Bright Sword: Japs, times have changed

Upon hearing this, Director Zhang immediately became anxious. He could see that the boss really didn't have the patience to continue playing house with him.

Before Director Zhang could speak, the boss spoke first, "Director Zhang, you're also a seasoned veteran. You must know what the Japanese flag represents to the devils. With their pride, they absolutely won't sit idly by and watch us make such a fuss with this flag."

"If I use this plaster flag to make a deal with the Japanese, I believe that guy Shinozuka Yoshio will be willing to meet all the conditions I offer. Even if I ask him to withdraw his troops from northwest Shanxi, it is not impossible."

"Not to mention weapons and equipment. As long as I ask, that old devil Shinozuka Yoshio will give me enough equipment for a brigade. Compared to that, the equipment for just one or two battalions..."

The boss didn't continue, but the meaning was very clear.

Director Zhang also knew that what the boss said was true, and it was not impossible for the Japanese to withdraw their troops.

The Japanese are very conceited and will definitely think that they can occupy northwestern Shanxi a second time after the deal is reached.

Director Zhang's expression changed again and again. Since he couldn't convince the boss with the price, he decided to try another approach: "Boss, Shinozuka Yoshio is our biggest enemy in the Second War Zone. In other words, we can't do business with the devils no matter what!"

In fact, Director Zhang wanted to say that making a deal with the Japanese is no different from being a traitor.

But in the end he didn't dare say it out loud, fearing that it would backfire.

The boss responded nonchalantly, "There's nothing we can do about it. Director Zhang, you know the Eighth Route Army's situation. They're so poor they can barely afford to eat. If I, as their leader, don't think of a solution, not only will the team's combat effectiveness be jeopardized, they'll even have trouble getting enough to eat."

"We have no choice but to make a deal with the Japs. Besides, it's not a significant deal. The Japs getting a plaster flag won't have any impact on our army. On the contrary, with weapons and equipment, the team's combat effectiveness will be improved, making it easier to defeat the Japs."

"By then, let alone the plaster flag, even the Japanese major general can be captured alive."

Director Zhang was suddenly speechless.

It was not until now that he understood what Commander Yan said: no one can be impoverished but the Eighth Route Army cannot. Otherwise, they would dare to do anything when they get angry!

As things have developed to this point, Director Zhang really wants to slap himself twice. If he had not thought about taking kickbacks from the beginning, he would not have ended up in this situation.

The boss's words just now were meant for Director Zhang to hear. He wanted to tell him not to try to fool him. If he can't show some sincerity, there's no need to discuss this matter.

Director Zhang is now in a dilemma. If the boss only wants weapons and equipment for a regiment, it is not a problem. He can refuse kickbacks. As long as the mission is completed, he will naturally receive commendation from Commander Yan when he returns.

But after hearing what the boss said, he realized how big the boss's appetite was. He asked for the equipment of an entire brigade, and everyone knew that this was impossible.

Director Zhang coughed and said, "Boss, based on my understanding of Commander Yan, I think a regiment's worth of weapons and equipment is already Commander Yan's bottom line. Add in the commended battalion's equipment, and it's not a small amount."

"To be honest, this is the bottom line I can reach. If the boss is still not satisfied, then this matter will have to be dropped."

By now, both sides have had a complete showdown, and the boss also knows that a regiment's weapons and equipment is Yan Laoxi's bottom line.

This was exactly the price he had expected. To be honest, if he really wanted the equipment for a brigade, even a plaster flag would not be worth this price.

The reason why Yan Laoxi could now exchange it for a regiment's weapons and equipment was mainly because the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army was in urgent need of morale boosting, and Yan Laoxi was more aiming for this first place.

Since the Anti-Japanese War, the first complete Japanese military flag captured is in my hands, Yan Laoxi. If this news gets out, he will be very proud.

For the Eighth Route Army, these are all necessary. Only weapons and ammunition can be real rewards.

Just accept it as soon as you see fit.

The boss's expression suddenly changed. He smiled and said, "Director Zhang really cares about the Eighth Route Army. If I really made a deal with the devils, I would be a traitor."

"Since Director Zhang is so generous, how can I not help him?"

Hearing this, Director Zhang looked at the boss in disbelief and asked, "Boss, what do you mean..."

"Isn't the boss's meaning obvious enough?"

The chief of staff smiled and replied, "The boss agreed to help him."

Director Zhang suppressed his excitement and said, "That's great. I'll report to Commander Yan right away."

……

Second Theater Command.

Yan Laoxi was playing chess with Zhang Riming, and was also waiting for news from the Eighth Route Army.

The two seemed very confident about this matter, believing that the price offered would be impossible for the Eighth Route Army to refuse.

At this time, there was a knock on the door.

Zhang Riming quickly stood up, opened the door, and then read a telegram: "General Manager, the matter has been settled. Director Zhang said that the Eighth Route Army leader wants the weapons and equipment of a regiment and a battalion, and 50,000 silver dollars. In exchange, he will give you the Japanese flag and the shoulder straps of the Japanese major general."

After hearing this, Yan Laoxi remained silent, with no expression on his face. It was impossible to tell what his mood was at the moment.

Zhang Riming stood there quietly, breathing very carefully, for fear of disturbing Yan Laoxi's thoughts.

After a long while, Yan Laoxi said, "If that's the case, let's make this happen as soon as possible."

"Riming, you will personally deliver this batch of supplies. Once you arrive at the Eighth Route Army headquarters, bring back the military flag and epaulettes. Let Meng Ting find an excuse to stay at the headquarters. I need him to dig up more intelligence."

"Yes!"

Zhang Riming put down the telegram in his hand and saluted, "General Manager, I will go and prepare it now."

"Go."

…………

Telegrams were exchanged.

Director Zhang received a reply from Yan Laoxi from the theater command. After reading it carefully, he immediately went back to inform the boss.

"Boss, it's done."

Director Zhang repeated everything Yan Laoxi had said in reply, and finally said with a smile, "To show our sincerity, Commander Yan has already sent someone to prepare the necessary weapons and equipment. They will be delivered by Zhang Riming, Commander Yan's trusted confidant. When he arrives, he will take away the exchanged items."

The Chief of Staff was stunned when he heard this and asked, "Then Director Zhang, aren't you going back with us?"

"Oh, that's right. Commander Yan ordered me to stay for a few more days."

Director Zhang smiled and said, "Commander Yan's intention is to let me stay here and learn more from your department to strengthen the relationship between the two armies."

The boss snorted softly, "Director Zhang, let Xiao Li take you to visit the headquarters of the 129th Division."

Without giving Director Zhang a chance to object, the boss gave the order directly: "Xiao Li, go and prepare to send Director Zhang to the 129th Division Headquarters this afternoon."

"Yes!"

Director Zhang was kicked out just like that. On the way to the division headquarters, he was still wondering what went wrong?

It can't be that the boss is just getting rid of him, right?