Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

North China front, along the Zhanghe River.

The biting morning wind swept across the bare riverbank like a knife, stirring up gusts of dry, cold dust.

The brothers of the 3rd Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Army.

They were sitting around a sheltered earthen embankment, holding their daily, unwavering "newspaper reading session."

The company's instructor, Li Wei, was a young student soldier with slightly thin features and wearing black-rimmed glasses.

At this moment, he is holding a newspaper still smelling of ink and reading it aloud with great expression.

This newspaper is not the commonly available "Changzhi Weekly".

Instead, it was the newly launched internal military newspaper, "Vanguard Daily," which was directly issued by the Political Department of the North China Joint Command.

"To uphold military discipline and serve as a warning to others!"

"After joint review by the Military Law Department and the Inspection Department of the North China Joint Command, it was submitted to Chairman Chang Ruiyuan and Deputy Director of the Military Law Department Chu Yunfei for approval."

Five days ago, in Changzhi, Luoyang, Zhengxian, and Taiyuan, 97 corrupt and derelict military officers, including Ma Hanwen and Zhou Liren, were publicly tried and executed on the spot!

Li Wei's voice, transmitted clearly through a simple tin loudspeaker, reached the ears of every soldier.

When the words "execute on the spot" were uttered.

The once quiet queue instantly erupted into a frenzy, like a pot of boiling water!
"Good! Good kill!"

An old soldier with a full beard slammed his fist into the frozen ground, his face flushed with excitement.

"Damn it, finally a righteous official has stood up for us! I was conscripted by these bastards back then, and my family didn't receive a single penny of resettlement allowance!"

"you do not say!"

"We're risking our lives on the front lines, while they're making money off us on the back. They should have been killed long ago!"

Cheers and curses rose and fell in waves.

The soldiers, who came from all over the country, had their faces numb from the cold, but now they were filled with a sense of exhilarating joy.

Many of them had personally experienced the darkness and injustice of military recruitment, and they hated those parasites who sucked the blood of soldiers to the core.

Li Wei raised his hand and gestured for everyone to be quiet.

He cleared his throat and continued reading the most crucial part of the newspaper, deliberately slowing down his pace to ensure every word was crystal clear.

"Commander Chu Yunfei, Chief Advisor of the Military Training Department, hereby issues the following order: From this day forward, any officer or soldier under the jurisdiction of the North China Joint Command who discovers any officer engaging in illegal activities such as embezzling military pay, withholding pensions, reselling military funds, or oppressing soldiers may directly report such activities to the superior supervisory department!"

Another commotion arose in the queue, but this time it wasn't cheers, but a buzzing sound mixed with astonishment and doubt.

Without pausing, Li Wei raised his voice and read out, word by word: "Reports must be based on facts, including witnesses and physical evidence. Fabrications and malicious accusations are not allowed."

Once verified, anyone providing valid clues will be rewarded, depending on the severity of the case! The minimum reward is twenty yuan, and the maximum can reach one hundred thousand yuan!

"boom!"

These words were like a bombshell, exploding in the hearts of the soldiers!
100,000 national currency!

They could work their whole lives and still not earn that much money!
The entire queue fell into an eerie silence. Everyone stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with disbelief.

A young soldier who had just joined the army subconsciously licked his chapped lips, and a burning light suddenly burst forth in his eyes, which had been somewhat dim.

Twenty yuan in Chinese currency!
That was his military pay for three months of service!
A somewhat slick-looking veteran next to him subconsciously shrank back, his eyes darting around as he quickly glanced at the platoon leader not far away, a faint, cold smile playing on his lips.

He clearly didn't believe it, thinking it was just empty promises from above, a way to make the brothers monitor each other. Many others, after the initial shock, were caught in a fierce internal struggle.

They remembered the head cook who always skimped on food, saving the best meat and vegetables for himself, and the quartermaster who had taken the brand-new cotton-padded clothes from the warehouse to resell, while replacing them with reed-cotton-lined clothes.

I remembered that clerk who openly demanded a "kickback" before distributing the pensions for his fallen brothers.
They saw all of this and felt resentment, but dared not speak out.

Now, a door seems to have opened before them.

Behind the door lies a huge bounty that could change one's fate, but it could also be an abyss of no return!

Reporting your superior? That's insubordination.

That's a matter of losing your head!
If the evidence is insufficient and the perpetrator is falsely accused, the consequences would be unimaginable!
In an instant, a complex mix of emotions—hope, greed, fear, and doubt—emerged and shifted across the soldiers' weathered faces.

Li Wei saw all of this. He put down his newspaper and said in an extremely solemn tone, "Brothers! I know what you're worried about!"

"But I'm telling you, this time, it's different!"

"This is an order personally given by Chief Advisor Chu!"

"The Inspectorate is our backing as ordinary soldiers! As long as you have solid evidence, no one will dare to lay a finger on you!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "Of course, the newspapers also said that malicious false accusations will not be tolerated!"

"We are the nation's army, the nation's armed force. We value pragmatism and are united in fighting the Japanese invaders, not engaging in underhanded tactics behind the scenes!"

