the telegram and glanced at it.
The telegram contained only a single, brief line:
"The Fengtian clique's special envoy has arrived in Shanghai and is willing to discuss cooperation with the Young Marshal."
Chen Zijun squinted.
Fengtian clique.
The Zhang family, father and son.
This is the largest warlord force in the north. Their original base controlled the three northeastern provinces, and now they have expanded to the entire North China. Based on historical experience, if it weren't for me, they could even control East China and most of China, with a military force exceeding 500,000.
What are they sending people for?
Cooperation?
What kind of cooperation?
"Young Marshal, shall we see him?" the communications officer asked.
Chen Zijun thought for a moment.
see.
Of course I want to see him.
Whatever the Zhang father and son want to do, let's listen to what they have to say first.
"See you," Chen Zijun said. "It's scheduled for tomorrow morning."
"Yes!" The communications officer turned and left.
Chen Zijun looked at the telegram, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
The Zhang family, father and son.
You finally couldn't sit still any longer.
……
The next day, in the morning.
The reception room of the Chen Mansion.
Chen Zijun sat on the sofa, looking at the person in front of him.
He was a middle-aged man in his fifties, wearing a long gown, with a thin face and shrewd eyes.
Special envoy of the Fengtian clique, Yang Yuting.
"Mr. Yang," Chen Zijun began, "I wonder what business Young Marshal Zhang has with you?"
Yang Yuting cupped his hands in greeting: "Young Marshal, my young marshal wishes to form an alliance with you."
"An alliance?" Chen Zijun raised an eyebrow. "What kind of alliance?"
"Anti-Wu Alliance," Yang Yuting said. "Wu Peifu's power in the north is growing, and my young marshal is worried that once Wu Peifu unifies the north, his next target will be the northeast. Therefore, my young marshal wants to join forces with you to fight against Wu Peifu."
Chen Zijun nodded: "I see."
"Young Marshal, what do you think?" Yang Yuting asked.
Chen Zijun thought for a moment.
Anti-Wu Alliance.
This is a good opportunity.
If he allies with Feng Xi, he can tie down Wu Peifu's forces and prevent him from advancing south.
In this way, he can focus on dealing with Chiang Kai-shek and the threat from Japan.
"I can consider it," Chen Zijun said, "but I have one condition."
"Young Marshal, please speak."
"I want the Fengtian clique to give me Jiangsu Province," Chen Zijun said, "especially Xuzhou."
Yang Yuting was taken aback: "Young Marshal, this is a bit too much..."
"I know the Fengtian clique has incorporated Qi Yingcai," Chen Zijun interrupted him. "But my Chen family and Qi Yingcai are sworn enemies. Think about it: that fragmented Jiangsu province, in exchange for the powerful military and political forces of Henan and Hubei under Wu Pei's rule, and the 100,000-strong new Beiyang Zhili army he trained in Luoyang. You can let Marshal Zhang weigh that!"
Yang Yuting remained silent.
He didn't expect Chen Zijun to make this request.
Although Jiangsu Province was under the control of the Fengtian clique, it was actually controlled by Qi Yingcai, the former military governor of Jiangsu Province. The only place the Fengtian clique truly controlled was Xuzhou, a city of loyalty.
"Young Marshal, this..." Yang Yuting hesitated.
"Mr. Yang," Chen Zijun said coldly, "if you give me Jiangsu, then there's nothing more to discuss."
Yang Yuting gritted his teeth: "Young Marshal, I'll go back and ask my husband for instructions first."
"Okay." Chen Zijun nodded. "I'll wait for your news."
Yang Yuting got up to say goodbye.
Chen Zijun watched his retreating figure, a cold smile curling at the corner of his lips.
The Zhang family, father and son.
You want to use me, and I want to use you too.
It all comes down to who can outmaneuver whom.
……
A month later.
1925 7 Month 29 Day.
Jiangnan Shipyard.
Inside the massive dry dock, the 2000-ton Type A destroyer has finally completed all sea trials and outfitting, and is about to enter service.
The ship has a long, sleek hull with smooth lines, and its 127mm twin main guns stand imposingly at the bow and stern.
Thousands of workers stood around the dock, waiting for the moment the warship would be launched.
Chen Zijun stood on the platform, looking at the warship.
His eyes were filled with pride.
This is the first modern warship of the Chen family army.
This is the first destroyer in the Far East.
"Young Marshal," Liu Zhenliang walked over, "everything is ready."
Chen Zijun nodded and picked up a bottle of champagne.
He walked to the edge of the dock and faced the warship.
"I hereby announce the official launch of the Chen family army's first Type A destroyer!"
He forcefully threw the champagne towards the bow of the ship.
boom!
Champagne burst at the bow, foam scattering everywhere.
At the same time, the dock gates opened, and river water rushed into the dock.
The warship slowly rose to the surface and, amidst the cheers of the workers, slowly sailed out of the dock.
"Great!" Chen Zijun cheered loudly.
The surrounding workers cheered as well.
"The Far East's premier destroyer!"
"Long live the Chen family army!"
"Long live the Young Marshal!"
Cheers resounded through the sky.
Chen Zijun stood on the platform, watching the warship slowly sail out, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
Japan.
Chiang Kai-shek.
Wu Peifu.
Zhang Xinmin.
You wait and see.
This is just the beginning.
……
Amidst the cheers of the entire factory, a communications officer rushed over.
"Young Marshal!" the communications officer gasped, "Urgent telegram from the Northeast!"
Chen Zijun turned around: "What is it now?"
"The Fengtian clique's Young Marshal Zhang has agreed!" the communications officer said. "They are willing to secretly transfer Jiangsu Province after defeating Wu Peifu!"
Chen Zijun was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
He laughed so hard he almost fell over.
"Good!" he said. "Very good!"
With Jiangsu Province under his control, his strength was greatly enhanced, and his strategic depth increased significantly. At least, when facing enemies in the East China Sea, he no longer needed to worry about an army suddenly sailing south along the Jinpu Railway to threaten his rear!
At that point, who would dare to touch him?
Who would dare to provoke him?
nobody.
There is absolutely no one there.