Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 451 Persuasion, Internal Support (Subscription Request)

"As the old saying goes, if you live by the mountains, you can eat from the mountains; if you live by the water, you can eat from the water. If we can open up the transportation lines in the rear, just transporting the coal and iron resources in Shanxi to the rear will be enough to drive the economic development of Shanxi."

"It's a good idea to boost inland waterway transportation, and purchasing large ships for transportation is also an urgent matter we need to do now."

"When there is sufficient financial funding, a charter needs to be drawn up for this matter and submitted to me as soon as possible."

"In addition, I personally think that for the current situation in Shanxi and even in North China, the overall situation is very important."

"The best industrial products and the most scarce commodities in Shanxi right now should be artillery shells and bullets."

Lu Yubin nodded in approval: "Generally speaking, it is a wartime economy right now. The private economy is like a stagnant pool of water. Shanxi is still doing well, but many ethnic entrepreneurs in the rear are on the verge of bankruptcy."

"Local banks refused to continue providing loans due to their high-risk operating conditions. The situation did not improve until the Ministry of Finance introduced a new policy."

"Commander Yan has sent someone to the rear to try to contact them, but there are reports that Finance Minister Song is dissatisfied with this."

Chu Yunfei smiled and leaned back slightly on the sofa: "Commander Yan is really trying to take advantage of every opportunity and is trying to use the same old tricks again. Little does he know that the pressure from the central government's finances will soon be transmitted to Shanxi. If we offend this God of Wealth at this time, we will be in trouble."

"No matter what Chief Yan does, we will not get involved in this matter, but you need to pay more attention to the economic development of the entire southeastern Shanxi region, especially the population census, which must be distributed to all regions."

"The household registration policy must be fully implemented to ensure that every citizen, even newly naturalized refugees, can be allocated housing and land."

Lu Yubin looked a little confused: "But our current production of bricks, cement, steel bars, etc. is basically given priority to the front-line combat troops, especially the Niangziguan area where the Sixth Army is stationed."

"The current commanders Zhao and Qian both advocate continuing to consolidate the defense. They also plan to repair the new national defense line to consolidate the Shanxi flank."

"I looked at the budget when it was submitted to me before. The annual cost of the project in the Niangzi Pass area alone is 3.8 million national currency, and the total cost of the project is 9.3 million national currency."

"These permanent and semi-permanent fortifications were even sufficient to withstand bombardment by Japanese heavy artillery with a caliber of 150 mm or more, and were even designed to defend against aerial bombs."

Chu Yunfei thought carefully for a moment, then ordered: "After several battles, the probability of the Japanese army actively attacking the Shanxi region is not high. Otherwise, after more than a month, they should have already mobilized troops to counterattack."

"We cannot use all of our limited resources on building fortifications. We should cut two-thirds of their budget and use the remaining one-third to repair peripheral resources. We should also place fewer troops on the periphery and concentrate the main combat forces on the second line. The Japanese army will definitely not launch an attack without superior forces."

"This..." Lu Yubin nodded slowly, with a determined look on his face: "Since you have ordered me, I will do it."

"If Qian Bojun wants to cause trouble for you, just let him come to me. If Chief Zhao sends someone to question you, just blame me."

Chu Yunfei stood up slowly, and said in a domineering tone: "Doing this job will definitely offend people, but you can rest assured that with me here, no one can touch you, not even Chief Yan."

Lu Yubin also stood up slowly: "Thank you, Chief Chu."

"Okay, let's push forward the population statistics work in southeastern Shanxi. And come up with a charter for the development of inland waterway transportation, and hand it over to me as soon as possible."

"Yes!"

After Lu Yubin left.

Chu Yunfei took out the manuscript paper that he had just put into the drawer.

Slowly turn the page and write again.

Artillery shells, bullets and Type 24 grenade launchers.

The production of artillery shells with a caliber above 75 mm can only be completed by the Northwest Manufacturing Bureau.

The 88th Arsenal (Changzhi) can only undertake the production of grenade launcher shells and some mortars.

If calculated according to the normal student training cycle.

It will take at least two years to expand production on a large scale.

It takes time to cultivate talents.

