Vanguards of the War of Resistance! Let's travel back in time together, classmates!

Chapter Thirty-Three: The Situation

The meeting at Songjiazhai lasted for about two hours. During the meeting, Song Baichuan discussed with everyone the news he had gathered during his trip down the mountain and the current situation.

First of all, in terms of the overall situation, Marshal Zhang has already retreated into the interior of China, and the Japanese have completely occupied the three northeastern provinces.

The Japanese began reinforcing their troops from Korea and Lushun in early October. The strength of the Northeast Kwantung Army increased from 10,000 at the beginning of the September 18 Incident to 50,000, and it was still increasing.

Even in Zhuanghe County, there was a company of Japanese soldiers and a battalion of puppet troops stationed there. Haicheng, located on a major railway line, was even more heavily guarded by a battalion of Japanese soldiers and a regiment of puppet troops.

Large numbers of island nation residents began to be transported from the island nation's mainland and infiltrated and settled throughout the Northeast region, centered on cities and linked by railways and highways. They attempted to turn the entire Northeast into the island nation's backyard and strategic rear area, using war to sustain war.

In order to completely occupy Northeast China and quickly control the situation, the Japanese army used every means at its disposal. Due to insufficient troops, they are currently developing a large-scale auxiliary force.

They recruited former Northeast Army security regiments, bandits who ruled the mountains, and local landlord militias.

I heard that a few days ago, the leader of Camel Peak had already been flirting with the Japanese and was very likely to be incorporated into the army. Camel Peak is located on the east side of Dry Pine Ravine. Once it is incorporated, it will pose a great threat to Songjia Village.

"Then may I ask you, Chief, have the Japanese never come to our Song Family Village?" Shangguan Yun asked.

“Of course they came. Half a month ago, Nakamura Taro from Zhuanghe County sent someone to deliver a message, but my father refused outright. He was almost killed by the Japanese devils. Hmph... There are no traitors in my Song Family Village…” Song Dalong said loudly.

Song Baichuan sighed and continued, "Yesterday we learned from Wulongkou that the Japanese in Haicheng have recently made a big move, sending a company of Japanese soldiers and a battalion of puppet troops to Wulongkou Town."

Furthermore, it is rumored that they may integrate several nearby forces to establish a security regiment that is easier for the Japanese to control.

"What about the other hilltops...?" Zhao Peng asked.

"The reactions varied. Apart from Laoye Ridge's ambiguous attitude, the leaders of Daheishan and Sidaogou had both refused the Japanese's attempt to incorporate them into their ranks."

However, the Japanese did not officially announce this, but instead operated in secret, testing the reactions of all parties. But it is estimated that they will take action soon.

After a brief discussion, everyone expressed that they would never collude with the Japanese devils, and they were all eager to try.

Song Baichuan turned and glanced at Shangguan Yun and the other man, who were both silent with their heads down, and smiled:

"I wonder what the instructor thinks. Please feel free to speak your mind, haha..."

Shangguan Yun smiled slightly and said, "Boss, you're too kind. The country is in crisis and the situation is chaotic. We should take precautions in case of any unforeseen circumstances..."

Zhao Peng shouted, "Boss, the Japanese are right next door, eyeing us covetously. Our village's current weapons, equipment, and personnel quality are simply no match for them. You must make arrangements as soon as possible..."

Song Baichuan glanced at his right and said, "Old Huang, tell everyone about the current weapons and ammunition reserves in our village. Let's all listen..."

Huang Jinlin, the manager in charge of logistics and warehousing, was over fifty years old, seven feet tall, wearing a melon-shaped hat, with narrowed eyes, but he was still very energetic. Upon hearing this, he stood up, glanced at everyone, coughed, opened an old ledger and began to read.

"Reporting to the chief and all captains and officers, our village currently has 127 militiamen and 56 rifles of various types."

Most of them were older models, with a small number being Hanyang rifles. They were mostly Mauser and old-style rifles, which couldn't compare to the Japanese Type 38 rifles. There were fewer than 20 rifles that were presentable, and ammunition was also insufficient, with an average of less than 20 bullets per rifle.

There were about twenty hand grenades and one light machine gun, all from the retreating Northeast Army, and they didn't even have any bullets left.

The early days of the Min Kingdom involved one makeshift cannon and two shells. It was unclear whether they could even fire, so they were never used.

"Hey...shh..." Everyone deflated.

Huang Jinlin continued, "The rest are all cold weapons: 200 spears, 120 broadswords, 80 sets of bows and arrows, and some other miscellaneous weapons. They were all accumulated by our elders. That's all."

After Old Huang finished counting, he took two steps back and said nothing more.

The group looked at each other, bewildered. "This little bit of stuff isn't even enough to take down a small Japanese squad."

However, the weapons and equipment on the other hilltops are not much better, otherwise they would have attacked long ago.” The worry on everyone’s faces was evident.

Song Baichuan also frowned deeply. "Everyone...please calm down...as for weapons...I will find a way. For now, we can only train with the weapons we have..."

Song Dalong stepped forward and said, "Zhao Peng, you are the militia instructor and battalion commander, so you will assist the instructor in the drills."

Effective immediately, the entire village is on high alert and ready for combat. All militia members are armed... well... if there aren't enough guns... temporarily issue them broadswords and spears, and intensify training.

"The bullet problem... my father and I will think of a solution." As he spoke, his expression seemed somewhat gloomy.

Upon receiving the order, Zhao Peng looked helpless and stepped aside, remaining silent, creating an extremely awkward situation.

Upon seeing this, Shangguan Yun realized it was time. It was better to offer help in times of need than to add flowers to brocade. So he broke his silence, chuckled, stood up, and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Chief, all the managers and captains, do not worry. As long as Song Family Village is truly resisting, and we are united as one, the Japanese devils are nothing to fear."

Upon hearing this, everyone rolled their eyes. "You make it sound so easy. With just a few men and guns, they might be able to fight off bandits, but compared to the Japanese, they're not even as good as beggars..."

Upon hearing this, Song Baichuan frowned slightly, then his eyes lit up. "Oh? Could it be that Instructor Shangguan already has a brilliant plan in mind? If you have any insightful ideas, please share them quickly..." Everyone also placed their hopes on Shangguan Yun.

Shangguan Yun chuckled and glanced at the people looking at him, saying:

"I wouldn't call myself a shrewd strategist, but I have a basic understanding of military tactics. At this critical juncture, I'm willing to do my utmost to assist you in resisting the foreign enemy..."

"This Brother Min next to me used to be a second lieutenant company commander in the Northeast Army. He was also a good leader of troops, hehe..." Everyone's eyes lit up and they nodded repeatedly.

"In addition, in order to increase the combat effectiveness of the militia in the village, I am willing to work with Brother Min to personally guide the training and military deployment of the militia in the village, and provide our village with a batch of weapons and ammunition."

Everyone was startled and looked towards Shangguan Yun.

The latter chuckled, feigning mystery.