Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Two weeks ago, in North Africa.

Headquarters of the Committee for the Liberation of the French National Liberation.

This is an office with a strong Mediterranean style, but at this moment it is shrouded in thick cigarette smoke.

General Charles de Gaulle, the tall, towering French leader, stands with his hands behind his back in front of a huge world map.

His signature nose was high and straight, and his expression was cold and aloof.

Although both Roosevelt and Churchill regarded him as a "troublemaker".

Although mainland France is still under Nazi occupation.

But de Gaulle never lowered his proud head.

"General."

Foreign Affairs Commissioner Masiji carefully placed a piece of intelligence on the table: "This is a report that our liaison officer in Chongqing just sent back."

"Regarding the Battle of Qiongzhou Island."

De Gaulle turned around, picked up the intelligence report, his eyes gleaming.

"American battleships, Chinese infantry..."

He murmured to himself in French, his voice deep and magnetic: “What an amazing combination.”

After a moment, de Gaulle raised his head and looked at Massige: "The Americans may be arrogant, but they are not fools."

"What does it mean that they were willing to deploy such a large fleet to cooperate with the Chinese?"

After a moment's thought, Masiji replied, "This shows that the Chinese army's combat capabilities have been recognized by the Americans."

"Moreover, the status of the Chinese army among the Allied forces is rising rapidly, far exceeding our previous assessments. General Stilwell's commitment to the Chinese strategy of prioritizing Asia over Europe was not just a verbal promise, but a genuine commitment that was actually fulfilled."

"It's not just about status."

De Gaulle walked to the map, his long fingers sweeping across the Indian Ocean and landing on the distant East.

"The Japanese are suffering defeat after defeat in the Pacific, and their rule on the Asian continent is about to collapse."

De Gaulle's eyes sharpened: "Once the Japanese are driven away, who will fill the vacuum?"

"Roosevelt consistently advocated 'decolonization' and wanted to drive us out of Asia."

"The British are too busy taking care of themselves, while China..."

De Gaulle's gaze was fixed on the force surging southward across the map of China: "That ancient empire is awakening."

"Their army has already occupied Southeast Asia, and now they have taken over Qiongzhou Island."

"If we want to reclaim Indochina after the war and preserve the glory of the French Empire, we cannot ignore this force."

"We must establish some kind of 'special relationship' with China before Churchill."

De Gaulle turned around abruptly and signed his name in his fancy handwriting on the document dispatching the delegation.

"Send General Peshkov."

De Gaulle's voice left no room for argument: "Let him take his best officers to that island."

"It's not just about observing the battle."

"Furthermore, it was to demonstrate France's presence to that Chu and the Commander-in-Chief of the Far East Theater."

"We want the Chinese to know that we, France, are their natural ally in the fight against Anglo-Saxon hegemony."
-
The front-line command post in Lingao County.

Li Jingzhong strode to Chu Yunfei's side, holding two newly translated urgent telegrams in his hands, his expression somewhat subtle.

"Sir, there are two rather unusual telegrams."

"One was sent from the Attendant's Office, and the other was sent by Lin Zhuxi himself."

Chu Yunfei put down the red and blue pencils in his hand, raising an eyebrow slightly: "Oh? That's quite a rare thing."

Lin Sen served as the nominal head of state of the Nationalist government.

Although Lin Sen was highly respected, he always remained aloof from real military and political power and rarely directly intervened in specific military deployments at the front.

Chu Yunfei took the telegram.

The telegram from the Adjutant's Office was in the usual official tone: "According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General de Gaulle, leader of Free France, intends to send a military delegation to China and has made a special request to observe the joint operations of our army and the Allied forces at the Qiongya front. The Chairman intends to grant the request and has consulted the front lines for their opinion."

Lin Sen's telegram, on the other hand, carried a more earnest and meaningful tone.

In his telegram, the old man mentioned that although France had fallen, it still had international influence, and French Indochina bordered my country. The post-war situation was complex and complicated. He hoped that Chu Yunfei could take a long-term view and receive friendly people with the demeanor of a general of a great power.

"The French..."

Chu Yunfei tapped his fingers lightly on the table, a meaningful smile curving his lips: "Your Excellency."

Li Jingzhong whispered a reminder from the side: "Our relationship with the British has always been very strained, especially in Burma."

