Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 415: Taking over from Yan Laoxi, dealing with issues from the perspective of a war zone commander (Subscription required)
"We may discuss with Stilwell to convert the remaining $3 million of military aid into corresponding economic aid to improve the basic transportation facilities in southern Shanxi."

Xie Ming thought silently for a moment, and then gave a vague figure: "If it is 11 million national currency, according to the previous estimate of the Construction Corps, it can at least improve the logistics situation by more than 15%.

However, the budget for the Sichuan-Shaanxi Highway in the second half of the year also needs to be allocated, and the finances of the Second War Zone are almost exhausted. "

Yan Laoxi sighed helplessly: "The economic situation in the Eighth War Zone is a mess. Hu Zongnan is good at scheming, but he only cares about himself. Commander Zhu is powerless and basically cannot interfere in the political affairs of the Northwest."

Chu Yunfei already had a plan in mind: "The Chairman's move is actually intended to attack the northwest, but I don't know when they will be able to make up their minds. I'm afraid they will have to wait until we recover Datong before they can free up their hands."

"If we can't win the war quickly, the Ma family army will definitely choose to ally with the Japanese army, so before this, we must make sure everything is foolproof..."

Xie Ming and Chu Yunfei had discussed this issue before.

Including Chu Xichun.

Many people have discussed the westward expansion.

To fight or not to fight.

The crux of the problem does not lie in the attitude of the upper echelons.

It depends on whether the executor has the confidence.

Let Hu Zongnan do this.

That would definitely be the end.

With his command ability, he was lucky to remain undefeated.

If Chu Yunfei were allowed to take command.

From his point of view, there is barely a 40% chance of winning.

Very difficult.

Comparable to the counterattack on Suiyuan.

As for this difficulty.

It’s not because the Ma family army’s combat effectiveness is so strong.

But it’s because the Northwest is so huge.

Especially the place where Ma Bufang was entrenched.

The area is about 300,000 square kilometers.

What is this concept?

It is almost twice as big as the SX.

The infrastructure is worse, the land is sparsely populated, and the environment is harsh.

Their main force is the cavalry.

The mobility is much higher than that of infantry units.

Even if the troops of the Second War Zone and the Eighth War Zone joined forces to launch an attack.

It is also necessary to maintain the long logistical supply line.

If the enemy always maintains a state of avoiding fighting.

It is actually very difficult to deal with.

This is why.

Even though Ma Buqing set up a checkpoint in Zhangye to intercept Soviet transit materials and seized American aid equipment (Yumen Oilfield equipment)

Chang Ruiyuan had no choice but to accept it and could only provide a certain amount of garrison resources according to the value of the materials.

This also made the American technical delegation feel that Chang Ruiyuan's central government's decrees were actually not effective in the northwest region.

Hence the saying that government decrees do not enter Liangzhou.

Because the senior commanders in these mountain cities also know this.

Once the drastic change occurs, it will be out of control.

This is why.

Chang Ruiyuan treats the semi-independent country within the Northwest.

The policy has always been to control.

But now.

Because of the Yumen Oilfield.

Chang Ruiyuan began his test.

The reorganization of the army in the Eighth War Zone has actually just begun.

He had to deal with not only the Ma family army, but also some other small warlords of the Shaanxi Army.

Yan Laoxi has a long-term vision: "The reorganization work in the Eighth War Zone is bound to come to a standstill."

"When Hu Zongnan can no longer push forward, I'm afraid you will be transferred to do this. Jiang Gong is also very afraid of you holding the military power. Yunfei, you are too young. You are so young that they feel a direct threat."

Chu Yunfei nodded silently: "However, the chairman and they should make their own choices."

"After all, the Northwest refused to allow the Central Army to station there, taxes were not paid, soldiers were not transferred, and even horses were not willing to be continuously supplied. When Datong is recovered and we go north to Tianzhen, the Chairman will naturally not be able to sit idle."

Xie Ming gave a new perspective: "Ma Bufang infiltrated Linxia (Hezhou) and Dingxi in Gansu in the name of "anti-communism" to compete with the 385th Brigade of the Eighth Route Army for the Tao River Basin, perhaps to support the 18th Group Army to fight against the enemy with the help of the enemy?"

Yan Laoxi nodded slowly and turned to look at Chu Yunfei: "Yunfei, you should know something about their base, right?"

Chu Yunfei thought for a moment and said truthfully: "Central government financial support and donations account for more than 70% of their fiscal revenue."

