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A Little Trouble in Big China - A Chinese Warlord Quest

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[X] Sun Yat-sen
[X] Plan Creating a power base : The Guomindang shall take steps to secure the areas around Canton while also creating the first nucleus of the National Revolutionary Army. Considering Comrade Sun's frail health all efforts must be made to create a chain of succession should the worst happen. Contacts must also be made with other Republican factions in order to coordinate our efforts against the Imperialists.
 
[X] Support: Cai E.
[X] Plan Confucius Dreaming: Rally the southern generals to the banner of Chinese Republicanism.
 
[X] Support: Cai E.
[X] Plan Confucius Dreaming: Rally the southern generals to the banner of Chinese Republicanism.
 
Vote closing tomorrow at 11:00 PST. I'm loving all the activity!
 
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January 1st, 1917
  • Threadmarks

    • January 1st, 1917

    Teal - Beiyang Government
    Light Green - KMT Government
    Dark Green - KMT-aligned Warlords
    Grey - Beiyang-aligned Guangdong Clique
    Light Brown - Xinjiang Clique
    Dark Brown - Ma Clique
    Yellow - Japan
    Off Green - Russia
    Pink - Great Britain
    Blue - France
    Orange - Netherlands
    Dark Teal - USA
    ​

    Yuan Shikai's death sent ripples throughout the entirety of China. Warlords and politicians throughout the nation scrambled to ensure their personal ideologies and powers were concentrated and increased during the vacuum. This near-anarchic setting allowed for the formation of the three primary factions. These factions being the Republicans under Cai E and Sun Yat-sen, the Guangdong Clique under Long Jiguang, and the former Shikai faction under Zhang Zuolin.

    The Republicans did not begin as cohesive as the southern republican movement was divided between the twin tigers of Cai E and Sun Yat-sen. Both of these men did as much as possible to ensure that the forces within the pro-Republican National Protection Army stayed within their Republican sphere, knowing they formed the core of the military strength for the Republican cause. These two contesting men sought separate republics, Sun a more democratic Republic under his tutelage and Cai E a very undemocratic Republic under his direct rule. This campaign for the hearts and minds of the men of the National Protection Army was hindered when Cai E, their former leader, passed away of tuberculosis in early November. Nonetheless, the sure dogged-nature of Sun Yat-sen ensured that the final actions of Cai E were in vain, and secured an initial powerbase in the city of Nanning. Further, Sun secured the support of Cai E's underling and successor Tang Jiyao. This left Sun with enough power to extend his eyes to the prosperous city of Canton. However Sun Yat-sen's march to Canton, where he planned to establish his real seat of power, was interrupted by the will of one man, Long Jiguang.

    Long Jiguang, who had formerly fought under Yuan Shikai before breaking away, had secured himself as a warlord based from the city of Canton. Further, he had a reputation as a formidable enemy, as he defeated forces of the National Protection Army more than once. With support from his underlings and some empty suits, Long had established the Guangdong Clique as one of the most organised warlord states within China in 1916. It was this man and this clique which Sun Yat-sen broke into warfare with in the tail end of 1916.

    Only a single battle was fought between the two giants of the south, however it was an important battle. Fought outside of the city of Yanping on the far side of the Pearl delta, it saw Ye Ju face off against Li Liejun. Both men, knowing their fate could very well be entire based upon their battle, fought ferociously. Like many battles in China during this time, artillery was few but decisive, rifles were of numerous types, and spears given to those that had no other choice. The battle took place over three days, as neither side could press the advantage until the breaking point. It was only after a second army under Tang Jiyao, who finished assuming control of Yunnan, marched to support that Ju retreated behind the Pearl River delta. By the New Year, the KMT held control of the lower half of the delta and the Guangdong Clique the upper half.

