Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 244 Deputy Commander-in-Chief: This is the certification of the Locust Army; Brigade Commander Chen is visiting, and the Zhengtai Railway is under attack!
Eastern Army Headquarters.

The Eighth Route Army soon received news that the Flying Tiger Honor Division had returned to Shanxi.

The deputy commander-in-chief, the deputy chief of general staff, and Brigade Commander Chen and others held a collective meeting specifically on this matter.

The key core of the discussion lies in.

How to continue to maintain contact with Chu Yunfei and carry out further cooperation in the southeastern Shanxi region.

Both the deputy commander-in-chief and the commander-in-chief had concerns in their minds.

After all, a lot of news had been reported before.

Even on the Japanese side, Chu Yunfei was a direct descendant of Chiang Kai-shek's army certified by the Japanese Locust Army.

Based on their previous struggle experience and work experience.

Among the generals who were close to Chiang Kai-shek, almost none of them were not on guard against the Red Party.

After all, if the superiors like something, the subordinates will follow suit.

Only by following the leader's footsteps can you rise to the top.

Chu Yunfei's rise to fame began in the south.

But among this group of Eighth Route Army generals, there were still a few who firmly believed that they should maintain contact with Chu Yunfei's troops.

Brigade Commander Chen firmly believes that although Chu Yunfei has made great military achievements, he is still the same Chu Yunfei.

High position and generous salary did not have much impact on Chu Yunfei.

The Deputy Chief of the General Staff, who also graduated from Huangpu, held the same view.

He saw in Chu Yunfei one of the few remaining original intentions among the Whampoa military officers.

As for those who don’t believe Chu Yunfei, they are naturally the people in political work.

No more talk.

After a long discussion, there is still no answer.

In the end, it was the commander-in-chief who made the final decision, and Brigade Commander Chen was asked to take the trouble to go on an official errand.

Agreed to send Brigade Commander Chen in the name of joint operations.

Go to Changzhi area to conduct exchanges and explore.

In the eyes of the Eighth Route Army generals.

Even if the relationship between the two sides is not as close as usual.

But I have the identity of a senior from Huangpu here.

I don’t think Chu Yunfei would do anything to Brigade Commander Chen.

Brigade Commander Chen acted decisively and swiftly. He rode his horse to Changzhi that same day and arrived at Chu Yunfei's base the next day.

Hearing that Brigade Commander Chen had arrived, Sun Ming hurried forward to report.

Chu Yunfei signaled Zhuo Tianyu in front of him to stop reporting, and instead instructed: "I know about the current difficulties. It's nothing more than a lack of weapons. Now the people who are delivering the weapons have arrived. Do you want to go with me?"

"The Eighth Route Army is even poorer than us...what weapons can they have?" Zhuo Tianyu muttered but still followed Chu Yunfei obediently.

"Senior, why didn't you say hello before coming here?"

Chu Yunfei walked into the reception room with enthusiasm, while Sun Ming and his guards helped serve tea.

Brigade Commander Chen saluted solemnly: "Commander Chu, you are joking..."

Chu Yunfei smiled and saluted back: "Old senior, are you still trying to do this to me?"

Brigadier General Chen smiled. Chu Yunfei motioned for him to sit down and said, "When will the ranks of our national army and your positions in the Eighth Route Army match up?"

"Aren't our Eighth Route Army also the National Revolutionary Army?" Brigade Commander Chen grinned.

Chu Yunfei laughed and didn't care: "Right now, the Japanese army is the biggest enemy of our Chinese nation. As for the difference in political views, let's not talk about it for now."

"After all, you are a general of the National Army. If you have frequent contacts with our Eighth Route Army in the southeastern Shanxi region, aren't you afraid that Dai Li's spies will report to the Chairman?" Brigade Commander Chen teased with a smile on his face.

"The principal is so busy that he doesn't have the time to listen to the chatter of these dog spies." Chu Yunfei laughed and looked unconcerned: "Dai Yunong is just a sword on the chairman's body. My loyalty to this country is not something that these people can question."

Having said that, there is nothing to hide from Chiang Kai-shek.

Based on the abilities he has demonstrated so far and the control he has over his troops.

Even if there is some unclear connection with the Red Party.

Chiang Kai-shek would only try to win him over, not exclude him.

What's more, Chu Yunfei was very sensible in doing things, and everything he did was outside Chiang Kai-shek's red line.

Even if the issue is touched upon occasionally, Chiang Kai-shek's red line will be appropriately turned into a red carpet to accommodate this obedient student.

Chu Yunfei asked straight to the point: "Senior, you came here in person this time, I guess you have something important to do?"

"Why? I can't come and see you if I don't have something serious to do?" Brigade Commander Chen raised his eyebrows.

"That's definitely no problem." Chu Yunfei laughed, then turned around and gave Sun Ming a few instructions.

"Senior, our army won several battles during this campaign in Jin, which can be considered a major victory. I have a small gift for you."

Brigade Commander Chen became interested: "Let me guess, it's not something like a command knife, right? You, Chu Yunfei, seem to be only interested in these things."

