Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Changzhi.

The auditorium of the North China Joint Command Center.

The warm early summer sun shone through the tall French windows, casting a rare, soft golden glow on the floor of this military headquarters, which was usually filled with a somber atmosphere.

Today, there are no battle maps covered with red and blue arrows, nor are there staff work done around the clock.

Instead, there were rows of neat long tables covered with clean white tablecloths, on which fruits and snacks from all over North China were displayed.

Long guns and short cannons had already been set up.

Reporters from more than a dozen domestic and international media outlets, including the Changzhi Weekly, North China Daily, Shanxi Daily, Xinhua Daily from Yan'an, and Guanghua Daily published in Shaanxi, were holding their breath, their camera flashes ready to go off at any moment.

As the side door was pushed open, Chu Yunfei, dressed in a crisp military officer's uniform, strode in, accompanied by Commander Li.

There were no designated seats for the two people in the room.

This was also a deliberate arrangement by Chu and Li.

Chu Yunfei's gaze swept across the crowd for a moment before he walked straight to the first row of the family section, where an elderly woman with a full head of white hair and a face full of wrinkles sat.

"Aunt Sun".

Chu Yunfei took two quick steps, bowed slightly in front of the old woman, and stretched out his hands to tightly grasp the old woman's rough and withered hands: "Grandma, are you still in good health?"

The flashbulbs went off like crazy, and the sound of camera shutters filled the air.

This old woman's name is Grandma Sun.

The reporters present may not be familiar with this name.

But in the hearts of many officers in the Jin-Sui Army and the Flying Tigers faction.

She is a legend, and a heartbreaking symbol.

"Commander Chu..."

Tears welled up in Grandma Sun's cloudy eyes. She trembled as she tried to stand up to pay her respects, but Chu Yunfei gently pressed her down: "Please sit down. You are an elder and the mother of a meritorious official. I cannot accept this courtesy."

Chu Yunfei's voice was somewhat low, conveying a deep sense of respect. He turned around to face the reporters and generals present, his voice becoming solemn and heavy:
"Some of you may know this, while others may not."

"The Sun family can be described as a family of loyal martyrs."

"The old lady's husband and eldest son died on the battlefield during the Northern Expedition and the warlord conflicts in her early years."

"The second son sacrificed his life in the Great Wall resistance at Gubeikou."

"That was the first time our Chinese army had a head-on confrontation with the Japanese. I heard about it from my colleagues in the Central Army later."

"He took a big knife and cut down three Japanese soldiers. In the end, he bled to death but did not retreat an inch."

“My third son…” Chu Yunfei paused, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly, “I remember he was in Chen Ze’s army, and he sacrificed himself in the counterattack in Guoxian County.”

The hall fell completely silent instantly.

The reporters put down their pens, their expressions solemn.

This is not just a tragedy for one family; it is a microcosm of the blood and tears that have etched into the history of the entire Chinese nation over the past half-century.

“Auntie.” Chu Yunfei looked at the old woman again, a gentle smile on his face. “Don’t worry, Jingzhong has made something of himself now.”

When the name "Li Jingzhong" was mentioned, a glimmer of light finally appeared in Grandma Sun's eyes.

That was her eldest grandson, and the only surviving son of the Li family.

“This child is now following Sun Ming, the former personal guard adjutant.” Chu Yunfei patted the back of Sun Da Niang’s hand and comforted her gently, “Sun Ming is a great talent, and one of the best in the North China National Army.”

"Jingzhong is currently serving as an adjutant and staff officer. He learns quickly and is willing to work hard. Given time, he will surely achieve great things."

"Okay...okay!"

Grandma Sun wiped away her tears and nodded repeatedly, "As long as he can fight the Japanese devils and avenge our ancestors, he doesn't care where he is. I don't ask him to be rich and powerful, I just ask that he not be a coward!"

Chu Yunfei said firmly, "He's not a coward, he's a descendant of a hero!"

At this moment, a young woman holding a child stood up bravely. Her husband was also a company commander who had died on the front lines in western Hubei.

"Commander Chu..."

The woman's voice was choked with sobs. The child in her arms was still babbling, unaware that his father would never return.

"We are not afraid of hardship, nor are we afraid of death."

"We just want to know... how long will this war last?"

"Do our children have to bleed like their parents?"

This question, like a boulder, landed on everyone's mind.

This was also the question that all the reporters and ordinary Chinese people present most wanted to ask.

Chu Yunfei slowly straightened up.

He did not avoid the woman's gaze, nor did he try to evade her with those bureaucratic platitudes.

He looked around, his gaze sweeping over every expectant face: "That was then."

