The War of Resistance: My Expedition, My Country

"It seems we can only move northwest!" Qin Shi's eyes revealed determination and courage. He knew clearly that he couldn't fight the Japanese directly for the time being because they were not strong enough. Going north or east was not feasible, and going south was not a good idea either, so the only option now was west.

Zhou Hu suggested: "Should we consider taking a detour into eastern Burma and joining up with the Overseas Chinese Guerrilla Detachment?"

Qin Shi flatly rejected the idea: "No! Although the Zen people of eastern Myanmar support the Overseas Chinese Guerrilla Detachment, they are a mixed bunch. The Japanese army is amassing heavy troops to attack southern Yunnan. If we go there, we will likely expose the guerrilla detachment's strength. They are too weak, and we cannot bring them trouble. Eastern and northeastern Myanmar need a period of secret and stable development to provide a strong guarantee for subsequent operations."

Zhou Hu then asked, "So, how will we get supplies when we enter the northwest? After all, the column and the first detachment already have over 5000 people. Entering the primitive area, food supply will be the biggest risk."

Qin Shi thought about it and suggested dividing the troops: "Separate the column and the first detachment. In guerrilla warfare, concentrating personnel together is not conducive to deployment and flexible operations."

"How to divide it? You know, apart from the directly affiliated brigade, the main tasks of the other departments of the column are also training, intelligence, logistics and other institutions. Moreover, there are many newcomers and their combat effectiveness is not strong." Zhou Hu said worriedly.

Qin Shi's finger slid across the map and he said with determination: "The direct battalion and the 2nd Battalion of the 96st Detachment will follow the column from the west around northern Myanmar and enter here, Grape. This is the place where the 96th Division passed during their retreat. Although this place belongs to the Kachin area, the people here have always regarded themselves as Chinese. It is completely feasible to establish a rear base for the column here. Moreover, the US and British Air Forces have made airdrops to the th Division in this area many times. When the time comes, establishing an airdrop base will be able to better guarantee our supply of materials." Qin Shi's eyes were full of confidence and determination. He believed that this plan could provide better guarantees for the future development of the column.

Zhou Hu didn't answer immediately, but instead carefully analyzed the map, considering the circuitous route and the current personnel situation. Qin Shi, aware of Zhou Hu's concerns, immediately said, "Deputy Commander, don't worry too much. Let's all travel light. Throw away all unnecessary pots and pans. Prioritize food, weapons, and ammunition. Once we reach the destination, contact the Air Force; we'll have everything!"

Zhou Hu understood what Qin Shi meant. He said with regret, "I feel bad for those 105mm howitzers. We finally dug them out from the 55th Division's burial site, and now we have to..."

Qin Shi said, "A cannon without shells is just a burden. Besides, we may not be able to bury it this time. We have to blow it up! We can't leave it to the Japanese."

Zhou Hu nodded, having made up his mind. He said, "Commander, I know you won't let me stay and lead the team. I won't argue with you about this. You must take all the artillery directly under the column, except for those field artillery and howitzer trainees. The direct battalion has fought the strongest, so you must take them too. I will lead the 2nd Battalion and the rest of the column to Putao to establish our true rear base!"

Qin Shi nodded and then shook his head. After a moment's thought, he said, "One battalion is too few to guard the entire column. Let the 2nd and 5th battalions follow you." Then, Qin Shi took another look at the map of northern Myanmar and said affectionately, "This was once our homeland. I will never give up!"

Zhou Hu had been with Qin Shi for some time, and he understood what Qin Shi meant. He then said, "Even if it costs me my life, I will protect the Chinese homeland for future generations!"

Qin Shi looked at Zhou Hu and read the determination of a pure Chinese soldier in his eyes! Then the two of them held each other's hands tightly, without saying anything more!

Intelligence Chief Wei Wei received the order to move in with the column. She immediately rushed over, found Qin Shi and Zhou Hu, and said anxiously, "Commander, Vice Commander, I want to stay with the First Detachment, follow the Commander!"

Qin Shi said flatly: "No! You are the intelligence director of the column, and you also take care of political training. At this time, the deputy commander needs you, and the column needs you even more!"

Zhou Hu understood Wei Wei's feelings. Qin Shi and Wei Wei had been in frequent contact for some time, and Wei Wei had gradually developed an inexplicable affection for the guerrilla commander. As fellow Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics intelligence officers, Zhou Hu and Wei Wei were not supposed to be romantically involved. For some reason, Zhou Hu didn't try to stop Wei Wei, but rather hoped that they would make progress in this area.

Zhou Hu said, "Commander, let Director Wei stay. After all, it's more convenient to have her around to handle some intelligence. You're fighting on the front lines, so the timeliness of intelligence is even more important!"

Qin Shi had long since noticed some of Wei Wei's differences with him. As someone who had experienced this, he naturally understood Wei Wei's intentions. At this moment, Qin Shi's mind was completely focused on defeating Japan and rebuilding the country. Putting that aside, having an intelligence deputy by his side would indeed be invaluable. However, considering Wei Wei's position as a member of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, Qin Shi absolutely did not want anyone around him to have any different ideas until he had accomplished the brothers' initial goal.

Qin Shi shook her head and said, "The troops are engaged in combat exercises every day, and a woman would have many inconveniences in doing so. It would be better for Major Wei to stay with the deputy commander in the rear."

Wei Wei's heart tightened when she heard Qin Shi's words, and a hint of disappointment and resentment flashed across her eyes. She said excitedly, "Commander, are you looking down on women? I'm also a soldier. I've undergone professional military training and am no less capable than anyone else. If you don't believe me, Commander, you can try. I can do anything a soldier can do!"

Qin Shi was at a loss for a moment in the face of Wei Wei's persistence. He looked at Wei Wei with a touch of admiration.

Zhou Hu couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He quickly added, "Commander, don't underestimate Director Wei. She's proficient in all kinds of firearms and has consistently won first place in the mid-level training class in personal tactics. Just let her stay. I believe she can do her job well!" His voice was firm; he believed in Wei Wei's abilities.

Qin Shi nodded reluctantly, agreeing to Wei Wei's company. He felt a little helpless. He knew Wei Wei's abilities, but he also understood her identity. He secretly told himself to remain vigilant and not let Wei Wei's identity affect his judgment and actions.

Wei Wei jumped up happily and ran out quickly to arrange the work of the Intelligence Department and the Political Training Department. Zhou Hu smiled and said, "Commander Qin, please don't let them down."

Qin Shi looked at Zhou Hu and couldn't help but smile bitterly. He knew what Zhou Hu meant, but he also understood his responsibilities and mission. He secretly told himself that he must stay sober and not let his emotions affect his judgment and actions.