Chu Yunfei shook his head. "Parker pens from the United States. The first batch of American aid also bought a lot of office supplies. I used some of my power to keep some, and I'll give you one."

"Didn't you always like to give Japanese things to your colleagues?"

Chu Yunfei laughed: "I didn't expect that Senior also has his own spies in our Second War Zone Commander's Headquarters."

Without giving Commander Chen a chance to speak, Chu Yunfei continued, "Their combat staff stayed in the combat command room all day looking at maps, and actually didn't fight the Japanese army much.

But you, the Eighth Route Army, are different. You often fight with the Japanese army.

There are some things that even if I don't give them to you, you will be able to seize them sooner or later.

Based on this, I thought that the gift I gave to you, senior, should be a little more unusual. "

"I don't think the Generalissimo will give such good things as American aid to our Eighth Route Army."

Brigade Commander Chen came back to his senses and joked with a smile.

Chu Yunfei nodded silently: "Indeed."

"Okay, let's talk about something serious. In order to cooperate with the second phase of the main force of the Second War Zone to counterattack Taiyuan, our Eastern Route Army intends to carry out a simultaneous attack on the Zhengtai Railway Line and conduct a joint operation with your Flying Tiger Honor Division."

Chu Yunfei immediately nodded in agreement: "Since it is in line with the strategic counterattack plan of the Second War Zone, there is naturally no problem. How do you plan to fight?"

"That depends on how much force you plan to mobilize."

Chu Yunfei was silent for a moment and said truthfully: "The reason why our army was transferred back to the southeastern Shanxi region from the First War Zone to rest and recuperate is because of the heavy losses in the battles in the past six months. For this battle, our army can mobilize at most one main regiment."

"A thousand? That's enough. The number of Japanese troops we plan to annihilate in the Chengjiazhuang stronghold is only forty, and even if we include the puppet troops, there are only two hundred."

Chu Yunfei smiled slightly without explaining.

As for the Chengjiazhuang stronghold mentioned by Brigade Commander Chen.

It is actually one of the station names on the Shotai Railway Line.

There are five more stations along the Yangquan to Niangziguan line.

They are Chengjia, Xiapanshi, Yanhui, Tuanliu, Baiyangshu, and then Yangquan.

It is obvious that the section of railway that the Eighth Route Army is preparing to attack this time is the line from Yangquan to Niangziguan.

Brigade Commander Chen touched his chin and continued, "For this operation, our army plans to mobilize a battalion of Cheng Shifa's 772nd Regiment and the troops of the New st Regiment to conduct an all-round attack on this section of the railway. We also plan to mobilize people to dismantle the railway."

"Your army is mainly responsible for the task of attacking the reinforcements. As for the task of attacking the stronghold, let our army take charge."

Chu Yunfei nodded: "Sure, I happen to have a regiment commander under my command who has no experience in independent command operations, so I can give him some practice."

Zhuo Tianyu was confused. Wasn't he called here to lead the battle?
Why are there other group leaders?

"Sir, who are you talking about?"

"Chen Zejun." Chu Yunfei smiled and said a name that shocked Zhuo Tianyu. "That brat is now the leader?"

"Yes, he is currently serving as the deputy commander of the 7th Infantry Regiment and commander of the 1st Battalion."

Facing the puzzled look of Brigade Commander Chen, Chu Yunfei briefly introduced Chen Zejun.

When they learned that a young man in his early twenties had won four consecutive military honors without any harm.

Brigade Commander Chen couldn't help but admire his abilities and envy his luck.

Not everyone has this ability.

We continued discussing for a while and it was almost time for dinner.

The three of them ended their conversation and went to the restaurant to eat together.

Before he stood up, Chu Yunfei said, "I will accompany and guide the operation this time to ensure that the Flying Tiger Honor Division returns to Shanxi and the operation goes smoothly..."

The headquarters of the 7th Infantry Regiment.

Chen Zejun was surprised for a moment when he suddenly received a notice from Sun Ming.

"Brother Ming, why did you suddenly ask me to command the battle and coordinate with the Eighth Route Army? Isn't this inappropriate?"

Sun Ming reminded: "The Eighth Route Army is now also the combat sequence of our National Revolutionary Army. The regular combat sequence is the Eighteenth Group Army of the National Revolutionary Army. What's inappropriate?"

"With the weapons and equipment of the Eighth Route Army...can they defeat the Japanese?" Chen Zejun frowned and complained in a low voice.

It was obvious that he did not have much knowledge about the specific situation of the Eighth Route Army.

"Didn't you participate in the Qin County Encirclement and Annihilation Campaign before? You should have seen the combat effectiveness of the Eighth Route Army."

"This time we are mainly engaged in a siege battle. Their equipment is too poor. For example, we can give the task of siege to us and let them help us to fight for reinforcements, or even dismantle the railway tracks."

Chen Zejun laughed and joked: "Brother Ming, didn't someone say before that they are a team of farmers?"

"I think farmers are best suited for farming, and they must be good at digging. So why not let them fight the reinforcements and destroy the railways, and let us fight the war."

Sun Ming shook his head and reminded him seriously: "Don't blame me for not reminding you, kid."

