Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Changzhi, North Suburb Military Supplies Warehouse.

Inside the huge warehouse, rows of towering wooden crates were stacked.

The air was filled with a strong smell of gunpowder, saltpeter, and canvas.

Major Li Ming, the guard staff officer of the joint command, was holding a recently signed list of supplies. He walked through rows of neatly stacked ammunition boxes and found Major Yu Mingxu, the warehouse commander who was directing the soldiers to take inventory of the goods.

"Brother Mingxu, are you busy?"

Li Ming smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

"Oh, it's Chief of Staff Li! What brings you here?"

Yu Mingxu turned around, glanced at the trucks following behind Li Ming, and a knowing smile appeared on his face.

He took off his dusty gloves and gestured for Li Ming to proceed.

"Let's go outside and talk."

The two walked out of the warehouse side by side and came to the open unloading platform outside.

The winter sun shines on me, bringing a tiny bit of warmth.

Yu Mingxu took out a cigarette case from his pocket, handed one to Li Ming, and lit one for himself.

Both men were graduates of the Shanxi Military Academy.

Now he's in the inner circle of the joint command, working as a promising guard staff officer.

The other one guarded this huge military supply warehouse, serving as the chief military officer with real power.

Since they are of similar rank and share a classmate bond, they naturally have more topics to discuss than others.

"Come on this."

Li Ming took a drag of his cigarette, exhaled a puff of white smoke, and handed over the list in his hand: "This is a note that the chief advisor and chief of staff just approved. It's urgent."

"Hurry up and get everything together for me."

Yu Mingxu took the list, glanced at it, and couldn't help but hiss, his eyes widening in surprise.

"I am not wrong, right?"

"Chief Staff Officer Li," he said, pointing to the numbers on the list, "twenty 60mm mortars?! Six 82mm mortars, and two 75mm Shanxi-made mountain guns?!"

"What are you guard regiment planning to do? Reorganize an elite infantry regiment?"

Yu Mingxu looked up at Li Ming, his face full of confusion: "Which main force regiment are you going to equip?"

"Such a grand gesture!"

"I don't remember we were this generous when we replenished the equipment for Division Commander Guo Yanzheng and his men not long ago!"

Li Ming flicked his cigarette ash and replied as required, a forced smile on his face: "Don't ask what you shouldn't ask."

But seeing Yu Mingxu's curious look, he lowered his voice, leaned close to his ear, and revealed a hint: "This shipment is not for our own brothers."

"Not ours?" Yu Mingxu was even more confused: "Then who is it for?"

"It can't be given to those Eighth Route Army soldiers, can it?"

Li Ming looked around and, seeing that no one was paying attention, said in an almost inaudible voice, "Never mind, we're all old classmates. Even if I don't tell you, you'll hear the news soon enough."

It was actually for those Eighth Route Army soldiers, but not the Eighth Route Army from North China; it was for the newly formed Fourth Army.

Seeing Yu Mingxu's shocked expression, he briefly explained the whole story.

"You heard about the commotion in Jinling City a while ago, right?"

Yu Mingxu nodded.

Such a major event is now known to almost everyone in the North China Army.

With the cooperation of the Military Intelligence Bureau, a few dozen men broke into Nanjing and caused such a commotion.

"That operation."

Li Ming's voice became somewhat heavy, "The fact that more than a dozen of our men were able to escape alive is entirely thanks to a regiment of the New Fourth Army outside the city, who risked their lives to tear open a breach for us."

"I heard that the regiment suffered nearly a thousand casualties in one night in order to provide support for us!"

"That regiment was one of their few main forces active in the Jiangnan region, and it's almost been crippled."

Upon hearing this, Yu Mingxu fell silent, quietly smoking a cigarette: "The higher-ups feel bad about it."

Li Ming sighed, "We can't replenish their numbers."

"We can only allocate a small portion of these supplies to them, after all, the General Headquarters has strictly ordered Commander Chu not to provide any supplies to the New Fourth Army."

Yu Mingxu scratched his head awkwardly: "Yeah, if we give them supplies, they might attack our people. We really can't give them to them."

"Apart from these cannons."

Li Ming pointed to the back of the list: "There are also twenty Czech-made machine guns, ten Type 92 heavy machine guns, plus the corresponding ammunition. It's just a small token of my appreciation."

"If you can't provide the Czech-style Jin-made, then give us some 'Czech-style' instead."

