





Rule of Iron Men - The Bandit who United China
R5: One of the most unlikely contendors out of the Chinese thunderdome was that of Shen Hongying, a bandit and folk hero backed by the Zhili of the north. He took the reins of Lu Yuguang's south chinese fiefdom during the SSJW and consolidated rule over not only it but also all of Manchuria and Korea after the fighting had ended. Once it was complete, Shen's army unveiled properly mechanised divisions which proved crucial in crushing their once-overlords in the Zhili of the North. China became united to a degree, but Shen's ailing health became an issue. Two groups, Zhu Jiahua and the Jingxing Society and the tenuous alliance of Li Yaohan and Shen Rongguang rose to the occasion after Marshal Shen's death, with the latter coming to power. His consolidation absorbed the remnants of German companies, industry, and assistance from abroad combined with all the grace and fervour of the 'last of the romans' of old generals. Democracy set aside for the time being.. perhaps there is still hope for this China held together by military force and pragmatism...