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

Chapter 52 No Destruction, No Construction

Shangguan Yun led his soldiers to the altar to pay their respects, their expressions solemn as they performed the grand ceremony.

"In the past, Chief Song was very kind to us. Today, he was killed by the Japanese army. We must avenge this great hatred. If Chief Song is watching from heaven, I, Shangguan Yun, hereby swear that we will make the enemy pay for their blood debt in blood..." After saying this, he burned a few pieces of paper, stood up and stood aside.

The ceremony ended quickly, and around noon, dozens of coffins were buried together at the southern foot of Longnan Mountain, a place of beautiful scenery with clear waters and lush mountains. Everyone bid farewell with tears in their eyes and heavy hearts.

After lunch, everyone gathered together to discuss the next steps. Since Song Dalong was able to walk, he sat in Song Baichuan's seat as the head of Song Family Village, with Song Xiaoyun sitting next to him, while Shangguan Yun sat with his hands hanging down.

Several generals from the stockade were present on both sides, including Min Wenqian, Liu Ransong, Zhang Zhenfei, Liu Yong, Li Dechao, Zhao Peng, and Gong Jun.

Everyone took their seats, and a moment of silence fell. Song Dalong spoke first:

"In the fierce battle the other day, our Songjiazhai suffered heavy losses. It was thanks to the valiant fighting of all the brothers, the proper command of the political instructor, and the righteous assistance of Company Commander Liu that the situation was turned from danger to safety and the village was preserved. On behalf of my late father and the elders and folks of Songjiazhai, I thank you all for your great kindness."

As she spoke, she was about to rise and bow, but Song Xiaoyun quickly helped her up. Everyone else also stood up and clasped their hands in greeting, saying, "Young Master, there's no need for such formalities..."

Song Dalong coughed a few times and continued, "Now, my father has just passed away, and I am also seriously injured and unable to manage affairs, cough cough... My younger sister is a woman who is ignorant of the ways of the world, and with the invasion of foreign enemies, people are uneasy."

In this turbulent and perilous time, we must choose a leader to command the stronghold with strength, to allow it to recuperate internally and defend against bandits externally. However, at this moment, I am willing but unable to do so...

Therefore, I propose that Instructor Shangguan Yun take over as the leader and lead the stronghold to resist the powerful enemy. What do you all think...?" After saying that, Song Dalong raised his head and glanced at the people on both sides.

"Good..." Most of the soldiers shouted in agreement. Song Dalong's eyes darkened. It seemed that the trend was inevitable, and he had made the right move.

He then nodded and smiled slightly as he looked at Shangguan Yun.

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yun frowned, stood up, and waved his hand, saying, "Young Master, this is absolutely unacceptable. The chief has just passed away, and the stronghold is in dire need of rebuilding. How can I do something that would usurp the position? Please, Young Master, take charge of the overall situation."

"I am willing to assist you in restoring the glory of Song Family Village..." Shangguan Yun's words were sincere and without any affectation, which earned everyone's respect.

Song Dalong laughed and said, "Brother Shangguan, there's no need to be so modest. Since you entered Song Family Village, everyone has seen what you've done. Whether it's your military talent or your reputation and character, you are the best choice for the chief."

"I feel most at ease entrusting the future development of this counterfeit business to you, and it's also what everyone wants."

"This...could we discuss this matter later? I am unworthy of such an honor," Shangguan Yun said, looking ashamed.

"Hey, Brother Shangguan, to be honest, before my father had his accident, he told me that if anything happened to him, the future of our stronghold would be uncertain. Shangguan Yun is an upright man with excellent character and virtue, and he is also very talented. He has the potential to rise to great heights in the future, and our Song Family Stronghold will benefit greatly from your success, hehe..."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yun was taken aback. He did want to be the leader, but not now. Under the current circumstances, if he were to succeed as the leader, it would seem like taking advantage of someone else's misfortune and usurping the position.

However, after hearing Song Dalong's words, he also became conflicted, so he fell silent and fell into deep thought...

Seeing that Shangguan Yun was moved, Song Dalong added fuel to the fire, saying, "To show my sincerity, my father once said that if Brother Shangguan is willing to live up to everyone's expectations and accept the mission in times of crisis, I am willing to marry my little sister to Brother Shangguan so that we can assist each other in achieving great things. Hehe, please don't refuse, Brother Shangguan, hehe..."

"Ah...I see..." Upon hearing this, a hint of joy flashed across Shangguan Yun's face, but she quickly regained her composure and suddenly looked up at everyone with a look of great surprise.

"Big brother...how could you...so embarrassing..." Song Xiaoyun blushed, covered her face with her hands, and stole a glance at Shangguan Yun's expression, but she was actually very happy inside.

Everyone burst into laughter, raising their hands in agreement, and watching Shangguan Yun express his opinion.

This is actually easy to understand. Shangguan Yun, as an outsider, took charge of the stronghold shortly after arriving. Some of the villagers and soldiers must have been dissatisfied, and it would have been difficult for him to win over the crowd.

However, if Shangguan Yun marries Miss Song, it will be a different story. It would be as if their own son-in-law had become the head of the stronghold, and no outsider would benefit from it. Naturally, everyone would be happy with that.

Shangguan Yun scanned the entire room and saw that everyone's faces were filled with joy, which did not seem feigned. Song Dalong also looked expectant. He gritted his teeth, raised his head, and cupped his hands, saying:

"What virtue or ability does Shangguan Yun possess to receive such favor from the eldest daughter of the leader and all the brothers? I fear he cannot win their hearts..."

That makes it clear; they're asking everyone to make their stance clear.

Upon seeing this, Song Dalong laughed loudly, gently stood up, and moved away from the main seat. Song Xiaoyun hurriedly stepped forward to help him up, blushing and lowering her head, not daring to look at Shangguan Yun.

Song Dalong clasped his hands and said, "Today, on behalf of the elders and villagers of Songjia Village, and the soldiers of the village, I, Song Dalong, respectfully pledge allegiance to Shangguan Yun as our lord, and from now on follow him closely, willing to serve him like a dog or a horse..."

The soldiers below the stage were also overjoyed. They all stepped forward, clasped their hands in a fist and said, "From this day forward, we are willing to serve Shangguan Yun as our master, follow him closely, and serve him with utmost loyalty..."

Shangguan Yun quickly stepped forward and helped Song Dalong up.

"Brothers, there's no need for such formalities. Since you all trust me, and the young master is known for his righteousness, I will not refuse your offer today."

However, the hatred for the former chief, the hatred for the elders and fellow villagers, and the hatred for the thousands of compatriots must be avenged. I, Shangguan Yun, hereby swear that if I have a breath left, I will kill all the foreign enemies and protect my country.

"Good... Boss is mighty... Boss has such great spirit... We are willing to help Boss achieve great things..." Everyone was infected by the spirit, united in purpose, and filled with boundless pride...

Shangguan Yun did not sit down, but first helped Song Dalong to sit down. Song Dalong refused to return to the main seat no matter what.

Shangguan Yun had no choice but to give up and continued, "However, I, Shangguan Yun, am not very talented. I am only familiar with military affairs, and other things are not my strengths. If I were to lead troops into battle, I would be second to none in strategy and tactics. However, the trivial matters in the stronghold still need to be arranged by the young master so that I can concentrate on military affairs and avoid any oversights."

And please stop calling me "Big Boss". From now on, we'll be under full military management. The troops need to be more organized. How about you all call me "Commander"?

"Well... that's fine then, whatever you say goes... we'll follow the commander's orders..." Everyone laughed and returned to their seats.