Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Mountain city, Huangshan official residence.

Chang Ruiyuan stood in front of the huge battle map, leaning on a cane.

His gaze did not linger on the front lines, but rather wandered somewhat.

Minister of Military Affairs Chen Cixiu stood respectfully behind him, holding a newly delivered battle report analysis in his hand.

"Chairman."

Chen Cixiu's voice broke the silence.

"The fighting is very fierce on the front lines in Yichang."

"Based on the latest battle situation, this is precisely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Chang Ruiyuan turned around, raising an eyebrow slightly: "Oh? What opportunity?"

"An opportunity to comprehensively examine the results of the 'troop reorganization'."

Chen Cixiu stepped forward and pointed to the outskirts of Yichang on the map.

"The 18th Army is our army's traditional ace unit. To boast a bit, it can be said to represent the highest tactical skill of our Central Army at present."

"The 30th Army was originally from the Northwest Army and had always been a miscellaneous force. However, after accepting Chu Yunfei's 'reorganization plan,' both its equipment and tactical concepts were completely renewed."

Chen Cixiu paused, his tone becoming serious: "I would like to suggest that the Chairman pay close attention to the performance of these two units under equally challenging conditions."

"By comparing their casualty rates, ammunition consumption, and speed of advance."

"To assess whether Chu Yunfei's approach to 'reorganizing the army' can be promoted throughout the entire army."

After listening, Chang Ruiyuan did not immediately express his opinion. He gave his most trusted confidant a deep look, his eyes somewhat playful, even carrying a hint of ambiguous meaning: "Cixiu."

Chang Ruiyuan spoke slowly, his tone seemingly casual, but in reality, it was a warning: "The 18th Army, that's your starting force, and it's also your pride."

"What is the 30th Army?"

"A bunch of illiterate men from the Northwest were easily manipulated by Chu Yunfei for several months."

Chang Ruiyuan tapped the floor lightly, his voice low: "If in this competition, the 30th Army defeats the 18th Army..."

"Have you thought about where you, Minister Chen, will put your face then?"

"Where will the face of the Central Army's elite forces be left?"

This is a gift question.

He was testing whether Chen Cixiu would hinder Chu Yunfei's growth due to sectarian prejudice.

However, Chen Cixiu's reaction was beyond his expectations.

Chen Cixiu straightened his back, his face showing no hesitation or embarrassment: "Chairman!"

"As long as we can build more elite troops for the Party and the country, as long as we can drive out the Japanese invaders as soon as possible and restore our land..."

"Let alone saving face for me, Chen Cixiu, even if the designation of the 18th Army were to be revoked, I would have no complaints!"

Chen Cixiu's voice was firm and powerful: "If facts prove that the 30th Army is indeed more capable of fighting than the 18th Army."

"That proves that Chu Yunfei's approach is correct!"

"We must not only acknowledge it, but also learn from it! And we must promote it vigorously!"

"Compared to the survival of the nation, what do my personal honor and reputation amount to?"

Chang Ruiyuan was stunned.

He looked at his old subordinate who had followed him for many years, and a hint of emotion flashed in his eyes.

"Okay...okay."

Chang Ruiyuan nodded, his expression softening considerably.

He was well aware of the civil engineering department under Chen Cixiu's command.

In Chang Ruiyuan's view, the Civil Engineering Department did indeed cultivate many military and political talents for the Party and the country.

However, the Civil Engineering Department overemphasized nepotism and loyalty to Chen Cixiu.

This inevitably leads to a rigidity in the civil engineering system.

For this reason, Chang Ruiyuan greatly appreciated Chen Cixiu's concession at this time.

I am very pleased that you have such a broad mind.

But as he changed the subject, his brows furrowed once more, and a deep worry filled his face.

“Cixiu, since you’ve put it this way, I won’t hide it from you anymore.”

Chang Ruiyuan walked back to his desk, picked up his teacup, and gently skimmed the tea foam.

"I trust Chu Yunfei's ability to train troops."

"but……"

He raised his eyelids, a hint of coldness in his eyes: "Have you noticed?"

"The troops that have been reorganized this time, especially those middle and lower-ranking officers."

"Many of them were students who had completed advanced training at the Shanxi Military Academy, and many of them were even students from the Whampoa Military Academy who went there for accelerated training."

"Compared to Whampoa."

“They have a stronger sense of belonging to that school.”

Chang Ruiyuan lowered his voice: "When they mention Chu Yunfei, they call him 'Vice Principal' repeatedly, praising him to the skies and treating him like a god."

"But how much teacher-student affection is left for me, the nominal 'principal'?"

"How much reverence do they even have for me, the chairman of the committee?"

"The army is the nation's sharpest sword, but if the hilt of that sword is not in my own hands..."

Chang Ruiyuan did not continue.

Zhu Peiji frowned slightly and stood beside Chang Ruiyuan without daring to utter a sound.

But everyone present was shrewd, and they could all hear the underlying meaning.

He was afraid.

Fearing that Chu Yunfei might use the pretext of "military reorganization"
I fear this sword is too sharp.

