The Flames of Resistance Against Japan in Jiangnan

Seeing the soldiers' state, Cao Wenting immediately gathered the troops together and loudly encouraged them, saying:

"Comrades, the enemy's blocking force is not far from us. We can only break through the enemy's encirclement by crossing this mountain before dawn. Everyone must muster their strength and overcome this obstacle. Once we cross this mountain, I promise you will all get a good night's sleep!"

"Then we'll need to find a guide."

One of the soldiers suddenly said.

"We'll be your guides!"

Several soldiers immediately stepped forward and said:

"We've climbed this mountain before, we know the way up, so we'll just walk at the front of the group!"

"Alright, we'll lead the way right away. We can't delay any longer. The others can't stay either; they need to follow closely behind them!"

The column then formed a long, winding line, and one by one, they laboriously climbed up the narrow, winding mountain path. The path was extremely difficult to traverse, and the soldiers all moved forward slowly, step by step, with their backs bent...

The evening glow shone on the hillside, on the backs and faces of the soldiers, and the beads of sweat on their faces gleamed in the magnificent light.

After walking for a while, the soldiers in front stopped to wait for those behind; older soldiers helped younger ones; male soldiers took off the backpacks of female soldiers and put them on their own backs; strong soldiers pulled the wounded and sick. They climbed upwards with great effort...

Some soldiers slipped and fell, and the soldiers behind them quickly helped them up and continued on their way.

It wasn't until late at night that the soldiers finally reached the summit. Exhausted, they collapsed to the ground, some huddled against the rocky cliffs, panting heavily. The wind at the summit was particularly strong; they were cold and hungry. In an instant, the sweat on their bodies dried in the cold wind, leaving them shivering, their stomachs growling loudly, and their legs feeling weak; they simply didn't want to go any further.

"Quick, get up! It's cold up here. We can't stay here any longer or we'll catch a cold. Everyone, let's keep going and rest when we get down the mountain!"

Cao Wenting once again encouraged the soldiers.

So the soldiers gritted their teeth and stood up. They mustered their courage and jogged down the mountain. By the time they reached the bottom, the sky was already clear.

So the soldiers ate breakfast quickly and then rested on the spot.

Having shaken off the enemy, the soldiers were finally able to rest with peace of mind. They slept soundly for a whole day.

During the soldiers' rest time, several key leaders, including Cao Wenting, Fang Shuihua, Xu Wencai, and Xu Hongji, did not rest. They gathered together to discuss the next course of action.

"The main reason I've gathered everyone here today is to discuss our next steps. I'd like to hear everyone's opinions."

Xu Xiancai said:

"After passing Baimajian, we will be under the jurisdiction of Qianshan County. The enemy has not deployed many troops here. I estimate that the pursuers from Taihu Lake will not be able to reach us for two or three days. We need to rest well for a few days and wait for the soldiers to recover their strength before we give them a good fight!"

"Rest is fine, but just in case, we need to send out scouts to investigate and find out if there are any new developments, so as not to miss our opportunity!"

Fang Shuihua added.

"We need to send someone to investigate carefully, otherwise we'll be completely blind and deaf!"

"Alright, we'll send people out immediately to scout around. If we find anything, we'll gather together to discuss countermeasures!"

Cao Wenting concluded by saying that the short few days of rest relieved the soldiers' fatigue from their long journey. The troops even bought several fat pigs and goats from local people's homes, slaughtered them, and distributed them to each company so that everyone could have a taste of meat, a simple way to celebrate the New Year and have a reunion dinner.

Just as everyone was enjoying a delicious reunion dinner, the scout who had gone to investigate suddenly rushed in to report:

"Reporting to the Commander and Political Commissar, I have obtained some extremely good news!"

"What good news? Tell us quickly!"

Cao Wenting hadn't even swallowed the piece of pork in his mouth when he quickly asked...

"Isn't there a village called Hu Village not far from here? Hu Village produced a man named Hu Chuankui, right? I heard that Hu Chuankui is the Finance Minister and a high-ranking official in Anhui Province under the White Government. His family is very wealthy; he's a big tycoon!"

The scout was very excited and almost stammered as he spoke.

"Why are you being so long-winded? Tell me quickly, what exactly happened?"

Cao Wenting became anxious.

"I heard he returned to Huzhuang these past few days. He went back to his hometown for the Spring Festival and is at home now!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Wenting's eyebrows twitched. He turned to look at Fang Shuihua and Xu Wencai, his face immediately breaking into a smile, and said:

"We've been running around like crazy lately, and today it's like the God of Wealth has delivered himself to our door. We have to make the most of him!"

"Yes, this is a golden opportunity. It would be best if we could raise some funds!"

Fang Shuihua was also overjoyed.

"Then let's take it down tonight!"

Xu Wencai also took the opportunity to encourage them.

"Okay, we can eat what we can't finish when we get back. Everyone, get ready and let's go!"

Cao Wenting immediately issued the battle order.

The sky was overcast at night, and the cold wind was still blowing hard. Braving the cold wind, the soldiers felt their way along the dark road and quietly set off for Huzhuang.

"Everyone, stay close together, don't fall behind!"

Cao Wenting gave instructions and led the soldiers forward at a rapid pace.

After walking for about two hours, the scout pointed to the light ahead and said:

"Look, Hu Village is just ahead!"

"Comrades, keep your voices down and quickly shrink the encirclement!"

Cao Wenting gave everyone another instruction. The soldiers then split into four groups and converged on Huzhuang.

A group of soldiers had already quietly approached Hu Chuankui's old house.

Inside the main room, Hu Chuankui, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and with a cigarette holder dangling from his mouth, was playing mahjong with the local landlords and tycoons of Hu Village, chatting animatedly. Their wives, dressed in their finest attire, watched the spectacle, cracked melon seeds, and chatted amongst themselves.

The servants of the Hu family were busy preparing for the New Year. The hall was brightly lit inside and out, and large red lanterns hung high above the gate tower, each bearing one of the four characters "福" (fortune), "禄" (prosperity), "寿" (longevity), and "囍" (double happiness).

Laughter could be heard from the room from time to time. It was the playful noise of the ladies sitting around the table watching and playing mahjong.