On January 10, 1929, Zhang Xueliang, the military and political leader of Northeast China, personally ordered the execution of Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai, who had worked with his father Zhang Zuolin for many years, in his mansion in Fengtian (present-day Shenyang). This shocking "Yang Chang leaving" incident not only revealed Zhang Xueliang's determination to consolidate power, but also reflected the complex political situation in Northeast China at that time. From the assassination of Zhang Zuolin to the succession of Zhang Xueliang, and then to the fall of Yang Chang, this period of ups and downs is full of power struggles, personal grievances, and the shadow of the changes of the times. What is it that causes the two former allies to turn against each other? Why did Zhang Xueliang take such drastic measures?
At the end of the twenties of the twentieth century, the situation in Northeast China was changing, and the political situation was complex and changeable. Zhang Zuolin, as a representative of the warlords in Northeast China, has long controlled the military and political power in this vast land. He has gathered a group of capable generals under his command, among which Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai are among the best.
Yang Yuting was born in Faku, Liaoning Province, and graduated from the eighth class of the Japan Army Noncommissioned Officer School. With his own talent and ability, he was quickly appreciated and reused by Zhang Zuolin. In Zhang Zuolin's sphere of influence, Yang Yuting gradually became an indispensable role, and his power grew day by day.
Unlike Yang Yuting, Chang Yinhuai is a native of Fengtian. He graduated from the Faculty of Law and Political Science of Fengtian College of Law and Politics and initially worked in Heilongjiang Province. Later, he became Xu Lanzhou's chief of staff and rose to prominence in the First Battle of Fengzhi.
On June 4, 1928, a sudden explosion changed the political landscape of Northeast China. Zhang Zuolin was assassinated by the Japanese in Huanggutun and died of serious injuries. This incident not only shocked the whole of China, but also opened the prelude to the change of power in the northeast.
Zhang Zuolin's eldest son, Zhang Xueliang, inherited his father's position and became the new military and political leader of Northeast China. However, the young Zhang Xueliang faced a huge challenge. Not only did he have to deal with pressure from Japan's warlords, but he also had to establish his own prestige internally.
At this critical moment, the attitude of Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai is particularly important. As important ministers in Zhang Zuolin's era, they have a lot of resources and connections. Whether Zhang Xueliang can succeed smoothly depends to a large extent on the support of these two old ministers.
However, things didn't turn out as expected. Although Yang Yuting ostensibly supported Zhang Xueliang's succession, he actually had a lot of complaints about this young heir. He often called Zhang Xueliang "Adou" before and after others, implying that Zhang Xueliang was incapacitated.
This contempt and dissatisfaction gradually turned into open confrontation. At a meeting to elect the military and political leaders of Northeast China, Yang Yuting openly stated that he only knew how to "abide by the law", implying that he did not fully agree with Zhang Xueliang's leadership.
At the same time, Chang Yinhuai is also secretly expanding his power. He served as the chairman of the Northeast Transportation Commission, the supervisor of the Eastern Railway, and the governor of Heilongjiang Province. In Heilongjiang, Chang Yinhuai had a serious conflict with Wan Fulin, the local military affairs superintendent.
Chang Yinhuai not only expanded the scale of the mountain forest team, but also negotiated to buy firearms from the Mukden Arsenal, and even spread the news of purchasing arms from the Czech Republic. These behaviors aroused Zhang Xueliang's vigilance and dissatisfaction.
As time passed, the contradictions between Zhang Xueliang, Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai became more and more acute. Zhang Xueliang gradually realized that if he could not control these two old ministers, his dominance would be seriously threatened.
After Zhang Xueliang succeeded to the throne, the political situation in the Northeast changed abruptly, and all forces were ready to move. Yang Yuting, as an important minister with old qualifications, should have become the right-hand man of the young marshal, but the facts are very different.