"What the hell? They've even removed Jin-made goods?"

"You know the Northeast Advance Army, right? The higher-ups have really invested heavily in it. The new commander is called Wang Shihe. Not only does he know our Commander Chu, but I've also heard that he has a very close relationship with the people in the mountain city. Although he doesn't interfere with personnel arrangements, he pays special attention to equipment and weapons."

Li Ming smacked his lips: "So this is a case of a nepotism hire. The brothers of the Northeast Advance Army are in for a treat."

"So, should we report this machine gun to the authorities or give it to the Type 999?"

"Forget it, let's just give it to the crooked-handled soldier. What we don't value might be a treasure to the New Fourth Army!"

"It works!"
-
Taihang Mountains, headquarters of the Eighth Route Army.

The villages deep in the mountains also attracted many displaced people due to the construction work of the army, creating a thriving scene.

The Eighth Route Army headquarters has also been completely renovated.

The originally simple operations room has now been expanded considerably.

The red and blue arrows on the map, representing the positions of the opposing sides, are interlocked and densely packed like a spider web.

Although it was a war council meeting, there was no tense atmosphere at all; instead, there was an indescribable sense of excitement and emotion.

The deputy commander put down his pack of cigarettes.

He handed the battle report, which had just been risked to be delivered by the underground party organization in Nanjing, to the attendees for reading.

"What a big deal!"

He looked at the chief of staff opposite him and the several military region leaders present and exclaimed sincerely, "A few dozen men dared to break into the heart of the Japanese invaders and actually managed to destroy the Japanese germ warfare factory."

The newly developed weapon proved incredibly effective in this operation. This disposable rocket launcher is a true game-changer for small-scale warfare. Let's discuss with them whether they can issue us some as well.

The chief of staff nodded, his expression equally complex.

He pointed to the infiltration route on the map, which stretched from North China all the way to Nanjing.

"In this operation, the brave and fearless commando team deserves great credit."

"But what alarmed me even more were the Nationalist troops that were providing support along the way."

His voice became extremely solemn: "Based on the reports from our comrades in various military regions and districts along the route."

To cover the movement of this small unit, more than a dozen divisions of the Nationalist army were deployed from Henan to Anhui.

Orders were obeyed without question, and the entire coordinated operation proceeded flawlessly without the slightest error!

"I think that's enough to prove it."

The chief of staff paused for a moment, then uttered the conclusion that made everyone present fall into deep thought: "This is enough to prove that after these years of reorganization and restructuring, the Nationalist army in North China has truly undergone a complete transformation!"

"These troops are no longer the warlord troops or old armies we used to know; they are genuine modern armies, and there are even many things we can learn from them."

"This will be of great benefit to the subsequent War of Resistance against Japan."

The deputy commander-in-chief took over the conversation and affirmed, "At least under the current circumstances, Chu Yunfei is worthy of our trust, whether it's fighting the Japanese or maintaining the anti-Japanese national united front."

Speaking of it.

The deputy commander then took out several telegrams and handed them to everyone as if showing off: "Look, there are four commendation telegrams for the Eastern Expeditionary Column in just one month. One is from the Ministry of Military Affairs, one is from the General Headquarters, and two are from the North China Joint Command."

As for the commendation telegrams sent to General Zhao Chengshou, commander of the North China Mobile Corps, there were too many to count; one arrived almost every few days.

After the military and division commanders who came to the meeting opened the telegram, they only glanced at it before they couldn't help but laugh: "This Li Yunlong, wherever he goes, he always has his share of good fortune."

"The Eastern Expeditionary Column seems to have performed quite well in the bandit suppression war in western Henan."

"But this Li Yunlong, when it comes to asking Chu Yunfei for equipment, he's asking for an exorbitant amount!" The chief of staff shook his head with a smile, "Mortars, grenade launchers, machine guns, ammunition."

Chu Yunfei is really willing to give!

"As long as we can win the battle, we'll provide as many supplies as we need."

"Chu Yunfei is using our knife to cut people he can't cut."

The deputy commander pointed out the key issue incisively, but there was no displeasure on his face.

"but."

He then changed the subject: "It is also a good thing for us to be able to let our people fight those local tyrants, evil gentry, and landlord militias with real weapons and blood."

"At least we've cleaned up that land in western Henan, which can be considered a liberation of the vast number of hardworking peasant brothers."