"Even if it's just a raid, it's not as simple as you think. We've returned to southeastern Shanxi. The Japanese army is likely to have obtained relevant intelligence. Similarly, they will definitely be more vigilant and even adjust their deployment in a targeted manner."

"Otherwise, why would Commander Chu accompany you to fight and help you?"

"Commander Chu..."

Sun Ming reminded him, "Don't forget that you are also from Huangpu, and so is Commander Chu. Others may block their positions because of their qualifications, but you are different. He still values ​​you very much."

"You must perform well in this battle."

"Yes, thank you Brother Ming for your advice." Chen Zejun smiled and said, "Next time my family sends some local specialties, I'll leave some tea for you, Brother Ming."

"Okay, okay...Remember to prepare some for Chief Chu. He also likes to drink tea to refresh himself."

"Don't worry"

A telegram was sent from Changzhi area to the headquarters of the commander of the Second War Zone.

Chu Xichun had no doubts and immediately reported the situation to Yan Laoxi.

"Yun Fei means that the Eastern Army took the initiative to invite him to join forces?"

"Yes." Chu Xichun nodded and handed the telegram to Yan Laoxi.

"Yun Fei is now assigned to the Southern Army's combat sequence, but in essence he is still responsible to you, Commander Yan. Otherwise, Yun Fei would have to ask General Wei for instructions." Chu Xichun explained.

Yan Laoxi nodded with great satisfaction.

"Yufa also sent a telegram a few days ago. Yunfei's command in the Linyi counterattack was selected as a classic battle example by the Army University. It was repeatedly analyzed by a group of instructors, but they didn't know how Yunfei found the flaw."

Chu Xichun smiled and said, "Yun Fei's battlefield sense is indeed different from that of ordinary people. He has led his troops many times and has great charisma. It only takes time for the troops he leads to become the strongest army in the world."

"Yes, this joint operation is part of the strategic counterattack planned by our Second War Zone. In my opinion, there is no problem. Send a telegram to Chu Yunfei, agree with this operation, and ask him to fight well in his first battle after returning to Jin!"

"Yes!"

Taiyuan, Shanxi

First Army Headquarters.

Ever since the first commander of the First Army, Seiji Kozuki, moved the headquarters from Shijiazhuang to Shanxi.

The location of the First Army headquarters was never changed.

Ever since the intelligence department learned that the Flying Tiger Honor Division was withdrawing to the southeastern Shanxi region.

The Japanese troops throughout the Shanxi region all received the telegram from Umezu Michiro.

The telegram asked them to be more vigilant, speed up the repair of more fortifications, and ensure their stability.

The subsequent plan to recruit laborers had to be brought forward, and the North China Front Army had to request the headquarters to coordinate the Kwantung Army to enter the country to reinforce the Shanxi region.

This matter is still under discussion, compared to the national army in Shanxi area.

This group of Japanese were obviously more afraid of the Soviets.

Umezu Michijiro, the commander of Shanxi's First Army, knew this very well.

Judging from the current strength comparison between the enemy and us.

At present, the Japanese army has received reinforcements from the two divisions of the puppet Manchukuo and puppet Mongolia.

Basically, we have fallen into a disadvantage in all aspects.

Not only was it impossible to launch an effective counterattack against the Kuomintang troops in Shanxi.

Even after the Flying Tiger Honor Division arrived in Shanxi, they were reduced to defending key strategic locations.

As for what the intelligence department said, that the Flying Tiger Honor Division had lost its offensive capability.

Umezu Mijiro naturally didn't believe it.

Yoshito Takagi, a member of the Shanxi First Army who believed in the intelligence department, has been recalled to his country, and the commander of the 20th Division Fumisaburo Kawagishi has also suffered a great loss.

As for what happens later.

That is, the commander of the 14th Division, Kenji Doizo, believed the intelligence department's judgment.

The main force of the enemy's first theater of operations does not have strong combat effectiveness. More than 85% of its troops are recruits. Chu Yunfei's troops have already lost their ability to sustain combat.

As for the result...needless to say.

The 14th Division, the elite ace in the Japanese Army's combat sequence.

On the banks of the Yellow River, they were completely wiped out by the main force of the National Army, which "did not have strong combat effectiveness" and "more than 85% of its troops were new recruits"!

Total annihilation! The locusts were enraged!
The intelligence community has undergone major adjustments from top to bottom.

As for when I can make some achievements and do something useful.

It is not known yet.

And the most crucial thing is that for the first time ever, the number of the 14th Division was permanently cancelled.

Even the infantry regiment and brigade numbers under its jurisdiction were permanently cancelled.

Even if everyone knows it.

The losses of the 14th Division were not the fault of Kenji Doimoto alone.

But he won't jump out to defend himself.

Michijiro Umezu had no choice but to wait patiently for the Battle of Wuhan to end.

The headquarters may be able to send additional troops to Shanxi.

"Commander, the latest intelligence intercepted by your intelligence department."

"intelligence?"

"Hai!" Lieutenant Colonel Okamoto Takashi nodded slightly: "It's about the Eighth Route Army in the Taihang area."

(End of this chapter)