Newborn 1927

With their limited manpower and fighting strength, they were no match for a hundred or so government troops. Tian Yisan and Xu Zishan were only able to hold off the government troops' attack because of their advantageous terrain; the actual number of men they could muster was quite small. Thinking of this, Yang Jiefang asked, "How many men have you gathered now? How many more can you gather later?" Tian Dan replied, "We have over a hundred men now, about the same number as the government troops. But our weapons are inferior, and we're short on ammunition." As for how many more men they could gather later, well, don't count on it. At this point, who would want to die?

The Black Widow spoke up, "Alright, we understand the situation. I've always been on good terms with Master Tian, ​​and we've helped each other all these years. Now that he's in trouble, I certainly won't stand idly by. You go and rest first! We need to discuss how to rescue him." Tian Dan understood this obvious politeness. He turned to Yang Jiefang and said, "Brother Yang, you passed through our area last time with a lot of money and grain. Out of consideration for our good relationship, I didn't take a single penny. Please help us this time! If we can get through this, I, Tian Dan, will remember your kindness." Zheng Sandao wasn't stupid; he knew it was time to soften his tone and said, "Brother Yang, I remember what we said in Zhao Family Village that day. If we can get through this, I, Zheng Sandao, am willing to follow you to do great things." After saying this, without waiting for further invitations, the two tactfully took their leave and left.

"Let's all speak up! What should we do?" said Black Widow. Although Yang Jiefang had recently been making headlines, he felt his experience was too limited and preferred to observe from the sidelines. Seeing the others exchange glances, they all turned to Master Kong. Master Kong, who considered himself the strategist of Qinglong Village, remained silent until he spoke, breaking the silence: "If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold! If we don't go to rescue Yang'er Mountain, they won't be able to hold us off sooner or later. Once the government troops wipe them out, they'll come after us. The flour we're eating now came from Zhao Family Village." Everyone present nodded in agreement. Master Kong continued, "But how to carry out the rescue is another matter." Black Widow said, "Master Kong, what are your thoughts? Please share them!"

Master Kong turned to Yang Jiefang and said, "Yang Jiefang's tactic of shifting the blame is indeed brilliant! Otherwise, the government troops would have come knocking on our door directly." Yang Jiefang scoffed and said, "Master Kong, are you praising me? If I said I didn't do it, would you believe me?" Before he finished speaking, Gao Huilan scoffed and whispered, "Who would believe that?" She didn't believe it, and clearly, no one else did either. Master Kong, however, was confident and said, "Whether you did it or not is no longer important. The government troops are clearly after those 20,000 silver dollars and 50,000 catties of grain. They didn't know before that the money and grain went to our Qinglong Village, but they might know now. There's one situation we must guard against: what if the government troops abandon Yang'er Mountain and turn around to attack us? Alas, these days, even the government has it tough!" Upon hearing this, everyone immediately tensed up. Master Kong's worries were not unfounded. The government troops had pursued Xu Zishan to Yang'er Mountain, clearly not to uphold justice.

Black Widow frowned and asked, "So, should we rescue them now or not?" Master Kong said in a deep voice, "Of course we should rescue them, but we can't go all out. We must leave enough men to defend the stronghold." Black Widow asked directly, "Then who should we send to rescue them?" Master Kong turned to look at Yang Jiefang and said, "The two who just arrived specifically requested Commander Yang to go to the rescue. Why not send Yang Jiefang with the Liberation Army to rescue Yang'er Mountain? The Liberation Army is now very strong and well-equipped!" Yang Jiefang had expected him to be mentioned and replied, "I'd be willing to go. But it's wrong to say my Liberation Army is strong and well-equipped. We only have about twenty men in total. Where does that strength come from?" As for those who trained with him, they weren't officially incorporated into the Liberation Army, and he wouldn't acknowledge them. Master Kong stared into Yang Jiefang's eyes but didn't argue with him about it. Instead, he said, "Twenty-odd men are indeed a bit insufficient. Why don't you ask Commander Yang to select some more, making a hundred or so men enough?"

Yang Jiefang instantly understood that this Master Kong was only going to put up a show, not to actually help Yang'er Mountain repel the government troops. In his mind, the important thing was to protect Qinglong Village; he didn't really care about the fate of Yang'er Mountain. Yang Jiefang didn't think so, so he said, "Master Kong, you don't understand. With just a bunch of farmers, how many good ones can we pick? Don't expect a hundred or so men; we'll be lucky to get thirty or forty. We're going to provide rescue, not to die. We'd rather send fewer men than throw our brothers' lives to the government troops!" Everyone knew that what Yang Jiefang said was true, and they couldn't refute it; the number of men was indeed too small.

