Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 453 Promotion order issued! Please rest assured, President Liu, Chief Chu will escort you (Subscribe)

mountain city.

The Chairman’s residence was extremely lively on this New Year’s Eve.

This is the first time in 35 years that everyone can attend the New Year's Eve family dinner.

Since the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War.

Because Chang Ruiyuan firmly resisted the Japanese invasion, the relationship between Song Ziwen and him was eased a lot.

However, he still felt aggrieved about that slap.

What also surprised Song Ziwen was.

Chang Ruiyuan invited his "Second Sister" to come over for the first time on New Year's Eve this year.

The relationship between the second sister and Chang Ruiyuan also deteriorated to a certain extent due to their different political views.

It was because of her presence.

At this time, Song Ziwen did not make sarcastic remarks as he did in previous years.

It is a rare reunion for the family.

He didn't want to destroy the relatively harmonious atmosphere.

"Everyone, try this. This is something Yun Fei sent back from the front line. It's a great gift!"

Chang Ruiyuan, as if showing off a treasure, called out to everyone to look at the lump of food in the middle of the round table that looked like beef, but also like a mixture of beef offal and cow blood.

"What is this?" Mrs. Sun asked.

Chang Ruiyuan introduced with a smile: "The Japanese army's canned beef, I opened it and tasted it before, it tasted pretty good."

As soon as the drink went down her throat, Mrs. Sun's expression changed slightly.

But because of his good upbringing, he did not spit it out directly.

"Brother, try it too"

Seeing Chang Ruiyuan taking the initiative to pick up food for him, Song Ziwen had no choice but to pick up his own small bowl and greet him: "Okay then."

Just put it into my mouth.

Then I felt a strange taste sweeping over my taste buds.

If it just tasted bad, Song Ziwen could accept it.

But this thing is fishy and smelly
Is this really canned beef?
After forcing himself to swallow it, Song Ziwen looked at Chang Ruiyuan with confusion and anger in his eyes.

Chang Ruiyuan hurriedly explained, "This is indeed canned beef distributed by the Japanese front-line field troops. The ones using these supplies are the elite 20th Division of the Japanese Army that was annihilated by Yun Fei some time ago."

Madam Sun smiled and said, "Doesn't this mean that the Japanese army's logistical supply situation has become a major problem?"

Song Ziwen was a little puzzled: "But the Japanese imported a large amount of food from Britain, the United States, Australia and other countries last year and this year. It is unlikely that their logistics situation will have problems so early. Canned beef is not a banned commodity in the United States."

Chang Ruiyuan nodded: "Of course I know this, but these canned beef can also be regarded as a side confirmation of some inferences and explanation of some problems."

Madam Sun asked, "Can we negotiate with them and ask them to stop exporting?"

He saw that everyone's eyes were looking at him.

Song Ziwen immediately shook his head: "Although they have restrictions under the Neutrality Act, processed foods such as canned beef are not among those prohibited from export, so they naturally cannot stop exporting."

"unless."

"The Japanese really attacked Southeast Asia as the Chairman judged!"

Chang Ruiyuan remained silent.

The Japanese army was quite active in cutting off the Republic of China's external communication channels.

Recently because of the Battle of Southern Guangxi.

The British side also bore considerable diplomatic pressure.

There were rumors that the British were considering closing the Yunnan-Burma Pass to prevent the Japanese army from using it as an excuse to launch an offensive into Southeast Asia.

Seeing Chang Ruiyuan bow his head and keep silent, Song Ziwen paused and then added: "But after the efforts of the diplomatic department."

"Now that the United States will suspend the export of general military products, such as crude oil, petroleum, steel and other related raw materials from August this year, Japan's military production capacity will inevitably be affected."

The so-called neutrality treaties and neutrality acts of the United States.

In fact, it means not exporting military products to both sides.

That is, the finished products of weapons and ammunition.

But this seemingly neutral approach.

In fact, it is not fair to the Republic of China.

After all, there is a huge gap in industrial strength between the two sides.

Even if they only exported scrap steel, the Japanese could convert it into military production capacity.

However, in the Republic of China, military production capacity was previously poor and the conversion rate was not high.

The situation has rarely improved at this stage.

However, what troubled Chang Ruiyuan was no longer the military equipment, but even the workers.

It is real foreign exchange.

The import of raw materials is also the biggest factor restricting the rapid production of military products.

