Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 245: Although there is no guarantee of success, there is determination to die (Subscription required)

Sun Weimou could understand why Chu Yunfei called him over specifically to ask about the shoes.

The current mobility of the troops mainly relies on their feet.

Shoes are of utmost importance.

When fighting outside, shoes are often not distributed in a timely manner.

As a result, even the extremely wealthy Flying Tiger Honor Division started wearing straw sandals.

This matter is difficult to resolve outside.

Chu Yunfei knew very well how poor the Nationalist government was.

After returning to southeastern Shanxi, the first thing he wanted to solve was this matter.

He couldn't let these returning soldiers go home to visit their families wearing straw sandals or walking barefoot.

Sun Weimou is now the production manager of the entire Changzhi and even the southeastern Shanxi region.

He naturally knows many things very well.

"Currently, the annual production in Changzhi is 280,000 pairs. If calculated based on the normal staffing, the shortage is about 200,000 pairs."

"In Qin County, Yangcheng, Qinshui and other surrounding areas, the work of the Women's Rescue Association is being carried out in an orderly manner."

"The local staff of the Eighth Route Army have also mobilized the masses in the Taihang Mountains. As far as the entire southeastern Shanxi region is concerned, there should be no problem in meeting the needs of a 35,000-man field force."

Chu Yunfei nodded: "At present, we not only need to solve the problem of increasing production capacity, but also continue to increase the output of military equipment, cotton clothes, bedding and other supplies.

I have visited the grassroots and talked with soldiers. I have learned that our combat troops consume a pair of cloth shoes every month. This is a simple arithmetic problem. "

"The field troops need to be issued at least 12 pairs of cloth shoes per year, the local armed forces need to be issued 8 pairs, and the local guerrillas and even part-time militias need to be issued half of that to 4 pairs. The field troops in the entire southeastern Shanxi region are calculated as 50,000 people, the local armed forces are 30,000 people, and the guerrillas are 10,000 people. If we calculate the total, how much production is needed per year?"

After all, Sun Weimou came from a merchant family and had received higher education, so he could do this mental arithmetic easily. He reported, "Based on the current production in southeastern Shanxi, the expected shortage of cloth shoes should be between 38,000 and 52,000 pairs."

"Can the Second War Zone Commander's Headquarters provide us with corresponding support?" Fang Ligong asked.

Sun Weimou shook his head and sighed: "I have sent several telegrams to ask before. Commander Yan hopes that we can set up a factory to raise funds."

"Solve it yourself?" Chu Yunfei nodded in understanding. "I heard that Commander Yan organized three to four new infantry divisions in the first half of the year. I think a lot of inventory was consumed. In addition, the production capacity was affected by the Japanese invasion, so it is normal that it can't keep up."

"At this time, we should also understand the difficulties faced by the commander. Since we are asked to solve the problem on our own, we will find another way." Fang Ligong agreed. He then asked, "Has the textile factory restored some of its production capacity after the evacuation?"

"Except for the steel plant, all other factories evacuated from Yangquan are now operating normally."

"The steel mill cannot be rushed. As for equipment innovation, the country has been blocked and there is little possibility."

There is no point in getting anxious about the steel mill.

Steel production capacity is the foundation of industry and also the top priority.

The reason for saying this is because it is expensive enough.

Even if the whole country is united.

Even a group of national capitalists, the few elites in the Kuomintang who were capable of getting things done, came together.

In terms of heavy industry development, there has not been much splash.

On the one hand, it was because the Republic of China was indeed poor due to lack of financial resources, and on the other hand, it was due to Chiang Kai-shek’s own reasons.

It’s not that there were no people in the industrial sector of the Republic of China, it’s just that they were unwilling to use them.

Almost all of this group of national entrepreneurs opposed him starting a civil war, so it would be strange if Chiang Kai-shek could treat them well.

Top talents from all walks of life have more or less sat on Chiang Kai-shek's bench.

Take a thousand steps back.

Even Chiang Kai-shek was eager to build the Central Steel Plant.

In the end, doesn’t it all end up in a mess, and isn’t the dream shattered?

In 1936, the financial situation of the Republic of China was the best in that year.

The golden decade did achieve some results after all, even if this "golden decade" is viewed from a global perspective.

There are many areas that can be improved and even advanced.

Song Ziwen and Kong Xiangxi had just completed the legal currency reform.

This reform is extremely tortuous and difficult.