The contradiction between the two has been around for a long time, and it has reached its peak as early as when Guo Songling was admonishing him. Guo Songling was Zhang Zuolin's subordinate, but he was dissatisfied with Zhang's arbitrariness and launched a mutiny. In this crisis, Yang Yuting and Zhang Xueliang stood on opposite sides.
Yang Yuting advocated force to suppress it, believing that rebellion must be severely punished to set an example. Zhang Xueliang was inclined to settle peacefully, hoping to save his father's old subordinates. This dispute not only exposed the differences between the two on the handling of the issue, but also planted the seeds of intensified conflict in the future.
After Zhang Zuolin was killed, Yang Yuting's attitude became even more intriguing. On June 6, 1928, Zhang Xueliang came to Luanzhou and had a secret conversation with Yang Yuting, who was inspecting the troops. According to Zhang Xueliang, he had expressed his willingness to hand over Fengtian to Yang Yuting for management.
However, Yang's response was surprising. He arrogantly said, "I can do with your father, but I can't do things with you, and we don't agree on what we do." These words undoubtedly stung the young Zhang Xueliang, and also laid the groundwork for the future confrontation between the two.
Despite this, Yang Yuting still showed support for Zhang Xueliang in public. When electing the military and political leaders of the Northeast, he issued a telegram expressing his willingness to follow the "Han Shuai" (Zhang Xueliang, the character Hanqing). But it is not difficult for careful people to see that Yang's wording implies an emphasis on his own status.
After Zhang Xueliang took office, although Yang Yuting did not get a new position, he still retained the important positions of the General Staff and the supervisor of the Fengtian Arsenal. This made Yang hold heavy power in both military, political and economic aspects, and became a force that Zhang Xueliang had to pay attention to.
Yang Yuting's financial requirements were particularly a headache for Zhang Xueliang. He continued the practice of the Zhang Zuolin era, and often asked the Department of Finance for large sums of money. Zhang Zhenyu, the head of the Fengtian Finance Department, was often scolded for failing to meet Yang's demands, a situation that caused Zhang Xueliang's dissatisfaction.
In 1928, after Zhang Zongchang was defeated by the National Revolutionary Army in Luanzhou, he wanted to retreat to Guanwai. Zhang Xueliang sent Yang Yuting to lead his troops to meet the attack in order to prevent Zhang Zongchang from entering the customs. Before sending troops, Yang Yuting asked Zhang Xueliang how to deal with the captured Zhang Zongchang, which put Zhang Xueliang in a dilemma.
In the end, at the suggestion of Yuan Jinkai, Zhang Xueliang agreed to kill Zhang Zongchang. However, after Yang Yuting captured Zhang Zongchang, he let him go. Yang also revealed to Zhang Zongchang that Zhang Xueliang ordered him to be killed, which was undoubtedly to provoke the relationship between Zhang Xueliang and Zhang Zongchang.
When Zhang Xueliang was brewing a change of banner, Yang Yuting's behavior was even more suspicious. At that time, various forces in the customs sent representatives to Shenyang to seek the support of the Feng department. When Yang Yuting met with these delegates, he openly stated that he was the decision-maker in foreign affairs, and that Zhang Xueliang was just a "child."
Such words and deeds seriously damaged Zhang Xueliang's prestige. At a public meeting, Zhang Xueliang was unhappy when he learned that Liu Xing and others had met with Yang Yuting but did not come to see him. When he questioned Yang Yuting, Yang replied calmly: "Yes, we can do it separately, you take the central route, and I will liaise with the local factions." "
These remarks are undoubtedly a blatant challenge to Zhang Xueliang's authority. When Zhang Xueliang asked what to do if the central government failed, Yang Yuting was speechless. This scene clearly shows the deepening rift between the two.
With the passage of time, the contradictions between Zhang Xueliang and Yang Yuting became more and more public. Yang Yuting's words and deeds not only affected the internal political landscape of Northeast China, but also brought trouble to Zhang Xueliang's nationwide negotiations and decision-making.