At this moment, Bai Lang spoke up, "Why don't we, the Wolf Team, go along too? Although we don't have many men, at least we're sending two teams, which will save face." Master Kong nodded slightly and said, "Alright, let's send two teams to rescue Yang'er Mountain!" This last sentence was addressed to Black Widow. Black Widow thought for a moment with a dark face and said, "Then that's settled! You two go back and prepare! Invite the guests in!" The last sentence was shouted towards the door.

Soon, Tian Dan and Zheng Sandao were invited back in. Black Widow stated directly, "After some discussion, we've decided to send two teams to rescue Yang'er Mountain. Don't think it's too few; our Qinglong Village isn't wealthy either, we only have five teams we can muster." Tian Dan asked, "Which two teams?" Black Widow pointed and said, "Yang Jiefang's Liberation Team and Bai Lang's Wolf Team. If you're not satisfied, I can send someone else." Tian Dan quickly replied, "I'll follow the leader's arrangements. Actually, no matter who you send, I'll only be grateful, how could I possibly be dissatisfied?" Zheng Sandao also said, "Me too, thank you, leader! Thank you both, brothers. When do you plan to depart?" Yang Jiefang said, "Let's prepare today, how about we depart early tomorrow morning?" Although Tian Dan and Zheng Sandao were anxious, they could only agree; departing early tomorrow morning wouldn't be considered a delay. With the plan settled, Tian Dan and Zheng Sandao were arranged to stay temporarily, and everyone else dispersed.

Yang Jiefang left the assembly hall and immediately summoned his brothers back to their quarters for a meeting. He explained the whole situation, and no one objected; after all, they had helped him take the fall. Hou Fei asked, "Brother Yang, how many men are you planning to take? We have plenty of manpower now! If you just say the word, those guys will definitely be willing to come!" Yang Jiefang replied, "I've already decided on the manpower. The captains and deputy captains of all seven companies will go, along with the squad leaders of all twenty-one squads. The deputy captains will stay behind to continue training the brothers." Everyone was surprised and said, "That's too few men!" Yang Jiefang explained, "Quality over quantity. The others are still lacking experience; let them train some more! Um, Bao Ziqiang and Chu Shiwu, you two will also participate this time."

Bao Ziqiang laughed, "I thought they wouldn't think much of us, but it turns out they need us after all." Yang Jiefang said, "Your mission is very important; it can be said to be related to our life or death this time." His words stirred everyone's emotions, and they immediately became tense. Yang Jiefang continued, "According to Tian Dan, the government troops have sent men to the city to request reinforcements. I require the two of you to set off immediately to Laiyang County to keep an eye on the government troops' reinforcements. One reason is to confirm whether reinforcements will be sent from the city; the other is to determine the number of reinforcements, their equipment, departure time, and marching route. These past few days, I've been telling you about reconnaissance and intelligence gathering every day; now it's time to put that knowledge to practical use." Bao Ziqiang and Chu Shiwu immediately understood Yang Jiefang's intention and quickly agreed. Yang Jiefang then said, "Take Zhao Yuanbao and Mantou with you, one person each, and form two reconnaissance teams to take turns providing cover. Report back immediately if you have any information. Remember, you are intelligence personnel, not combat personnel. Prioritize intelligence and avoid fighting unless absolutely necessary!" Bao Ziqiang and Chu Shiwu replied, "Don't worry! We have experience and know how to make choices." Yang Jiefang gave them some more detailed instructions, gave them some funds, and told them to go down the mountain immediately.

Next, Yang Jiefang instructed Hou Fei, Sun Zhiyong, and others to notify the selected men. He told them not to force anyone who didn't want to go, but that they would lose their captaincy. Yan Donglai coldly replied, "Anyone who dares to desert will be crippled." Yang Jiefang didn't object, leaving it to them to handle. Among bandits, those who could become captains were generally quite capable.