"We can't let a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch!"

These words acted like a shot in the arm, gradually making the eyes of many soldiers who were still hesitant become firm.

……

This anti-corruption campaign, ignited by Chu Yunfei himself, spread across the entire North China battlefield at an unprecedented speed within a week, thanks to the internal mouthpiece of the "Frontline Daily".

Behind this, of course, lies Chu Yunfei's meticulous planning.

Even before the public trial, he instructed the Changzhi Daily to urgently create this military newspaper, which was specifically for distribution within the military, based on the existing Changzhi Weekly.

The transmission of messages also requires considerable skill.

In the First War Zone, the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief Wei Lihuang is going through a complicated and sensitive handover process with Jiang Dingwen, who has come to take over.

With their minds preoccupied with personnel arrangements and the division of power, the two men had no time to scrutinize an internal military report from North China.

Chu Yunfei's men took this opportunity to deliver the newspapers to every unit without any hindrance.

In Hu Zongnan's jurisdiction, this most loyal of the Huangpu Military Academy's elite faction did not obstruct the newspaper after sending people to carefully examine its contents.

In his view, this was merely a means for Chu Yunfei to enforce military discipline and win over the hearts of the people, and it did not contain much politically sensitive content. On the contrary, it could play a positive role, so he tacitly approved its issuance.

Moreover, Hu Zongnan felt more than once that the discipline of his troops was poor, and he also had the idea of ​​taking advantage of the situation to rectify military discipline.

However, in those troops that had not yet been reorganized and reorganized, this newspaper mostly circulated only among the officer rank.

However, this applies to the Class A and Class B combat units that have already undergone reorganization.

The situation is quite different.

With the political instructor system being delegated to the company level, the supervisor system was assigned to the regiment level.

Patriotism, seeking truth from facts, unity and solidarity are among the "new ideas".

It has long been ingrained in the hearts of every soldier through literacy education.

For them, every word in the newspaper represented the will of their superiors and was the highest directive they had to learn and understand.

An unseen storm is quietly brewing within the Nationalist army in North China.

Countless eyes began to observe and record quietly in the darkness.

Those warlord habits that were once considered "rules"

For the first time, I was exposed to a beam of intense light, leaving me nowhere to hide.
-

The large operational conference room of the North China Command.

Dozens of high-ranking Japanese officers, dressed in crisp Showa 5 uniforms, sat upright.

The air was filled with the smell of tea and tension.

Army Chief of Staff Ooshiro Tomoharu stood before a huge battle map, pointing out the jagged battle lines on the map with a thin baton.

"Gentlemen, according to reports from various divisions and the summary of aerial reconnaissance intelligence, in the past month, our army and the Chongqing army in front of us have had a total of seventeen combat contacts with more than one hundred people each."

Ookido Sanji's voice was dry and flat, devoid of any emotion.

"This figure represents a 73 percent decrease compared to the same period last month."

"This is the lowest value compared to any previous operational cycle."

He paused, pushed up his round glasses, the lenses reflecting a cold light: "All indications suggest that the enemy in North China is undergoing a comprehensive strategic retreat."

The activity frequency of its frontline reconnaissance units has decreased significantly, and the guerrilla forces that were previously active in the standoff area also show signs of withdrawing.

A murmur of discussion arose in the meeting room. "We believe the reason is directly and inevitably linked to the already collapsed financial system of the Chongqing government."

"Although Chu Yunfei achieved a tactical victory on the Han'an front, he no longer has enough resources to support the next large-scale offensive."

Ōkito Michiharu made the final conclusion.

Sitting in the main seat, Okamura Neiji listened to the report with a blank expression. His eyes, hidden behind thick glasses, were like two bottomless ancient wells, calm and undisturbed.

He did not entirely agree with the General Staff's assessment. While financial collapse was certainly an important reason, based on his understanding of Chu Yunfei, that cunning opponent would never give up the opportunity to launch an offensive simply because of a lack of money.

There must be other reasons behind this.

"Intelligence department."

Okamura Neiji spoke slowly, his voice hoarse, yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.

A newly appointed intelligence officer wearing the rank of colonel immediately stood up from his seat and straightened his body.

"Chief of the Army Intelligence Department, Seiichi Kita, reporting to the Commander-in-Chief!"

"I will read aloud the top-secret telegram that was just transmitted from headquarters."

"Hai!"

Kita Seiichi opened a folder sealed with red thread, his expression instantly becoming extremely solemn, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible fanaticism.

He took a deep breath and began to read in an almost chanting tone.

"The rise and fall of the empire hinges on this one battle!"

"In order to end the China Incident as soon as possible and completely destroy the enemy's will to resist, the General Headquarters, after careful deliberation at the Imperial Conference, hereby approves: the launch of the 'Divine Punishment' Holy War Operation Plan!"

The "Divine Punishment Holy War Operation Plan" is centered on bacteriological warfare.

Upon hearing the introduction, all the division commanders present had different expressions and reactions.

Lieutenant General Iinuma Mori, commander of the 110th Division, instantly revealed an expression of ecstatic joy.

