Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Inside the operations room, the strategic deployment regarding the western Henan issue has temporarily come to an end.

Lin Wei accepted the arduous task of "inviting the gods" to the mountain town and left first.

Zhang Dayun and Sun Weimou also returned to their posts and began coordinating the upcoming Thunder Operation.

Chu Yunfei stood alone in front of the huge sand table, about to review the details of the entire plan once again, when Zhao Pengcheng returned and strode in.

This time, his face showed an unusual joy: "Sir, I just received news from the airport that the latest batch of Whampoa Military Academy graduates have arrived in Changzhi."

Chu Yunfei nodded, not paying any attention.

Every year, there are graduates from the Whampoa Military Academy, and they are basically sent to the front lines to gain experience.

Even a combat staff officer basically has a layer of combat experience.

Chu Yunfei has always believed that senior commanders without front-line combat experience often perform worse on the battlefield than officers who have risen through the ranks.

Only those who have served as grassroots officers and soldiers are more likely to possess a resilient mental fortitude.

However, Zhao Pengcheng's next words caused a bright light to burst forth in his eyes, which were always as deep as an ancient well!
"Commander Bian Fucheng also graduated early and returned to North China..."

"came back?"

The weariness and solemnity on Chu Yunfei's face vanished, replaced by a heartfelt and undisguised joy!

After the bloody battle of Nankou.

Bian Fucheng, who was on temporary assignment in the Operations Section, was personally recommended by Chu Yunfei and sent to the special class of the Army University for further study.

He clapped his hands excitedly: "Get the car ready, go and pick everyone up."

"Yes!"

……

Changzhi Airport.

The biting north wind howled across the empty tarmac, stinging people's cheeks.

Dozens of Whampoa Military Academy graduates, who had just disembarked from the plane, were lined up in several neat rows according to their military ranks.

Their faces still carried a hint of the arrogance of the chosen ones, as well as anticipation for the new life that was about to begin.

But this expectation was quickly worn away by the biting cold wind.

The officer who was supposed to come to make contact immediately only told them to "wait where you are" and then there was no further communication.

Time passed by minute by minute.

In the cold wind, a barely perceptible commotion began to appear in the ranks.

Some of the young lieutenants and second lieutenants began to tremble, and expressions of dissatisfaction and anxiety gradually appeared on their faces.

Lu Junxi, the operations staff officer of the North China Joint Command who was in charge of receiving them, simply stood not far away with his arms crossed, watching all of this expressionlessly.

He silently kept in mind everyone's behavior—whether it was anxiety, dissatisfaction, or calmness and perseverance.

Finally, after a grueling half hour, a captain who appeared quite composed in the ranks couldn't help but step forward and ask, "Staff Officer Lu, how much longer do we have to wait? The brothers are starting to feel the strain."

Lu Junxi then slowly raised his head, as if he had just woken up from deep thought.

He glanced at his watch and explained in a calm tone, "Commander Chu is coming to see you in person, and he should be arriving soon."

"what?!"

"Chief Consultant Chu?!"

This simple sentence was like a pot of boiling oil being poured into ice water!

All the dissatisfaction and anxiety of everyone vanished at this moment!

Instead, there was immense shock, excitement, and disbelief!
Instinctively, they straightened their backs, making their already frozen bodies stand upright!
Just then, a black sedan, followed by two troop transport trucks, sped onto the tarmac and came to a steady stop in front of the formation.

The car door opened, and Chu Yunfei, dressed in military uniform, strode in, surrounded by several officers.

His hawk-like gaze swept across the face of every young officer in the ranks.

An invisible pressure made these bright young people, who had just graduated, even breathe cautiously.

Instead of searching for his beloved general, Chu Yunfei walked to the front of the formation and stopped.

"Salute!"

Chu Yunfei returned the greeting: "Welcome to North China."

His voice was not loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly, carrying an unquestionable authority.

"This is the front line of resisting the Japanese invaders. All the honors you have had before will become the past from the moment you graduate. The only thing that can prove your value in the North China Theater is your future performance."

"What I learned here is slightly different from what I learned at Whampoa Military Academy."

"Here, you must first learn how to be a qualified soldier before thinking about how to be a qualified officer!"

"Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir!"

Dozens of people roared in unison, their voices merging into a torrent that surged through the cold wind.