The military and industrial talents previously reserved in Shanxi Province were basically concentrated in the Northwest Manufacturing General Administration.

The Changzhi side was formed with the support of Chang Ruiyuan and Yan Laoxi.

To have the current development.

Chu Yunfei was already quite satisfied at this time.

According to his plan.

After completing the equipment of all combat units in the Second War Zone within half a year.

The excess grenade launchers can be supplied to other friendly forces.

The Type 24 grenade launcher produced by the th Arsenal (Changzhi) is also a best-seller.

Whether it was the Central Army in the mountain city, the miscellaneous troops in the Fifth War Zone, or the Eighth Route Army fighting behind enemy lines, they all actually lacked these support weapons.

As long as these troops have subjective initiative.

As long as they are willing to take the initiative to cause trouble for the Japanese.

These grenade launchers will be handed into their hands.

Then bring out its own value.

Vigorously develop military industry and industrial and mining industry.

Drive the entire industrial chain.

However, the overall situation in Shanxi Province was still good at this time.

Because it is one of the few cotton producing areas in China, the development of light industry is also quite good.

The textile industry and tobacco industry have both developed well.

The local salt industry in Shanxi is also developing rapidly and systematically.

Under the premise of ensuring production, minimize the harm to the human body.

The development situation of southern Shanxi.

Currently, Chu Yunfei is still unable to get a full picture of the situation from the system.

The development of salt industry, food industry and even aquaculture.

It is also one of the current development plans for the entire Shanxi region.

Just when Chu Yunfei had sorted out the specific direction.

Zhao Pengcheng also knocked on the door: "My Lord, it's me."

"Come in."

"Your Excellency, President Bao is here."

Chu Yunfei stuffed the mind map in front of him back into the drawer: "Please ask him to come in."

Bao Yongsheng, dressed in cloth, walked slowly into the room and immediately greeted him with a bow: "Greetings, Commander Chu."

Chu Yunfei had already stood up and gestured to the side: "President Bao, please sit down."

As soon as Bao Yongsheng sat on the sofa, he felt the warmth on his buttocks: "Commander Chu's guests just left?"

"Director Lu from the Left-Behind Office, you two must be old acquaintances."

Bao Yongsheng nodded slowly. "I've dealt with him before when he was the deputy director of the Military Food Bureau of the Second War Zone Command Headquarters. He's a nice guy."

"President Bao, is this visit about industrial capacity?"

Bao Yongsheng nodded slowly, and then said, "Chief Chu, as the president of the Chamber of Commerce, I actually represent everyone's opinions, so please forgive me if I have offended you."

Chu Yunfei smiled slightly and leaned forward slightly to show respect: "President Bao, please speak freely, and I will listen attentively."

"Commander Chu, judging from the propaganda in Guanghua Daily, Changzhi Newspaper and other newspapers, the Nationalist troops fighting in the Second War Zone have already driven most of the Japanese out of Shanxi, leaving only a small corner in northeastern Shanxi to survive.

Shouldn't we put some of our economic development into civilian industries so that the people can live a good life?"

"What Chairman Bao said makes sense. Judging from the current military strength comparison between the enemy and us, as well as the future strategic direction of the Japanese army, the Japanese army's future offensive direction should be the Huguang region of the Ninth War Zone, as well as the Guangxi and Guangdong regions. It is unlikely that they will continue to invade the Shanxi region."

Bao Yongsheng cupped his hands and complimented, "It's all thanks to Commander Chu's command. He frightened the little Japanese and that's why the Shanxi region is so stable today."

"If Chief Chu is willing, he may reduce investment in industrial and mining-related enterprises and use this part of the funds to support civilian enterprises."

Chu Yunfei waved his hand and refused, "Chairman Bao, forgive me for being blunt. I support private enterprises and the development of light industry, but I cannot reduce the continued investment of industrial and mining-related enterprises. There is absolutely no possibility of negotiation on expanding production."

Bao Yongsheng and Chu Yunfei didn't interact much.

He was also surprised by the tone being so harsh.

Obviously, he was very talkative during the last banquet.
"But, Commander Chu, if the war continues at the current pace, the defeat of the Japanese army is only a matter of time."