"Brother, can you talk to the Americans again and ask them to provide us with a high amount of loans to alleviate the current financial problems?"

Song Ziwen shook his head helplessly: "It's difficult, almost impossible. Even with the support of General Stilwell, General Marshall and others, it will be difficult for us to convince those congressmen."

"Many Americans not only do not want to be involved in the Far East, but also do not want to be involved in the European battlefield."

Mrs. Song obviously didn't want to hear any bad news: "Forget it, let's not talk about this. How is Yun Fei doing? He won a great victory, so he should be rewarded, right?"

Chang Ruiyuan hesitated: "Yes, but the timing is not yet ripe. We need to wait another half a month. After the situation is completely stable, we will announce the corresponding job adjustments and rewards."

Song Ziwen also asked, "Are there any obstacles?"

"It is precisely because there is absolutely no resistance that I am hesitant. This is a long story."

After Chang Ruiyuan slowly explained the matter.

Song Ziwen was also lost in thought at this time: "It seems to be testing the attitude of the central government. If this matter can be perfectly resolved, it may be an opportunity to reorganize other local armies."
-

February 9th, the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Chu Yunfei stayed at the front-line headquarters, playing chess and chatting, and spent a rare relaxing day.

The second day of the new year.

As usual, Chu Yunfei sent a New Year's greeting telegram to his old superiors.

At the same time, he replied to some New Year's greeting telegrams that had been sent.

Big Year.

Chu Yunfei received news that Changzhi Airport has been put into use and the bombers are on the way.

In the blink of an eye, another ten days passed.

Fang Ligong sorted out the information for several days and finally compiled a list of soldiers who had made meritorious contributions in the battle, as well as their combat deeds.

When the things were handed over to Chu Yunfei.

Chu Yunfei couldn't help but sigh: "It's said that you, Fang Ligong, are our Flying Tigers' Granny Fang. Now it seems that the rumor is true."

"Just let the people below report these things themselves, why are you sorting them out one by one?"

Fang Ligong smiled and said, "Wouldn't the higher-ups pay more attention to it if we sort it out?"

Chu Yunfei smiled and said, "Brother Ligong, you sorted it out yourself, not us."

"You have done a great deed. Pengcheng, go and tell the generals below so that they will have some ideas."

"Yes!"

Zhao Pengcheng stood up and left, and Fang Ligong was about to say something.

Chu Yunfei grabbed him and said, "Brother Ligong, there is nothing else to do at the front line. Sit down and play this round with me."

Fang Ligong shook his head helplessly: "Okay."

That afternoon.

Chu Yunfei reported all of this to the Second War Zone Commander Headquarters in the name of the Shanxi North Front Headquarters.

Then it was passed on to the headquarters through Yan Laoxi.

This list merely includes all the troops that participated in the war.

Naturally, some combat troops that were not under his command were not included in this list.

For example, the 9th Army, the 27th Army, the 71st Army, etc., which are directly under the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of the Second World War Zone.

As the main force of the Central Army, their battle reports were reported directly to Chang Ruiyuan.

Naturally, the Second War Zone Commander Headquarters does not need to worry about it.

People like Yan Laoxi and Chu Yunfei are also unable to interfere in the personnel appointments and dismissals of these combat troops.

Chu Yunfei didn't have to wait for long.

A secret telegram from the headquarters was handed to Chu Yunfei.

After just a glance, he smiled: "Interesting..."

"My Lord, what is it?"

"This time, the reward plan and list are basically the same as we expected."

Chu Yunfei paused, and then added: "The chairman intends to appoint Cheng Qian as the director of the headquarters, and let me serve as deputy director and concurrently as the director of the Army Reorganization Department."

Fang Ligong came back to his senses: "But Commander Cheng is still serving as the Chief of Staff, so is this a temporary transition?"

"It's not clear yet, but the chairman doesn't seem to want me to continue leading the troops."

"Then Feihu, I will recommend you as the acting commander-in-chief."

Chu Yunfei pondered for a moment and slowly added: "After this matter is over, Chief Yan and others will also push for the dismantling of organizations such as the headquarters."

"What about other people's job adjustments?"

"We still have to follow the original plan. Since the High Command has already made the decision, we will reorganize according to the military and political department's number sequence."