A knowing laugh rang out in the meeting room.

"Speak of it."

Commander Liu asked, "How is Comrade Ding Wei doing at the Army University? Has he been ostracized?" As Ding Wei's former superior, he was naturally concerned about Ding Wei's situation.

Of course.

This is a question that everyone is concerned about.

After all, sending senior commanders of our party to study at the Kuomintang's highest military academy was a first since the outbreak of the War of Resistance against Japan.

"Exclusion?"

The chief of staff laughed: "We only received the news recently. Far from being ostracized!"

"Our Comrade Ding Wei is quite the celebrity at the Army University now!"

He explained, "The Kuomintang is now also studying our guerrilla warfare and mobile warfare."

They studied more diligently than anyone else.

Many instructors at the Army University highly praised Yan'an's "On Protracted War."

"Comrade Ding Wei has both rich practical experience and a solid theoretical foundation."

"When I got there, I not only didn't suffer any injustice, but I also made a lot of friends from various factions with my own abilities."

“Especially those veteran officers from the Baoding clique, almost all of them praised him highly.”

Commander Liu was relieved to hear this: "I was right about Ding Wei. This kid is indeed a talent!"

The operations room was once again filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

The joy of victory, intertwined with an optimistic assessment of the future, made this winter day deep in the Taihang Mountains seem less cold.

Just as everyone was discussing the next steps in the development plan for the base.

A telegram was sent directly to the Eighth Route Army headquarters.

Just then, a communications officer strode in, carrying a newly translated telegram, breaking the conversation in the room.

"Reporting to the commander! Urgent telegram from the New Fourth Army's Jiangnan Command!"

Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to it.

The chief of staff took the telegram, glanced at it, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.

He handed the telegram to the deputy commander beside him and said in a strange tone, "Speak of the devil, and he appears."

"Chu Yunfei has made a new move."

The deputy commander unfolded the telegram and slowly read it aloud.

The telegram did not contain any information about the battle, but rather a confirmation of a list of supplies to be handed over.

"Twenty 60mm mortars, six 82mm mortars, two Shanxi-made 75mm mountain guns, twenty Type 92 light machine guns, ten Type 92 heavy machine guns, and various types of shells and bullets."

All supplies were secretly shipped from North China last night.

An eerie silence instantly fell over the operations room.

You can hear the needle drop.

Every one of those present was a veteran who had fought his way through countless battles.

They knew better than anyone how weighty this list truly was!
"My dear!"

A division commander gasped and exclaimed, "This isn't just a token of appreciation; it's like they've been completely rearmed!"

"With this group of guys, rebuilding a regiment wouldn't be a problem, let alone expanding to three more infantry regiments."

The deputy commander silently folded the telegram and put it back on the table.

Chu Yun's decisiveness and generosity in his actions once again exceeded everyone's expectations.

He wasn't just "repaying a favor."

It is also using this most direct and effective method to send them a clear signal.

The chief of staff slowly broke the silence, his voice tinged with emotion: "It seems that our Commander Chu is determined to carry this anti-Japanese national united front through to the end."

"Send a telegram to Yan'an and ask them to make a decision."

"agree."
-
In the blink of an eye, another five days have passed.

Zhangjiakou.

The temporary headquarters of the Northeast Advance Army in the city was set up in the former Governor's Office.

Bian Fucheng, dressed in a brand-new woolen overcoat, stood in front of a huge war sand table, intently simulating the upcoming Zhangbei offensive.

The office door was gently pushed open.

The newly appointed commander-in-chief, Wang Shihe, walked in slowly, carrying two steaming cups of coffee.

"Fu Cheng, are you still busy?"

His face wore a gentle smile, showing no airs of a newly appointed commander.

"Commander Wang."

Bian Fucheng quickly put down the putter and turned to salute.

"Hey, how many times have I told you?" Wang Shihe handed over a cup of coffee and waved his hand, "Between you and me, there's no need for such formalities."

"Come, have a taste. This is a fine coffee I brought from Chongqing. It was a gift from the Chairman before, who said it was imported."

Bian Fucheng took the coffee, and a rich aroma wafted over him, but he frowned slightly, as if he wasn't used to it.

Compared to this foreign stuff, he still preferred the strong, throat-burning liquor from beyond the Great Wall.

Wang Shihe seemed to see through his thoughts and said with a smile, "I know you Northeastern men like strong liquor."