In the Northeast in 1929, the political situation changed, and a seemingly ordinary birthday banquet became the fuse, which completely ignited the contradiction between Zhang Xueliang, Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai. This turmoil stems from Yang Yuting's mother's 80th birthday.
According to the tradition of the Northeast, Yang Yuting should have invited Zhang Xueliang to participate in this important family banquet. However, Yang Yuting did the opposite, not only did not invite Zhang Xueliang, but also deliberately set the banquet time during Zhang Xueliang's outing. This move is undoubtedly a blatant provocation against Zhang Xueliang's authority.
When the news reached Zhang Xueliang's ears, he was furious. In the political culture of the Northeast, such behavior is tantamount to an open declaration of war. Zhang Xueliang immediately decided to teach Yang Yuting a profound lesson.
On the day of Yang Yuting's mother's birthday banquet, Zhang Xueliang suddenly returned to Fengtian. He gathered a group of military and political dignitaries and held a grand banquet in his mansion. The scale and pomp of this banquet far exceeded the birthday banquet at Yang Yuting's home.
Zhang Xueliang's move can be described as a salary draw from the bottom of the kettle. Many officials who were supposed to attend Yang Yuting's mother's birthday banquet were diverted to Zhang Xueliang's mansion. The birthday banquet carefully prepared by Yang Yuting was suddenly crowded.
This "birthday banquet dispute" not only dealt a blow to Yang Yuting's prestige, but also made politicians in the northeast see the situation clearly. Zhang Xueliang proved with practical actions that he is the real master of the Northeast.
At the same time, Chang Yinhuai's behavior in Heilongjiang also aroused Zhang Xueliang's high vigilance. After Chang Yinhuai served as the governor of Heilongjiang Province, he vigorously expanded his power. He not only expanded the size of the mountain forest team, but also secretly purchased a large number of weapons from the Mukden Arsenal.
What is even more shocking is that Chang Yinhuai even tried to bypass Zhang Xueliang and directly engage in arms deals with Czech Slovakia. This kind of behavior undoubtedly violates Zhang Xueliang's bottom line.
Chang Yinhuai's ambitions don't stop there. He had a cult of personality in Heilongjiang Province, posting portraits of himself everywhere. In the streets and alleys, the image of Changyin acacia is everywhere. This approach is reminiscent of the style of a dictator.
What is even more serious is that the contradiction between Chang Yinhuai and Wan Fulin, the military affairs supervisor of Heilongjiang, has become increasingly intensified. In order to compete for actual control of Heilongjiang, the two almost reached the point of tension.
This situation not only threatened the stability of Heilongjiang, but also brought great challenges to Zhang Xueliang's rule. If Changyinhuai is allowed to continue to develop, Heilongjiang may become an independent kingdom.
Just when Zhang Xueliang was worried about how to deal with Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai, these two old ministers gave him another punch. They jointly proposed to set up the Northeast Railway Supervision Office, and asked Yang Yuting to serve as the supervisor.
This proposal was ostensibly aimed at strengthening the management of the Northeast Railway, but in fact it was further weakening Zhang Xueliang's power. If this proposal is implemented, Yang Yuting will control the transportation lifeline of the Northeast and further consolidate his position.
Faced with this situation, Zhang Xueliang was in a dilemma. If he agrees to the establishment of the Governor's Office, he will undoubtedly weaken his own power; If it refuses, it may intensify the contradictions and trigger an even greater crisis.
Just as Zhang Xueliang was hesitating, Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai's behavior became more and more unscrupulous. They openly criticized Zhang Xueliang's policies, and even secretly contacted other forces in an attempt to form an alliance against Zhang Xueliang.
This situation made Zhang Xueliang realize that he couldn't continue to endure it. If decisive action is not taken, his dominance could be completely shaken.
So, Zhang Xueliang began to secretly plan a big operation. He gathered his henchmen and began to study how to eradicate the two major obstacles of Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai in one fell swoop.
In this process, Zhang Xueliang showed extraordinary calmness and determination. He knew very well that this operation was not only related to his personal fate, but also related to the future of the entire Northeast.