In the end, it will injure the swordsman's hand.

Right now, this feeling is becoming increasingly strong.

The atmosphere in the office plummeted to freezing point.

Looking at Chang Ruiyuan's unpredictable face, Chen Cixiu sighed inwardly: This leader is good in every way, except for his excessive paranoia.

But he had to speak, not only for Chu Yunfei and for himself, but also for the overall situation of the War of Resistance.

"Chairman, you are overthinking it."

Meeting Chang Ruiyuan's gaze, Chen Cixiu spoke frankly: "I have had many dealings with Chu Yunfei, and you could even say that we are competitors on many strategic issues."

“But I can vouch for it with my own head.”

"Chu Yunfei, he is not that kind of despicable person."

Chen Cixiu stepped forward and said sincerely, "If he really had ulterior motives, he could have just maintained his military power in North China. Why would he have traveled all the way to this mountain city to recuperate, study strategy and tactics, and even write several books?"

"Now they've even broken away from North China and gone to northern Hubei to take on the Japanese 11th Army, the toughest nut to crack in the Japanese army?"

"If he really wanted to establish a faction, why would he so readily throw his well-organized troops into the most brutal meat grinder?"

"Chairman, if I may be so blunt, this man is arrogant and haughty."

"His eyes were fixed on the Japanese, the world situation, and even that superpower across the ocean."

He disdained the warlord style of carving out a territory and cultivating his own faction.

Chang Ruiyuan's hand stopped in mid-air.

He stared at Chen Cixiu for a long time. Everyone knew that Chen Cixiu was Chu Yunfei's biggest potential rival in the army.

If even Chen Cixiu says so...

"call……"

Chang Ruiyuan let out a long breath and slowly put down the teacup in his hand.

The heavy weight in his heart was lifted once again, and the gloomy look on his face vanished, replaced by a faint smile.

"It seems I was just overthinking it."

"Chairman, Advisor Yang is currently on the front lines in Yichang. What do you think?"

Chang Ruiyuan felt a headache coming on whenever he heard Yang Jie's name.

Another arrogant and proud individual.

PS: Yang Jie is not as bad as Li Delin described in his memoirs.

Quite the opposite.

This person indeed made significant contributions to military theory and was one of the few great military theorists during the Republic of China period.

Of course, no one can withstand scrutiny, and Yang Jie is no exception.

After a moment's thought, Chang Ruiyuan waved his hand, regaining his commanding presence.

"That's all."

“Let Yang Gengguang take the instructors to observe. Make sure he writes a detailed report. I’m also curious how this hot-tempered military strategist will evaluate the newly reorganized combat troops.” Chang Ruiyuan looked at Zhu Peiji, who had been standing to the side: “Peiji, send a telegram to the front in my name, instructing the 18th and 30th Armies to fight freely!”

"I also want to see if this 'Shanxi-made' wolf can really bite into the tough nut of Yichang!"

"Yes, Chairman."

After that "overthinking" dissipated.

Chang Ruiyuan's gaze returned to the more significant top-secret document on his desk.

That was the "Joint Landing Operation Concept for Qiongzhou Island" forwarded by Stilwell.

Chang Ruiyuan picked up the document and lightly tapped the paper with his fingers, making a crisp sound.

“Ci Xiu”.

What are your thoughts on this joint US-China-Australia operational plan?

Chen Cixiu was clearly prepared.

He stepped forward, his expression serious, but his eyes revealed an undisguised excitement.

"Chairman."

"This is a risky move, but also a brilliant one!"

“From a military perspective, Qiongzhou Island is isolated overseas, and the Japanese army has a weak defense force. Once it is captured, the Japanese army’s sea lifeline to move south can be cut off.”

"But what's even more interesting is the political implications."

Chen Cixiu held up three fingers.

"First, the Americans led the charge, while the Australians provided escort and artillery fire."

"This means that we will have to use the steel and blood of our allies to reclaim our homeland."

"This situation of 'foreigners being used by us' is unprecedented since the Opium War!"

Chang Ruiyuan nodded repeatedly as he listened, his smile growing wider and wider. What he liked most was this feeling of all nations paying tribute and being the leader of a great power.

"go on."

"Yes."

Chen Cixiu continued, "Secondly, nominal command is with us."

"This is tantamount to legally establishing your position as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the China Theater."

“In the past, Stilwell was always the one giving orders; this time, it’s their turn to listen to our commands.”

"third……"

Chen Cixiu lowered his voice:

"Through this plan, we can legitimately demand more naval and air force equipment, as well as specialized equipment for amphibious operations from the Americans."

"After this battle, regardless of victory or defeat, this batch of equipment will definitely remain in our hands."

Upon hearing this, Chang Ruiyuan burst into laughter, slamming his cane heavily on the ground.

"it is good!"

"A thorough analysis!"

"Chu Yunfei's mind does indeed work quickly."

"They not only fought the Japanese, but also schemed against the foreigners, and they didn't forget to bring benefits to our own people."

"I agree to this plan in principle."