Chu Yunfei's voice gradually rose from a low tone to a high one, carrying a power that penetrated people's hearts: "Not too far back, five or six years ago, China was poor and weak, and we could only use our flesh and blood to stop the Japanese steel torrent."

"At that time, I couldn't answer that question either."

"But it's different now."

Chu Yunfei suddenly waved his hand, pointing towards the Changzhi Industrial Zone, and then pointed south: "Some time ago, our Nationalist troops in North and Central China successfully dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese 11th Army, annihilating 80,000 enemy soldiers!"

"The Japanese 11th Army was the most elite field army of the Japanese army."

"This behemoth that once dominated Central China has now had its spine broken by us!"

"I heard that this unit has now been disbanded by the Japanese, which means they have admitted their defeat."

"Our air force is bombing enemy ships; our factories are producing guns and cannons day and night!"

"I can tell you this responsibly."

Chu Yunfei turned around, facing the group of people with long guns and short cannons, and the countless eyes looking at him, and said, word by word, "The darkness before dawn has passed, and now we can see the light of day."

"Victory in this war is certain!"

"That's beyond doubt!"

"As for when it will end..."

A confident smile curved Chu Yunfei's lips, an air of domineering control: "Now that we have sounded the horn of counterattack..."

"Then that day won't be too far away!"

"I also assure you all, our next generation, the child in my arms..."

He pointed to the baby in the woman's arms: "They will live in a powerful and prosperous China, free from the smoke of war and invasion!"

"Our Chinese nation will surely stand at the top of the world."

“Wow——!!!”

Thunderous applause erupted suddenly at that moment.

Many reporters had tears in their eyes and frantically pressed the shutter button.

This war hero's promise was captured on film and etched into the annals of history.

Grandma Sun and the others stood up shakily and bowed deeply to Chu Yunfei.

Chu Yunfei quickly helped him up and continued to exchange pleasantries with the other representatives present.

Commander Li accompanied and offered his condolences with great kindness.

Many people are unaware of the identity of the officer who commanded the Battle of Xuzhou, the Battle of Wuhan, and the Battle of Suizao.

However, they could sense Chu Yunfei's respect for Commander Li, and they naturally and spontaneously developed a sense of respect for him as well.

Commander Li was kind, easy-going, and had a strong affinity for people, so he quickly became one of them.

Under his deliberate control, there was no longer a distinction between officials and commoners in the entire auditorium.

Only compatriots who fight side by side for the same goal.

This scene.

It will spread throughout North China and the whole country through the next day's newspapers.

The front page headline of the North China Daily reads: "Orphans and widows weep, asking where the war is going; Chu Yunfei embraces the remains of a fallen soldier and vows: Your future will be free of gunpowder!"

Xinhua Daily editorial: "In the past: Four generations shed their blood on the land! Today: Marshal Chu comforts the spirits of the fallen with victory—China has seen the dawn!"

Behind these stirring words...
It is countless families like Grandma Sun's, and their sacrifices, that have forged the strongest backbone of this country.

As the noise subsided, the lights in the auditorium went out one by one.

They saw off the last group of reporters and their families.

Chu Yunfei and Commander Li strolled side by side along the corridor of the command post.

Commander Li walked with his hands behind his back, his steps still brisk, but his silhouette revealed the vicissitudes of time.

He turned his head and looked at the dashing "war commander" beside him with a complicated expression.

"Yunfei."

Li Zongren sighed, "Today's scene reminds me of the Northern Expedition back then."

"Back then, we were like that too; we raised our arms and called upon everyone, and the whole nation was united."

"but……"

He paused, then said with a hint of admiration, "You are more composed than we were back then."

"That bow just now, although it bent my waist, it established the image of our National Army."

"That hug embraced not only the hearts of the people, but also the future."

"The various events that Chang Ruiyuan organized in Chongqing, although high-level, ultimately lacked this down-to-earth 'human touch'."

"You flatter me, Lord De."

Chu Yunfei bowed slightly, his expression showing no sign of agitation despite the applause: "The will of the people can be used, but it cannot be deceived."

"The people entrust their sons and husbands to us, not to listen to our slogans."

"We need to have real skills to protect them."

"Yes, that's really impressive..."

Commander Li nodded thoughtfully, gazing at the southern horizon: "Like this great victory in western Hubei, that's real skill."

"However, Yunfei, this is only on land. If China wants to truly stand up, relying solely on the army is not enough."

As the two were talking, the door to the operations conference room in front was suddenly pushed open. Chief of Staff Lin Wei, looking solemn, strode in with a thick folder marked "Top Secret" tucked under his arm. Upon seeing Chu Yunfei and Li Zongren, he stood at attention, saluted, and spoke in a steady, powerful voice:
"Your Excellency, Lord De!"

"It's perfect that both of you are here."