Chu Yunfei nodded, then turned to Lu Junxi beside him and asked in a voice only the two of them could hear, "How did they perform just now?"

Lu Junxi quickly stepped forward and reported in a low voice: "Reporting to Commander Chu, there was a slight disturbance in the ranks within half an hour, but no one made a fuss. Only one person stepped out of the ranks to inquire."

Chu Yunfei's gaze fell on the captain who had just stepped forward to ask questions. He nodded slightly and said nothing more.

He was the highest-ranking officer in the team.

Only he has the right to ask, there's no problem with that.

Chu Yunfei turned to Zhao Pengcheng and ordered, "Arrange for everyone to stay in the barracks near the joint command post. Starting tomorrow, everyone will undergo a week of pre-departure training."

"Yes!"

After arranging all this, Chu Yunfei's gaze finally turned towards the airport reception area.

A group of Whampoa Military Academy graduates boarded the troop transport trucks.

They met Bian Fucheng in the reception room.

The stern look on Chu Yunfei's face quickly turned into a hearty smile.

"Bian Fucheng!"

"Reporting to Commander Chu! Bian Fucheng has been ordered to return to the unit!"

Bian Fucheng stepped forward and gave a perfectly standard military salute, his voice as loud and clear as a bell!
"Okay! Okay!"

Chu Yunfei strode forward and punched Bian Fucheng's sturdy shoulder hard, his eyes filled with the joy of reunion: "It's good that you're back! It's good that you're back!"

He pulled Bian Fucheng along and led him directly to his private car.

"Come on! Let's talk in the car!"

"Tell me, what did you learn at Lu University?"

Inside the carriage, a slight chill could still be felt.

But the sturdy doors and windows at least kept out the howling north wind.

Chu Yunfei picked up a military green thermos from beside his seat, unscrewed the lid, and poured Bian Fucheng a cup of hot water.

Bian Fucheng took the enamel mug with one hand, and a warm current instantly spread throughout his body.

He grinned, a smile that carried the hearty heart of a Northeastern man: "Reporting to Commander Chu, the harvest has been plentiful!"

"Especially Instructor Mei Zhu, his teachings on wargaming and tactical theory broadened my horizons and I benefited greatly!"

When Instructor Mei was mentioned, Bian Fucheng paused, as if recalling something interesting, and a strange expression appeared on his face: "Speaking of which, Instructor Mei, I have nothing but praise for you."

However, not long ago, he had a few words with Chiang Kai-shek at a military conference over the strategic issues of the counter-offensive in North China.

As a result, the Chairman immediately flew into a rage, pointing his finger at Instructor Mei and launching into a tirade, calling him "Madman Mei!"

Bian Fucheng had a slight, barely suppressed smile on his face: "You didn't see it, but when Instructor Mei's fiery temper flared up, she fainted on the spot! As she was being carried out on a stretcher, she was still muttering something about 'this child is incorrigible'."

Upon hearing this amusing anecdote about the city's high-ranking officials, Chu Yunfei couldn't help but grin.

He could picture the scene: a veteran instructor from the Baoding Department, known for his rigorous scholarship and fiery temper.

Encountering Chang Ruiyuan, who claimed to be quite knowledgeable in military strategy, was like a clash of titans.

"The Chairman has always been like this."

Chu Yunfei smiled and shook his head, bringing the topic back on track: "Do you still remember what I promised you when your remnants of the Northeast Army were reorganized into the 358th Regiment?"

Bian Fucheng was taken aback, then whispered, "You said you would lead us back to the Northeast."

Chu Yunfei still had a smile on his face: "Not bad, now that you're back, our plan can officially move into the second phase."

“Look,” he pointed to the jagged battle line at the junction of North China and Northeast China on the map, “After the great victory in Handan, that old fox Okamura Yasuji was terrified and has completely become a coward. He is now gathering all his troops and resources to frantically build a defensive line along the Pinghan and Jinpu railways.”

“More importantly,” Chu Yunfei pointed his finger heavily on the map, landing on the number “Kwantung Army,” “according to our latest intelligence, in order to strengthen the defense of North China, he has transferred a considerable number of troops from the Kwantung Army to the south to provide reinforcements.”

He raised his head and stared intently at Bian Fucheng.

"Fu Cheng, think about it, what does this mean?"

Bian Fucheng was no fool. Following Chu Yunfei's train of thought, he almost instantly figured out the key to it!
His heart began to pound uncontrollably! "This means..."