    While this fighting was occurring in Guangdong Province, the former underlings of Yuan Shikai organised themselves into a near-cohesive political mass. To call them a clique would imply cooperation and a government would imply administration. Rather, the Beiyang Government coalesced under Zhang Zuolin, who was named President of the Republic. He was flanked by his rivals Duan Qirui, Xu Shichang, and Feng Guozhang, who were joined more out of a distaste for the KMT then each other. That said, each maintained their own power bases, Qirui out of Anhui, Guozhang out of Zhili, and Zuolin out of Fengtian.

    When this government was formed, Long Jiguang applied immediately to become an autonomous governor under the Beiyang Government. Zuolin, seeing the chance to humiliate the Kuomintang, quickly agreed. This changed the dynamic of the current front between the KMT and Long, as Long could officially request assistance from the Beiyang government.

    Elsewhere in China, warlords began asserting themselves in various provinces. Tang Jiyao became the de facto leader of Yunnan, Lu Rongting's Guangxi Clique accumulated power within Guangxi Province west of Nanning, Big-Eared Du continued to entrench his rule of Shanghai, and Ma Anliang and his family seized formal control of Qinghai.

    However, even as the nation boiled in the flaming passions of its various citizens and generals, meetings in the shadows threatened to cause further chaos. General Zhang Xun, a loyalist to the late Yuan Shikai, met with generals and statesmen of the Manchu Restoration Movement. They were keen to put Pu-Yi back on the Throne, however with Zuolin's place as President of Beiyang, perhaps a military option is not needed.

    As another year past, China was no closer to unification and peace. Rather, it indeed seemed much farther apart.


    Who do you support?​


    Tang Jiyao: Yunnanese Warlord, Leader of the Yunnan Clique, and general of the KMT Republic.

    Long Jiguang: Ho Warlord, Leader of the Guangdong Clique, and autonomous governor for the Beiyang government.

    Duan Qirui: Han General, Leader of the Anhui Clique, and powerful member of the Beiyang Government.

    Li Yuanhong: Han General, shafted from leadership, general in the Beiyang Army.

    Xu Shichang: Han statesman, shafted from leadership.

    Zhang Zuolin: Han General, President of the Beiyang Republic, Leader of the Fengtian Clique, noted monarchist.

    Lu Rongting: Zhuang General, Leader of the Guangxi Clique.

    Du "Big-Eared Du" Yuesheng: Han mob boss who has a controlling interest in Shanghai and worked with elements of the Republicans. Ties with elements of the Chinese National Party.

    Sun Yat-sen: Han Revolutionary and leader of the Chinese National Party. Founder of the Chinese Republic.

    Ma Anliang: Hui Warlord, Leader of the Ma Clique. Noted reactionary.

    Yang Zhengxin: Han General, Leader of the Xinjiang Clique. Noted monarchist.

    Feng Guozhang: Han General, Leader of the Zhili Clique. Powerful member of the Beiyang Government.

    Zhang Xun: Han General, Leader of the Manchu Restoration Movement.
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • Sun Yat-sen: Han Revolutionary and leader of the Chinese National Party. Founder of the Chinese Republic.

    China must become a republic and enter the world of nations!
     
    [X] Zhang Zuolin
    -[X] He shall (not) rule: Work with Pu-Yi 's support factions to gather as much political power as possible, while promising the restore of royal line as (figure) head of state. Train able officers with goal of increasing troop discipline and obedience. Sell out areas not under direct control to fund projects in direct-control areas, any nations can buy; but Europeans are preferred.

    Imperial restoration is ultimately a futile and vain attempt at turning back the clock. But the population does not realize it yet, and we can not have Zuolin waste efforts to stop or we cause waste of resources. It's not like the imperial restoration faction really want an emperor, they just want political and military power. By the way, selling out is a necessary action to fund our efforts; we must have stable salaries to pay soldiers or they turn bandit; and we must reach the development capabilites as RL where we can actually produce firearms and artillery.
     