Chu Yunfei motioned Zhao Pengcheng to put the tea aside, and then continued: "These things can also be used after they are produced. Even after the war is over, the excess weapons and equipment can be exported to some Asian, African and Latin American countries."

Bao Yongsheng was just a local businessman after all. He had no awareness or consideration in this regard: "Export to other countries?"

"Yes."

Chu Yunfei smiled and said, "These foreigners like to make trouble for China when they have nothing to do. I just got news from the 18th Group Army not long ago that their comrades from the Anti-Japanese United Army wanted to go to the Soviet Union to recuperate after being injured, but the Soviets refused to let them cross the border."

"How could the Russians be so immoral?"

"They are worried that the Japanese army will go north and be caught in a two-front war. Chairman Bao, don't limit your vision to a small piece of land like Shanxi. The whole country and even the whole world are now a huge chessboard." "Even I am just a key chess piece."

Bao Yongsheng looked a little embarrassed and suspicious.

Chu Yunfei signaled Zhao Pengcheng: "Please bring me some manuscript paper."

With just dozens of strokes, several countries were drawn on the manuscript paper.

Under Bao Yongsheng's slightly suspicious gaze.

Chu Yunfei continued to add to it until the major national spheres of influence were marked on the map.

"The situation in these countries is actually much worse than that of the Republic of China. These regions have basically become colonies and are facing even more tragic experiences than us."

Bao Yongsheng was even more confused: "Commander Chu, after the war is over, do you plan to produce weapons to support them?"

Chu Yunfei smiled and nodded: "As long as the Republic of China's military industry can be thoroughly developed, it is hard to say whether these countries can become independent, but at least we can bring tons of grenade launchers and light weapons to these countries."

"Now, because of the fight against the Japanese, we have temporarily come together with the Soviets and the Americans. Even so, we are still facing problems such as intrigue."

"After defeating the Japanese invaders, these countries will naturally want to continue to maintain their interests and privileges in China."

“At that point, we naturally became rivals.”

Bao Yongsheng sighed when he heard this: "I have thought about this before. Even if they are really stronger than us, people will die in war after all."

"If you want true national independence and national dignity, you need weapons."

“Take the production of bullets for example. The most scarce resource for making bullet shells is copper ore, followed by smokeless gunpowder.

As for smokeless gunpowder, China has had successful trial production of nitrocellulose smokeless gunpowder since Xu Jianyin.

The original Hanyang Arsenal used his formula and improved its production based on it.

The current Northwest Manufacturing Bureau is naturally capable of production.

Copper ore currently relies on imports.

Moreover, as general military supplies, it is easy to purchase on the international market.

But because it is a war resource, the price remains high. "

Chu Yunfei paused, and said meaningfully: "In the second half of last year, a medium-sized copper mine of a fairly good scale was discovered in the Zhongtiaoshan area. If it can be mined and refined, at least as far as the Second War Zone is concerned, copper materials will no longer need to be imported from other countries.

As far as the Republic of China is concerned, if it can be mined, it can further reduce its dependence on foreign countries.”

Bao Yongsheng was silent for a moment and then cupped his hands: "Over the past two years, thanks to Chief Chu's care, I have accumulated a lot of wealth from running the Bao's Company, which is worth about 1.2 million national currency."

"I, Bao, am willing to donate all of it to support the development of the national defense industry, so that the Chinese nation will have the opportunity to hold its head high in the future and stand tall among the nations of the world forever!"

Chu Yunfei shook his head and refused, "Mining copper requires a lot of money, at least in the short term, I am unable to raise it. I plan to hand it over to the Soviet Union and give them 80% of the profits."

"Chief Chu!" Bao Yongsheng said seriously, "How much initial investment is needed to mine copper?"

"The first phase of preliminary investigation and prospecting work requires an investment of 1.5 million national currency, and the subsequent investment in production equipment and workers is conservatively estimated to be 6.5 million national currency."

Bao Yongsheng cupped his hands and said, "I will go back and discuss this matter with the Chamber of Commerce. If possible, the Jindongnan Chamber of Commerce will pay for it."

