Bright Sword: Construction starts from southeastern Shanxi

It can be said that this time the number of artillery pieces of the entire Eighth Route Army began to increase in quantity, and the original 12 old artillery pieces and some mortars were no longer used for show.

However, what everyone is most interested in is the situation of the intercepted equipment and the development of 389. When they saw that there were nearly 500 devices intercepted this time, everyone was very excited and immediately called home to prepare to send military and industrial personnel to support.

The deputy chief of staff looked at the troop organization information sent by Zeng Jiwen and couldn't help but sigh to the deputy commander.

"Deputy Commander, I, your old classmate, will probably have to ask you for a new designation before next year."

The deputy commander was puzzled when he heard this. He picked up the telegram and read the content of it sent by Zeng Jiwen. He saw that Zeng Jiwen had added 84th to 89th regiments, and expanded three artillery regiments, an engineering regiment, and a special regiment. After these regiments were formed and basically formed combat effectiveness, the construction of local regiments would probably have to start immediately in batches.

The deputy commander was stunned by the speed of the troops. He smiled and said, "Ten main regiments, four directly affiliated regiments, plus the directly affiliated artillery, engineers, and his precious regiment, the total strength is over 30,000 people, and it's only been a few months."

"Your division needs to work harder. Now it's not even half as good as Zeng Jiwen." The deputy commander smiled at the division commander.

"Yes, this does not include his troops in various places. Including the local regiments and militias, the total number is probably over 50,000." The deputy chief of staff agreed.

"Where did he get so many people? There are only a few hundred thousand people in Heshun Xiyang area. How can he support so many troops?" someone asked in confusion.

The deputy chief of staff laughed after hearing this and explained, "He Zeng Jiwen said that he was operating in the Xiyang and Heshun areas, but he had already extended his hand."

"The 781st and 82nd Regiments were already active in the Yushe area. This time, the newly formed 84th Regiment was dispatched to neighboring Wuxiang, Liaoxian, Xiangheng, Neiqiu, and Licheng. Newly formed units have been deployed to each of them. The entire intersection of southeastern Shanxi and western Hebei has now become Zeng Jiwen's defense zone."

"In a few months, these new places will probably start forming local groups." The deputy chief of staff said, pointing to the map.

The deputy commander pondered the map for a long time before saying, "It seems we can move our strategy forward. We previously planned to have Commander Xu's troops take part of the troops and advance towards central Hebei. Southern Hebei can be completely handed over to Zeng Jiwen, who can then continue to advance towards western Shandong and northern Henan."

"The 129th Division will continue to advance into southern Shanxi and northern Henan, blocking the Japanese army's north-south transportation. After a few years, the situation will improve significantly."

Everyone looked at the map, discussed continuously, and agreed with the deputy commander's judgment.

At this time, Zeng Jiwen took his guards to visit Liu Guifu, Zhang Kai and his group who had been rescued and settled.

After arriving at the place where the workers who had been rescued earlier were, Zeng Jiwen met Liu Guifu and Zhang Kai who were resting.

"Chief Engineer Liu, Chief Engineer Zhang, I was busy with the brigade affairs and didn't have time to visit you. How are you these days?" Zeng Jiwen said to the two people who were discussing in the yard.

Liu Guifu and Zhang Kai were delighted to see Zeng Jiwen come to visit them personally, and they said quickly,

"What are you talking about, Commander Zeng? We were in trouble and your army saved our lives. I will never forget your kindness!" Liu Guifu said excitedly.

"If your army hadn't saved us this time, our future lives would be in jeopardy." He was filled with emotion as he spoke.

Zeng Jiwen and Liu Guifu immediately began to exchange pleasantries. From the current poor and weak situation of China to the development of the country's industrial construction, both of them were impressed by Zeng Jiwen's views. They sighed that his reputation was indeed well-deserved. He was worthy of being a hero in the fight against the Japanese army, and his analysis of the current situation in China was thorough and accurate.