    [X] Zhang Zuolin
    -[X] He shall (not) rule: Work with Pu-Yi 's support factions to gather as much political power as possible, while promising the restore of royal line as (figure) head of state. Train able officers with goal of increasing troop discipline and obedience. Sell out areas not under direct control to fund projects in direct-control areas, any nations can buy; but Europeans are preferred.
     
    [X] Zhang Zuolin
    -[X] He shall (not) rule: Work with Pu-Yi 's support factions to gather as much political power as possible, while promising the restore of royal line as (figure) head of state. Train able officers with goal of increasing troop discipline and obedience. Sell out areas not under direct control to fund projects in direct-control areas, any nations can buy; but Europeans are preferred.
     
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    [X] Du "Big-Eared Du" Yuesheng: Han mob boss who has a controlling interest in Shanghai and worked with elements of the Republicans. Ties with elements of the Chinese National Party.
    - [X] Expand the mob. Start training the members into an army. Start making Shanghai more economically productive. And buy more weapons and gun and bullet making equipment.
     
    Ah Shanghai...nothing good ever comes out of Shanghai. Except...um. Hmm. Shanghai Zoological Park?

    Yep not biased at all.

    [X] Zhang Zuolin
    -[X] He shall (not) rule: Work with Pu-Yi 's support factions to gather as much political power as possible, while promising the restore of royal line as (figure) head of state. Train able officers with goal of increasing troop discipline and obedience. Sell out areas not under direct control to fund projects in direct-control areas, any nations can buy; but Europeans or Americans are preferred.

    This is only 1917 so the final result of the Russian Revolution is still in the air. Also courting the RMW seems to involve asking them to wait until after we settle things in China which is going to be a really hard sell.

    Really, trying to court aid from either the Russians (which ever faction) or the Japanese (Ahahaha...R U Srs?) is going to be a poor decision. They are too much the devil next door and not ideal since you know...they are right next door. Their manipulations and ambitions are going to be way more overt. If we must sell it's better to court the devil further away since you know...they are further away.

    I would go American ironically enough at this point in time.     ​
     
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    Wang and HuHu said:
    Ah Shanghai...nothing good ever comes out of Shanghai. Except...um. Hmm. Shanghai Zoological Park?

    Yep not biased at all.

    [X] Zhang Zuolin
    -[X] He shall (not) rule: Work with Pu-Yi 's support factions to gather as much political power as possible, while promising the restore of royal line as (figure) head of state. Train able officers with goal of increasing troop discipline and obedience. Sell out areas not under direct control to fund projects in direct-control areas, any nations can buy; but Europeans or Americans are preferred.

    This is only 1917 so the final result of the Russian Revolution is still in the air. Also courting the RMW seems to involve asking them to wait until after we settle things in China which is going to be a really hard sell.

    Really, trying to court aid from either the Russians (which ever faction) or the Japanese (Ahahaha...R U Srs?) is going to be a poor decision. They are too much the devil next door and not ideal since you know...they are right next door. Their manipulations and ambitions are going to be way more overt. If we must sell it's better to court the devil further away since you know...they are further away.

    I would go American ironically enough at this point in time.     ​
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    Yeah I expected things like that.
    Was being a pit too hopeful/ambitious if you would.
    I suggest not going American since they're currently doing their stupid isolationist bullshit....minus the whole WWI thing.
    Help from them is basically a massive no go since we're trying to go monarchic and not democratic.
    We need help of foreign monarchies to really do anything so.....maybe Siam or Italy.
     
    [X] Du "Big-Eared Du" Yuesheng: Han mob boss who has a controlling interest in Shanghai and worked with elements of the Republicans. Ties with elements of the Chinese National Party.
    - [X] Expand the mob. Start training the members into an army. Start making Shanghai more economically productive. And buy more weapons and gun and bullet making equipment.
     
    [X] Du "Big-Eared Du" Yuesheng: Han mob boss who has a controlling interest in Shanghai and worked with elements of the Republicans. Ties with elements of the Chinese National Party.
    - [X] Expand the mob. Start training the members into an army. Start making Shanghai more economically productive. And buy more weapons and gun and bullet making equipment.
     
