In March, the accumulated snow in the Northeast and the entire Mongolian region began to melt. Zheng Sirang received an order from He Rui to travel from Jilin to Fengtian to report for duty.

Knowing the order had arrived, the newly appointed Cavalry Brigade Chief of Staff, Zhu Xun, hurriedly urged Zheng Sirang to set off. Zheng Sirang was in no rush, however, and said, "Wait two more days. When Brother Wuyun arrives, I'll take him to see the Military Governor together."

The Mongol tribes in western Inner Mongolia had had many dealings with He Rui's side and were already willing to serve the Northeast Army. This Wuyun was one of them, and he had already united other tribes, intending to establish a region in western Inner Mongolia that was loyal to He Rui.

Hearing this, the new Chief of Staff Zhu Xun advised, "Brigade Commander, we'd better not create extra complications."

Zheng Sirang was unhappy hearing this. Even though several months had passed, the impact of the Shanhaiguan incident still lingered. He had intended to say that he would bear the consequences himself, but on second thought, Zheng Sirang replied, "Send a telegram to the Chairman explaining this matter."

With radio, communication had become much more convenient. He Rui's side quickly wired back: "Agreed."

Seeing that Zhu Xun had nothing more to say, Zheng Sirang's mood improved. Moreover, Wuyun moved quickly, arriving at the area where Zheng Sirang was stationed within two days.

The group arrived in Fengtian. Wuyun and the other cadres from the Mongolian region were visibly moved as they looked at the prosperity of Fengtian City. When they met He Rui, He Rui warmly stepped forward to shake hands with Wuyun and the other Mongol cadres. After taking their seats and being served Mongolian milk tea, He Rui didn't talk about fighting, but instead spoke entirely about daily necessities.

Wuyun and the Mongol tribes had intended to earn merit for He Rui in exchange for more material support. Forged by the harsh natural environment of Mongolia, their style was straightforward. Since He Rui asked about their living needs, everyone spoke frankly and mentioned their need for more supplies: tools to build winter shelters for livestock, yeast for making silage, as well as necessities like tea and iron pots.

After listening, He Rui smiled. "These all require us to establish local trade posts in Mongolia. I wonder if Brother Wuyun could go back and discuss this with friends in the Mongolian region. It would be good for you to send people to Changchun or Siping to receive training in management and trade. Conducting trade will be much easier that way."

Wuyun frowned slightly and turned to look at the other Mongol tribal headmen who had come with him. Seeing that everyone had a look of confusion on their faces, Wuyun turned back and asked, "I wonder what this training the Marshal speaks of is all about?"

He Rui smiled. "There are training classes currently in session right here in Fengtian City. Brother Wuyun will understand after attending a few days of classes."

Seeing that Wuyun and the others did not object, He Rui immediately arranged for them to sit in on the classes. After Wuyun and the others left, Zheng Sirang worried he might have done something wrong again. Just as he was about to ask, he heard He Rui say, "The attack routes and stationing areas are all prepared, right?"

Zheng Sirang immediately replied, "Yes, they are ready."

"Then commence the advance. Once Outer Mongolia is recovered and the troops are stationed, we can establish pastures there. Some cadres and herdsmen from the Mongolian region can then go there to participate in the development."

"Is that your thinking, Chairman?" Zheng Sirang began to understand He Rui's line of thought.

"The Qing Dynasty used the method of inciting conflict and sowing internal division among the Mongols to facilitate Qing rule. Current technological development renders such methods completely unnecessary. With the railway extending into Mongolia, we can naturally integrate our Mongol compatriots completely into the economic system of the Han areas. Right now, you just need to display overwhelming military might and let those princes in Outer Mongolia who want to rely on Russian power know who they are dealing with."

At this, Zheng Sirang felt he had made the wrong choice again and felt distressed. But then he heard He Rui say, "Sirang, disobeying orders is one thing, but making various preparations beforehand to complete the mission is exactly what you should do. When we talk about internal thought processes, it's directed at a certain internal value judgment, logic, or methodology. Regarding the Shanhaiguan matter, your mistake lay in unilaterally changing the operational plan approved by the Military Commission, and without asking the Military Commission for instructions. Do you feel that just because your idea wasn't approved this time, it was wrong?"

Only then did Zheng Sirang's spirits lift, and he hurriedly said, "Chairman, I understand."