"Because the relationship between Shancheng and Yan'an has deteriorated, they are currently actively carrying out campaigns such as expanding production."

"But because of Hu Zongnan's blockade, their financial situation is quite difficult. There are reports that they are using their limited resources to repair bunkers and blockade lines."

Chu Yunfei was somewhat helpless: "It's really a waste. These resources can be fully supplied to the Second War Zone. Even if it is used to improve the infrastructure construction in Shanxi and Shaanxi, it would be good."

Xie Ming was startled and asked curiously, "Didn't the 18th Group Army discuss these matters this time?"

“I did, but I didn’t agree.”

Chu Yunfei shook his head: "The Eighth War Zone actually has the attitude of Shancheng. I have submitted a request for negotiation to the chairman on their behalf. As for whether the chairman agrees or not, it naturally depends on the chairman's opinion."

Yan Laoxi asked expressionlessly: "What if the chairman doesn't want to?"

Chu Yunfei said calmly, "When the principal makes a mistake, the students have no choice but to correct it on his behalf."

Yan Laoxi smiled.

He was somewhat glad that he made the decision to retire early.

Yun Fei's ambition.

There was almost no big difference from his previous judgment.

A man can take his place.

If you can't do something well, there will naturally be someone else who can do it for you!

Xie Ming was also filled with emotion at this time.

The two have a good personal relationship.

Naturally, I know what Chu Yunfei has always advocated.

Who fights the devils?

Chu Yunfei will support and protect whoever he wants.

As for the embargo in the Eighth War Zone.

It's ok.

There are many Yellow River ferry crossings in the Second War Zone.

Take a thousand steps back.

No matter from what angle.

Even Chu Yunfei, a time traveler, couldn't just sit there and watch.

He is not Chen Cixiu.

When there was a conflict with Chang Ruiyuan, he only knew how to execute.

At least he is now.

Already has a certain degree of error correction capability.

this ability.

In essence, it was given to him by Chang Ruiyuan himself.

Chu Yunfei only hopes from the bottom of his heart.

The Chairman was able to focus all his almost inexhaustible energy on how to deal with the Ma family army.

Rather than making the same mistake over and over again.

Hu Zongnan's strategic corps.

If used in front-line combat, it would be able to reverse the unfavorable situation in at least one war zone.

The common people in the Japanese-occupied areas.

It would also save us “one day” of bullying and oppression from the Japanese army.

In the conference room.

Stilwell carefully read the list of aid needs submitted by Chu Yunfei.

"It's basically what I thought, Commander Chu. We have enough stocks of these weapons, and we will deliver them as quickly as possible."

"but."

Stilwell said calmly, but he was already shocked in his heart.

From receiving the message of assistance, to making the decision, selecting the weapons and equipment, and submitting the list.

It took less than three hours in total.

In other words.

The entire Second War Zone has actually become a one-man show.

many things.

One person can make the decision accordingly.

This is a terrible thing, and it is also the result that Army reformers such as Stilwell were seeking.

They hate political interference and believe that military matters should be decided by military personnel.

At this moment, he even felt a little envious: "Do I need to reconsider the 155mm heavy artillery?"

"From what I understand, the bridges in many of your places are unable to bear the weight of the howitzers. Their use is very limited and may cause unnecessary trouble."

Chu Yunfei went on to explain: "We will continue to improve the infrastructure in Shanxi. We will not be able to counterattack North China in the short term, so our next goal is to focus on the interior of the theater in order to improve the combat environment."

"And it pushed for a series of logistics and command system reforms, which was the Army Reorganization Plan that General Stilwell had previously understood."

Stilwell seemed to have guessed something, so he simply nodded, handed Chu Yunfei's list to his subordinates, and then said: "Commander Chu, since we have already reached an agreement, please help me contact my colleagues who are still in Xi'an and tell them that I will be waiting for them in the Jincheng area."

Chu Yunfei and Fang Ligong looked at each other and smiled: "Okay."

Contents of the aid contract.

There is not much difference between what Chu Yunfei reported to Yan Laoxi.

The main focus is on the construction of heavy artillery units.

Fight against the Japanese heavy artillery unit.

It is impossible to rely solely on bomber forces.

Even if the bomber unit has a hook, it is difficult to counter artillery.

After receiving the order, there is still a certain time difference between taking off and reaching the target.

Once the Japanese army relocated their artillery positions, this bombing would basically be meaningless.

What's more.

Aircraft are not like artillery that can fire according to coordinates on military maps.

