Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Mountain City, Stilwell's office.

Adjutant Bradley clutched the telegram from Wei Lihuang's headquarters in Kunming.

"General! This is utterly absurd! This is blatant provocation!"

His voice echoed in the office, filled with indignation: "How dare he make such a request?"

"Let our elite American troops conduct the first wave of scouting and landing, to take on the toughest challenges for them, and then they can leisurely come up and 'clean up the battlefield'?"

He grew angrier as he spoke, pacing back and forth in his office, his military boots slamming heavily on the floor: "What do they take our great American military for?"

"To be their mercenaries? Or cannon fodder to pave the way for them?"

"This plan makes it seem like the other side is incapable of fulfilling its defense responsibilities, and it shows contempt for the combat capabilities and command system of the U.S. military!"

Stilwell sat in a large leather chair, his eyes, hidden behind gold-rimmed glasses, gleaming with an unfathomable light.

He ignored Bradley's roar and simply reached out his calloused hand to pick up the telegram again.

“Bradley, calm down.” Stilwell’s voice was hoarse and deep, with a hint of amusement. “This isn’t Guard’s battle plan…”

Bradley paused, then stopped in his tracks: "Not Guard? The telegram is from the Expeditionary Force Headquarters..."

“Wei couldn’t write something like this, and he probably wouldn’t dare to say it like that.” Stilwell snorted, threw the telegram back onto the table, and pointed to the clause about ‘multinational joint command’: “This attitude of confronting a strongman, this cunning of wanting to gain every advantage at the negotiating table, and that confidence of not showing any fear in front of us, who else could it be but Chu Yunfei, who just defeated the Japanese in Yichang?”

Stilwell stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the gray sky over the mountain town.

“Having been in China for so long, I’ve dealt with Chang Ruiyuan and He Yingqin. They were either beggars who asked for exorbitant prices or obsequious lackeys.”

Stilwell turned around, his eyes sharpening. "Only Chu Yunfei."

“He looked at us with equal eyes.”

"Chu Yunfei was never asking us for help."

“He has always been doing business with us, doing big business that concerns the Asian war.”

"But General, let our soldiers lead the charge..."

Bradley was still somewhat unwilling to give up.

"If this means cutting off the Japanese military's supply lines in the South China Sea, if this means truly mobilizing China, a country with enormous potential, to join the counter-offensive against Japan..."

"Then, this cost is open to discussion."

"Chu Yunfei's willingness to propose such conditions shows that he is confident and capable of winning. He is a man who does not fight unprepared battles."

"In addition, don't forget that the Japanese forces on Qiongzhou Island are not many."

"If you were in command, would you deploy the limited forces on the beachhead or in the depths?"

Bradley blurted out instinctively, "Depth, of course!"

He had recovered his senses.

The so-called vanguard, the so-called first wave of attack.

In reality, there won't be much loss.

Because the Japanese army could not possibly deploy all of their limited forces on the beachhead.

Even if he were to take command.

The main force will only hold the port, or even abandon the port, and use the complex terrain of the island to maneuver against the landing force.

"However, General, once we make the necessary mobilization and preparations, the Japanese army will inevitably reinforce its troops on Qiongzhou Island. At that time, the Japanese army will likely defend the beachhead, and our losses will not be low."

"Then why did Chu do this?"

Stilwell chuckled, as if he had seen through Chu Yunfei's little scheme: "Actually, what he wants is a symbolic 'victory'."

"This is so that others within their ranks cannot criticize this joint operations plan."

"This joint operation plan shows that he did not betray his compatriots or his army."

Instead, they "cunningly" made the Americans the trailblazers.

Bradley raised an eyebrow, clearly disagreeing with Stilwell's idea.

But at this moment, he has no power to make a decision.

Stilwell then instructed, “Draft a telegram and send this plan to Washington. Also, in my name, recommend you to be the U.S. commander for this joint operation.”

Bradley was overjoyed: "Yes, General."

……

Washington, Atlanta.

Inside the Oval Office, President Roosevelt, seated in a wheelchair with his signature cigarette holder between his fingers, listened intently to General Marshall's report.

General Marshall, his expression grave, held the newly translated top-secret telegram in his hand: "Mr. President, this is a message from Stilwell regarding the Qiongzhou Island landing operation codenamed 'Sharp Sword,' proposed by that war general."

