The Flames of Resistance Against Japan in Jiangnan

Fang Shuihua was deeply worried about the survival of this newly formed team.

"Comrades, no matter what, we must persevere. We must overcome the difficulties we are currently facing. We must not be discouraged or give up. We must find a way to get to western Anhui. Once we get to western Anhui and find the western Anhui district committee, things will definitely get better!"

"We've been wandering around in the mountains for over two months, always hiding, and we don't know when we'll be able to find the Anhui West District Committee."

"Comrades, don't worry. As long as we persevere, preserve our strength, and have our team, we will definitely find the Anhui West Circuit Committee!"

"We simply can't walk any further!"

"Even if we can't walk anymore, we must persevere. We are Red Army soldiers, and soldiers should act like soldiers!"

"Oh well, let's keep going then!".........

For more than two months, the Northeast Hubei Independent Regiment circled around the enemy in the jungle, maneuvering against the Kuomintang army. They hid in caves and dense forests, and were almost discovered by the enemy searching the mountains several times. They also ran into enemy sentries several times, but each time they escaped danger.

All of this stemmed from Fang Shuihua's caution and prudence.

One day in early spring, the Independent Regiment finally arrived in Lihuang County, Anhui Province.

As soon as the troops entered Lihuang County, Fang Shuihua immediately discussed with Chen Wendong and Xu Hongji and decided to send a few soldiers to find out the news of the Wanxi District Committee, while the other soldiers would hide in the caves to wait for news.

The soldiers immediately disguised themselves as begging peasants and inquired around until they finally made contact with the local Party organization.

A few days later, the local Party organization sent someone to tell Fang Yongle:

The Anhui West District Committee had been active in the Baoershan area a few days ago.

Upon receiving the intelligence, Fang Shuihua was overjoyed and immediately led his team to Bao'er Mountain overnight.

In a small mountain village at the foot of Bao'er Mountain, 19-year-old Fang Shuihua and 27-year-old Cao Wenting held hands tightly.

Having not eaten or bathed for several days, Fang Shuidong disregarded the fatigue of the long journey. He excitedly embraced Cao Wenting, tears streaming down his face, and said:

"Secretary Cao, we've been looking for you everywhere!"

Cao Wenting looked at the young man, noticing his thin build, shrewdness, and liveliness, and smiled as he said:

"You've come at the perfect time, bringing such a large team. It's a real lifesaver! Come on, have some roasted sweet potatoes, then everyone take a hot shower to warm up. I'll have the cook prepare a meal for you!"

Cao Wenting used a stick to pull several roasted sweet potatoes out of the fire, picked one up, rolled it a few times, blew on it, and then handed it to Fang Shuihua. Fang Shuihua took the sweet potato and ate it in big bites without even peeling it.

Cao Wenting immediately instructed:

"Slow down, slow down, be careful not to burn yourself!"

Fang Shuidong laughed like a child. They were so hungry that they ate with such relish, which made Cao Wenting smile slightly again.

"Any more?"

"Don't rush, go take a hot shower first, the food will be ready in a little while!"

Cao Wenting felt both saddened and amused as he watched them wolf down their food, so he poured each of them a cup of hot tea.

Fang Shuihua's throat tightened, he wiped his mouth, and said with a smile:

"It's so delicious! I haven't had such a sweet and fragrant roasted sweet potato in months!"

Cao Wenting was stunned for a long time before finally asking:

What is the current situation in northeastern Hubei?

"Since the main force of the Red Army withdrew, the revolutionary situation in northeastern Hubei has been very grim. The base areas have been almost lost, and we can only play cat and mouse with the enemy. After the re-establishment of the Northeastern Hubei Regional Committee, the situation has improved slightly, but it is still not ideal!"

Fang Shuihua gave a brief introduction.

"I mean, how many local armed forces are still available in northeastern Hubei?"

"When the Northeast Hubei Independent Regiment was established, it had three training battalions, namely the Hekou Training Battalion, the Guangshan Training Battalion, and the Luoshan Training Battalion, with a total of more than 600 people. There were also more than ten plainclothes teams, plus the district committee's pistol team, totaling more than 1500 people!"

Cao Wenting listened quietly to Fang Yongle's account, then sat back down. He knocked the tobacco out of his pipe, blew off the ash, and then casually tossed the pipe to his waist, saying slowly:

"The local armed forces remaining in northeastern Hubei consist of only three battalions, plus plainclothes units, totaling less than 1500 people; and in western Anhui, there are only the 82nd Red Army Division and two local guerrilla divisions, totaling less than 1300 people. In total, the actual strength of the Hubei-Henan-Anhui region is less than 3000 people. The base areas are just a few small pieces, and they are fragmented and unconnected. It is extremely difficult to carry out this work!"

As he spoke, he kept blinking, as if talking to himself, without paying attention to everyone's reactions.

Everyone remained silent, staring at Gao Jingting, unsure how to respond to his words.

At this moment, Fang Shuihua stood up and said:

"Then let's organize and strengthen the team first. The most urgent task is to establish a regular main force of the Red Army. We can find ways to replenish the ranks later when the plainclothes teams have developed!"

"Replenishing the ranks is easier said than done."

Cao Wenting shook his head indifferently, but immediately turned to look at Fang Shuihua, his serious expression relaxing slightly. He nodded again and said:

"There's no other way but to take it one step at a time!"

"Alright, that's all for today. You're all tired, so get some rest and a good night's sleep. We'll have a short meeting tomorrow to discuss this further!"

"We haven't had a good night's sleep in ages! Let's rest!"

Fang Shuihua also spoke to everyone.

So, everyone left the house one by one.

Cao Wenting, however, was wide awake. He paced back and forth in the room, deep in thought...

The situation at the time was as follows: the White Army was expending 18 regiments to follow the main force of the 25th Red Army westward. However, there were still 56 regiments of regular troops remaining in the Hubei-Henan-Anhui border region, along with more than 10 security regiments and numerous local militia forces. Add to that the county detachments, district squadrons, and small security detachments in each county, and White Army troops were scattered in almost every corner. The Red Army's force of just over 2000 men was no match for the powerful Kuomintang army of over 60 regiments; compared to them, the Red Army's strength was simply too weak!

Although Cao Wenting was not yet clear about how many Kuomintang troops remained in the Hubei-Henan-Anhui border region, he could sense this from the enemy's relentless search of the mountains day and night.

Despite his arrogant, arbitrary, and domineering nature, and his refusal to listen to others' opinions, Cao Wenting is still capable of deep thought on important matters. He cannot tolerate the slightest carelessness or haste.