Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 14 New Arrangements

"Xiao Hu, notify the First Battalion and the new recruits to assemble in Tangjia Town tomorrow morning to safely transport the supplies to Wolong Mountain," Tang Weiguo instructed Tang Xiao Hu.

"Yes, Commander, I'll get started right away," Tang Xiaohu replied.

After speaking, Tang Weiguo returned to the living room, where Wang Qiang and the others were waiting for him in a room next to the living room.

As Wang Qiang watched Tang Weiguo enter the room, he quickly told several of his old comrades to stand up and greeted Tang Weiguo, "Greetings, Commander Tang."

"Hello everyone, please have a seat. Welcome to the militia. We're not exactly a regular army, and this commander is self-appointed, so please don't be shy," Tang Weiguo said.

"Commander Tang, you're too kind. We brothers are extremely grateful for your kindness. If it weren't for you taking us in, we really don't know how we would have survived," Wang Qiang said to Tang Weiguo again, expressing his gratitude.

"What's going on, brothers? Working in an arsenal is usually quite desirable, especially for technicians like you." Tang Weiguo was used to the corruption during the Republic of China era, but he still wanted to know what had happened.

"Commander Tang, just thinking about this makes me furious. You wouldn't believe it, those bastards in the arsenal kicked us out because they thought we were too old and not as capable as we used to be. We were all key technical personnel in the factory, and those officials showed no mercy, just firing us like that. Not only that, they even embezzled our retirement benefits. Last week, a few of us went to protest, and they sent people to beat us up."

As Wang Qiang spoke, bitter tears welled up in his eyes.

“We brothers have elderly parents to support and young children to raise. If you hadn’t taken us in, we really wouldn’t know how we would have been able to support our families. We’re kneeling before you.” After saying this, Wang Qiang and several others knelt down before Tang Weiguo.

"Brother Wang, what are you doing? Get up quickly." Tang Weiguo immediately stepped forward to help the older men up.

"Brother Wang, in this day and age, people with technical skills are so precious. I, Tang Weiguo, feel extremely honored that you can join the militia," Tang Weiguo said, holding Wang Qiang's hand.

"Brother Wang, to be honest, I bought two machines that were retired from the arsenal this time. I'll have to rely on you to get them up and running as soon as possible so we can start production soon," Tang Weiguo said hopefully.

"Commander Tang, rest assured, we brothers know those retired equipment from the arsenal as well as our own wives. Commander Tang, rest assured, once they're in our hands, we guarantee timely production." Wang Qiang said solemnly, almost kowtowing to Tang Weiguo and swearing a solemn oath.

"I'm relieved to hear you say that," Tang Weiguo said with a happy expression.

"I just heard you say that you are all technical backbones. Please help mentor the apprentices. You will act as master craftsmen and direct the apprentices. I, Tang Weiguo, guarantee that as long as I am here, you will have a day to work."

"Oh, and another thing is the salary. The salary here is 5% higher than what you get at the arsenal," Tang Weiguo assured them.

Hearing Tang Weiguo say this, Wang Qiang and the others felt as if they had taken a reassuring pill, and their mood became much calmer.

"Commander Tang, we brothers will definitely live up to your trust." Wang Qiang shed tears of emotion at this moment.

"Alright, Wang Qiang, from now on you will be the factory director of the militia arsenal I will establish. You will have to set up the arsenal as soon as possible and put it into operation as soon as possible. I have high expectations for you."

Upon hearing Tang Weiguo's words, Wang Qiang assured him:

"Don't worry, Commander Tang. This is our job, and we'll make sure our regiment's arsenal gets running."

"Good, I'm relieved to hear your words. If you encounter any difficulties, just let me know and I'll try my best to accommodate you. By the way, what are your plans for Taiyuan City in the future?" Tang Weiguo suddenly asked.

"I haven't decided yet," Wang Qiang replied.

"How about this, everyone bring their families over? It'll be more reassuring to be with your loved ones. Besides, the militia is short-handed in various places, so your families can have jobs in the militia. And I'll give each of you a settlement allowance of 50 silver dollars," Tang Weiguo said.

Tang Weiguo thought to himself that Taiyuan City would be occupied by the Japanese army by the end of the year. If these families moved here, they would be spared the suffering of the war and could work in peace.

Hearing Tang Weiguo's words, Wang Qiang and the others remained silent, their expressions showing hesitation. Tang Weiguo, in turn, said nothing more and simply sat quietly to the side, waiting.

After discussing quietly for a while, Wang Qiang said to Tang Weiguo, "Let's follow the regimental commander's arrangements and bring our families over."

"Okay, I'll send someone to pick up your family so you can be reunited as soon as possible," Tang Weiguo said with a smile.

"Thank you very much, Commander." Wang Qiang said.

"You all rest first. I'll call you if anything comes up." After saying that, Tang Weiguo bid them farewell and left.

After Tang Weiguo left, Wang Qiang and his friends started chatting.

