Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 229 New Deployment

In the militia command post, Long Wenying was reporting the situation to Tang Weiguo. After this period of training in the militia command post, Long Wenying had become increasingly adept at her role as a staff officer.

"Commander, according to Director Bi's report, with the help of the people in the county, the speed of transferring supplies has been greatly accelerated. Three-quarters of all supplies have been transferred so far, and Director Bi expects the remaining supplies to be transferred within an hour."

"Very good. Remind Bi Shouchai that the civilians who participated in the operation are treated well. These people are helping us at the risk of retaliation from the Japanese. Tell Bi Shouchai to make sure that these people stay out of the limelight for a while to avoid being retaliated against by the Japanese."

"Yes, I noted it down."

"Commander, according to the intelligence report, they discovered a large quantity of medicine at a Japanese merchant guild. We're now cooperating with Director Bi to transport it."

"This is wonderful! I was just worried about the medicine problem, and I never expected such a pleasant surprise. The intelligence department has done another great service. I've ordered Bi Shoucai to find a way to get this batch of medicine to Wolongshan Hospital."

"Yes."

"How is Tang Xiaohu?"

"Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang has arrived at the battlefield with artillery to support the battle. Although the First Battalion has suffered heavy casualties, it is still holding the front line firmly."

"So, order Tang Xiaohu to hold out for another hour and a half, giving Bi Shoucai an extra half hour. You should notify them immediately."

"Yes." After saying that, Long Wenying immediately went to carry out the mission.

After issuing the order, Tang Weiguo continued to examine the map in front of him. His gaze remained fixed on the town of Qingshan.

A short while later, Long Wenying came over again.

"Commander, all units have completed communication, and the staff office is following up on the progress of each unit."

"Well, Wenying, what do you think about us taking over Qingshan County now?" Tang Weiguo suddenly asked.

Long Wenying thought for a moment before answering.

"Commander, all the Japanese troops are currently concentrated in the Wolong Mountain area. The Japanese forces in Qingshan County are extremely weak and easy for us to take."

"In addition, there is a coal mine near Xiaoqingshan County. We can make great use of this coal mine to provide a stable income for the militia."

"And the most crucial point is that Qingshan County is not as important as Wolongshan County. Now that the Japanese have suffered a major defeat, even if we occupy Qingshan County, the Japanese will not immediately send troops to attack Qingshan County. Instead, they will garrison Wolongshan County with heavy troops to ensure the safety of the railway."

"Furthermore, there is a base of the Eighth Route Army nearby. If we can take Qingshan County, the Wolongshan base will be connected with the Eighth Route Army's base, which will not only expand the scope of our base, but also allow us to cooperate with the Eighth Route Army to reduce our defensive pressure."

"Therefore, I think we can take over Qingshan County."

"But there is a point."

"You mean the issue of assisting the Eighth Route Army in defense involves political issues, right?"

"As expected, nothing can be hidden from the commander."

"Although both sides are now advocating for a joint resistance against Japan, private conflicts still occur frequently. I am worried that my superiors will suspect that we are getting too close to the Eighth Route Army."

“After all, in the eyes of the higher-ups, we are not one of their own. Now that we have won, I am worried that they will come and steal the credit. This is not the first time they have done this.” Long Wenying seemed to have thought of something and said angrily.

"Hmph, the country is in such a critical state right now, and they still have the mind to engage in these kinds of infighting." Tang Weiguo sneered.

“I agree with you. Occupying Qingshan County will be entirely beneficial to the future development of our militia. As for other issues, they will not be problems once we are strong enough. They will not easily turn against us.”

"After all, in chaotic times, strength speaks louder than words. Whoever has the strongest fist has the most authority," Tang Weiguo said, waving his fist.

"The only unit currently capable of carrying out combat missions is the reconnaissance battalion located in Wolongshan County."

"Yes, notify Niu Dali and the brother units to immediately carry out combat missions and make sure to capture Qingshan County as soon as possible."

"Brother unit?" Long Wenying asked doubtfully.

“Now that things have come to this, I don’t need to hide it from you anymore. It’s the Eighth Route Army’s Independent Regiment. However, don’t let anyone know that we are cooperating with them,” Tang Weiguo said seriously.

"Yes, Commander, I understand." Long Wenying also understood that this matter needed to be handled privately, and she immediately agreed.

"Alright, your staff will immediately formulate a battle plan. Also, notify Li Qukou's intelligence department to provide intelligence for this operation. The seeds they sowed in Qingshan County some time ago should now sprout."

"Yes, I'll arrange it right away." After saying that, Long Wenying began to get busy.

Meanwhile, Niu Dali, in Wolong Mountain, received an urgent order from the regimental headquarters.

"Report, Battalion Commander, urgent telegram from Regiment Commander."

"read."

"The regimental commander ordered my unit to immediately move toward Qingshan County and join forces with other units to occupy Qingshan County."

"I understand. Assemble the troops immediately. Also, notify Regiment Commander Li that there is an urgent military situation and you need him to come over."

"Yes."

A moment later, Li Yunfei rushed over anxiously.

"What's wrong, Battalion Commander Niu? The Japanese have attacked? I'll lead the Independent Regiment to hold them off first. You guys hurry up and transport supplies. This time, Old Li is benefiting from your efforts. The whole regiment has been equipped with Japanese weapons. We're now a fully-fledged Japanese-equipped regiment."

"This is the perfect opportunity to let those little devils taste the might of our Independent Regiment!" Li Yunfei said, his eyes gleaming with eagerness.

“To make Commander Li worry, the Japanese are still firmly stationed in the Lijia Gou area by our troops. The reason I called you here is for this matter.” Niu Dali pointed to Qingshan County marked on the map on the table.

"Are you planning to attack the county town?" Li Yunfei exclaimed in surprise.

“That’s right. Right now, the main force of Qingshan County is concentrated in the Wolong Mountain area, leaving the county town with few troops. We can take advantage of this situation to invade.”

"I wonder if Commander Li is interested?" Niu Dali asked.

"Interested, very interested! I'm extremely interested! This is a county town!"

"More importantly, the Eighth Route Army's 2nd Regiment is stationed near Xiaoqingshan. Once we occupy Qingshan County, our Independent Regiment's base will be connected with theirs."

"Alright, since Commander Li is interested, let's set off immediately. However, to ensure the safety of the transport troops, both sides need to leave a portion of their troops for defense."

“Okay, I will leave a battalion of troops to be responsible for the defense,” Li Yunfei replied.

"Commander Li, we'll be setting off in half an hour."

"Okay." After saying that, Li Yunfei hurriedly ran out.

"Political Commissar, there's new information." Li Yunfei quickly relayed Battalion Commander Niu's words to Zhao Xiaogang.

"This is indeed a good thing for us. Commander, you can lead the first and second battalions, and I will leave the third battalion here to ensure safety. I will also report this to the brigade headquarters and ask the second regiment to cooperate with our operation."

"Alright, do as the political commissar says. I'll assemble the troops right now." After saying that, Li Yunfei called on Zhou Zhengbiao to assemble the troops.