A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

The officers and soldiers of the Third Regiment of the Training Corps immediately felt the decisiveness of the new regimental commander. Unlike other unit commanders who were smooth and worldly-wise and had two faces, the new regimental commander was strict with regulations and training.

The soldiers quickly realized that Song Hongfei was serious. Those who had barely passed the initial selection but failed to meet the basic physical and tactical training standards required by his training syllabus were transferred to the supplementary regiment. He really showed no mercy.

Looking at the soldiers with tears in their eyes, unwilling to be driven away, Song Hongfei felt a pang of pity. He knew these soldiers were elites and key personnel in other units as well. But time was of the essence; quickly building up the unit's combat effectiveness was the top priority.

This delighted the other regiments, especially the replenishment regiment, who opened their doors to welcome the elite soldiers from the Third Regiment.

Because he selected a group of people from the sergeant camp, and many people came to him because of his reputation, the regiment's organization could not accommodate so many grassroots sergeant backbones. He even had a happy trouble feeling, and he had the right to pick and choose the best of the best.

At a regimental meeting, Song Hongfei publicly declared: "In the army, there is only first place, no second! Second place means failure! My regiment must be the strongest; only the most outstanding individuals will remain!"

Song Hongfei's words instilled a strong sense of crisis in the officers and soldiers. Many of them were thinking: "We finally got in, and we haven't even settled in yet, and now they're going to weed people out? Wouldn't any of these people be welcomed with open arms if they went to any other unit?"

He wanted to instill in the soldiers the idea that they should always be aware of the dangers of training and that they should train hard and proactively.

Song Hongfei's high-standard meals made the soldiers of the Third Regiment plump and strong, with boundless energy that they could not contain. Although the rigorous tactical training every day was tough, they could handle it.

The solid food and pay were a major reason why so many soldiers followed him and why those who were eliminated were so unwilling to accept their fate. Song Hongfei's troops strictly prohibited the withholding of rations and pay, which was enough to motivate the soldiers to train desperately in order not to be eliminated.

The reason why the soldiers who were relegated to the replenishment regiment were so unwilling was largely because the replenishment regiment was always just a reserve unit, and the salary standard was lower than that of the officially designated units.

Song Hongfei also knew that officers couldn't embezzle, otherwise they wouldn't get any extra money. He would always feel resentful seeing officers from other units making a fortune. He himself admitted that he dared to do this because of his family background and the fact that the highest-ranking officers valued and favored him greatly.

Whenever he tested any advanced tactics or methods in the sergeant camp, or won in training evaluations or assessments, or achieved a victory like in the Battle of Chishui River, the Military Commission would always give them a generous reward! This money was received openly and honestly, without any risk of resorting to underhanded means to exploit the soldiers, making it a win-win situation in terms of both fame and fortune!

The top leadership clearly and directly gave this guiding principle: good training, strong combat effectiveness, and the ability to win battles will lead to good treatment! This created a virtuous cycle, with the troops training with great enthusiasm and everyone vying to earn merit and receive awards.

Commander Gui was adept at reading his superiors' intentions. He transferred every penny of the reward from the Ministry of Military Affairs directly to Song Hongfei. Song Hongfei knew that without this reward, it would be impossible to unite everyone from top to bottom, and he naturally wouldn't be able to implement such bold and decisive measures.

However, other units really can't do this, and others don't understand modern tactics and methods. They can only envy Song Hongfei while secretly criticizing his nepotism.

The soldiers transferred to other units trained with all their might, practicing bayonet drills shirtless and shouting in the freezing mornings. They were spurred on by their shame and secretly vowed: One day, I will return as king.

The other regimental commanders and Commander Gui were all amazed by the fiery enthusiasm for training displayed by the soldiers. These soldiers also inspired others, creating a positive atmosphere and cycle, and setting off a new wave of training and strengthening the army in the training corps.

The Spring Festival is just around the corner, and Song Hongfei, who is usually extremely busy, has been enjoying a rare moment of leisure.

That day, Commander Gui summoned Song Hongfei to the headquarters and said, "The training of all units in the headquarters has been in full swing and morale is high during this period. The basic tactical training is now basically coming to an end and the results are very good. You have worked hard! The New Year is coming soon. Except for the recruit camp, the training pace of the troops should be slowed down appropriately. It's about balancing work and rest."

"After the New Year, there will still be a lot to do. The formation and training of the armored cavalry battalion have gradually begun to get on track. As you know, for the sake of secrecy, the training of the vehicle crews and the infantry-tank joint training are usually conducted at the training ground within the camp. The water training subjects will be conducted at the Mufushan training ground. Each unit will take turns to train there, and at the same time, they will carry out infantry-artillery joint training with the Baguazhou artillery range. You will have to take charge of this personally."