Except for the troops stationed in the local area for training all year round, they are familiar with the surrounding terrain.

Otherwise, they would even need reconnaissance planes to conduct advance reconnaissance.

Determine your reference.

otherwise.

It is also difficult for bomber units to bomb accurately.

For the use of this force.

Chu Yunfei had actually given the answer before. That was to bomb a fixed target, such as a county town.

Or it could be a tug-of-war battlefield where the battle lines of both sides have basically been fixed.

Used to destroy the morale of enemy defending forces.

Causing massive casualties.

This time the 20 million military aid contract.

There were almost no light weapons, only a small number of Thompson submachine guns purchased.

The main purchases are heavy artillery, anti-aircraft guns and mortars.

The equipment is mainly anti-gas area and customized assassination gear.

Inexpensive carrying equipment is not Chu Yunfei's purchasing focus anyway.

American helmets are very cheap, even cheap.

It’s just that the size is not suitable for Asian head shape.

at this point.

Maybe we can try to get Americans to copy Japanese helmets.

Maybe we can find time to push this matter forward.

But not now.

Because Chu Yunfei is really too busy nowadays.

Just finished a meeting with Stilwell.

That afternoon, he would inquire about the reorganization of the artillery unit.

This is also the focus of this army reorganization.

After Luo Weiguo sorted out the collected information, he handed it to Chu Yunfei.

Originally, Chu Yunfei didn't plan to work in Longcheng.

But things are just too busy.

Yan Laoxi specially planned a new office for him next to Yang Aiyu's office to handle these official duties.

"Because of the history, personnel and other factors, the organization is different and the types of artillery are complicated. We decided to make a one-size-fits-all approach, except for the mountain artillery battalion of the 14th Army, and then uniformly use the organization we use."

"Because some positions have been reduced, the people below still have some opinions."

Chu Yunfei waved his hand indifferently: "For positions that are arranged through nepotism, we can set up an artillery staff office in the Second War Zone and place these people here. In the first year, they will be paid the full salary amount, and in the second year, they will be laid off."

"Will it offend someone?"

"The capable ones will be promoted, and the mediocre ones will be demoted. This is an iron rule that cannot be changed by anyone. Feel free to do it boldly. If anyone has any dissatisfaction, let them come to me directly."

"Yes!"

"According to the current reorganization plan, a total of three artillery regiments, four mountain artillery battalions, two heavy mortar battalions, and 18 heavy mortar companies will be reorganized.

What is lacking is not only equipment, but also a large number of artillery personnel."

"How much is left after the replenishment from the Artillery School?"

"At least five hundred people."

Chu Yunfei immediately thought of Chang Ruiyuan: "Send a telegram to the headquarters in my name to ask if we can transfer some of the infantry to the Second War Zone. Even if they are artillerymen who have fired artillery before and need secondary training, we also want them."

"Yes!"

"We will also accept the redundant personnel laid off from other units. Our Second War Zone will bear the expenses for their resettlement and travel expenses."

"This," Luo Weiguo advised, "the others who were laid off were either mentally retarded or had health problems."

"It's better than those old-fashioned people." Chu Yunfei naturally has his own ideas and plans on how to train these soldiers.

In order to reassure Luo Weiguo, Chu Yunfei further explained: "Shanxi has been basically liberated. The young and strong in the area should focus on economic development. It is no longer appropriate to recruit a large number of soldiers. The focus of recruiting new soldiers has also been adjusted to refugees and displaced persons."

"The qualities of these soldiers vary, and the training time required also varies."

"After the new training is over, the troops with better performance will be assigned to the main combat units, and those with poorer performance will be assigned to Class B combat units."

"My Lord, I understand."

Chu Yunfei nodded: "Okay, go get things done, I have other official business to deal with here."

"Yes!"

Luo Weiguo turned and left.

Chu Yunfei picked up the pile of documents and reports on his desk to learn more about the specific situation of the Second War Zone Commander's Headquarters.

And began to wonder if there was anything that needed to be adjusted on the commander's side.

Since Mr. Yan wants to retire.

Chu Yunfei naturally has to take on more responsibilities.

As for Yang Aiyuan.

There is absolutely no chance of competition.

The gap between the two sides is too big.

The Second War Zone Commander's Headquarters has basically fixed institutions under its jurisdiction.

Political Department, Military Law Enforcement Department, and Confidential Office.

These three departments will basically be discussed together.

Liu Tao has been in charge of the confidential room for a long time and there is nothing to adjust.