"I just received an urgent telegram from Washington forwarded by General Stilwell, as well as a joint telegram signed by Commander Wei Lihuang of the Expeditionary Force."

Chu Yunfei raised an eyebrow and stopped in his tracks: "Oh?"

"The Americans acted so quickly?"

Lin Wei nodded, her eyes gleaming with the excitement of an impending battle: "Yes."

"Regarding the 'Joint Landing Operation Plan on Qiongzhou Island,' the U.S. side has completed the final confirmation of troop deployment."

"General Nimitz's Pacific Fleet has assigned a special escort task force and is assembling in the designated area as planned."

"Brother Huanran, Brother Guangting, and others have also arrived at the conference room."

He turned to the side and gestured for them to proceed: "In addition, in the operations room, the staff has completed the sand table simulation based on the latest intelligence."

"Your Excellency, the decision on how and when to fight this battle rests with you."

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunfei instantly perked up, his previous fatigue vanishing without a trace: "Alright!"

Commander Li exclaimed with admiration, "Great!"

"As long as we take Qiongzhou Island, we will have planted a stabilizing force in the South China Sea, completely cutting off the Japanese's main artery for advancing south!"

Chu Yunfei straightened his collar.

His gentle expression vanished instantly, replaced by a chilling killing intent that commanded thousands of troops.

"go!"

He strode toward the operations room, the sound of his boots striking the floor echoing down the corridor.

"This is our first overseas expedition, and also our first truly joint operation involving the army, navy, and air force."

Chu Yunfei's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a convincing and domineering air: "Now that the Americans have set the stage, we must put on a good show and make it a resounding success!"

"Let the world see that the Chinese army can not only wage guerrilla warfare in the mountains and defend along the Yangtze River, but also carry out our amphibious landings on the sea!"

Push open the heavy door of the operations room.

It was brightly lit inside.

On a huge sand table.

The terrain of Qiongzhou Island is clearly depicted, and the surrounding area represents the ocean, with numerous wooden models representing the fleets of China, the United States, and Australia.

Stevens and other American military attachés sat quietly to the side, their eyes fixed on Chu Yunfei with fervor.

Besides.

There was also Commander Bradley, who had specially traveled from Chongqing to the North China front to attend the meeting.

Du Guangting, deputy commander of the Dingnan Army; Zheng Dongguo, commander of the First Army of the Dingnan Army; and Huang Huanran, commander of the Second Army.

The commander of the Third Army Group, namely Song Xilian's troops, remained at the front line and were not responsible for this landing operation.

The air inside the command post was thick with the tension and excitement of the impending battle.

Chu Yunfei walked straight to the head seat, his gaze sharp as lightning, scanning the entire room.

"Everyone."

"Meeting!"

Chu Yunfei looked at Bradley.

Lin Wei immediately spoke up, indicating, "Please let the US representative speak first and introduce the latest agreed-upon operational plan to us."

Bradley stood up.

He traveled all the way from the mountain city, representing not only Stilwell, but also the Pentagon and the White House.

"Commander Chu"

Brad began with a standard military salute, then laid a blueprint on the edge of the sand table.

"Admiral Nimitz asked me to tell you that the Pacific Fleet is ready."

"Part of the main force of Task Force 58 will be responsible for seizing control of the sea and the air."

"The fleet, consisting of two Essex-class aircraft carriers, two battleships, as well as cruisers and destroyers, will be responsible for gaining control of the sea and air."

"In addition, the Royal Australian Navy's heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire will lead an amphibious support group to be responsible for shore bombardment."

"Regarding ground assault forces."

Bradley picked up the baton, his tone full of the confidence and arrogance unique to Americans of that era: "Washington has approved the formation of a brand new combat force, reorganizing the U.S. troops in Southeast Asia into the U.S. Army's 33rd Corps. After two months, the personnel structure has been fully adjusted."

Upon hearing this unfamiliar designation, the KMT generals present exchanged bewildered glances.

They have some knowledge of the US military in Southeast Asia.

But this unit was clearly a "monster" specially created for this campaign.

Bradley continued:
The 33rd Army comprises three division-level combat units.

"Among them, the 18th Armored Division is a heavy armored unit."

"It has three fully-equipped armored regiments, equipped with the latest M4A3 Sherman tanks and Stuart light tanks."

"In addition, the 108th Infantry Division and the 109th Infantry Division."

"Each infantry division adopts a reinforced structure of three regiments."

It has three infantry regiments, one 105mm mixed artillery regiment, and auxiliary battalions such as engineers and communications.

"The total strength exceeds 65,000 men, possessing absolute firepower superiority."