"If we let the French come to the front lines to watch us fight, is there absolutely no chance of the British backing down?"

"We don't need to pay attention to the British."

Chu Yunfei snorted coldly, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes: "Although de Gaulle is arrogant, Free France is now a plucked phoenix, worse than a chicken. They need our help, and compared to the British politicians led by Churchill, they are obviously more likely to cooperate."

Chu Yunfei stood up, walked to the map, and his gaze fell on the location of French Indochina.

“We still have troops stationed here, and our future plans in Southeast Asia cannot bypass the French.”

"Rather than let the British roam around under our noses."

"Why not lend a hand to the French?"

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

"Even if it's just to annoy the British, it's fine."

Chu Yunfei turned around and decisively ordered, "Jingzhong, send a telegram back to the Attendant's Office and Lin Zhuxi."

"I, Chu Yunfei, on behalf of 200,000 soldiers on the front lines, warmly welcome our French allies to come and provide guidance!"

"Also, give Huanran a call and ask him to prepare the best seats for the French observation group."

"I want them to see it for themselves."

"Today's Chinese army is no longer the Qing Dynasty's Green Standard Army, which was at the mercy of foreign powers!"

"I want to make de Gaulle understand that we Chinese have the ability to defend our East Asia."

"If the French want to exert their own influence in Asia, they'll have to defer to us first!"

Li Jingzhong was greatly encouraged: "Yes, Your Excellency, I will do it immediately."

a few days later.

Qiongzhou Island, the outer front line of Haikou.

The tropical downpour finally stopped, and the air was filled with humid heat and a strong smell of gunpowder.

A convoy flying the flag of the Republic of China with a white sun and the flag of the Free French Lorraine.

Escorted by several American-made M8 armored vehicles, they drove slowly through the muddy red dirt road and into the forward command post of the Dingnan Army in Changliu Town.

The car door opened, and a one-armed general wearing a French military uniform with his right sleeve empty stepped out.

He was General Zinovie Peshkov, a close confidant and special envoy of de Gaulle.

This legendary Russian general, who had shed his blood for France in World War I, was now scrutinizing the Eastern army before him with his sharp eyes.

To his surprise.

Chinese soldiers seen along the way.

He was not as ragged and emaciated as he had seen in European newspapers.

in contrast.

Armed by the Americans, they wore American M1 steel helmets, carried Thompson submachine guns, and wore military combat boots. They were in high spirits, and their eyes revealed a murderous aura that had just come from the battlefield.

If it weren't for that Eastern face.

Peshkov even thought he had come to an American military camp.

"Is this the army that defeated the Japanese in Southeast Asia?"

Peshkov said in a low voice to his attendant, "It seems that our previous intelligence agencies underestimated their level of modernization."

An adjutant immediately chimed in: "In fact, we didn't have much intelligence about China's allies before; all our intelligence came from third countries as intermediaries."

"General, please."

Li Jingzhong, who was in charge of welcoming them, gave a standard military salute and stepped aside to lead the way.

Peshkov looked at the overly young lieutenant with a puzzled expression, but ultimately did not ask any questions.

Within the headquarters.

Chu Yunfei had been waiting for a long time.

Upon seeing Peshkov enter, Chu Yunfei strode forward, showing no disrespect whatsoever for the man who was a representative of a "defeated general."

After returning Peshkov's salute, Chu Yunfei warmly grasped Peshkov's only remaining left hand.

"General Peshkov, I have long admired your name."

Chu Yunfei's fluent French surprised the French officers present: "Welcome to the front line of the War of Resistance against Japan."

"Commander Chu".

Peshkov stood up straight with a solemn expression: "I bring greetings from General de Gaulle."

"Although France is temporarily tarnished, we have never given up the fight."

"It is my honor to stand here today and witness the Allied counter-offensive against fascism."

"It is our honor."

Chu Yunfei smiled slightly, then gestured for everyone to proceed, leading them to the large observation window.

The Japanese defense line, several kilometers away, was clearly visible through binoculars.

The remnants of the Japanese 46th Division and Mixed Brigade, like trapped beasts, huddled in the city, relying on their strong permanent fortifications, making their last desperate struggle.

"The observation group arrived at just the right time."