"It's him again?"

“Yes, Mr. President.” Marshall nodded, his expression somewhat complicated. “However, he has a big appetite.”

"He requested that our two divisions in Southeast Asia be deployed as the vanguard, that the Pacific Fleet or the Australian Navy provide escort, and that he wanted actual command but was willing to hand over the nominal supreme commander position to us."

"Ha!" Roosevelt chuckled, adjusting his posture. "This is getting interesting. George, what do you think?"

Marshall frowned and analyzed, "From a purely military perspective, this is an extremely impressive yet strategically valuable plan."

"If we can take Qiongzhou Island, it will be like planting a knife in the South China Sea, directly cutting off the sea route from the Japanese mainland to Southeast Asia."

"This will greatly accelerate the collapse of Japan's war machine's transportation system."

“However,” Marshall changed the subject, “I wonder how the Navy will react to sending elite troops, under the direction of a senior Chinese commander, to attack an area that was not previously a priority. From a purely strategic perspective, if this landing operation succeeds, it will be extremely beneficial to the overall situation of the South Pacific war, and this will certainly have the support of General Halsey.”

Presidential Special Assistant Hopkins interjected, "Mr. President, you also need to be careful politically."

“The people in Chongqing have been complaining about our ‘favoring Europe over Asia’ policy.”

“If we reject this seemingly excessive request for ‘joint operations,’ it will probably give Chang Ruiyuan more ammunition.”

"Moreover, Chu displayed this confidence... which is exactly what we've seen in the Chinese army. They are indeed capable of clearing out the Japanese forces on the island. With just some supplies and aid, they can reduce our losses by thousands, even tens of thousands. These good lads don't need to risk their lives on foreign soil..."

Roosevelt nodded, his deep eyes seemingly reflecting the map: "Let's assume they are the future 'four policemen.' Since they are policemen, they must have the ability to enforce the law."

"If they keep following us around begging, how will they maintain order in Asia after the war?"

P.S.: This actually refers to Chang Ruiyuan, who liked to send telegrams to the Americans, boasting and asking for things.
"This Chu thinks like a great power, not like a local warlord."

Roosevelt flicked his cigarette ash. "This posture of equality, though it makes me a little uncomfortable, is what I like."

"However, the navy's ships are indeed stretched thin." Roosevelt pondered for a moment, "Since they mentioned Australia..."

He picked up the phone: "Give me Canberra. I need to speak with Prime Minister Curtin. It's late, but I think John is still awake."

……

Canberra, the Prime Minister's residence in Australia.

For Australia, the Japanese threat was like a Damocles' sword hanging over their heads. Although the situation eased somewhat after the Battle of Midway, the Japanese still occupied the north and would occasionally send out warplanes to bomb their homeland.

He received a direct call from Washington late at night.

Curtin was still somewhat surprised.

Good evening, Mr. President.

Curtin's voice sounded somewhat tired.

“John, I have an interesting participant from our Asia-Pacific Allied Headquarters,” Roosevelt’s voice came through the transoceanic cable. “They plan to seize Qiongzhou Island.”

"Stilwell believed the plan was feasible, but it required the support of our navy."

"I'd like to know if the Royal Australian Navy is interested in participating in this operation in the South China Sea?"

Curtin tightened his grip on the microphone.

Qiongzhou Island? That was a key location for cutting off the Japanese army's supplies to the south.

If a battlefield could be opened, even if it is only a diversionary tactic, it would greatly reduce the pressure on the Australian mainland and the front lines in New Guinea.

Once successful, they will no longer be harassed by Japanese submarines and aircraft!
This is something they, Australia, have always longed for.

Push the war northward!

“Mr. President,” Curtin’s voice rose abruptly, “as long as it’s to fight Japanese fascism, as long as it can keep those invaders away from our land, if the U.S. Army is willing to land, if the main force of the Chinese army is really as capable of fighting as rumored…”

Curtin glanced at the map on the wall, his gaze settling on the island: "Australia is willing to provide support."

"The combined cruiser HMS Shropshire and the destroyer HMS Valamunga have just completed their overhauls, and we will fully cooperate with this operation."

"Very good." Roosevelt's voice was tinged with laughter. "It seems that our 'Eastern War God' Chu Yunfei has given us great confidence. I will assign someone to be responsible for drafting a specific battle plan for this matter."

