A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

With the framework of the two regiments already in place, the integration and training of the troops became the most pressing issues, and everything was incredibly complex.

The 6th Regiment, formed from the original supplementary regiment, had basically all received a series of advanced troop tactics training, except for the newly recruited soldiers. However, most of the soldiers had never been on the battlefield.

The core soldiers of the sergeant battalion of the brigade were assigned to three brigades, but the number was far from enough.

Song Hongfei made adjustments in the two regiments of his brigade, transferring a group of veterans and key personnel from the 3rd Regiment to the 6th Regiment to serve as squad leaders and deputy squad leaders, so as to give full play to the role of veterans in mentoring and guiding others, and also transferring soldiers who had never fought in combat from the 6th Regiment.

Firstly, it addresses the promotion arrangements for veterans and non-commissioned officers in the 3rd Regiment; secondly, it allows the 6th Regiment to quickly achieve combat readiness.

Song Hongfei stood on the high platform by the training ground, watching the soldiers training enthusiastically. Their technical and tactical movements were all quite good, and their squad tactical formations were also executed quite well.

“It’s quite easy to tell whether a soldier has seen combat or not,” Song Hongfei said, turning to the two regimental commanders beside him. “Time waits for no one. How to quickly build up combat effectiveness is the most pressing issue. Training must be based on realistic combat scenarios, and the veterans who have come from the battlefield must play their due role.”

"Reporting to the brigade commander, the chief of staff wants you to come to his office immediately," a messenger ran over to report.

"Okay, I understand. Go ahead," Song Hongfei said.

He then turned to the two regimental commanders and instructed them: "Commanders at all levels should also give these key personnel ample room to demonstrate their abilities. This is a valuable lesson learned from the battlefield!"

"Yes, we understand," Liu Zishu and Ma Weilong nodded.

They all understood that after the Japanese army occupied Shanghai, their offensive momentum was aimed directly at Nanjing, the situation was dire, and time was of the essence.

Song Hongfei arrived at Captain Gui's office.

Two people had already entered the room, and Captain Gui was sitting on the guest sofa talking to them.

When Gui Shuaizhen saw him arrive, she said, "It seems there's no need for introductions; you all know each other."

Song Hongfei knew both of them. One was Lieutenant General Zou Zuohua, the Director of Artillery of the National Revolutionary Army. Director Zou had previously visited the Training Corps to observe infantry-artillery coordination training, and the two had met before.

Zou Zuohua smiled and said, "Of course I know him."

"Director Zou! Commander Peng!" The group shook hands.

Another one is Peng Mengji, the commander of the 10th Artillery Regiment, who was recently asked by Song Hongfei to clear mines to help the artillery vehicles cross the bridge. The 10th Artillery Regiment is stationed in Jurong, not far from Nanjing.

Peng Mengji said, "I didn't expect that after only a few days, Regiment Commander Song would become Brigade Commander Song. This is truly a cause for celebration."

"Ah, it's just a small step forward," Song Hongfei said.

Gui Shuaizhen laughed and said, "Director Zou and Commander Peng specifically requested to see you."

"Oh?" Song Hongfei couldn't help but be puzzled.

Zou Zuohua said, "I will get straight to the point. I have come here today specifically to express my gratitude to Brigade Commander Song."

"Thank me?" Song Hongfei was confused for a moment.

Zou Zuohua said with a smile, "After the 10th Artillery Regiment withdrew, Regiment Commander Peng Mengji specifically reported to me about being trapped on the Meipu Highway Bridge. It was thanks to Brigade Commander Song's intervention that the artillery regiment was able to escape safely and that this important national asset was preserved. I have come here to express my gratitude."

Song Hongfei then realized what was going on and quickly said, "We're comrades on the battlefield, it's our duty, no need for thanks."

“Of course, Brigade Commander Song, please don’t refuse anymore,” Zou Zuohua and Peng Mengji said.

Zou Zuohua took out two checks from the Central Bank and handed them over, saying, "This is a token of our appreciation for the brothers of the Training Corps and the 3rd Regiment. It's just a small token of our appreciation, but we hope you will accept it."

"Absolutely not!" Song Hongfei was a little dumbfounded and quickly declined.

“Why not? Commander Song, don’t worry about it,” Zou Zuohua said with a smile. “If you insist on saying no, then you can’t refuse anymore. Let me state first that I have already reported to Minister He, and it was Minister He who gave his approval. It is on behalf of the Artillery Command to express our appreciation to the meritorious troops. This is official business.”

