Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 39 Fortress Plan

The next morning, after inspecting the military camp, Tang Weiguo headed towards Professor Zhao's residence.

Professor Zhao's full name is Zhao Chengze. He studied at a modern school in his early years and later went abroad to study under the arrangement of his family. After witnessing the development of Western countries, he did not stay in the West, but returned to China to become a teacher in his hometown provincial capital.

He hoped to use his knowledge to build his country. However, due to the turbulent times, national instability, warlord conflicts, and foreign invasion, Professor Zhao found that his teaching did not make the country, or even his province, better. As a result, Professor Zhao gradually became disheartened.

He ignored everything else and devoted himself solely to teaching.

When the Japanese attacked Taiyuan, Professor Zhao's long-dormant spirit was stirred, and he stubbornly decided to stay at the university. He couldn't bear to leave the school where he had spent most of his life and decided to live and die with it. However, in the end, he was persuaded by the students and evacuated the school with them.

On their way out of the school, Professor Zhao and his group were fortunate enough to encounter Sichuan soldiers who were breaking out of the city, and they escaped Taiyuan together. Then, they were lucky enough to meet Tang Weiguo on their escape route, which led to their current safe place.

Having experienced so much during this period, Professor Zhao had come to a realization: death was no longer an option. He wanted to preserve his life to contribute to the war effort, and he firmly believed that he would live to see the day when the Japanese devils were driven out of China.

Just as Professor Zhao was pondering this, Tang Weiguo's voice came from outside the door.

"Professor Zhao, it's me, Tang Weiguo."

"Commander Tang, please come in." Upon hearing Tang Weiguo's voice, Professor Zhao hurriedly opened the door and led Tang Weiguo to a seat.

"Professor Zhao, is this place comfortable? If not, I'll find you another place." Tang Weiguo looked around.

"No need, no need. I'm perfectly fine here. I don't need to move. Thank you for your concern, Commander," Professor Zhao said with a hint of gratitude.

"Then I'm relieved. Professor Zhao, if you need anything, just ask Bi Shoucai in the logistics department. I've already told him everything, and he must make sure to meet your needs."

"Commander Tang, you are too kind. You flatter me. I am unworthy of such a compliment."

"Professor Zhao, you don't need to be so polite. I've come to you with two things I'd like your help with," Tang Weiguo said, getting straight to the point without any pleasantries.

"Commander Tang, if you say so, I will do my best to help you as long as it is within my power." Professor Zhao's face showed no displeasure when he heard that Tang Weiguo needed his help; instead, he seemed eager to try.

"Professor Zhao, the number of students in our militia is still too small. Some technical positions still need to be filled by people who have received education."

"You've been teaching for so many years, I'm sure you have a good network of connections, so the first thing we need is for you to help us recruit some more students to join the militia."

"Professor Zhao, don't worry, I treat them like treasures and I won't send them to the battlefield."

"Commander Tang, I'll help you with this. I'll write a letter to ask, but I don't know how many people can make it through the chaos of war," Professor Zhao said uncertainly.

"Professor Zhao, this is no problem. We'll take whoever comes. Thank you very much," Tang Weiguo said gratefully.

"It's all for the sake of resisting Japan." Professor Zhao didn't think it was such a big deal.

"Professor Zhao, I've heard you're an expert in civil engineering. I'd like to ask you to help me build a military fortress based on the terrain of Wolong Mountain, preferably designed to withstand bombing by Japanese planes and artillery. That way, we can use Wolong Mountain to our advantage to kill the Japanese devils."

"Commander Tang, no problem, you can leave it to me. Let's go and look at the terrain of Wolong Mountain now. I'll grab a pen and start recording the topography." Tang Weiguo's words instantly ignited Professor Zhao's enthusiasm. He went straight back to his room, grabbed a set of drawing tools, and was about to pull Tang Weiguo away.

"Professor Zhao, there's no rush these few days. Let you rest for a bit before we get started," Tang Weiguo said, praising Professor Zhao for his energetic demeanor.

"Commander, time waits for no one. The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can fight the Japanese better. Commander, let's get to work!" At this moment, Professor Zhao seemed to have rediscovered his youthful self.

"Then let's begin. I'll personally accompany you." Tang Weiguo did not dampen Professor Zhao's enthusiasm and personally accompanied Professor Zhao to explore the terrain of Wolong Mountain.

An expert will know if there is one as soon as he takes action.

Professor Zhao had been working long hours for several days, leaving early and returning late. Tang Weiguo, who was following him, was worried that he might overwork himself. But seeing Professor Zhao's energetic spirit, Tang Weiguo felt that his worries were somewhat unnecessary. In the past few days, Professor Zhao had explored every corner of Wolong Mountain, carrying a sheet of white paper covered with densely drawn topographical maps.

He kept muttering to himself, "This side needs to be done this way, and that side needs to be done that way."

After finishing the terrain survey, Professor Zhao locked himself in his room and worked day and night drawing blueprints. Seeing this, Tang Weiguo specifically instructed Bi Shoucai to take good care of Professor Zhao and make sure he didn't get sick.

A week later, Professor Zhao, sporting dark circles under his eyes, found Tang Weiguo.

"Commander, I have accomplished my mission! I have finally designed it!" Professor Zhao shouted excitedly.

"Let me see." Tang Weiguo walked over excitedly and looked at the blueprints.

"Commander, there are dense caves inside Wolong Mountain, so I want to make use of them. Let's continue excavating the mountain to build an underground military fortress. We'll use the mountain to defend against the Japanese planes and artillery," Professor Zhao excitedly introduced.

"In the original construction of our militia, we have specially added three-dimensional firing points. Not only that, but we have also reserved firing positions for artillery. This will maximize the firepower of our militia."

"Moreover, Clausewitz said in his 'On War' that offense is the best defense, so I did not design purely defensive fortifications. I also designed offensive channels based on the defensive fortifications. The soldiers can use the offensive channels to outflank the enemy and launch a surprise attack from the rear."

"Of course, it's okay if the attack route is discovered; we can use it as bait to lure the enemy in."

Tang Weiguo looked at the Wolong Mountain Fortress before him, which was fully functional and armed to the teeth, and nodded repeatedly in satisfaction.

"Professor Zhao, if we follow your design, I guarantee that even 2 Japanese devils won't be able to do anything to us," Tang Weiguo said, looking at the design.

“Alright, let’s start construction according to Professor Zhao’s design. Professor Zhao’s design is classified as top secret. Only the two of us can know the full contents of the design. Others can only know a small part of it,” Tang Weiguo said.

"Don't worry, Commander Tang, I would rather die than let this slip out," Professor Zhao solemnly declared.

"Professor Zhao, how long will it take to construct according to these blueprints?"

“Even with ample supplies, it would take at least two years to mobilize 1000 people.”

"Okay, I understand. I'll make the necessary preparations now and get ready to start construction."

"Professor Zhao, please go back and rest. I will let you know."

"By the way, keep this drawing with me."

Watching Professor Zhao's departing figure, Tang Weiguo began to carefully consider the plan to build the fortress.