"Brother Wang, what do you think of Commander Tang?" Old Li asked.

“Although Commander Tang is young, he is quite shrewd and mature beyond his years. Yet, he is also sincere in his dealings with people. I think he is a good person. We can work with peace of mind under his guidance,” Wang Qiang said after a moment’s thought.

"Now that we're working under Commander Tang, we have to put our best skills to use. I just gave you my guarantee," Wang Qiang said to the others.

“Brother Wang, no problem, we’ll definitely make the new employer happy,” Old Li said.

"Okay, shall we go take a look at the machine, guys?" Wang Qiang asked.

"Okay, let's go."

......

That evening, Tang Weiguo summoned all the key members of the group to a meeting, including Wang Qiang. Since Chu Yu and Chu Xin weren't considered members of the militia, Tang Weiguo didn't notify them.

"Everyone, let me introduce you first. This is the man next to me. His name is Wang Qiang, and he will be the factory director of our militia's arsenal from now on," Tang Weiguo said, pointing to Wang Qiang.

"Welcome Director Wang to the company." Tang Xiaohu led the applause.

"Thank you everyone, I will definitely get our regiment's arsenal up and running as soon as possible," Wang Fugui said quickly.

"Once our militia's arsenal is operational, it will be able to solve some of our ammunition problems," Tang Weiguo explained.

"Commander, does that mean we can use more live ammunition for training in the future?" Tang Dazhuang asked with concern.

"That's right. We bought a bullet reloading machine this time, so that all training ammunition will be reloaded bullets."

"Yes, Commander." Tang Xiaohu said to Tang Dazhuang.

"Another thing is that the purchase of weapons went smoothly this time. Now we have more guns than people, so I have decided to set up a new supplementary battalion, with Zhao Zhu as the battalion commander, to be in charge of the relevant training work."

"As for the personnel, we'll select them from the village protection teams," Tang Weiguo said after considering for a moment.

"Commander, you've added more people to my team again. Even a landlord's donkey isn't being used like this," Zhao Zhu complained from the side.

"Haha, the capable should do more. Besides you, who else in our regiment can take on this important task of training new recruits?" Tang Weiguo said with a smile.

"Don't worry, once you've trained well, I'll personally give you a bonus at the end of the year." Tang Weiguo subtly offered Zhao Zhu a promise.

"Commander, are you serious?" Zhao Zhu perked up immediately upon hearing about the bonus.

"It really couldn't be truer."

"Alright, I, Old Zhao, will take on this battalion commander position."

"Hahahaha, this time it was Old Zhao who did it." The others laughed as they sat together.

"By the way, in order to better coordinate and manage, I've decided to set up a logistics department, which will have two companies under it. It will be specifically responsible for logistics matters related to the militia. The personnel will be composed of the new recruits this time, and the core members of the newly established logistics battalion will be drawn from the logistics companies of the two battalions. Does anyone have any recommendations?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"Commander, there's no need to choose. Bi Shoucai is definitely the most suitable. He's usually stingy and good at calculating." Tang Xiaohu recommended one of his company commanders.

"Commander, I also think it's appropriate. Old Bi's reputation for being stingy has spread far and wide," Tang Dazhuang said with a smile.

"I'm not stingy, I'm good at managing money," said Bi Shouchai, sitting in the back corner, with a hint of dissatisfaction.

“Bi Shoucai, this name is sure to protect the resources of our militia. Okay, let’s make Bi Shoucai the head of our militia’s logistics department.”

"Yes, Commander, I guarantee the mission will be completed." Bi Shoucai stood up from the crowd.

"Alright, starting tomorrow, you will begin setting up the logistics department," Tang Weiguo ordered.

"Each battalion's logistics company should be immediately reorganized into a new combat company. From now on, logistics will be uniformly handled by the regiment to reduce the combat burden on each battalion," Tang Weiguo said.

"Now that we have more weapons, I have decided to increase the firepower of the First and Second Battalions."

"In the first and second battalions, light machine guns are distributed to the squads to ensure the firepower of the combat squads, and each company is equipped with a heavy machine gun."

"The first and second battalions will be uniformly re-equipped with Shanxi-made Type 38 rifles, and the replaced rifles will be handed over to the supplementary battalion for use."

"The newly purchased submachine guns and sniper rifles will be used by the reconnaissance battalion."

"Any missing weapons can be obtained from Bi Shoucai," Tang Weiguo said.

"Bi Shoucai, this is your first task as a new official. Can you do a good job?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"Commander, I guarantee the mission will be completed," Bi Shoucai assured.

"Oh, right, there's one more thing. The logistics department will be in charge of collecting bullets and casings. Bi Shoucai should come up with a way to ensure the maximum recovery of bullet casings and bullets," Tang Weiguo ordered.

"Yes, Commander," Bi Shoucai replied.

"Very good, everyone go back and rest early to prepare for tomorrow's work."

"Yes!"