"After this battle is over, I'll treat the brothers to a victory celebration!"

He walked to the sand table and looked at the city model surrounded by small blue flags on all sides. The smile on his face gradually faded.

"How are the preparations going? Are we ready to launch the final offensive?"

"Report to the commander-in-chief!"

Bian Fucheng put down his coffee cup, picked up his baton, and said in a loud, clear voice: "Our army completed the clearing of all outposts on the outskirts of Zhangbei three days ago!"

A total of four infantry regiments and two artillery battalions have all entered their designated attack positions!
The advance reconnaissance troops have infiltrated to the outskirts of Zhangbei City and conducted repeated close-range reconnaissance of the enemy's city defenses!

"According to the scouts, the garrison inside and outside Zhangbei County consists of an under-strength mixed regiment with a total strength of less than three thousand men."

As of now, their combat strength is probably less than 1,500 men.

Their main forces were deployed to the south and east of the city. The west and north of the city were relatively weakly defended.

"Our main attack will be directed towards the west of the city!"

Bian Fucheng's eyes blazed with fighting spirit: "I plan to launch a strong attack from the west gate with two battalions under the cover of artillery fire!"

Another battalion will feign an attack on the south gate to draw away the enemy's main force!

"Then send another regiment to ambush north of the city, waiting for the opportune moment to cut off the enemy's retreat!"

"It's a good plan indeed."

After listening, Wang Shihe nodded noncommittally.

He pondered for a moment, then asked a completely different question: "Fu Cheng, what do you think is the most urgent thing we need to fight this battle?"

Bian Fucheng was taken aback, then subconsciously replied, "Of course, we should take Zhangbei as quickly as possible with overwhelming force and sweep away the surrounding areas."

Wang Shihe slowly shook his head.

He walked to the sand table, picked up the small flags representing his own artillery positions, and planted them in Zhangbei County.

"In the 18th year of the Republic of China, an earthen wall was built on the foundation of the old city ruins. It was one zhang high, five chi wide at the base, and three chi wide at the top, with a circumference of six li and seventy-one steps. There were four gates: the Jian'an Gate in the south, the Dingyuan Gate in the north, the Yingxu Gate in the east, and the Fucheng Gate in the west. A moat surrounded the city. There were more than 500 businesses and more than 1,000 households inside the city."

In the twenty-fourth year, Zhangbei, being a strategically important location, was supplemented with the north and south barbicans built the previous year, and east and west barbicans were added. The south barbican was named "Mingde", the north one "Ningshuo", the east one "Guanghua", and the west one "Yangkun".

In 1936, according to the Qin-Tu Agreement, the Chahar East Garrison Command of the puppet Manchukuo sent a cavalry battalion to Zhangbei.

During the period of the puppet regime in Mengjiang, Zhangbei was the seat of the Chahar League government.

Wang Shihe then explained, "This is a politically important place, so the most crucial thing for us in this battle is not speed, but stability."

"We need to fight this battle to gauge the Japanese's strength and see if they will mobilize the elite troops of the Northeast Army for reinforcement, so as to help the joint command conduct a new round of strategic analysis."

Bian Fucheng scratched his head.

He was a pure soldier and hadn't really considered these things.

They were only thinking about how to take this place, how to minimize casualties, and where to attack after taking it.

As for the so-called political significance, Byun Fu-seong would only assess it when considering the number of enemy reinforcements, and that was all.

Wang Shihe patiently explained: "We are the Northeast Advance Army. This is the first shot fired by our National Revolutionary Army to return to the Northeast, and it is also a banner for the whole country!"
In this battle, we not only must win, but we must win decisively; naturally, we also need to control casualties.

"Does the commander-in-chief mean to get off to a good start?"

Wang Shihe said with a smile, "Yes, that's also the chief advisor's idea. We also want to show our strength in this battle, let the Japanese understand the situation, let the Soviets see our value, and send them a warning."

Bian Fucheng seemed to understand, but not quite: "So that's how it is."

"The national war situation is a game of chess. Our Northeast Advance Army is a brilliant move. No matter which direction we attack, the Japanese army will not be able to deal with us calmly. This means that our actions have a more profound significance."

"Whether we successfully completed the occupation mission or not, the fact that we tied down a large number of the main force of the Japanese Kwantung Army is the significance of our unit's existence..." (End of Chapter)