"How can this be possible? In the second half of last year, private enterprises in southeastern Shanxi barely made a profit, especially iron and steel mills, which are still in a loss-making state."

Bao Yongsheng continued to express his position quite seriously: "Every man has his share of responsibility for the rise and fall of the country. When our Jindongnan Chamber of Commerce was first established, we have already stated our original intention, mission and obligations. Moreover, I believe that Chief Chu will never treat us unfairly, nor will he treat our descendants unfairly."

Chu Yunfei nodded seriously: "Since President Bao is so determined and aware, then I, Chu Yunfei, will also express my position here."

"As long as Shanxi still speaks for the Chinese, no matter if it's Commander Yan, the chairman, or anyone else, these people will never treat you patriotic entrepreneurs unfairly."

"In addition, 10% of the profits from the mine operations will go into the public treasury of Southern Shanxi."

"All the remaining profits will not be taken by the commander of the Second War Zone. They will all be given to the Southeast Shanxi Chamber of Commerce for free disposal and distributed as dividends every year according to the investment ratio."

"If the mining of copper mines is affected due to insufficient reserves, insufficient demand, or other reasons after the mine is put into production, the losses caused during this period will be borne by our Jinnan Public Treasury."

"The Second War Zone Command will also redeem you when the finances are sufficient and return the money to you."

Bao Yongsheng quickly left Chu Yunfei's superior's office.

Gone to raise money.

The Southeast Shanxi Chamber of Commerce has a large number of members, most of whom are handicraftsmen or small traders running shops.

The ones who can actually come up with money are Bao Yongsheng and the other eight vice presidents.

Southeast Shanxi Chamber of Commerce, these nine people represent different local forces.

For example, the Sun family business of Sun Weimou.

The business is related to rice and grain in southeastern Shanxi.

Due to policy restrictions, their profits are quite slim.

However, due to policy support, they were able to distribute their products throughout the southeastern Shanxi region.

As long as it is a market town, there will definitely be a rice and grain store of Sun’s Trading Company.

This is also one of the magic weapons to maintain local stability.

As long as the people have enough food to eat and are not hungry, there will not be any major problems.

Clothing, food, shelter, transportation.

The clothing business is mainly carried out by Bao's Trading Company.

As soon as the Anti-Japanese War broke out, Bao Yongsheng sold his property to support Yan Laoxi's cause of resisting the enemy and defending Shanxi.

He has sufficient qualifications and his family is quite well-off with the support of Chu Yunfei.

Although he was not allowed to annex land on a large scale.

However, the Bao Company has rented quite a few storefronts in Changzhi City.

If you rent it out, you can make huge profits.

In this era, there were no so-called "new landlords", only "merchants".

Subletting is a reasonable and legal means of earning investment returns.

As long as it's not overdone.

People from southeastern Shanxi will not intervene in such matters.

After all, for them.

Because the taxes generated by the exchange are also fulfilling their targets and tasks.

Without taxes, where would the military funds come from and where would the salaries of these people be paid?
In terms of housing and transportation.

Housing is basically guaranteed.

The Construction Corps is still very effective, especially now that their number is increasing further.

Even though many houses are thatched, wooden or stone, there is still a "home" after all.

Not to mention the natural behavior.

There was no banditry in the entire southeastern Shanxi region.

The work of suppressing bandits is also progressing gradually.

The bandit problem in the Taihang Mountains was handed over to the 18th Group Army for elimination.

Bandit suppression efforts are also currently underway in southwestern Shanxi.

It is mainly under the charge of the 13th Army Group, which is currently in training.

This method was actually proposed by Chu Yunfei.

The purpose is also to give the recruits some practical experience.

Babies don't often have this kind of experience.

Also.

It is impossible for the 13th Army Group to truly serve as his "Dragon City Garrison" forever.

Twenty-five thousand people are on the second line.

Old Yan is neither worthy nor shameless enough.

After the bandit suppression work in southwestern Shanxi was completed.

There was only one gendarmerie regiment left in Longcheng.

The 13th Army Group will also be transferred to the front line.

However, Chu Yunfei has not yet made a plan as to which troop should be rotated out.
(End of this chapter)