    BurningLaugh said:
    I suggest not going American since they're currently doing their stupid isolationist bullshit....minus the whole WWI thing.
    Help from them is basically a massive no go since we're trying to go monarchic and not democratic.
    We need help of foreign monarchies to really do anything so.....maybe Siam or Italy.
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    Click to shrink...

    Truth be told my main thrust at courting the Americans is to undercut Jiang Jieshi at a later date. He should be incoming in 1918 by the way.

    I think the concern about monarchism and isolationism are good points but may not be actually very disruptive for our intent in the end. Realpolitiks doesn't run on idealism.

    Siam has the problem of proximity and a healthy dose of historical irony. Also French and British interests.

    The Brits were the ones I was mostly thinking about when it comes to courting a Monarchy and that is a very loaded proposition.

    The Italians are not a bad idea though...
     
    Wang and HuHu said:
    Truth be told my main thrust at courting the Americans is to undercut Jiang Jieshi at a later date. He should be incoming in 1918 by the way.

    I think the concern about monarchism and isolationism are good points but may not be actually very disruptive for our intent in the end. Realpolitiks doesn't run on idealism.

    Siam has the problem of proximity and a healthy dose of historical irony. Also French and British interests.

    The Brits were the ones I was mostly thinking about when it comes to courting a Monarchy and that is a very loaded proposition.

    The Italians are not a bad idea though...
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    great the soft underbelly of Europe is our best bet for foreign support......yay.
     
    Wang and HuHu said:
    Yeah...but that's Warlord Era China for ya.

    It doesn't have to be a long relationship though. Leverage it for a leg up on the competition and when we're in a better place we can court better allies.
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    this would've been so much easier if Japan wasn't an imperialistic, fascist, racial supremacist asshole during this era.
     
    BurningLaugh said:
    this would've been so much easier if Japan wasn't an imperialistic, fascist, racial supremacist asshole during this era.
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    Then both them and us are being exploited by European and American imperialism / capitalism. :V It's a wild jungle after all. Would have like to sell out to the Reich specifically but might cause ww1. :p. Oh wait it's about to end.
     
    [X] Sun Yat-sen
    [X] Plan The Glorious March : The Guangdong clique must be destroyed, to this end an offensive shall be undertaken from the North and the South to isolate them from the Beiyang Government. The National Revolutionary Army will create the first regular units of the army. Efforts must also be undertaken to create a weapon smuggling ring preferably from the French or the British. Comrade Sun will also invite the Warlords aligned with the Republican government to a secret conference with the aim to ensuring a unity in action against the Imperialists and to plead with them to put their differences aside for the duration of the war.
     
    [X] Sun Yat-sen
    [X] Plan The Glorious March : The Guangdong clique must be destroyed, to this end an offensive shall be undertaken from the North and the South to isolate them from the Beiyang Government. The National Revolutionary Army will create the first regular units of the army. Efforts must also be undertaken to create a weapon smuggling ring preferably from the French or the British. Comrade Sun will also invite the Warlords aligned with the Republican government to a secret conference with the aim to ensuring a unity in action against the Imperialists and to plead with them to put their differences aside for the duration of the war.
     
    [X] Sun Yat-sen
    [X] Plan The Glorious March : The Guangdong clique must be destroyed, to this end an offensive shall be undertaken from the North and the South to isolate them from the Beiyang Government. The National Revolutionary Army will create the first regular units of the army. Efforts must also be undertaken to create a weapon smuggling ring preferably from the French or the British. Comrade Sun will also invite the Warlords aligned with the Republican government to a secret conference with the aim to ensuring a unity in action against the Imperialists and to plead with them to put their differences aside for the duration of the war.
     
    That does mean pretty soon all the European powers are going to have an immenseamount of guns and no real use for most of them.
     
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