Military Law Enforcement Department.

Chu Yunfei is now taking over the position concurrently, while the actual work is done by Cao Potian and Deputy Chief of Staff Zuo.

It's a job that offends people.

Especially the style of Yan Laoxi in the past was that of a feudal patriarch.

This position is thankless and generally no one is willing to do it.

Military judges have enormous power.

That means that criminals can be executed directly, bypassing the local judicial system.

In fact, it is also a good way to exclude dissidents.

This is also the reason why Chu Yunfei took on this hot potato.

I don't eat beef.

But Chu Yunfei has his own criteria for judging who deserves to die.

The General Staff Office is currently mainly headed by Chu Xichun.

The main responsibility is to formulate combat plans and coordinate the actions of various troops.

In theory.

The Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff of the theater have the ability to coordinate the theater commander's headquarters and the commander-in-chief of the army group.

They are also responsible for collecting information on the enemy, drawing battle zone maps, supervising the execution of combat orders, and compiling battle reports.

It is the core department within the core of the theater commander's headquarters.

Besides.

Military Affairs Department, Adjutant's Office, Transportation Department, Health Department, Military Station General Directorate, Special Service Regiment, Cavalry Regiment,

Except for the Military Affairs Department and the Adjutant's Office.

The remaining departments are actually not particularly useful and their main role is basically auxiliary.

The departmental structure of the theater commander's headquarters is modeled after the modern Western military system.

However, due to lack of resources, factional strife and corruption, its actual operation is inefficient.

Its core functions rely more on the authority of the chief officer.

The chief officer of the adjutant's office must be a close confidant of the theater commander-in-chief.

But the job of the adjutant general's office is to manage the day-to-day administrative affairs of the headquarters;
Handle official document delivery, meeting minutes and personnel transfer orders; coordinate security, communications, transportation and other logistical support.

He seems to have great power and be able to do everything, but basically he only does miscellaneous work.

The serious work is basically done by the Military Affairs Department.

Mainly responsible for military administrative management, personnel deployment, discipline supervision and daily military affairs coordination.

The appointment and removal of commanders at all levels basically have to go through the Military Affairs Department.

The Military Affairs Department needs to report to the theater commander's headquarters for approval.

However, what we are talking about here are positions above the regimental level.

One of the fundamental reasons why Xue Yue had so many conflicts with Chen Cixiu.

That is, Xue Yue actually had no control over the personnel appointment and dismissal power of the Ninth War Zone.

In the theater commander's headquarters.

The person in charge of the Military Affairs Department is actually Yan Laoxi himself.

But what Chu Yunfei wanted to do.

Yan Laoxi will agree.

The Second War Zone has a particularly distinctive feature, which is that human rule is more important than institutional rule.

The power of the Military Affairs Department is basically shared among the people below.

Rather than someone being in sole control.

This is not good, at least not efficient enough.

As for other departments.

Because a group of people were cleared out during the anti-corruption period in Linfen.

So basically it is quite streamlined.

When I was in Linfen before.

With not much to do and insufficient staff, the situation can be considered as barely maintaining.

Now that things are busy, we naturally need to add more manpower.

At the dinner that day to entertain Stilwell and other generals.

Chu Yunfei inadvertently revealed this news when he was communicating with Stilwell and others.

the next day.

Day three.

It lasted for five days.

Many people asked others to find him and recommended many people to him.

Many of them had previously worked for the Japanese.

Many literati in the Republic of China had a mentality that was not particularly difficult to understand.

They believed that teaching in the Japanese-occupied areas and teaching students Chinese culture was actually saving the country.

Just the idea.

Chu Yunfei didn't particularly agree with it and could only maintain basic respect.

These people wanted to continue making a living, and Chu Yunfei would not stop them or do anything to them.

But I want to continue teaching students.

It is naturally impossible for him to continue to hold important military and political positions.

Such people, even if they are assigned positions.

It's impossible to feel at ease.

"Pengcheng, have you recorded all these people?"

"Ah."

"Contact Changzhi Newspaper, Guanghua Newspaper, Xinhua Newspaper and other major newspapers to promote them for 15 days. One month later, Longcheng will hold the corresponding selection exam, which will consist of two rounds: a written test and an interview."

"Open, fair and just."

"Anyone who has received primary education, is a legal citizen over 18 years old, and has not been a traitor, can participate."

Zhao Pengcheng asked quietly: "What if these people sign up for the exam under the guise of being undercover?"

(End of this chapter)