"A designation like the Provisional Independent Brigade is still a formal designation registered with the Ministry of Military Affairs, and the personnel quota is also very high, 8,000 people."

"But judging by the current prices, the subsidies we are given may not be enough for the soldiers' daily meals. Should we appropriately reduce the number of combat troops?"

Fang Ligong’s proposal is actually a common operation of the National Army.

Eat money.

This kind of thing that happened in the first one or two years after the outbreak of the War of Resistance was actually just sucking the blood of the soldiers.

Because at this time military salaries could still be paid normally and prices did not soar to an outrageous level.

By the middle and late stages of the War of Resistance Against Japan, that is, the second half of 39.

In fact, the situation of drawing a salary without working has become the norm.

There is actually a deeper reason behind this.

That is, the economic system of the Nationalist government is already in a state of collapse.

On this basis.

The originally set salary could no longer meet the daily needs of the combat troops.

And commanders at all levels.

In order to solve this kind of thing from happening.

An infantry regiment usually has a combat strength of around 1,500 to 2,000 troops.

In fact, there were only 800 people.

In the middle and late stages, a Type B infantry army even had less than 4,000 combat troops. Even the direct combat units of the Central Army, such as Tang Enbo, had difficulty recruiting soldiers.

The combat strength of a division or even an army.

It is not even as large as the combat force of Chu Yunfei's regiment.

How is this fight going?
"I returned to Changzhi just to deal with this matter. Brother Ligong doesn't need to worry too much."

"Take salt as an example. The price in January did increase by about 30% compared to last year. However, targeted adjustments have been made. The formation of cooperatives and workshops based on the whole village has led to an estimated increase in production of about 20%."

Fang Ligong nodded and said, "If the production can be increased, there will be no problem in supplying the Shanxi and Shaanxi regions. However, I am worried that if the previous large-scale purchases occur again, the market price will rise sharply and the people will panic."

"However, as the war progressed, the vast majority of rural people no longer had the patriotic enthusiasm they had when the war first broke out."

"Especially at this time when prices are rising rapidly, even though the Second World War Zone had already switched to a grain-based economy, it has been greatly affected. They also need to deal with firewood, rice, oil and salt. Many materials cannot be effectively supplied for the time being, and the salary of a soldier is no longer enough to support a whole family."

The second half of last year.

Because of the war, people in parts of Hubei and Hunan sacrificed a season's harvest in exchange for a small victory in the First Battle of Changsha.

Naturally, the Nationalist government could not sit idly by.

Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan and other places are under the coordination of the headquarters.

A batch of salt and cotton was allocated from Shanxi.

Those who have money can pay in cash, and those who don’t have money can only write IOUs.

Since the Nationalist government had no money to allocate, the Second War Zone Commander's Headquarters was helpless.

Yan Laoxi had no way to refuse.

Even if we have the resources to spare, we can't just watch the people go without clothes to wear or even salt to eat, right?
Even when they couldn't even get enough to eat, they were still clamoring for others to fulfill their responsibilities and perform their compulsory military service.

That's just bullshit.

Sensing the worry in Fang Ligong's tone, Chu Yunfei continued to comfort him, "Brother Ligong, don't worry about this. I have made targeted production arrangements. The prices in Shanxi and Shaanxi will be able to return to their previous levels in at most three months."

"As for the rear, it depends on how this year's relief policy is implemented!"

"If the city does not provide relief, I suggest that the Second War Zone Command Headquarters bypass the Ministry of Finance and directly formulate a corresponding relief plan. After all, the Second War Zone Command Headquarters has the right to formulate local policies..."

Chu Yunfei nodded and agreed: "I will communicate with Chief Yan about this matter, Brother Ligong, please rest assured."
-

Second World War Commander Headquarters.

Yan Laoxi, who was basking in the sun, slowly stood up after hearing footsteps behind him.

"Commander Yan." Xie Ming stood there respectfully.

"whats the matter?"

"I just received news that the headquarters has issued a list of personnel promotions and organizational adjustments."

Yan Laoxi stepped forward, took the telegram and read it carefully.

[The former Flying Tigers' First Infantry Regiment was confirmed to be reorganized into the Theater's Provisional First Brigade, the Fourth Infantry Regiment was confirmed to be reorganized into the Theater's Provisional Second Brigade, and the Seventh Infantry Regiment was confirmed to be reorganized into the Theater's Provisional Third Brigade.