Then, Yang Jiefang arrived at Black Widow's courtyard; now it was time to request instructions regarding weapons and equipment. Black Widow had anticipated his arrival and had someone lead him directly into the reception room. Black Widow sat upright in a chair and asked, "How should we proceed with the rescue? What are your plans?" Yang Jiefang shook his head and said, "I don't know." "Don't know?" Black Widow looked at Yang Jiefang in surprise. "Then why did you agree so readily?" Yang Jiefang smiled wryly and said, "I started this whole thing; if I don't deal with it, who will? As for the specific rescue plan, it depends on the specific circumstances. Based on Tian Dan's few half-truths, I can't make an accurate judgment. I can only take it one step at a time. One thing I assure you, Chief, is that I will prioritize the safety of the brothers." Black Widow nodded in agreement, saying, "I'm relieved that you think that way. There's nothing else I need to explain."

Yang Jiefang said, "This time, please help us prepare enough weapons and ammunition, Chief. After all, we're going to war, to fight the government troops with real weapons." Black Widow said, "I would have prepared them even if you hadn't asked. What kind of weapons do you want?" Yang Jiefang replied, "Our Liberation Army has selected thirty-six men, including myself. I hope each of us has a rifle, and each rifle has a hundred rounds of ammunition. As for pistols, equip us with as many as you can. If everyone can have two guns, that would be even better." Black Widow said, "Bai Lang also has twenty-four men. If we equip them all like that, we'll almost empty our coffers." Yang Jiefang said, "If we fight well outside, our home will be safe; if we fail to repel the government troops, they will come to encircle and annihilate us sooner or later. With this little bit of resources, we won't be able to hold on any longer." Black Widow agreed, "That makes sense. We'll do as you say! I'll have someone prepare them at any time. You can come and get them before you leave. Okay, go to the backyard! Someone is waiting for you there."

Yang Jiefang went to the backyard as instructed, where Gao Huilan was pacing back and forth. Upon seeing Yang Jiefang, she immediately approached and asked, "How confident are you this time?" Yang Jiefang smiled and said, "I'm not confident of success, but I'm determined to die for my country." Gao Huilan frowned and said, "I'm being serious, who told you to joke around?" Yang Jiefang replied, "I wasn't being irresponsible." Gao Huilan smiled broadly and said, "It seems you're very confident. Tell me! What are your plans?" Yang Jiefang smiled wryly and said, "I haven't even figured out the situation yet, how can I have any plans? As the saying goes, 'Military tactics are ever-changing, like water has no fixed shape.' Warfare must be adapted to the times and circumstances. No matter how good the plan is, it can't keep up with the changing military situation. So, I really haven't thought it through yet."

Gao Huilan said with some worry, "Why don't I go with you?" Yang Jiefang immediately refused, "No, please don't. There are plenty of men on the mountain, it's not your turn to go." Gao Huilan said, "I'm worried you won't be able to control Bai Lang!" Yang Jiefang asked in surprise, "What do you mean? He can't possibly go against me?" Gao Huilan said, "We grew up together, I know him very well. He's always been proud and unwilling to admit defeat. If it's about studying and math, he'll definitely respect you. But when it comes to fighting, he won't respect anyone. In the whole mountain stronghold, only my mother and I can keep him in check. I'm worried that if you disagree, he'll act unilaterally and mess things up."

Yang Jiefang immediately understood her meaning and said, "Don't worry about that! If he has a different opinion, I will definitely persuade him to agree with me. I know him quite well. If used properly, he's a formidable general, provided you completely subdue him. Now the opportunity has come, and I can use this battle to completely subdue him. If you go, it might easily provoke his rebellious mentality, which would be detrimental to my subjugation." "Really?" Gao Huilan was still uneasy. Yang Jiefang nodded and said, "It will happen naturally, don't worry!"

Gao Huilan thought for a moment and said, "There's one more thing I need to remind you of. Our Qinglong Village isn't a monolithic entity; there are factions. Among the four teams, Li Yichao of the Dragon Team is actually Master Kong's man, Peng Dahu of the Tiger Team and Lin Baozi of the Leopard Team are centrists, and only Bai Lang of the Wolf Team is my mother's man. Now, Master Kong has suggested that you and Bai Lang go to rescue Yang'er Mountain together. He might not have good intentions! Do you understand?" Yang Jiefang thought for a moment and said in surprise, "I understand. Luckily, Brother Bai is going with me this time, otherwise I would have to be on guard, wouldn't that be troublesome?" Gao Huilan said, "That's why my mother and I agreed to let you go together." Yang Jiefang reminded her, "Then you must be careful after we go down the mountain!" A warm feeling welled up in Gao Huilan's heart, and she said, "As long as you're alright, we'll be alright. Besides, my mother also has a widow team. They may be women, but they're also very good at creating widows."