The Flames of Resistance Against Japan in Jiangnan

After Jin Fujiang introduced himself to everyone, he learned that these Red Army soldiers all belonged to the same regiment, specifically the 61st Regiment of the newly formed 21st Division, just like Zhang Xiaoshan. After asking for the names of their direct superiors, Jin Fujiang also recited the unit number of his own unit.

Six Red Army soldiers, who had thought they had no way to survive, learned that the actual leader of the unit was not Jin Fujiang, but rather Xu Wenqing, who had rescued them. All six were ordinary soldiers, and they all asked Xu Wenqing to join their ranks.

It wasn't until they were captured that they truly understood what it meant to be without the protection of the main force, stranded in this completely unfamiliar place. They were utterly helpless, with no one to turn to for help. Who would have thought that roasting a sweet potato would attract the attention of the white dogs?

Upon learning that the six men had not eaten for almost two days, Xu Wenqing and the others quickly distributed the dry rations they had prepared that morning to their fellow Red Army comrades.

As for Xu Wenqing, he and Hu Zi thoroughly searched the bound security guards from head to toe, and finally took them to the mountain. They tied each of them to a large tree, gagged them, and bound their feet, leaving them to fend for themselves.

Unlike the others who were rescued earlier and whipped after being captured, these six soldiers from the 21st Red Army Division were not tortured. Apart from being a little weak from hunger, they had no other adverse reactions. After eating the dry rations given to them by Jin Fujiang and the others, they quickly changed into uniforms they had taken from the security regiment members, and the group of a dozen or so continued their journey towards Yansi Town.

To Xu Wenqing and the others' surprise, the journey that should have taken a day took them two days to reach the outskirts of Gongcheng. But those two days were not wasted; they miraculously rescued forty-two Red Army prisoners from the security forces of the towns and villages along the way.

Including Xu Wenqing's original twelve men, their hastily assembled team now numbered fifty-four. Apart from two wounded Red Army soldiers who had been captured and were now being carried on stretchers, the remaining fifty-two were all Red Army soldiers ready to fight at the drop of a hat.

On their way to Yansi Town, Xu Wenqing learned that nearly two hundred Red Army prisoners captured from the vicinity of Tanjiaqiao were being held in the prisoner-of-war camp there. Thinking that the more Red Army soldiers they had, the better their chances of catching up, Xu Wenqing resolutely decided to investigate Yansi Town and find a way to rescue them, no matter what.

Although Jin Fujiang and the others sensed the great risk in Xu Wenqing's proposed rescue plan, they felt they should try it no matter what, for the sake of their comrades who might be killed. They heard Xu Wenqing plan to first lead a team into the city to scout ahead.

Finally, Jin Fujiang, along with some men and two wounded soldiers, rested in a secluded valley outside the temple, waiting for Xu Wenqing's notification to enter the city and rescue their imprisoned comrades.

Along the way, they all remembered Xu Wenqing's words: never abandon or give up on any comrade-in-arms. Only by working together as one could they hope to rejoin the main force one day.

The winter sun shines brightly against the clear blue sky, and a cold wind blows. The beautiful scenery of the southern Anhui mountains is even more captivating in winter.

A large cart, covered with a straw mat and draped with colorful tassels, pulled by two mules, gradually approached along the mountain road, still wet with raindrops. Several special agents dressed as servants followed closely behind the cart.

After receiving Xu Wenqing's orders, the various reconnaissance teams dispatched by the 55th Regiment arrived at the assembly point overnight. In particular, the Special Service Company had already arrived at Xu Wenqing's side to await orders.

White clouds drifted gently across the sky, giving a sense of peace and tranquility. Xu, sitting in the covered wagon, felt none of this.

Beneath his calm exterior lay a deep-seated anxiety:

Who knows what might happen during this operation?

Is it possible to rescue the captured soldiers?

Is the intelligence we have reliable?

The wagon moved slowly, making a creaking sound. This monotonous, light sound could not relieve his anxiety and grief. If anything happened to his soldiers, how could he face the Party and his countless comrades? Thinking of the terrible suffering of the captured soldiers under the enemy's whips, he could not help but feel unbearable heartache...

The wagon slowed its movement, and outside the canopy sat Li Youcai and Zhong Tian, ​​dressed as stewards. The two drove the livestock to the side of the road and stopped the wagon. Ahead was a small stone bridge connecting to the mountain path, and beside the bridge was a small hut, in front of which several militiamen were searching passersby.

"Old Li, drive the car to the bridge and find a way to subdue the militiamen. Don't fire unless absolutely necessary, no matter if they live or die!"

Xu Wenqing said softly.

The covered wagon started moving again, and the village guards at the bridgehead shouted:

"Hey! Where did this covered wagon come from?"

"Nanxi Nan!"

The driver of the cart answered loudly.

"What are you going for?"

"There's only one main road. After reaching Yan Temple, we'll enter the city to see our young master!"

As the cart approached the bridge, Xu Wenqing, disguised as a landlord's son, slowly alighted with Hu Zi's help. He listlessly patted his white silk robe, extended a hand adorned with a large gemstone ring, and impatiently waved it at Li Youcai. The thugs, seeing the glittering jewels on the young master's hand, immediately lost their arrogance.

Li Youcai greeted the militiamen on the card without any concern:

"Boss, another inspection? Everything's in the car, come and take a look!"

Several militiamen surrounded him to check, and He Feng covered his mouth with a cotton scarf and coughed incessantly.

"Young master, you've been traveling for most of the day, you must be exhausted. Why don't you rest before continuing your journey?"

As the steward Li Youcai spoke, he approached the small hut by the bridge and casually tossed a silver dollar to one of the militiamen:

"Could you please brew some tea for our young master?"

The militiaman weighed the silver coin in his hand, then, with a fawning smile, brought over a teacup and poured in boiling water. A few other militiamen, who had been watching the carriage for a while, listlessly gathered around.

A cold wind blew noisily from afar. Groups of young farmers appeared on the other side of the stone bridge, crossing it freely and dispersing on both sides of the road.

Then, another large group of people rested near the checkpoint. Some went to the well to drink cold water, while others talked quietly to each other. In an instant, the tranquil atmosphere near the stone bridge completely changed. The guy who looked like the leader of the militia couldn't sit still anymore and slipped to the back.

"Add some more boiling water."

Li Youcai greeted him with a smile, grabbed the leader, and pulled out a few silver dollars, saying he wanted to play a few rounds with him while he had some free time.

Bored, the militia leader immediately agreed and gathered a few militiamen to hide in a small hut behind the checkpoint, ready to gang up on this sucker.