Upon hearing about this outrageously luxurious lineup, Commander Li tapped his fingers lightly on the table, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

Each army is equipped with a fully-equipped armored division, plus two reinforced infantry divisions. This firepower density is enough to plow any beachhead three times over.

Chu Yunfei remained calm and nodded slightly: "Thank you for the generous support from the Allied forces."

"So, what about the plan for the first wave of landings?"

"That's the key."

Bradley pointed his baton heavily towards Haikou, north of Qiongzhou Island.

"The 33rd Army will act as the vanguard, under the cover of naval guns and air force, to directly break through the Japanese beach defenses and establish a solid landing zone."

"Our engineering corps will repair the port facilities within 48 hours, paving the way for the subsequent deployment of the main force."

At this point, Bradley looked at Chu Yunfei: "Commander Chu, according to the previous agreement between the two sides, our American forces are responsible for kicking down the gate, but completely clearing out the Japanese troops on the island will depend on you. Our army will use Qiongzhou Island as a strategic base for the later counterattack against the Philippines. Therefore, our army wants to build some air bases on the island for subsequent operations."

"This is the detailed battle plan, please take a look..."

After carefully reading through it, Chu Yunfei slowly nodded: "The battle plan is fairly comprehensive, but there are still areas for improvement."

He slowly stood up, walked to the sand table, and his eyes were piercing.

He casually took the baton, but did not point it at the port that the US military had planned to locate.

Instead, it moved westward, traversing an arc, and landed at Lingao Cape.

"The Japanese army's defensive fortifications in Haikou were built to withstand a frontal assault."

"Although your 33rd Corps has strong firepower, urban warfare and assault warfare will slow down the advance of armored forces."

My suggestion is—

Chu Yunfei flicked his wrist, and his baton traced a sharp attack path on the sand table:

"Found in the east and attack in the west."

"The main US fleet conducted feints and prepared firepower off the coast of Haikou to draw the main Japanese forces to concentrate."

"The actual landing point for the 33rd Army was Lingao Cape."

"Although the water depth there is slightly worse, the Japanese defenses are weak."

"Once the 18th Armored Division successfully lands, the mechanized forces can advance rapidly along the paved roads of the coastal area, directly attacking the flank of Haikou and cutting off the Japanese army's retreat route inland!"

Bradley stared at the sand table, his brow furrowed, seemingly calculating the risks.

Lin Wei, who was standing nearby, handed over a piece of intelligence at the right time: "This is the latest hydrological data and Japanese deployment map sent back by our intelligence personnel. The Japanese army in the direction of Lingao Cape only has one reinforced company and lacks anti-tank weapons."

Bradley flipped through the intelligence report, his expression gradually shifting from serious to surprised.

This intelligence is very detailed.

They even figured out the Japanese army's supply cycle.

The general orientation of the barracks, the quantity of ammunition stored, and the combat strength.

I've basically figured it out.

Bradley looked up, his scrutiny turning into admiration: "Your intelligence is truly impressive."

"If the intelligence is accurate, Commander Chu, your suggestion can enable the armored division to deploy quickly and take advantage of its mobility. However, I am worried about whether there are really paved roads on Qiongzhou Island suitable for our armored forces to launch an assault."

Chu Yunfei said with certainty, "The intelligence is absolutely reliable."

Bradley pressed further: "So, what about the mission of the Southern Army?"

"This is the most crucial second phase of the operation plan—the cleanup operation that you call 'Operation Flood'."

Chu Yunfei's gaze swept over the Nationalist generals present, finally landing on the gap torn open by the American forces on the map: "The battle plan and the agreed plan have not changed much."

"After your 33rd Army breaks through the breach and controls the line from Lingao to Haikou."

"My main force of the Southern Army, including Zheng Dongguo's First Army, Huang Baitao's Second Army, and other attached troops, will use the landing zone established by the US military to continuously cross the sea and land."

"We will take over the defense line and advance deeper into the island."

"The U.S. military was responsible for cutting off supply lines and striking large Japanese troop groups."

"Our army is responsible for dividing, encircling, and annihilating the enemy, and will exert full pressure on the hinterland of Wuzhishan and the southern port."

Chu Yunfei turned around and looked at the slogan on the wall: "Expel the Japanese invaders and restore our land."

"We lack the capability for large-scale airborne and heavy assaults, but we have tenacious infantry and jungle warfare experience gained from the Burma campaign."

"We are confident that we can completely crush the Japanese troops on the island, whether it is the 46th Division or the Special Naval Landing Force!"

"and……"

Chu Yunfei's lips curled into a cold, sharp smile: "We will take over the battlefield as quickly as possible and let our American allies see the determination and capability of our combat troops to fight annihilation battles!"

"We will not only take back the land, but also annihilate all the enemy troops defending the island, leaving no one alive!" (End of Chapter)