"Yes!" Song Hongfei nodded, taking notes as he did so.

Gui Shuaizhen looked at Song Hongfei again and smiled, "Now you are the commander of a fully-equipped unit. The army is not only about military affairs, but also about human relationships. During holidays, you should visit your superiors at all levels to show your face. I know you don't like these things, but this is not about forming cliques or using connections. It's just normal social interaction."

These words were truly an eye-opener. Song Hongfei nodded and smiled somewhat awkwardly. He couldn't help but be somewhat convinced, thinking that Captain Gui was known for his organizational and interpersonal skills, and his expertise in this area was truly remarkable.

Gui Shuaizhen added, "General Xu of the Armored Corps and Du Guangting, the commander of the Armored Corps Regiment, have always been resentful about transferring the tank company into our brigade. Find some time to contact me and improve our relationship, since we need to maintain a good relationship between our two corps in the future."

Song Hongfei couldn't help but laugh and said, "I heard that Commander Du was furious about this and almost wanted to fight you, the Chief Commander."

Gui Shuaizhen laughed and said, "It's really not easy to make them reluctantly part with their war chariots! This Du Guangting has always regarded them as his lifeblood."

Jinling, on the banks of the Qinhuai River.

"Smoke shrouds the cold water, moonlight veils the scene; moored at night on the Qinhuai River near a wine shop." Tang Dynasty poet Du Mu not only wrote about the beautiful waters and moonlight of the Qinhuai River, which are imbued with the charm and romance of the ancient capital, but also described the bustling scene of wine shops and restaurants lining both banks of the Qinhuai River.

Kuiguang Pavilion stands by the river, with courtyards and corridors, and a stone boat overlooking the water. Inside, the pavilion is decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, exuding a unique elegance that combines rustic charm with luxurious style. It is renowned for its exquisite tea snacks and the "Eight Delicacies of Qinhuai". Gui Yongqing and Song Hongfei hosted Xu Yuexiang and Du Guangting here, and Song Hongfei even brought several bottles of fine aged Shaoxing Nu'er Hong wine.

Commander Gui smiled broadly, raised his glass and said, "Today I am here specifically to express my gratitude to Commander Xu and Brother Guangting. It is thanks to your kind consideration that the Training Corps has been able to achieve this situation."

Xu Yuexiang and Du Guangting were genuinely distressed about the loss of their vehicles and personnel, but since Gui Shuaizhen was acting under the banner of the Military Commission, there was nothing they could do. As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face; since Commander Gui had adopted a humble attitude today, they couldn't afford to be cold to him.

Xu Yuexiang feigned indignation and said, "You cunning Gui Shuaizhen, you've come to my backyard to make your move."

Gui Shuaizhen smiled apologetically and said, "How could I dare? Commander Xu is joking."

Du Guangting retorted angrily, "Don't give me that! You wiped out an entire tank company and an armored reconnaissance company in one fell swoop. I've been heartbroken and haven't been able to sleep for days."

Gui Shuaizhen laughed again, "Brother Guangting, calm down, calm down. My brother manages his subordinates well, and his elite troops are renowned. They have expanded our territory by coming to my brigade. I am extremely grateful for your help! Come, this cup is made of 30-year-old fine daughter's red wine. I will drink it first as a sign of respect!"

It must be said that Captain Gui is indeed skilled in social interactions, and the atmosphere has been made relaxed and harmonious.

Xu Yuexiang looked at Song Hongfei and said, "You little rascal, you've really made a name for yourself with your combined arms tactics. You're the one who started this, aren't you? Were you planning this all along? You were eyeing my chariots during the Battle of Xijing!"

Song Hongfei quickly raised his glass and said frankly, "I won't lie in front of a real person. Commander Xu's armored forces are formidable and his troops are strong and well-equipped. My unit longs for the combined arms capability of infantry and tanks, but we are unable to do so without the necessary resources..."

Du Guangting said with a hint of helplessness, "Brother Song, you have quite the appetite."

Gui Shuaizhen said, "To be honest, we were originally content with getting some armored vehicles, but we didn't expect the higher-ups' intentions. We are truly apprehensive and have no choice but to comply."

Du Guangting stared at him and said, "Alright, alright, don't be so timid. Just be happy about it and don't pretend to be innocent after getting the benefit."

