Chapter Sixty-Four: Though Faced by Ten Thousand, I Will Still Go Forward!

“A man must know what to do and what not to do in this world!”

“The souls of three hundred thousand compatriots, wronged and butchered, are watching us from above. If, even now, as soldiers, we do not dare to stand up and avenge them, then this country is truly rotten to its core!” Chen Qingzhi spoke with unwavering resolve.

At the start, his voice was not loud, as if he were speaking softly to Fang Xiaodong alone. But as he continued, his voice grew in volume, until, at the end, it was nearly a shout.

His words drew the attention of the regiment commanders and the soldiers alike.

Hearing Chen Qingzhi, each of them looked determined, their faces painted with a righteous fury as they responded, “The Colonel is right!”

“As soldiers, if we do not even dare to avenge our fellow countrymen, does this nation truly have any hope left?”

“To fight to the death—so what if we die in the attempt?”

…

“Colonel, I understand now!” Fang Xiaodong, who had been hesitant, now found steel in his heart after hearing Chen Qingzhi and the soldiers. He clenched his fists, saluted Chen Qingzhi with gravity, and then turned to the communications room to send a telegram.

Watching him leave, Chen Qingzhi knew that once that telegram was sent, his Independent Brigade—and he himself—might face the greatest crisis yet.

First, they would become a thorn in the side of the Japanese army, hated unto death.

Second, he might face reprimand from his superiors, perhaps even removal from command.

Chen Qingzhi had considered both outcomes, but he did not waver for a moment.

As he had said before, a man must know what to do—and what not to do.

A true man acts without always weighing risks and consequences. As a soldier, how could he turn a blind eye to the massacre of his people?

He simply could not.

So, though he was well aware of the hardships and dangers ahead, Chen Qingzhi pressed on with determination.

Though a thousand armies stand in my way, I shall advance!

…

Wuhan Provisional Government

After Chen Qingzhi transmitted news of Nanjing, the leadership was deeply shaken. Recognizing the gravity of the matter, they dared not make a decision on their own and chose to pass the message to the Presidential Palace.

Thus, the report soon landed before Chairman Chiang.

In Chairman Chiang’s office, his closest advisors had already gathered. They read Chen Qingzhi’s report in silence.

“Gentlemen, in light of these events, what are your thoughts?” Chairman Chiang’s face showed neither delight nor anger, betraying nothing as he calmly posed the question.

Dai Li stole a glance at Chairman Chiang, trying in vain to read him. He dared not speak, choosing instead to keep his lips closed and observe.

The others, too, were cautious. The events in Nanjing were simply too dire—so grave that no one dared make a rash decision or state their position lightly.

The tension grew thick. At last, Chairman Chiang sighed and turned to Chen Cheng. “Xiuci, what is your view?”

Though Chen Cheng would have preferred not to express an opinion, he had no choice. He glanced around the room, then spoke with measured deliberation: “Chairman, in my view, after such atrocities by the Japanese army, we must act. At the very least, we cannot swallow this insult in silence.”

“If word gets out that three hundred thousand civilians were slaughtered and we did nothing, we will be cursed by all.”

As a commander, Chen Cheng naturally inclined toward war. In truth, upon learning of the massacre, though the decorum of the Chairman’s office forbade any outburst, his heart was in turmoil.

The Japanese had butchered surrendering soldiers and defenseless civilians in Nanjing—a crime beyond imagination, an act against humanity itself!

Chen Cheng burned with outrage and longed to lead his troops to battle at once.

Yet, as a field army commander, he could not act on his own will. Whether to fight, whether to engage the Japanese in a decisive battle—all this depended on Chairman Chiang.

Still, since he had been asked, Chen Cheng spoke his mind.

Known as “Little Chairman” for his closeness to Chiang, and being a favored general, his words quickly drew others to voice their agreement. A few hot-blooded officers even clamored for war and vengeance.

Chairman Chiang watched their impassioned responses and sighed.

Was he himself not furious at the Japanese? When he first learned of the massacre, he had flown into a rage, shattering a teacup in his office.

He had considered making the tragedy public, to unite the nation in resisting the Japanese.

But—

But now, with the Battle of Xuzhou about to begin, all forces were gathering there to confront the enemy. In such a moment, national stability was paramount.

If the news spread, causing public outrage and unrest, preparations for Xuzhou might be disrupted. Should the Japanese break through at Xuzhou and march straight on Wuhan…

Would the Wuhan Provisional Government not once again be forced to flee?

With these worries, Chairman Chiang sighed in silence.

Wang Shihe, his chief aide, noticed his expression and spoke up, “Gentlemen! Please hear me!”

“The Japanese have committed unspeakable crimes, and as soldiers, we must fight them and avenge the dead of Nanjing. But—this news must not be made public. If it throws the country into chaos and undermines our preparations for Xuzhou, what then?”

“We have spent so long preparing for the Battle of Xuzhou, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of troops to stop the Japanese advance. If this news sparks panic or resistance among the troops—if Xuzhou falls, Wuhan will be imperiled!”

“Therefore, vengeance must be ours—at Xuzhou! But the Nanjing massacre must, for now, be suppressed. What say you?”

At his words, silence fell.

Though Wang Shihe spoke, as Chairman Chiang’s chief aide, his opinions were Chiang’s own. Since Wang had spoken, who would dare object?

None could answer, so silence prevailed.

Just then, a military officer burst in, calling out, “Chairman! Chairman, grave news!”

“What’s happened? Such panic is unbecoming!” Wang Shihe scolded with a frown.

“Chief Aide, it truly is a disaster!” the officer said anxiously.

“What is it? Speak calmly,” Chairman Chiang gestured for Wang Shihe to step back and addressed the man.

“Chairman, please listen to this broadcast!”

With that, the officer switched on the radio.

At once, the voice of a young man filled the room. All present froze, then their faces changed dramatically…

…