The Central Army, representing the Central Theater Command, has the smallest number of personnel among all the theater commands in Kyushu, with only 100,000.

The Fengtian Army, for example, had independent military command and played a key role in the covert war, which led to its expansion to a million soldiers!

This is why the Fengtian Army is known as the strongest in Kyushu!

Over the years, that old fellow Lin Yuanlong has been incredibly powerful.

However, although the central army had the fewest troops, it could not be called a weak force, and no commander dared to underestimate Wang Zhonghou.

Because Nanjing is located in a wealthy area, it has abundant manpower and excellent equipment. Compared with some peripheral war zones, it is like the difference between the central army and local armies during the Northern Expedition.

Another point is that we live in the information age, where numbers are no longer a decisive factor in warfare.

On the contrary, cutting back on bloated staffing levels is more conducive to the development of the team and creates a virtuous cycle.

On the other hand, when Wang Zhonghou came to the Central Army, the situation was very complicated. He was able to withstand the pressure, successfully complete the troop reduction, and then build the Central Army into the strong force it is today, which is enough to show that he is a remarkable person.

Today, Lin Yu's original intention was to gain Wang Zhonghou's support. After all, he was new to the area, and the governorship was just a nominal position. If he wanted to accomplish great things, he would not be able to do so without the appointment of military power.

According to the Grand Secretary, Wang Zhonghou would help him, but he didn't expect that the other party would directly present the Tiger Tally.

"General, what's wrong...?"

Wang Zhonghou smiled and said, "Don't play dumb with me. Don't you want military power from me?"

Lin Yu smiled and said, "Even a clever cook can't cook without rice. I do need men, but this Tiger Tally is the command of the central army's troops. Are you really willing to hand it over to me?"

“What’s there to be reluctant about!” Wang Zhonghou shook his head and sighed, “I’m old and have long since become indifferent to power. I’m still holding this position just to do my best in my last shift. If it weren’t for the Grand Secretary’s wishes, I would have retired long ago!”

Lin Yu was slightly surprised. "Is the old general really so carefree? Do you know what this commander-in-chief position means?"

This position of commander-in-chief signifies power and the family's status!

As long as this position is held, the Wang family can remain prosperous for five generations!

None of the people sitting in this seat want to step down voluntarily.

Even his own father, Lin Yuanlong, lingered there, having become obsessed with the idea of ​​becoming the heir apparent and succeeding the commander-in-chief!

There are very few people in this world who are willing to relinquish power.

Wang Zhonghou smiled bitterly, "I have never had any ambition. It was because of this that the Grand Secretary promoted me to this position. I can't let him down. Among all the military governors, I am the oldest. If I covet the position and start the system of internal hereditary succession, the other departments will follow suit, and then everything will be in chaos!"

"This prosperous era was built with great difficulty by our ancestors; we cannot repeat the same mistakes!"

Wang Zhonghou sighed, "Besides, I know my good-for-nothing sons are not cut out for it. I never assigned them to the war zone, thus eliminating factional strife at its source. I, Wang Zhonghou, have come this far, and I can say that I have lived up to the expectations of the Grand Secretary and the people. I have enjoyed so many honors and preferential treatments, and I am already content!"

Lin Yu could sense the old general's sincerity and composure between the lines.

Those who hold high positions but do not covet power are truly admirable!

At least, his own father couldn't compare to others!

The person the Grand Secretary has chosen is absolutely perfect!

Wang Zhonghou smiled and said, "On the other hand, this tiger tally is nominally able to control an army of 100,000, but whether you can actually use it depends on yourself!"

"Needless to say, I can give you any command of the Nanjing headquarters. However, I can't guarantee what will happen to you once you go to Shanghai!" Wang Zhonghou said with a half-smile.

Lin Yu frowned. "What makes you say that, General?"

According to regional divisions, Shanghai is also within the sphere of influence of the Central Military Commission. So why is it uncertain?

Wang Zhonghou said, "You know Shanghai's economic status. In this era, economic status can be said to be a direct reflection of political status. Shanghai has always had a relatively high priority in some aspects, and it has always been relatively independent in terms of military affairs. There is not much I can interfere with!"

“You need to be careful with Lü Yanlong, the main general in Shanghai. He was promoted by several powerful families in Shanghai, and his troops have long been corrupted and become the private army of certain interest groups. Therefore, this tiger tally may not be effective in Shanghai!” Wang Zhonghou said calmly.

At this moment, the deputy general Fang Zhonghe suddenly spoke up, "That bastard Lü Yanlong is a traitor to our central army!"

"It turns out that this Lü Yanlong was just a minor captain in the west. He was demoted because he made a mistake while drinking and then sought refuge with our commander. Our commander saw that he was a talented person and valued him, so he gave him an important position. Unexpectedly, he couldn't resist the temptation of money, betrayed his promise, and neglected his duties. He is a disgrace to our central army!" Fang Zhonghe said indignantly.

Lin Yu finally understood what kind of person Lü Yanlong was.

In ancient times, wouldn't this be considered a traitorous minister and a slave to three masters?

Wang Zhonghou's face was also quite grim; clearly, this Lü Yanlong was also a source of worry for him.

"I've rarely misjudged people in my life, but I definitely misjudged this one!"

Wang Zhonghou sighed, "I, Wang Zhonghou, have lived a life of integrity, but I never imagined that in my final moments I would be dragged down by such a person and have my innocence ruined! Governor Lin, I am handing over the Tiger Tally to you, and at the same time, I will allocate 30,000 elite troops to be stationed at Hunshan, under the guise of training and acting, at your disposal at any time! As for the final outcome, whether it will be an open or covert battle, whether we succeed or fail, that is up to you!"

Wang Zhonghou looked at Lin Yu with a solemn yet expectant expression, and raised his wine glass.

Lin Yu clicked his tongue, shook his head and smiled wryly, "Only now do I realize what this 'Lai Moutai' tastes like!"

As expected, there's no such thing as a free lunch.

When someone gives you military power, it's not for nothing. You have to work for them after you've taken their things!

Wang Zhonghou blushed and said, "Governor Lin, you have a broad vision, are a capable person, and are still young, so you should naturally take on more responsibilities. Come, come, drink this cup, and I'll toast you three more times!"

Lin Yu smiled and raised his glass as well. "General, don't worry, I'll do my best!"

"please!"

"please!"

The two raised their glasses together and drank them down in one gulp.

Afterwards, Wang Zhonghou picked up another glass of wine, and said with a wicked smile, "Besides, there's one more thing, could you do me a small favor while you're at it?"

Lin Yu smiled wryly, "Is there anything else?"

Wang Zhonghou coughed twice. "It's nothing serious. I have a granddaughter who's been messing around in Shanghai, doing some small business, but she hasn't made a name for herself. But she's a girl with backbone; she never uses my name. I'm a womanizer, and I'm most worried about my granddaughter. I know Governor Lin has a lot of influence, so I hope you can help me out!"

Fearing Lin Yu would refuse, he quickly added, "Oh, by the way! My granddaughter is twenty-six and still unmarried. She's, well, if not stunningly beautiful, she's still incredibly beautiful. Haha, Governor Lin, you know what I mean, right?"

Lin Yu: "..."