Roosevelt hung up the phone and turned to Marshall: "George, call Stilwell back."

"Tell Stilwell that the 'Qiongzhou Landing Plan' is approved in principle. Infantry can serve as the vanguard, but this is not just a military operation; it's also a political one. We're giving Chu Yunfei face, providing him with supplies, and even nominal command..."

Roosevelt paused, then said meaningfully, "But you have to make him understand that this battle must be fought beautifully."

"I want the whole world to see that the US-China allies are also launching a counter-offensive in Asia!"
-
That afternoon, on the outskirts of Yichang, at the Dongshan defense line.

The air was filled with the earthy smell of rain and the lingering odor of gunpowder.

This was the last stronghold built by the Japanese army, taking advantage of the terrain, and also the toughest nut to crack.

The main attack was spearheaded by the 11th Division of the 18th Army, which was also the forward command post of the regiment.

It's eerily quiet here.

There were no chaotic shouts, only the soft scratching of compasses and pencils on the paper.

The staff officers, like clockwork parts wound up, discussed the terrain and tactics at their respective posts.

Regiment Commander Luo Weijun slumped over the table, his brows furrowed into a deep frown.

He pressed his red and blue pencil heavily onto a 1:50,000 military map, the force penetrating the paper.

"First Battalion Commander."

"To!"

The battalion commander snapped to attention, his heels clattering loudly, but a fine layer of cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

Why is the location where your attack originated different from the one I gave you?

Luo Weijun straightened up and used his lead-dust-covered fingers to poke hard at a contour line on the map.

"I told you to deploy in the depression, but you set up the heavy machine gun position on the earthen slope 250 meters away. Did you think the depression limited your field of vision, or were you worried about the Japanese grenade launchers?"

"The terrain there is extremely unique, making it the only suitable hiding place in the surrounding area."

"Their shells can't get over the mountain, they can't get in."

"That's why I had you launch the attack in that depression. They can't capture the steep hilltops next to it; their indirect fire can't reach it, just as we can't..."

"Commander, the water in that depression is too deep, brothers..."

The battalion commander was about to explain.

Luo Weijun suddenly looked up, a cold glint flashing in his bloodshot eyes: "Shut up!"

"Do you want your brothers to live with their pants wet, or do you want them to be riddled with holes by the Japanese machine guns while completely dry?!"

"On the battlefield, a meter can be the difference between life and death. The depression is closer to the Japanese firing positions, which will reduce your assault distance by at least 350 meters."

"Yes, Commander, I will adjust the deployment immediately."

Luo Weijun glanced at his watch and said in an unquestionable tone, "I'll give you ten minutes to adjust."

"Yes!"

The battalion commander turned pale, saluted, and rushed into the dark rain.

Without pausing, Luo Weijun grabbed the phone and dialed the division's artillery company.

"I am Luo Weijun."

"Today's test launch target was off by at least thirty meters."

"Company Commander Li, you must pay more attention, after all, we are going to compete with our friendly forces in terms of attack speed."

"I know you can't handle Xu Jin's barrage, but I've heard the division commander praise your ability to fire pinpoints."

"Alright, alright, then we'll be waiting for your artillery, Company Commander Li, before our attack tomorrow!"

……

Mopanling, north of Yichang City.

Compared to the grim and meticulous nature of the 18th Army.

The command post of the 30th Army exudes a rugged, "wild" feel.

This is a dilapidated mountain god temple.

A few dim lanterns swayed in the wind, casting long shadows.

Regiment Commander Zhao Tiezhu squatted on the threshold, his collar open, revealing a chest full of black hair.

He came from the Northwest Army, was completely illiterate, and was a seasoned veteran who had survived countless deaths.

At that moment, he was puffing on his pipe, holding a twig in his hand, and haphazardly drawing circles on the dusty ground.

Seeing his regimental commander's "unreliable" behavior, the second battalion commander was so anxious that he stamped his feet: "Regimental commander, how exactly should we fight this battle? Please say something."

The second battalion commander was a young military academy graduate who had been promoted from the 88th Group Army.

His name is Ma Qifeng, and he previously served as acting battalion commander for a period of time.

Having fought in numerous small-scale battles, he has considerable experience in commanding operations.