Gui Shuaizhen then said with a smile, "Brother Guangting, look at what you're saying. Aren't the German Panzer I tanks already deployed all over the armored corps? Commander Xu and Brother Guangting have upgraded from ragtag guns to cannons. Everyone is envious."

Du Guangting laughed and said, "If it weren't for the new chariot, don't blame me for fighting you to the death."

Everyone couldn't help but laugh, so they drank another cup, and everyone was in high spirits.

"We had a discussion in Germany last year, but I never expected you to end up in the Training Corps." Xu Yuexiang looked at Song Hongfei, then at Gui Shuaizhen. "Commander Gui really infuriated us!"

He continued, "Speaking of these new German tanks, it's all thanks to the research results you, Hongfei, were used as leverage to get them! How about it, Hongfei, want to join my armored corps? These new tanks are far more advanced than Vickers tanks."

Gui Shuaizhen was startled, and almost couldn't swallow the half mouthful of rice wine in her mouth.

Before Song Hongfei could speak, Gui Shuaizhen hurriedly said, "Commander Xu is joking again. You have plenty of capable people under your command. Don't try to undermine us. Besides, Hongfei is now a regimental commander. Given our country's situation, even if the armored corps is expanded, it will only be at the regimental level. Hongfei has to consider his future."

Du Guangting suddenly spoke up, saying quietly, "What's the problem? If Hongfei comes to take my place as Major General Regiment Commander, I'll welcome him with open arms! Besides, can't a dignified armored soldier like me have another Major General rank?"

Seeing Du Guangting's serious expression, Gui Shuaizhen wondered if he was being genuine. She thought to herself, "These two old foxes have finally shown their true colors. Could it be that they also have such a purpose in coming here today?"

He hurriedly said, "The major general's authority rests with the principal; it's not up to you to decide."

Seeing his genuinely anxious expression, Xu Yuexiang and Du Guangting secretly chuckled.

Song Hongfei tried to smooth things over, saying, "Generals, please don't make fun of me anymore. I'm just a brick in the revolution, ready to be moved wherever needed. I, Song Hongfei, am content as long as I can do my part for the country and the nation."

His words were so eloquent and respectful that the generals couldn't help but feel a sense of respect for him.

Xu Yuexiang laughed and said, "Now, Captain Gui has tasted the bitterness of having his love stolen away."

Everyone burst into laughter again, and then they drank another cup.

Xu Yuexiang said earnestly, "Infantry-tank coordination and mechanized warfare are entirely new topics worldwide, and our country is actually at the forefront! It's hard to believe, like a dream. We have to thank you, Hongfei! We will give you our full support in your research and training of mechanized warfare tactics."

Both Song Hongfei and Gui Shuaizhen felt a sense of relief and immense gratitude.

Xu Yuexiang said, "In terms of individual branches of service, we are inferior to our opponents. If we do not form a united force, we will be easily defeated one by one. The coordination and cooperation between infantry and armored forces needs to be promoted. I think the training corps, the logistics school, and the armored corps can strengthen exchanges in peacetime, and further enhance coordination and cooperation in tactics research, training, and live-fire exercises. In modern mechanized warfare, infantrymen need to understand tank tactics, and armored forces need to understand infantry tactics."

The "father of armored forces" had a visionary perspective and insightful views that the three of them couldn't help but agree with and admire.

Xu Yuexiang continued, "This is our secret weapon, and we must remain vigilant in maintaining secrecy! The situation is urgent, and with a formidable enemy at hand, we absolutely cannot allow them to discover it! As you all know, the detailed report on the armored assault operation in the Battle of Xijing has been classified as top secret by the Military Commission! The German military advisory group is very interested in it, and the German military wants to make a deal with us. When conducting infantry-tank combined arms training, we must be extremely careful to maintain secrecy!"

Gui Shuaizhen and Song Hongfei exchanged a glance and solemnly said, "Our corps' armored cavalry battalion also took this into consideration during training. Regular training and infantry-tank coordination training are conducted at the camp training ground. We only go to the Yanziji training ground for actual vehicle crossings. Infantry-tank coordination is not conducted outside the camp."

"That's excellent!" Xu Yuexiang nodded. "A tank company is bound to be stretched thin. When the time is right, the Training Corps can send troops to the Armored Corps for joint training. This will allow both sides to exchange ideas more, saving costs and increasing efficiency—a win-win situation!"

Gui Shuaizhen and Song Hongfei were overjoyed and filled with admiration: "Yes! Commander Xu is truly farsighted!"

Several Nationalist Army officers who were at the forefront of research on mechanized warfare at the time then engaged in a heated and in-depth discussion.

As dusk settles, the Qinhuai River shimmers with iridescent light, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.