Commanders Zhang Fugui, Pang Junming and Chen Zejun had their positions adjusted respectively.

Chen Zejun was awarded the fifth-class Yunhui Medal for his meritorious service in the battle of northern Shanxi.

The other participating troops also received varying degrees of commendation. The Second Infantry Regiment led by Liu Wang, which was the first to enter Datong City, was awarded the Flying Tiger Flag and the honorary title of the Offensive Tiger Regiment.

In addition, because the 20th Division was completely annihilated.

Chu Yunfei was awarded the Baoding Medal for his merits.

Frontline commanders such as Xue Jie, Zhang Dongkai and others were awarded the Blue and White Medal.

These adjustments and promotions are reasonable and within Yan Laoxi's expectations.

Just the next job adjustment
This made Yan Laoxi feel vaguely uneasy.

Chu Yunfei was transferred to be the deputy director of Tianshui Headquarters and concurrently the director of the Army Reorganization Department.

The former position is of a very high level, while the latter position is of a very low level, so this dual position is very interesting.

It is obvious that the command wants to promote someone in name only but demote him in reality.

Chu Yunfei was unable to continue leading the troops.

Yan Laoxi was eager to know Chu Yunfei's opinion, so he immediately spoke up: "Yufa, has Yunfei called?"

"No telegram has been received yet regarding the opinion on the appointment."

"However, this morning, the Shanxi North Front Command just called and asked you, Commander Yan, to order Shanxi Bank, Shanxi Rural Commercial Bank and other local financial institutions to issue relief loans to rural areas, small and micro enterprises and cooperatives in the name of the Commander's Headquarters, and he hopes the amount will be as large as possible."

"Does he want to stimulate the economy, or is it because of the Jindongnan Chamber of Commerce incident?"

Xie Ming shook his head slowly: "No."

"So, members of the Southeast Jin Chamber of Commerce will receive an annual interest rate of 3%, but they will need a guarantee from the vice president of the chamber of commerce, otherwise the annual interest rate will be 4%. Non-members of the chamber of commerce and farmers will receive an annual interest rate of 4 to 6%, and interest can be waived in special circumstances."

"Yufa, go and arrange this matter. Communicate more with Director Xu and the others. Don't ask for too high an interest rate. It's best to do as I just said."

"Yes, Commander Yan, I'll do it right away."

After Xie Ming left, Yan Laoxi did not lie back in the rocking chair, but walked towards the confidential room.

When Liu Tao, who was arranging work, saw Yan Laoxi, he immediately went to greet him: "Chief Yan."

"Hmm~"

"Send a secret telegram to Yunfei in my name, asking for his opinion on this job adjustment and the subsequent action plan. Send it in person."

"Yes!"

In the blink of an eye, another ten days passed.

Changzhi.

Southeast Shanxi Chamber of Commerce Headquarters.

A group of businessmen gathered together again after half a month.

The meeting had just begun when Liu Wenjie complained: "Old Bao, we have paid the money, but we really don't have any working capital. The billing cycle is almost coming. If I can't get the money out, what will happen to others?"

"That's not right, Lao Liu, where's your money?"

"Yeah, you were the first one to speak out in support when we were raising money. How come you don't even have the money to make ends meet now?"

"You said we should love our country. We love our country, and we are willing to pay. But you can't just ignore our life and death after paying, right?"

"Stop talking. Old Liu can't even protect himself right now. How can he care about us?"

Liu Wenjie looked helpless and aggrieved: "The Ninth War Zone didn't give me any money. My people delivered the goods, but they only gave me an IOU. What the hell can I do?"

Liu Wenjie is engaged in the business of Shanxi local salt.

He also couldn't have expected that the Ninth War Zone would settle the bill by giving him an IOU.

When can it be fulfilled.

According to Director Li of the Ninth War Zone, we don’t know yet.

He also said that Commander-in-Chief Xue Yue of the Ninth War Zone and Chu Yunfei have a good relationship.

Once the financial allocation is made, he will be paid immediately.

Now that things have come to this, what else can Liu Wenjie do?

"Then there is really no other way. Can you discuss this with Chief Sun and ask the Jindongnan Public Treasury to provide part of the funds?"

Liu Wenjie subconsciously looked at Sun Hanpeng.

As Sun Wemou's biological father.

