The Flames of Resistance Against Japan in Jiangnan

Xu Wenqing stood up, stretched a few times, still feeling extremely tired. He quickly splashed cold water on his face to clear his head. Looking at Chief of Staff Hu Jiu, who had just entered from outside, grinning broadly, he asked:

"Uncle Hu, what good news has happened? Why are you so happy?"

"Ha, a careful interrogation of the prisoners actually yielded some great news. According to the confession of a major prisoner, we discovered a secret armory of the Zhejiang East Garrison Division in a large courtyard south of Wenzhou City. It contained more than 100,000 rounds of ammunition and 400 mortar shells, but we can only use 100 of them right now."

"Having a hundred shells is not bad. It's better to have some than none. The shells should be handed over to the artillery battalion immediately, so that Wang Baogui won't complain about only having a few fire sticks!"

Hu Jiu smiled slyly, clearly not being fair.

"Commander, do I need you to give the orders? That kid Wang Baogui had already taken all the shells away with his men long ago after hearing the news!"

"By the way, Chief of Staff, how's the investigation of the Shahe military post going?"

"The interrogation revealed that the supply depot was still in operation. The Zhejiang Army originally planned to send troops to take over the defense on the 7th, but for some reason, no one mentioned it anymore."

Xu Wenqing finally felt relieved and rubbed his hands together happily, saying:

"Everything is ready now, except for the crucial element. We're just waiting for detailed intelligence from the reconnaissance battalion!"

What should we do with the prisoners?

Just as Hu Jiu was about to leave, he suddenly turned back and asked.

"Keep the prisoners locked up. The Zhejiang region is wealthy and it's difficult to convert prisoners. Chiang Kai-shek's methods of control in Zhejiang are quite effective. However, all the technical personnel must be taken away, whether they like it or not, especially the enemy's radio operators!"

Xu Wenqing was also very troubled by the Zhejiang army prisoners of war, and shook his head as he gave the following instructions:

"Lock them up on the spot, interrogate them thoroughly, and find a few of the most heinous criminals to be publicly executed!"

"Yes, I'll arrange it right away, Commander, don't worry!"

The chief of staff turned and left the division headquarters to continue his work.

As dusk settled, the guards at the division headquarters polished the lanterns and lit them in the command post. The light from the several lanterns immediately illuminated the main hall. Xu Wenqing paced slowly around the room, his thick eyebrows furrowed tightly, almost forming a straight line. He was anxiously awaiting news from Luo Jinsheng of the reconnaissance battalion. How to capture the enemy supply depot at Shahe—whether through strategy or plunder—could only be determined with accurate intelligence from the reconnaissance battalion.

It was nearly midnight, and the reconnaissance battalion, which had been eagerly awaiting news, still hadn't sent any word. Xu Wenqing grew increasingly anxious. He stared at the map for a while with bloodshot eyes, then stood at the door, gazing up at the dark night outside. His expression was like that of a clay statue. He seemed oblivious to the busy figures of the division staff moving about, as if nothing concerned him. His lips remained tightly pressed together, and he didn't utter a single word.

After much anticipation, around 3 a.m., the reconnaissance battalion finally sent someone back. Upon meeting them, Xu Wenqing immediately sent someone to notify the battalion commander and political instructor of the special operations battalion to come over quickly. Then, he eagerly inquired about various aspects of the enemy's situation.

The scout, wiping the sweat from his brow, hurriedly reported:

"Both the Jiangxi Army and the Central Army have withdrawn from the Shahe Town area, and now only a small number of troops are guarding it. The banks of the small river outside Shahe Town are the supply depots of the Central Army and the Jiangxi Army, with a total of two companies guarding the two supply depots. Shuzipu in Yongjia County to the north is also only defended by a company of Jiangxi Army troops, and there are no large enemy forces around. The reconnaissance battalion has sent people to scout in the direction of Yongjia. Please send troops to seize the supply depots as soon as possible."

"Good, Luo Jinsheng did a great job this time, you did a wonderful job!"

Xu Wenqing's previously anxious gaze began to relax, and Cheng Piguang, the head of the logistics department, quickly arranged for people to prepare meals for the investigators.

"Commander, Battalion Commander Luo has already taken control of the town mayors and militia captains of the Zhejiang army. They are firmly under our control. As soon as our troops arrive, we can easily enter the enemy's supply depot and eliminate them."

The scout, drinking the water personally brought to him by Chief of Staff Hu Jiu, added.

Xu Wenqing lowered his head and seriously considered the battle plan, walking back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back. Chief of Staff Hu Jiu kept his eyes on He Feng's pacing figure.

Xu Wenqing abruptly raised his head, strode to the map hanging on the wall, stared intently at it with a cold gaze, studied it carefully for a while, and then began to issue combat orders:

"Chief of Staff, order the entire Special Service Battalion to change their uniforms, falsely claim to be the 2nd Battalion of the 1st Regiment of the Zhejiang Army Garrison Division, and immediately set off lightly equipped. They will march rapidly to Shahe and, with the cooperation of the reconnaissance battalion, seize the enemy's supply depot and firmly control it."

The supply battalion will follow tomorrow afternoon and arrive at Zhukeng Village for rest and reorganization.

The 56th and 57th Regiments, responsible for defense, must hold out for two more days before withdrawing, thus ensuring that Wenzhou City remains firmly in our hands for two days, buying time for our division to implement the next phase of our plan.

Xu Wenqing then gave a decisive order:

"I led the artillery battalion to the 57th Regiment, and the chief of staff led the heavy machine gun battalion to Fengshan to strengthen the defense."

Tomorrow morning, the supply battalion will begin collecting the military uniforms made by the people inside and outside the city, and then at 3 p.m., they will withdraw from Wenzhou under the protection of the engineering battalion.

The political commissar led the division headquarters and directly subordinate units, escorted by the guard battalion, and followed closely behind the supply battalion.

The 55th Regiment remained in place as a reserve force.

Having a strong reserve force is essential for peace of mind in critical moments.

Just as the political commissar was about to speak, Xu Wenqing waved his hand and said:

"Political Commissar, don't worry, things won't be easy for you. After taking Shahe, you must maintain strict secrecy over the entire town and prevent any leaks. Quickly inventory the supplies and be ready to march on Taizhou at any time!"

At this moment, the battalion commander and political instructor of the special operations battalion strode into the regimental headquarters.

"This place is nearly sixty miles from Shahe. If we set off immediately and march at full speed, it will take at least five hours to get there!"

Xu Wenqing picked up a pencil and drew a heavy circle on the map where the words "Shahe" were located. He then said to the two military and political leaders of the special operations battalion who had rushed over:

"Comrades Ma Bingsheng and Wang Guohua, whether or not we can secretly seize Shahe Town is the key to ensuring that the 19th Red Army Division can quickly leave the eastern Zhejiang region and enter southern Anhui, thus depriving the Zhejiang army of the opportunity to pursue our army!"

Battalion Commander Ma and the political instructor gave a resolute answer:

"Please rest assured, leader. I will be the first to fight, and I will surely win."

The special operations battalion is the spearhead and fist of the entire division; we are determined and capable of completing the mission on time!

"Who do you plan to have dress up as the Zhejiang army commander?"

Xu Wenqing inquired with concern about this crucial step in determining whether the surprise attack would succeed.