T.V. Soong was arrogant because of his talent, and H.H. Kung was extremely corrupt.

But among the Kuomintang, a group of insects.

He is one of the rare talents with certain abilities.

The rest are basically rotten fish and shrimp, and they are not worth looking at.

When Sun Weimou heard that Chu Yunfei didn't seem to care about the recovery of the steel plant's production capacity, he had to remind him in a low voice: "Sir, steel is the foundation of the development of heavy industry."

Chu Yunfei nodded, and then slowly said: "Of course I know that in the 25th year of the Republic of China, our national government obtained a loan of 100 million marks from the German Hebulou Company, of which 58 million was used on the Xiangtan Central Steel Plant project, with an annual planned production capacity of more than 300,000 tons of steel."

Fang Ligong seemed to be thinking about something, and then added: "This matter has always been just a rumor. It seems that in order to avoid irritating the Japanese, it has always been kept secret."

“Yes, it was not until the month when the Marco Polo Bridge Incident broke out that the Nationalist government signed a purchase contract with the Germans. According to the efficiency of the Germans, it would take at least two years to deliver the goods.

But right now, two-thirds of our coastline is under Japanese control. If the Wuhan battle breaks out, the Japanese army will most likely land in Guangzhou and cut off the Guangdong-Hankou railway line, thereby cutting off our aid input channel."

"You mean, there's a good chance that these equipment won't be shipped in?" Sun Ming was extremely surprised: "Won't that be a waste of so much money?"

Chu Yunfei nodded: "That can't be helped. No one can accurately predict the time when the Japanese will launch an attack. The money used to purchase German equipment is actually from loans from major banks, not from the Nationalist government. Where did the Nationalist government get the money?"

He remembered it clearly.

Finally, this batch of electric furnaces was delivered to Yangon, Myanmar.

The steelmaking equipment that the Germans gave at that time was indeed the most advanced in the world, but it was too heavy to be transported by land.

In addition, Churchill insisted on closing the Burma Road.

This ultimately led to the Nationalist government disposing of the equipment at a low price of more than 3 million marks.

Naturally, it was impossible to build a steel plant with an annual output of 300,000 tons.

If there really are such devices.

The Japanese attack will not be so easy.

Like the Chongqing Ciqikou Iron and Steel Plant which was planned (and won) by Sichuan warlord Liu Xiang.

This was later known as the 24th Arsenal in Chongqing.

It is very famous, even well-known.

After all, this is also the main force of domestic military production after the fall of Wuhan.

But when was this steel plant planned?
1919 years!
Sichuan warlord Xiong Kewu planned to build it in order to develop his own arms industry.

Construction began in 1935.

It is the earliest steel enterprise built in Southwest China. It was put into production on January 1937, 1 and produced the first batch of electric furnace steel in Southwest China.

During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, aerial bombs, grenade launchers, mortars and various light weapons were produced.

Electric furnace steel is a qualified special steel, also known as artillery steel.

Only this thing can be used to produce artillery.

The equipment evacuated from Yangquan Iron and Steel Plant only produced low-quality steel.

They couldn’t even build mortars or grenade launchers.

They could only produce cast iron grenades and some production tools.

This is also the reason why Chu Yunfei is not keen on developing military factories.

This thing is not something a small general like him can control.

Even if it was Old Man Yan, he would need twenty years to accumulate wealth.

It took a long time of flirting with the Japanese before the Taiyuan Arsenal was established.

It is almost impossible for Chu Yunfei to set up his own military industrial production system in Changzhi.

In addition to aid, that is, supplies from Chiang Kai-shek.

There is also Yan Laoxi’s current Northwest Manufacturing Bureau, and the Japanese.

After all, we don’t have guns or cannons, so the Japanese can make them for us!

Seizing is also a way.

In the past few days, hasn't the Eighth Route Army been planning to use this raid to purchase supplies along the Zhengtai Railway?

Sun Weimou simply stopped worrying about the steel mill: "As for the military uniforms mentioned earlier, our production capacity is far from enough."

Chu Yunfei was a little puzzled: "Don't we have surplus production capacity for military uniforms?" It is normal for the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army to be short of guns and shoes, but I have never heard of a shortage of even summer uniforms and caps.

Sun Weimou had no choice but to explain: "This is also because of the cooperation between Commander Yan and the Eighth Route Army. Our clothing factory in the Second War Zone also needs to supply the main force of the Eastern Route Army and the 120th Division in the northwest of Shanxi."