He clenched his fist excitedly and muttered to himself, "Excellent! It should have been done long ago! This kind of divine punishment is exactly what we need to deal with those inferior Chinese!"

His words represented the sentiments of a considerable number of young officers.

In their view, conventional warfare methods were no longer sufficient to conquer this stubborn land.

Only by resorting to the most extreme and brutal methods can the enemy be completely subdued.

However, the experienced and prudent Lieutenant General Yoshio Hongo, commander of the newly formed 62nd Division (a security division), sitting opposite him, frowned deeply.

He raised his hand and asked a very real question.

"Kita-kun, I have a question."

"Did the 'Divine Punishment' project utilize only biological weapons?"

"If this type of weapon is deployed, how should our military handle its own epidemic prevention measures?"

"Has the Imperial Army prepared the necessary vaccines for its soldiers at headquarters?"

This question was like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing the enthusiastic atmosphere at the scene.

Yes, this is not a poison gas bomb!

The release of poison gas can be avoided by taking advantage of wind direction and terrain.

But once bacteriological warfare breaks out, it becomes an indiscriminate attack!
Viruses and bacteria can't distinguish between Japanese and Chinese.

Without adequate protective measures, this double-edged sword could very well hurt you first!

Immediately, the conference room was filled with discussion, and many officers who had initially looked happy now had a hint of worry on their faces.

Kita Seiichi was clearly prepared. He closed the folder, bowed slightly, and said, "Shogun Hongo, your concerns have already been taken into consideration by the General Headquarters."

Unit 731 has successfully developed vaccines against major pathogens such as plague and cholera.

Before the official launch of Operation 'Divine Punishment,' priority will be given to vaccinating special forces participating in the operation and Imperial Army soldiers in the relevant areas.

"And what about us?" another division commander immediately pressed. "What about us troops who are on the front lines?"

"this.."

A bead of cold sweat appeared on Kita Seiichi's forehead: "This needs to be done in batches, depending on the specific implementation of the plan."

Okamura Neiji took it all in.

He knew that he had to set the tone for this matter.

He slowly stood up and looked around at every officer present.

"Gentlemen."

His voice was not loud, but it clearly drowned out all the other comments: "I have reservations about the 'Divine Punishment' plan. I do not support such a battle plan."

As soon as this statement came out, everyone in the audience was shocked.

Seeing the astonished expressions on everyone's faces, Okamura Neiji continued, "This method of warfare violates the spirit of Bushido and is not the glory of the Imperial Army, but..."

His tone shifted abruptly, becoming incredibly cold and somewhat helpless: "In order to achieve the final victory in this holy war as soon as possible, and for the long-term prosperity of our brother nation, we have no other choice!"

"The orders from headquarters are the will of the empire!"

"As soldiers, our only duty is to carry out orders without fail!"

Okamura Neiji paused, his gaze sharpening as if it could pierce through people's hearts.

"As for the epidemic prevention issues that you are worried about, there are solutions."

He walked up to the map and used his baton.

He pointed heavily at the area along the newly recovered Handan and Anyang lines in North China.

"Gentlemen, please note that in the past month, the Chinese army's reconnaissance operations have almost completely ceased. At the same time, according to our intelligence, they are setting up a large number of checkpoints along the border between their controlled areas and our occupied areas, strictly blocking the movement of people."

"What does this mean?"

A cold smile curled at the corner of Okamura Neiji's lips: "This means that our opponent, Chu Yunfei, has already learned of the existence of the 'Divine Punishment' plan through some channel!"

"He is now pouring his already meager resources into meaningless epidemic prevention preparations! He has neither the strength nor the courage to launch another attack against us!"

"Isn't this incredibly good news for the North China Front Army right now?"

These words invigorated the officers present.

Yes!

The more the enemy fears something, the more effective that tactic is!
"Your Excellency, the Commander, is wise!"

"In this way, we can gain a valuable respite, readjust our deployment, and strengthen our defenses."

Okamura Neiji nodded in satisfaction.

This is exactly the effect he wants. He doesn't really support germ warfare; those uncontrollable weapons could have unimaginable consequences if they got out of control.

But he needs to use the "divine punishment" plan.

This sword of Damocles hanging over the enemy's head is used to buy precious time for oneself.

As long as it can be dragged out.

The peace agreement will be reached when the brother country achieves a major victory in the Pacific theater.

Then the war situation in North China would naturally be resolved.

As for defeating Chu Yunfei, Okamura Neiji no longer harbored such unrealistic fantasies.

"Give me the order!"

Okamura Yasuji's voice echoed in the conference room: "All divisions, from this moment forward, shall adopt a full defensive posture, consolidate forces, reinforce fortifications, and wait for the enemy to tire themselves out!"

"At the same time, the Special Higher Police were ordered to cooperate with the action group of the Epidemic Prevention and Water Supply Unit to intensify infiltration and sabotage efforts in the rear of enemy-occupied areas and to carry out preliminary reconnaissance and preparation work."

"We will make the Chongqing army in the spring overwhelmed and exhausted on their own turf!"

"Hai!" (End of Chapter)