Sun Hanpeng had a very close relationship with the Second War Zone Commander-in-Chief's Headquarters.

The most critical point is.

Sun Hanpeng still owes Liu Wenjie a lot of money.

Sun Hanpeng took the initiative to explain: "If the Jindongnan Public Treasury had money, would we still need to raise it? It is obvious that Chief Chu is also in trouble now."

"Besides, don't you know what kind of character my rebellious son is? From childhood to adulthood, he has never listened to me except for the matter of marriage."

Someone sighed, "We have to think of a solution, Lao Bao, if you have any ideas, everyone will listen to you."

Bao Yongsheng rubbed his temples: "We are now mainly facing a triangular debt. Lao Liu owes me money, I owe Lao Sun money, and Lao Sun owes Lao Liu money. However, our payment terms are different, and the interest rates are also different, so it is not easy to solve."

Liu Wenjie nodded, still looking at him with hope: "If we can resolve these debts and calculate the difference, it will be fine. Where's your money, Old Sun?"

Sun Hanpeng spread his hands and said, "Need I ask? I've already used it to purchase goods. Don't forget what kind of business we are in, the grain business. No matter how high the price goes outside, we can only sell it at that price. If the Jinzhong Public Treasury hadn't allocated 4 million to me, I would have collapsed long ago."

Seeing that Liu Wenjie was somewhat tempted, Sun Hanpeng waved his hand and refused: "It will take half a year to repay the loan, and I can't pay you even if you are anxious."

Liu Wenjie lowered his head in disappointment and sighed repeatedly: "Isn't this the end of my life?"

"It's not that simple. We don't just have private loans."

"Old Bao, we have to think of a way to get some money back from the bank."

Bao Yongsheng shook his head: "I don't have any assets now, and I keep getting rejected when applying for loans. These banks don't care how much cloth or clothes I have, and they don't give me face. I have no choice now."

"That's strange, what do they want?"

"For land..." Sun Hanpeng sneered, "Don't forget that some banks in Shanxi were opened by Kong Papi. They originally planned to annex rural land for the purpose of lending, and then rent it out to farmers at high prices, including us."

"But didn't Commander Yan and Commander Chu strictly order us not to rent it out at a high price?"

"They will naturally find other excuses, such as only collecting half of the rent and meeting in the form of a loan with the interest rate at the stipulated high interest rate. In this way, Chief Yan and Chief Chu will naturally be unable to do anything to them."

"These sons of bitches."

Just when a group of businessmen were angrily cursing Kong Yongzhi for being unworthy of being a human being.

The door of the meeting room was knocked by the servant.

A vice president stepped forward and opened the door.

After the attendant muttered a few words, he quickly turned around and said, "Everyone, Director Lu Yubin from the left-behind office is here."

"That's great. Please ask Director Lu to come in."

"Yes, yes. It's just right for him to think of a solution and come up with a charter."

"Director Lu~"

Everyone stood up and greeted them.

Lu Yubin, dressed in military uniform, responded one by one with a smile on his face.

At Sun Hanpeng's suggestion, he sat next to Bao Yongsheng.

"Everyone, I am here to tell you a good news. Commander Chu knows that your normal production and operation have been affected by your support for the copper mining in Zhongtiao Mountain."

"For this reason, Chief Chu has applied to Chief Yan for the corresponding adjustment and issuance of the relief loan policies of various banks in Shanxi Province in 1930."

"Everyone present here can enjoy a three-year interest-free relief loan with a limit of no more than 3 million yuan."

"In addition, the annual interest rate for members of the Southeast Jin Chamber of Commerce can be reduced to 4% with your guarantee."

The words fell.

The group of businessmen were instantly delighted.

The problem that had been bothering them was solved instantly.

"Three million, so much?"

"President Liu, don't worry. Commander Chu has ordered that 1.5 million national currency be allocated from the Jinnan public treasury to support and expand production, and to establish the Jinnan Salt Industry Federation of Industry and Commerce. I hope you can serve as the president of the Federation of Industry and Commerce."

"This..." Liu Wenjie was a little confused for a moment: "I go to Jinnan? I become the president?"

"What's the difference? Isn't Southern Shanxi also Shanxi?"

Liu Wenjie was extremely surprised: "But my family business is basically in the surrounding areas of Jincheng."

"Please rest assured, President Liu, Commander Chu will naturally escort you."

(End of this chapter)