However, Chang Jui-yuan was, after all, a seasoned politician.

After laughing, his eyes became cautious again: "However, this is a matter of great importance."

"It involves military coordination among three countries, the troublesome Stilwell, and the attitude of Washington."

"We absolutely cannot afford any mistakes in the details. Moreover, under Prime Minister John's leadership, Australia is clearly closer to the Americans now. This time, the British will most likely try to get involved as well, so we have to be on guard!"

"In addition, there must be a set of rules regarding the 'joint' command structure and the extent to which our people can get involved."

Chang Ruiyuan pondered for a moment, then immediately made the decision: "Like this."

"Cixiu, go and make the arrangements."

"A top-level military conference will be held tomorrow morning at the Huangshan official residence."

"Jingzhi, Jiansheng, and Cichen, please come. I think they should all be here now. All those who are qualified to attend the meeting should be invited and no one is allowed to take leave."

"Let's close the door and set the tone within ourselves first."

Chang Ruiyuan stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the mountain city shrouded in rain. His tone revealed a hint of ambition:

"This battle."

"It's not just a military battle, but also a diplomatic and political one."

"I want to personally oversee the development of this plan."

"I want to show Roosevelt that our party and nation's soldiers can not only defend our territory, but I can also lead their American troops to launch a counter-offensive. We are qualified to defend our East Asia!"

"Yes! The Chairman is wise!"

Chen Cixiu snapped to attention, which was considered a salute.

The rain outside the window seems to have lessened a bit.

Chang Ruiyuan turned the ring on his hand and murmured to himself:

"After the liberation of Qiongzhou, the Japanese army will no longer pose a threat to Southeast Asia. If this really happens, then the Republic of China will have escaped with its life..."
-
The next day, in the suburbs of Yichang.

The battle to capture the city began, and two troops with very different styles staged two completely different battles on the outskirts of Yichang.

In the direction of Dongshan, the 18th Army's attack was textbook perfect.

Luo Weijun could almost be described as timing himself perfectly.

The infantry and artillery coordinated perfectly.

The artillery fire had barely spread when the infantrymen's bayonets were already pressed against the Japanese soldiers' noses.

The overall operation was like a cold bulldozer, shoveling away the Japanese defenses layer by layer.

And the direction of Mopanling.

The 30th Army was a pack of "wild wolves" who didn't play by the rules.

When Ma Qifeng arrived at the front line, he found that a direct assault would result in too many casualties, so he immediately abandoned the contingency plan.

He organized a dozen or so suicide squad members, each armed with grenades, and they crept up from a stinking ditch on the side.

This tactic can be considered a tradition of the Central Army and also a tradition of the Red Party's armed forces.

Objectively speaking, this was a highly cost-effective offensive tactic that emerged at the end of the warlord era.

Zhao Tiezhu wasn't idle either.

He didn't have a good way to tackle the tough challenges, but he knew how to read the situation.

As soon as he saw the Second Battalion launch a signal flare into the sky, he immediately gave the order to fire: "Fire! Keep the mortars going!"

"Don't be stingy with bullets!"

"We've crushed the Japanese devils so they can't even lift their heads!"

"After I've finished beating them, I'll go to the division commander and complain about being poor!"

This seemingly chaotic "wolf pack tactic," which actually fully leveraged the initiative of the grassroots, completely bewildered the rigid Japanese army.

……

A few hours later.

Frontline General Headquarters.

Chu Yunfei stood in front of the huge map, listening to the faint sound of cannons coming from afar.

Zhao Pengcheng strode over, holding two of the latest battle reports in his hands, his face showing a hint of emotion.

"Your Excellency, look."

"Luo Weijun's regiment fought steadily and methodically, with excellent control over the casualty ratio. This battle was brilliantly fought, like a work of art. It truly deserves to be the core main force of the Civil Engineering Department and the name of the General Headquarters' directly subordinate operational attack force."

"As for Zhao Tiezhu's regiment..." Zhao Pengcheng gave a bitter smile: "They fought in a chaotic mess, using all sorts of underhanded tactics, but their advance was actually half an hour faster than Luo Weijun's regiment!"

Chu Yunfei took the battle report, glanced at it, and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.

"Luo Weijun's regiment is like a precision instrument, its strength lies in its 'stability,' making it suitable for tackling the toughest challenges and serving as the backbone of the National Revolutionary Army."

"Zhao Tiezhu's regiment is like wild wolves, their strength lies in their 'survival'."

"Although Zhao Tiezhu was uneducated, he was self-aware and knew how to delegate authority to those who could hear the gunfire, which often proved to be very effective in the chaos of war."

Chu Yunfei put down the red and blue pencils, his gaze deep: "Whether it's a black cat or a white cat, a cat that can catch mice is a good cat."

"This city of Yichang is the grand stage where these generals displayed their unique talents."

"Send the order!"

"A telegram should be sent to commend these two regimental commanders!"

"Furthermore, call their two regimental commanders. Whoever breaks into Yichang first, and whose general's flag flies over Yichang, I will personally recommend them for commendation!" (End of Chapter)