His voice trembled slightly with extreme excitement: "This means that the Kwantung Army's stronghold, the Northeast that we have been longing for, is now undoubtedly vulnerable in terms of military strength!"

"That's right!"

A startling light flashed in Chu Yunfei's eyes: "This is our chance!"

He retrieved the map and revealed his grand and audacious plan.

"My plan is to organize an elite vanguard force, like the sharpest dagger, to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime window of opportunity to advance into the Chahar region, develop and establish a base area, and then seize the opportunity to penetrate deeper into the interior."

"The commander of this unit."

Chu Yunfei looked at him and said, word by word, "It's you, Bian Fucheng!"

Bian Fucheng's body shuddered violently once again!
He opened his mouth, but was too excited to utter a single word. He could only clench his right fist tightly, his nails digging deep into his palm.

"Our main force in North China will not be idle either."

Chu Yunfei continued, his voice calm yet powerful: "We will stay here and hold off Okamura Yasuji's large force, preventing him from looking north and creating the most favorable conditions for your operation!"

"Use our heavy forces in North China to tie down the enemy's heavy forces in North China!"

"Then send another surprise force, making it appear as if we're heading straight for his heart!"

"I want to force the Japanese to fight on multiple fronts, so they can't attend to both ends!"

"Once you establish a foothold in the Northeast, large reinforcements will continuously move north to provide support!"

"Your first reinforcements are the 92nd Army of the Central Army, under the command of Li Xianzhou, which is currently resting and reorganizing in Shanxi."

Fight our way back to Northeast China!
This phrase, which he had been thinking about day and night since 37, is no longer an empty slogan!

It became a clear and readily available battle plan!

A surge of overwhelming joy and excitement, mixed with a complex mix of trepidation and a sense of returning home, instantly shattered Bian Fucheng's composure!

His eyes, which had become calm and still after a whole year of studying at Lu University, were now bloodshot!
"Commander Chu."

Bian Fucheng's voice was hoarse and barely audible: "Have we really drafted a battle plan for the counterattack against Northeast China?"

Chu Yunfei didn't answer, but patted his shoulder heavily: "I know you've been waiting for this day for too long."

"This humble officer, Bian Fucheng, is willing to be a vanguard! I would gladly die a thousand deaths!"

Night fell, as dark as ink, enveloping the city of Changzhi.

Inside the joint command's operations room, however, the lights were on and it was warm as spring.

The enormous map of North China was re-hung in the center of the wall. Chu Yunfei and Bian Fucheng stood side by side before the map, conducting a top-secret simulation that would determine the future course of the war.

After returning to the command post, Chu Yunfei did not give Bian Fucheng much time to rest. After having a hot meal, he brought him directly here.

"Now, let's talk about the specific details."

Chu Yunfei picked up a baton and pointed it at the vast northeastern land on the map, his voice steady and clear.

"When we march into Northeast China, the first problem we need to solve is not the enemy, but the weather."

His baton slid back and forth between Shanxi and Northeast China: "Winter in Shanxi is already considered extremely cold."

But compared to the frigid conditions of Northeast China, where water freezes instantly, it's nothing.

"Once our troops move north, the first challenge they will face will be the climate."

Upon hearing this, Bian Fucheng's face revealed a confident expression: "Reporting to Commander Chu, you don't need to worry about this."

We conduct cold-weather training every year.

"As long as we provide our soldiers with sufficient winter clothing, high-calorie food, and frostbite prevention medication, the climate will not be our biggest obstacle."

“Great, I’m not really worried about that.”

Chu Yunfei nodded approvingly: "I've already asked the logistics department to handle the equipment replenishment issue."

The latest cotton-padded coats, snow boots, and cold-weather gloves will be distributed to you first.

I also purchased a batch of mountain sleeping bags from the Americans. They are effective in keeping warm and can be delivered to Longcheng by the end of the month, allowing me to head north directly.

"Whether or not we have this kind of non-essential supplementary equipment will not affect our ability to continue fighting."

Chu Yunfei nodded, and used his baton to draw a general direction on the map: "Secondly, there is the issue of the attack route."

"Our first phase of operations is not to achieve our goal in one step and directly penetrate the heart of Northeast China. That would be unrealistic and too risky."

The arrow's endpoint landed steadily in Zhangjiakou, the capital of Chahar Province.

