The Second Zhili-Fengtian War was marked by a power struggle among China's rebellious warlords during the early 20th century. Feng Yuxiang, known for his military strength and strategic alliances, undertook a calculated coup against the Zhili clique in Beijing. This dramatic shift occurred amid a backdrop of ongoing conflict where various factions vied for control over China in the post-Qing era, following the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. The Zhili clique, composed of warlords who dominated the northern provinces, had made significant gains against their Fengtian rivals, who were led by Zhang Zuolin in Manchuria.Feng’s actions unfolded with shocking rapidity, as he utilized covert support from Japan to bolster his coup. The Japanese Empire, seeking to expand its influence in China, provided logistical support, including arms and intelligence, thereby enabling Feng to catch the Zhili clique off-guard. As his forces advanced, the Zhili warlords found themselves unable to respond effectively, resulting in mass chaos in Beijing. The coup climaxed as Feng Yuxiang took control of the city, marking a watershed moment in the shifting allegiances and power dynamics among warlords. The abrupt seizure of power by Feng Yuxiang not only underscored the fragility of warlord governance but also illustrated the complexities of foreign intervention in China’s civil conflicts.