"They are also quite dependent on us for the production of military uniforms. Their clothing factory is currently only in the initial stage of construction and is expected to reach relevant production capacity before 40 years and be able to support the current combat troops."

Chu Yunfei nodded and took a deep breath.

Let him fight, and he can make sense of it.

It even touches upon the tactics used by various countries and periods.

He is indeed not good at economic development.

In this kind of situation, the most powerful warlord would have to be Yan Laoxi.

Yan Laoxi, Zhang Zuolin and Liu Xiang can actually be considered as the same kind of people.

They unite the local area through traditional culture, fellow-township sentiment, and local customs.

A power operation system based on feudal patriarchal ruling style.

It is almost impossible for such a person to succeed in conquering and ruling the world.

They can do it.

Just sit in a place and guard the place.

The more progressive warlords correspond to the New Guangxi Clique headed by Li Bai and Huang, the Sui Clique headed by Fu Xu, and the Yunnan Clique headed by Long Lu.

The only difference between these warlords and Yan Laoxi and others is.

Possessing lofty ideals, they more or less want to do things for the nation and the country.

Therefore, their fighting power is stronger.

As for why Fu Zuoyi was more progressive than Yan Laoxi, but could not compete with Yan Laoxi.

That is also because Yan Laoxi's local economic development is indeed second to none.

Even though the combat effectiveness of most of the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army was quite average, the hearts of the people and the army were always firmly in the hands of Yan Laoxi.

This is also the fundamental reason why he was able to exclude Shang Zhen, Fu Zuoyi, Xu Cichen and others.

If it weren't for Yan Laoxi's love of reversing history and wanting to be the "Emperor"...
Of course, having said that.

Even Chiang Kai-shek is not a normal leader.

He also lacks the corresponding personal charm.

He relied on his firm grasp on military power and his extraordinary ruthlessness (only towards himself) to maintain the operation of the power system centered on himself (the Whampoa clique).

As for the strategies for governing the country, even the cultural level and even the character.

Chiang Kai-shek is actually a mess.

This is the reason why Chu Yunfei was unwilling to get too close to Chiang Kai-shek.

He knew Chiang Kai-shek too well, otherwise he would not have shown himself in such a targeted manner at the Kaifeng Conference.

After hearing Chu Yunfei's ideas and arrangements, Fang Ligong also suggested: "Sir, although the steel plant cannot resume production in a short time, the corresponding work still needs to be carried out. In my opinion, it is better to select someone to be responsible for the promotion of this matter.

Even if the performance of the steel produced does not meet the standards, it should be possible to make corresponding weapons such as mines and grenades.

I think it will be of great help in the possible defensive battle later."

Chu Yunfei nodded and looked at Sun Weimou: "I'll leave this matter to you. I want to focus on the military. The letter of appointment as deputy chief of staff is ready. Take it with you when you leave. I have something else to do. You two can chat first."

"Yes!" A smile appeared on Sun Wemou's face.

After working almost non-stop for half a year, the harvest is finally coming.

Deputy Chief of Staff, at the very least, is a deputy brigade commander.

Chu Yunfei walked out of the meeting room, and Sun Ming followed behind him.
Sun Weimou asked curiously, "What is this, Chief Chu?"

“It’s also to prepare for the next battle.”

"Damn it, why should the 772nd Regiment take the lead in the attack?"

Eighth Route Army, 386th Brigade, outside the brigade operations room.

Captain Cheng, who had just walked out the door, naturally heard Li Yunlong yelling.

At this moment, he couldn't help but quicken his pace.

"Lao Li, what are you yelling about?"

After saluting the brigade commander, political commissar and others, Commander Cheng immediately turned around and fired at Li Yunlong.

"Why am I yelling? Why is my entire New 772st Regiment mobilized, while your nd Regiment only has a battalion to lead the attack?"

Li Yunlong spitted all over Captain Cheng's face: "When you first joined the army, I taught you how to shoot a gun. How dare you steal the lead from me?"

Commander Cheng seemed unconcerned, with a proud look on his face. He explained loudly, showing off a bit: "My Second Infantry Battalion has 800 soldiers, equipped with 18 light machine guns, 4 heavy machine guns, and 2 small steel cannons (grenade launchers). How many soldiers does your regiment, Li Yunlong, have? Only 500 people, what can you use to attack the stronghold?"

