The Flames of Resistance Against Japan in Jiangnan

The young men who enlisted were quickly organized, dressed in bright red and green uniforms, lined up proudly, and joined the 59th Regiment, beginning their combat careers in the 19th Red Army Division.

After the main force led by the political commissar had all left, Xu Wenqing left the platform and walked into the city. Looking at Zhong Shi behind him, he ordered him not to bring a squad of guards to follow him closely, but that Ma Xiaoer would suffice.

Unexpectedly, Zhong Shiqing answered with a serious expression:

"Reporting to the division commander, this is Political Commissar Yao's order: you must have a squad of guards by your side!"

Seeing the serious expression on the new guard company commander's face, Xu Wenqing couldn't help but want to tease him again:

"Little Stone, you've risen three ranks in just a few days, from soldier to company commander! You're comparable to Zhang Haogu!"

"Zhang Haogu, who is Zhang Haogu?"

The newly appointed Company Commander Zhong asked curiously.

Xu Wenqing flicked Zhong Shi on the forehead and then began to tell a story:

"Zhang Haogu was a young nobleman in the Ming Dynasty, but he was ignorant and incompetent..."

They had barely exchanged a few words when the buzzing of airplanes came from the sky. Ma Xiaoer pointed to the sky and shouted repeatedly:

"Commander, no, I mean division commander, enemy planes are coming again!"

Xu Wenqing looked up and saw that enemy planes had begun to circle overhead. This was the second time that the White Army's planes had visited Taizhou Prefecture. Fortunately, the mission of this plane was only reconnaissance and not bombing. However, it was like a 'Sword of Damocles' hanging over the heads of the Red Army, requiring them to be on guard at all times. Besides, he did not want to reveal the secret of modifying anti-aircraft machine guns and was preparing to give the enemy a surprise attack in the battle.

After returning to headquarters, a decision was made after discussing with the political commissar;

To prevent enemy bombing, the political commissar will lead the division's directly subordinate units to set off with the main force at dusk. Xu Wenqing will lead two battalions of the special service regiment to be responsible for the rearguard in Taizhou Prefecture. After meeting up with the reconnaissance battalion that went out to scout, they will choose an opportunity to fight in order to attract the enemy's attention and cover the transfer of the main force.

Chief of Staff Hu Jiu went out to assemble the troops, while Xu Wenqing seized the opportunity to discuss the next steps with the political commissar.

"Report! The 56th Regiment has assembled. Please give instructions, Commander!"

The staff officer's report interrupted their conversation. Xu Wenqing quickly cut to the chase, shook hands with the political commissar to say goodbye, and walked out of the headquarters side by side with the chief of staff.

On the main street in front of the division headquarters, all the personnel of the three battalions and the heavy machine gun company of the 56th Regiment were already lined up neatly, waiting for his orders.

Xu Wenqing carefully observed the impressive formation, nodded, and said in a calm tone:

"set off!"

The departure horn sounded immediately, its tone so melodious and resonant that it echoed throughout Taizhou. Even after the horn stopped, the echo lingered for a long time, as if the mountains outside the city were responding. This young, energetic team, which had been formed not long ago, was setting off again.

After midnight, Xu Wenqing led his special agent regiment and set off quietly.

Stepping out of the city gates and onto the eastward mountain road, Xu Wenqing glanced back at Taizhou Prefecture one last time, then spurred his horse forward. His guards gripped the reins, kicking the horses' flanks to urge them on. The only sounds in the rapidly moving procession were the clatter of footsteps, the clatter of hooves, and the creaking of carts.

The next day, after dawn, the team began to rest in hiding. After sunset, the team set off again.

The 58th Regiment of the 19th Division of the Red Army, the main force, was marching fully armed on the mountain road from Taizhou Prefecture to Ningbo Prefecture. In order to save time, the troops chose a narrow shortcut.

Winter had arrived, and the trees on the nearby mountains had mostly shed their leaves, with only the pine trees remaining evergreen. The north wind blew fiercely, like sharp blades scraping against their faces. The daytime rest had invigorated the soldiers, and their brand-new cotton-padded coats kept them from the biting cold. The ranks were stretched out, with the front and rear guards about three miles apart from the main force, just to be on the safe side.

The mountain paths through the mountains are rugged and uneven. The mountains, though not high, are very steep, with many cliffs appearing as if cut by a knife. Scattered at the foot of the mountains are villages of varying sizes, some with one or two, a few with a dozen or more, and a few with over a hundred. The villages are surrounded by mountainsides covered with dense pine and cypress trees, their canopies reaching the sky, and shrubs covering the slopes. Experienced people know that if you see a gray grove of trees in the distance, that's a village.

There were no proper roads in the mountains, and weeds grew everywhere, with loose stones scattered all over the ground, but the commanders and soldiers still trudged along the narrow path without fear, their steps uneven.

After a long and arduous journey, the soldiers were drenched in sweat. Occasionally, they would come across a babbling brook flowing through the mountains. Thirsty soldiers would rush to the brook, scoop up the water, and drink their fill.

"Comrades, you must never drink unboiled water, it will make you sick!"

Upon seeing this, Xu Wenqing rode over to persuade him.

Several soldiers chattered amongst themselves:

"Commander, we drink cold water all the time and we're still in great shape. Besides, we're lucky to have cold water to drink during battle!"

"Wartime is definitely not the time to focus on health!"

Xu Wenqing shook his head self-deprecatingly, raised his riding whip, and said loudly:

"Comrade, just a little more effort and we'll be in Ninghai County. The reconnaissance battalion has prepared braised pork and rice, which are waiting for us there!"

Amidst the thunderous laughter of the soldiers, Xu Wenqing spurred his horse forward, leading his comrades in a mighty march. As the morning star quietly rose in the sky, the 58th Regiment arrived outside Ninghai City in a forced march.

The vanguard company, the special operations company commander of the special operations battalion, ran up to Xu Wenqing and reported:

"Reporting to the division commander, the comrades from the reconnaissance battalion and the assault company have taken control of Dinghai County. Battalion Commander Luo of the reconnaissance battalion is now waiting for us at the city gate."

Xu Wenqing was overjoyed upon hearing this and hurriedly dismounted to greet him, immediately punching the chest of Luo Jinsheng, the reconnaissance battalion commander.

"You little bastard, you've got some nerve! You dare to take over the county town with just one battalion."

Luo Jinsheng chuckled and replied:

"Commander, I wasn't taking any risks. I sent someone in disguise to scout into the city and found out that the enemy only had one company from the security regiment. Why not take advantage of the situation? I have four companies under my command, so I can easily defeat them. That's why I made my move."

"In any case, we must be more careful from now on!"

Xu Wenqing didn't want to go too far, thinking that a reminder would suffice, and it wouldn't be good if it scared the detectives into making mistakes.

"Commander, this is Song Chunsheng, the captain of the guerrilla force."

Luo Jinsheng pointed to a young man in casual clothes next to him and introduced him to He Feng.

Xu Wenqing extended his hand with a broad smile and greeted the other person warmly.

"Reporting to the commander, Song Chunsheng, former deputy battalion commander of the 30th Division of the 10th Red Army, is reporting for duty. Please give instructions!"

The young man stood at attention and gave Xu Wenqing a standard salute.