"By the way. How is the accuracy of the latest map of Outer Mongolia?" He Rui changed the subject.

Zheng Sirang's mood immediately brightened. "Chairman, we've traveled those routes many times, especially carrying new survey instruments, including some soil analysis. We can ensure passage through those areas during the thaw."

"That's good. Go back and prepare. The Military Commission will issue orders very soon."

***

On March 22, Duan Qirui, who had resigned during the Presidential-Cabinet dispute with President Feng Guozhang, resumed his post as Premier of the Republic of China. On the very next day, He Rui's telegram had already reached Duan Qirui's State Council.

Seeing the telegram was from He Rui, the Director of the Telegram Office immediately delivered He Rui's telegram—which possessed the highest priority according to the latest classification—directly to Duan Qirui.

Duan Qirui knew He Rui would definitely send a telegram. Yesterday, the very day Duan Qirui became Premier of the State Council again, the troops He Rui had sent to protect Duan Qirui immediately received telegrams from their home unit and had already taken the train back to the Northeast today. Given the political savvy He Rui had displayed, he would certainly send a telegram personally.

Taking the telegram and looking at it, Duan Qirui's expression changed. A staff officer hurriedly came over, took the telegram to look, and his expression first showed surprise before revealing a smile. "Lord Duan, this is feasible."

Duan Qirui of course knew this was feasible. In the telegram, He Rui stated:

"...In view of the changes in the international situation, this subordinate is preparing to head out to recover Outer Mongolia. Since the Russian government that signed the *Sino-Russian Declaration* no longer exists, I wonder if the Premier would be willing to boost national prestige and publicly announce that the *Sino-Russian Declaration* is null and void..."

In 1911, Outer Mongolia colluded with Russian forces to expel Qing officials, announced the establishment of the "Great Mongolian State (Bogd Khanate)," and declared independence in rebellion.

1911 was the critical period of the Xinhai Revolution. The Qing Dynasty had neither the capability nor the energy to recover the territory and could only watch helplessly as Outer Mongolia declared independence.

But neither the Qing Dynasty nor the successor Beiyang Government had ever recognized Outer Mongolia's independence.

In 1913, under Yuan Shikai's administration, Tsarist Russia forced the Beiyang Government to sign the *Sino-Russian Declaration*. In this declaration, the Beiyang Government recognized the *autonomy* of Outer Mongolia!

In the *Sino-Russian Declaration*, Beiyang only recognized Outer Mongolia's autonomy, not its independence; the Beiyang Government retained suzerainty over Outer Mongolia. In 1915, Outer Mongolia announced the abolition of the "Great Mongolian State" and reverted to autonomy.

In 1917, the October Revolution broke out in Russia. The Tsarist Russian government that had always supported Outer Mongolia was overthrown. In fear, Outer Mongolia considered revoking autonomy and submitting to the central government. But soon, Soviet Russia re-established contact with Outer Mongolia, expressing willingness to support them.

Four months had passed since He Rui reclaimed the Chinese Eastern Railway. Originally, Duan Qirui had been somewhat apprehensive, feeling that something would happen. Yet to this day, nothing had happened. Even Britain and France, who had been shouting "Concert of Powers," had changed their tune, condemning Russia as a traitor to the Allied Powers and praising He Rui's "decisive action."

With the internal and external situations changing like this, what was left for Duan Qirui to fear? At this moment, the dispute between the Presidential Palace and the State Council had not ended. If Duan Qirui announced the abolition of the *Sino-Russian Declaration* and took back Outer Mongolia, his reputation would naturally soar.

But Duan Qirui was also very clear that what this fellow He Rui wanted was not just Outer Mongolia, but Inner Mongolia as well. Although the regions outside the Pass and Inner and Outer Mongolia were desolate, bitter cold lands no one was willing to go to, if such a large territory was controlled by He Rui, who would be able to keep He Rui in check in the future?

Just as he was thinking, he heard his staff officer say, "Premier, with He Rui handling Russia like this, Russia will certainly bear a grudge and will definitely retaliate in the future. Even if He Rui can withstand Russia, there is still Japan eyeing him like a tiger. If He Rui treats Russia this way, how could he be subservient to Japan?"

Duan Qirui was also a decisive man. Hearing this, he understood the staff officer's assessment of He Rui's situation. He replied decisively, "Prepare to draft the government mandate."