Zou Zuohua continued, “I am unworthy to hold the position of Inspector General of Artillery, but there is something I must say. Since the start of the war, many units have been afraid of enemy bombing and the prospect of Japanese attacks and artillery counterattacks, so they have not dared to provide cover for the artillery or even coordinate with it. This is contrary to the principles of modern warfare. Brigade Commander Song has set an excellent example for the entire army and should be commended and rewarded to inspire others.”

Director Zou spoke in a very respectable manner, even invoking Minister He's name, claiming it was both official business and an expression of respect for superiors. Logically and emotionally, it did indeed seem like an inescapable refusal.

As the saying goes, social interactions are everywhere, and those who are involved in them cannot avoid them.

The checks, each worth 20,000 yuan, were given, one to the brigade headquarters and the other to the 3rd Training Regiment. The shrewdness and worldliness involved are self-evident and quite subtle. Since he wanted to curry favor, he couldn't just give one to a subordinate and not a superior; what would that say about the superior's reputation? How would they maintain their relationship in the future?

This favor was significant; back then, 100 yuan could buy two cows.

Gui Shuaizhen and Song Hongfei exchanged a glance. They both knew that this "comfort" was just a matter of social etiquette. The so-called official business had gone through Minister He, but in reality, there was no official document or record.

Commander Gui pondered for a moment, then said, half-openly, "It would be reasonable to offer consolation and encouragement to the 3rd Regiment for its merit in preserving artillery weapons and equipment. But to give this to the brigade would be an undeserved honor."

Commander Gui's words also implied that "commendation" must be legitimate. The superiors of the Training Corps are the Ministry of Military Affairs and the Military Commission. The Artillery General Headquarters and the Training Corps are not in a superior-subordinate relationship, so how can there be any commendation? This needs to be explained.

How could the shrewd and experienced Director Zou not tell the difference?

"Commander Gui is too kind. Please don't worry about it," Zou Zuohua said with a smile. "The infantry-artillery coordination of the Training Corps is unparalleled in the National Army. Under Commander Gui's command, the Corps has achieved numerous victories and set an example for all National Army units in the use of artillery. It is not only well deserved, but also only right and proper."

"This is also the second purpose of my visit with Regiment Commander Peng today, which is to further discuss with your unit the application of modern artillery tactics. Infantry-artillery coordination, indirect aiming, and firing according to the map are techniques that your unit has been practicing for a long time, which is exactly what the National Army lacks. Artillery cannot function without the cooperation of infantry. The General Headquarters of Artillery is trying to carry out research on artillery tactics throughout the army."

Director Zou is incredibly adept at navigating interpersonal relationships, leaving no room for error. He takes care of everyone, from superiors to subordinates, exchanging favors, building relationships, and maintaining connections, all all while maintaining a perfectly legitimate facade.

Song Hongfei was filled with mixed feelings. As his position rose and he came into contact with more people, he realized that those who reached the top in this world had truly extraordinary interpersonal relationships and connections. They were all incredibly shrewd and cunning individuals, each with hundreds of schemes at their disposal. He was still far from being as capable as them.

Song Hongfei said, "In that case, why don't you, Director Zou, add an artillery battalion to our training brigade? If we can get Commander Peng's 150mm heavy guns, that would be best, but a Bofors 75mm gun battalion would also be fine."

Captain Gui couldn't help but laugh out loud: "If that's the case, then that would be the best."

Zou Zuohua and Peng Mengji both gasped.

Zou Zuohua laughed and said, "Brother Hongfei, that's quite a generous gesture. Even if I, as the Director of Artillery, were willing, I couldn't make the decision on my own; the principal would have to agree."

Peng Mengji also laughed and said, "Only two heavy artillery regiments have been delivered nationwide, and only the 10th Artillery Regiment has formed combat capability. Both the northern and southern battlefields are vying to use them. Even the principal can't cook without rice. To be honest with Commander Gui and Brigade Commander Song, two battalions of my 10th Artillery Regiment have been dispersed in North China and East China respectively. We still have one battalion at hand."

"No problem, no problem," Song Hongfei said. "I hope Commander Peng's artillery battalion won't hold back. When the Japanese attack, give our infantry a good blast!"

Everyone burst into laughter.