Li Yunlong’s big head isn’t for nothing.

His eyes rolled and he changed his words in an instant: "What are you shouting about? If someone doesn't know, they would think you are the commander of our 386th Brigade."

As Brigade Commander Chen looked up, Regiment Commander Cheng hurriedly explained: "Brigade Commander, that's not what I meant."

Li Yunlong did not give Commander Cheng a chance to respond, and immediately continued: "Brigade Commander, our regiment is equipped with four 60mm mortars, which can play a greater role in offensive operations, and are definitely more useful than the two grenade launchers of Cheng the Blind Man."

Brigade Commander Chen nodded thoughtfully: "Well, you, Li Yunlong, are right about this."

"Everyone has mortars. Our regiment has eight. I plan to bring all of them with me in this battle..."

"Hey, you fucking bastard."

There was a lot of noise in the war room.

This raid is a matter of great importance, and everyone knows that the risk is not small.

The Japanese are much more vigilant than before, and scouts would only be warned if they got within 300 meters.

Now, just passing by the road not far from the artillery tower would result in the puppet army stopping and questioning you.

Obviously, these Japanese devils were also worried that they would attack the Zhengtai Railway Line.

Even defensive preparations have been made in advance.

This is also the main reason why Brigade Commander Chen personally convened a combat meeting of military cadres at the regimental level and above.

Kong Jie, who had just taken over as the head of the independent regiment, and head of the 771st regiment, Ye, looked at each other and just smiled at the two people quarreling, as if they were watching a monkey show.

Should I make some clicking sounds, which would make the quarrel between the two of them seem a bit boring.

"Kong Erlangzi, what's the point of your mouth? After all, we are brothers from the same class, and you won't help me speak up?"

"Kong Jie is in the same class with you, and he is also in the same class with me, Li Yunlong, what are you talking about here?"

"Alright, alright, you guys always quarrel when you meet. You're really a pair of enemies."

As the political commissar spoke, the two men immediately quieted down.

Brigade Commander Chen then raised his head and looked at the two of them leisurely: "Are you stopping arguing?"

"Commander, stop arguing..." Li Yunlong looked like a tenant farmer meeting a landlord, with a flattering look on his face: "It is up to you to decide who will lead the attack... I, Li Yunlong, promise that if the main attack mission is given to me, I will definitely sacrifice my family's wealth to fight a beautiful battle."

Brigade Commander Chen sighed: "The stronghold is full of Japanese soldiers, not puppet troops. This battle is not as easy as you think."

"We in the New 1st Regiment don't like to pick on weaklings. We like to fight tough battles!" Li Yunlong chuckled. From the brigade commander's tone, he had guessed that Brigade Commander Chen was thinking of replacing people.

"Okay, you don't need to participate now. Go back and gather the troops. Tomorrow morning, drive to the front line of Xiashe and wait for orders."

"Yes!" Li Yunlong saluted the brigade commander and the political commissar, then turned to look at Commander Cheng, raised his eyebrows, and looked so proud that Commander Ye and Kong Jie felt a little unhappy.

Li Yunlong laughed and left the operations room.

Commander Cheng was a little anxious: "Brigade Commander, you can't listen to his nonsense. How many shells can he have? If we can't take them down, it will delay the progress of the battle."

Brigade Commander Chen stretched out his hand to signal him: "Don't worry, the main force of the 771st Regiment will also participate in this battle to cover your rear and provide an insurance."

Captain Cheng looked helpless: "This bastard...it seems like I'm taking advantage of him. This battle is not going to be easy."

"No matter what, your 772nd Regiment is still a numbered regiment. You must uphold the spirit of Big Brother... Don't you know who Li Yunlong is, as your old comrade for so many years?"

Brigade Commander Chen emphasized: "In the final analysis, each branch needs to be tempered by the flames of war. If your two regiments have finished fighting, how can the other troops develop? Am I right, Kong Jie?"

Kong Jie looked serious at this time, and responded solemnly: "What the commander said makes sense. Although our independent regiment was established not long ago and has insufficient numbers, if necessary, our independent regiment can also be put into battle. Although we are not sure of success, we are determined to die!"

The political commissar at the side smiled and said, "When did you, Kong Jie, come up with such flowery words? You sound quite like an intellectual."

"I read it in the Changzhi newspaper..." Kong Jie was a little embarrassed: "Political Commissar Wenying taught me how to read, and now I have learned a lot..."

(End of this chapter)