In October 1929, a thrilling drama was staged on the political stage of the Northeast. Zhang Xueliang, the young young marshal, finally made up his mind to completely solve the two major problems of Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai.
Zhang Xueliang's actions can be described as vigorous and resolute. He first sent his henchman Zhang Tingshu to Beiping to inform Chiang Kai-shek of the upcoming action. This move is not only to seek the support of the central government, but also to prevent possible political troubles afterwards.
At the same time, Zhang Xueliang also secretly gathered a group of officers loyal to him and began to deploy arrest operations. They made a well-thought-out plan to take down both Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai in one day.
On October 11, the plan was finally put into effect. On the morning of the same day, Zhang Xueliang invited Yang Yuting to his mansion on the pretext of discussing military affairs. Yang Yuting didn't perceive the danger at all and happily went to the appointment.
Just after Yang Yuting entered Zhang Xueliang's study, the guards who had already been ambushed immediately took him under control. Yang Yuting was disarmed on the spot, and he didn't even have a chance to resist. The whole process was clean and did not cause any commotion.
At the same time, another team sent by Zhang Xueliang was also in action. They went straight to Chang Yinhuai's residence and arrested Chang Yinhuai, who was at home. Although Chang Yinhuai is very vigilant on weekdays, he can only be restrained in the face of this sudden action.
The two once powerful men fell into Zhang Xueliang's control on the same day. This day is destined to go down in the history of Northeast politics.
The news soon spread throughout Mukden City. In the streets and alleys, people are talking about this sudden change. Some were surprised, some cheered, and many more were speculating on what would happen next.
Zhang Xueliang didn't stop there. He immediately convened a high-level meeting and announced the decision on the disposal of Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai. The two were stripped of all their positions and placed under house arrest.
This decision was undoubtedly a heavy blow, completely crushing the political forces of Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai. Their supporters have also been silenced for fear of being implicated.
But Zhang Xueliang knew that it was not enough to arrest the two. He also needs to reshape the political landscape of the entire Northeast. As a result, a series of personnel adjustments followed.
Zhang Xueliang appointed a group of his own cronies to fill the power vacuum left by Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai. Most of these newly appointed officials are young and promising people who are loyal to Zhang Xueliang.
In Heilongjiang, Zhang Xueliang sent people to take over Changyinhuai's mountain and forest team and reorganized it into a regular army. This unit was originally Chang Yinhuai's private army, but now it has become a new card in Zhang Xueliang's hands.
At the same time, Zhang Xueliang also ordered a thorough investigation of Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai's property. The results of the investigation are shocking: the two men have amassed a huge fortune during their tenure. All these illicit gains were confiscated and deposited into the State treasury.
This series of actions not only consolidated Zhang Xueliang's dominance, but also won the support of the people. People praised Zhang Xueliang's decisiveness and courage, believing that he finally showed what a leader should be.
However, it didn't end there. Yang Yuting and Chang Yinhuai's supporters, although temporarily silenced, did not fully give in. They began to secretly tandem and try to find opportunities to fight back.
Zhang Xueliang has long taken precautions against this. He has stepped up his intelligence work and closely monitored the movements of all sides. Any suspicious behavior will be immediately detected and stopped.
Under this high-pressure situation, the political situation in the northeast has gradually stabilized. Zhang Xueliang's prestige has reached unprecedented heights. People began to believe that the young young marshal was indeed capable of navigating this complex land.
However, Zhang Xueliang was not carried away by the victory. He knows that there is still a long way to go before he can truly control the Northeast. The situation at home and abroad is changing dramatically, and he must always be vigilant.
In this way, Zhang Xueliang began his independent rule in the true sense of the word. This operation not only eliminated two political enemies, but also marked that he completely got rid of the shadow of his father and became a veritable lord of the Northeast.
History will prove that this operation was an important turning point in Zhang Xueliang's political career. It not only changed the political pattern of Northeast China, but also laid the groundwork for various major events in the future.