"Our first strike should be made here."

Chu Yunfei's voice was resolute: "Head north, advance from Zhangjiakou to Zhangbei. Zhangjiakou is the distribution center and forward base for our entire Northeast campaign!"

"The initial construction work on this forward base actually began secretly as early as six months ago."

"Currently, a large amount of combat supplies are being transported to the Zhangjiakou area under our control via the Ping-Sui Railway."

Thanks to the railway, transportation efficiency is very high.

I estimate that within half a month at most, the first batch of supplies, enough to support your capture of Zhangbei, will all arrive!

Bian Fucheng's breathing became rapid again.

He didn't expect that as early as six months ago, when the North China War was raging...

Commander Chu had already begun planning a counterattack against the Northeast.

"As for the combat troops..."

Chu Yunfei continued, "I will withdraw all the combat troops you previously commanded from the front lines and return them to you."

"Furthermore, we will conduct an adaptive reorganization for you based on this."

"This reorganization will not involve major changes; it will mainly focus on replenishing personnel and strengthening heavy firepower."

"With your control over the old unit, I believe it can be completed in at most half a month."

The supplies were assembled in half a month.

The reorganization of the troops was completed in half a month.

One month later, the sword will be ready to be drawn!
Chu Yunfei's baton drew a huge circle on the map, encompassing the entire Zhangbei and northern regions.

"Once Zhangbei is captured, what you need to do is to keep moving north without stopping, take Kangbao, Baochang, and Duolun, hold them and wait for reinforcements, and connect all the areas into one. We need to be more cautious. If we suffer a setback, the entire northward plan will be re-evaluated by the General Headquarters. We cannot take such a risk."

Bian Fucheng's eyes were already brimming with fighting spirit!

However, Chu Yunfei's considerations went far beyond that.

His baton slowly moved to the west side of the map, pointing towards Suiyuan: "Of course, we can't just focus on our own efforts. After all, our forces in the Chahar region are relatively weak, with only two JTJs."

"Qian Bojun's troops need to guard against Japanese troops in the Beijing-Tianjin area, and the reorganization of the 14th Army Group has not yet been completed."

"We must be wary; the Japanese might resort to desperate measures."

“Once we breach their defenses in Chahar, they are very likely to disregard everything and draw more of the main force of the Kwantung Army from the Soviet border to the south to encircle and annihilate us.”

"After all, the Northeast Advance Army's combat strength is not much compared to the entire Kwantung Army. If they use all their strength, they can still wipe us out in a short period of time."

"This carries a certain degree of risk."

"so."

Chu Yunfei looked at Bian Fucheng: "Commander Fu's Seventh Army Group will withdraw to strengthen the defense of Suiyuan and Guihua. Reinforcements can come to your aid at any time."

"As long as the Japanese realize that they cannot defeat us in one fell swoop, they will need to continue to heavily guard against the Soviets, and that will be our opportunity."

The entire grand battle plan was described in great detail by Chu Yunfei, with each part intricately linked.

Bian Fucheng's heart had already been completely ignited by the impending storm that would sweep across northern Xinjiang!
He felt his blood boiling. Suppressing his excitement, he asked a crucial question: "Commander Chu, should we continue using our previous unit designation, or..."

For Bian Fucheng, this issue is not just about a title, but also about the future positioning and affiliation of this unit.

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunfei slowly lowered his baton.

He stroked his chin, his deep gaze seemingly piercing through the map, seeing countless elders and fellow villagers eagerly awaiting their return amidst the white mountains and black waters.

"Let's use the name 'Northeast Advance Army' to form this force!"

"The Northeast March!"

Bian Fucheng chewed on these five words repeatedly, feeling an unprecedented sense of mission and honor welling up within him!

"Don't worry." Chu Yunfei looked at his excited expression, patted him on the shoulder, and gave him the most solid promise. "There have been relevant discussions about the formation of the troops and the combat plan before, and many people support it. This time, I will personally draft a detailed plan and submit it to the Chairman."

"But what if the Chairman is unwilling to take the risk?"

Chu Yunfei chuckled softly: "Even if the Chairman doesn't approve, we'll still fight."

Besides, I believe the Chairman would not refuse to approve it.

The matter of liberating Northeast China and wiping away the humiliation.

He must have longed for it more than anyone else.

No one would refuse victory, much less a battle plan that carries no risk to him personally. (End of Chapter)