After all, he graduated from the Shanxi Military Academy, and what he valued most was practical combat experience.

Ma Qifeng had only been in their regiment for about six months.

However, Zhao Tiezhu already highly recognized his theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

"The higher-ups have given a death order: Mopan Ridge must be taken by noon tomorrow!"

Ma Qifeng was taken aback: "That's the Japanese army's core position, with bunkers on both sides... Eighteen hours."

"What kind of map is this? These winding lines are making my head spin!"

Zhao Tiezhu exhaled a thick smoke ring and threw the branch in his hand away.

He stood up, dusted himself off, pointed to the distant mountain that was spitting fire, and grinned:
"Second Battalion Commander, you are well-read, quick-witted, and a member of the Flying Tigers. I know you have the ability, but you have never had the opportunity to prove yourself. Now is a good opportunity."

They're locked in a fierce battle with the 18th Army. If we can capture the position first, we'll definitely get to show off our strength there.

Zhao Tiezhu grinned wickedly, "I'm handing that mountain over to you. I know it'll be tough, but if you manage to take it, Commander Chu will be overjoyed. You'll definitely catch his eye."

From his perspective as a veteran of the Northwest Army.

The competition between Chen Cixiu and Chu Yunfei is now out in the open.

If their 30th Army, which originated from the Northwest Army, can perform well in this battle...

This will inevitably further strengthen the close relationship between General Sun and Chu Yunfei.

The commanders of the Northwest Army naturally highly recognized and were happy to see Chu Yunfei.

Ma Qifeng was stunned, his eyes widening: "Commander, you...you're not going to deploy firepower?"

"And no attack route is specified?"

Zhao Tiezhu glared with his bull-like eyes, spitting as he spoke: "What kind of rules do I have?!"

"I'm the regimental commander. My only responsibility is to get you the shells and cover for you!"

“You know better than I do where there’s a ditch and a Japanese machine gun emplacement up ahead. I’ve heard all about it. Your battalion organizes more than a dozen reconnaissance missions a day, and your snipers have taken out several Japanese machine gunners.”

Ma Qifeng chuckled and scratched his head: "Commander, you already knew about this?"

Zhao Tiezhu chuckled: "If I were to give orders blindly in this dilapidated temple, telling you to go left and you to go left, what if there's a minefield on the left that I didn't see? Wouldn't that be sending you and your brothers to their deaths?"

As he spoke, Zhao Tiezhu put his arm around the Second Battalion Commander's shoulder and pointed to the boxes of American grenades and mortar shells that had just been delivered behind them: "See them?"

"This is what I just begged and pleaded with at the division headquarters!"

"It's all yours!"

"You can hit me however you want, you little brat!"

"Whether you want to dig tunnels, take a flanking maneuver, or organize a suicide squad to ram through, I don't care!"

Zhao Tiezhu's voice was rough and domineering, revealing an unwavering trust: "I only have one request!"

"At noon, I'm going to stand on that hilltop and pee!"

"Is it possible?!"

Looking into the regimental commander's bloodshot eyes, Battalion Commander Ma Qifeng felt a fire suddenly ignite in his chest.

During the time of the 88th Group Army.

At that time, he was an acting battalion commander, but he was just a lower-ranking commander who carried out the orders of the regimental commander.

Under normal circumstances, no one would want to leave the 88th Group Army.

After all, they were the world-renowned Flying Tigers.

Ma Qifeng's willingness to be transferred to the 30th Army during the troop reorganization was not only due to orders from his superiors, but also to a certain degree of his own subjective desire.

He wanted to prove himself, but within the 88th Group Army.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of excellent mid-to-lower-level commanders like him; it's extremely difficult for someone to stand out!

Under Zhao Tiezhu, he finally had the space to demonstrate his talents and became a commander who could truly stand on his own.

He finally had the opportunity to showcase his talents.

"Why aren't you saying anything? I'm asking you, can you do it?"

Battalion Commander Ma Qifeng snapped out of his daze and immediately patted his chest, guaranteeing, "Yes, I can!"

"Rest assured, Commander, if I fail to take it, I'll offer my head in retribution!"

"Get lost, what would I do with your head?"

Zhao Tiezhu paused for a moment: "As long as we lose fewer brothers, if we really run into any tough opponents, I'll send the reserve team to help." (End of Chapter)