Chu Yunfei picked up the binoculars and handed them to Peshkov: "The battle to break through the enemy lines has only just begun today, and this protracted struggle may continue for some time."

As if to confirm his words, the moment Peshkov raised his binoculars.

"boom--!!!"

The earth trembled violently.

On the sea, the joint US-Australian fleet, which had been patrolling and waiting, roared like thunder.

Followed by.

At the same time, hundreds of heavy cannons of the Dingnan Army's artillery group roared into action.

Countless shells ripped through the sky, whistling as they slammed into the outer defenses of Haikou city.

Flames soared into the sky, and smoke and dust obscured the sun.

Peshkov could clearly see through his binoculars that the Japanese army's seemingly impregnable reinforced concrete bunkers collapsed like sand dunes under the targeted destruction of heavy artillery.

“These are large-caliber heavy artillery pieces!” Peshkov put down his binoculars, a look of shock flashing in his eyes. “This level of artillery firepower density has reached the standard of the European battlefield.”

"Not only that."

Chu Yunfei said calmly.

He pointed to the sky, the clouds parted, and dozens of B-25 bombers and P-51 Mustang fighters painted with shark mouths, like a flock of eagles descending from the sky, began to dive-bomb the Japanese positions deep behind the lines.

The napalm bombs exploded on the ground, and the orange-red flames instantly engulfed the Japanese trenches and barricades.

"We must use the most intense firepower to minimize infantry casualties."

Chu Yunfei turned his head and looked at Peshkov, saying meaningfully, "General, this battle has transformed our Chinese army from one that relied solely on human lives to fill trenches into a modern army that believes in steel and explosives."

As the artillery fire spread, the Dingnan Army infantry, who had been poised for battle, surged toward the enemy lines like a tidal wave.

Peshkov watched as the Chinese soldiers skillfully employed infantry tactics, using flamethrowers and rocket launchers to eliminate the remaining enemy soldiers one by one, and his heart was filled with turmoil.

He's a veteran; he understands the battlefield.

This army's tactical proficiency, equipment level, and indomitable spirit.

It reminded him of the French army at its peak, and even the German army now.

Peshkov broke out in a cold sweat.

If all five million soldiers of the Republic of China were of this caliber.

How terrible that would be!
He finally understood.

Why was General de Gaulle so eager to establish contact with this young Chinese commander?

This ancient Eastern country has truly awakened, and has grown sharp fangs.

"This was truly an...impressive presentation."

Peshkov took a deep breath, composed himself, and said in a more respectful tone, "Chu, I believe that on this land of Asia, no enemy can stop your advance."

"This is the peace we want."

Chu Yunfei turned around, his gaze sharp, and stared directly at the one-armed general: "General Peshkov, there is an old Chinese saying, 'How can one allow others to sleep peacefully beside one's bed?'"

"We are demonstrating our strength not to invade, but to protect our homeland and the dignity that we deserve."

"We welcome friends, but we are never afraid of wolves."

Chu Yunfei paused, his tone softening slightly, but the underlying meaning was self-evident:

"As for our neighbors, as long as they come with goodwill and respect, we are naturally willing to live in peace with them and jointly maintain the post-war order in Asia."

"Asia will ultimately be Asia for Asians, and I believe Europe will also be Europe for Europeans!"

Peshkov felt a chill run down his spine.

He understood.

"I understand, General Chu."

Peshkov nodded solemnly: "I will report your meaning, as well as everything I have seen today, to General de Gaulle word for word."

"France will always be a friend of China."
-
On the battlefield, the massive tracks crushed the rubble and Japanese corpses, producing a sickening "crunch" sound.

An M4A3 Sherman tank belonging to the U.S. 18th Armored Division, with its 76mm long gun barrel raised, slowly drove into this dangerous neighborhood like a heavy and fierce rhinoceros.

On either side of the tank, close to the base of the wall, was a reinforced platoon of the 1st Combat Division of the 2nd Army of Dingnan.

This was the first large-scale "China-US infantry-tank joint combat exercise" initiated by General Stilwell, proposed by General Bradley, and ultimately personally approved by Chu Yunfei.

Platoon leader Ma Xiaoyuan pressed himself against the brick wall riddled with bullet holes, his hand tightly gripping the Thompson submachine gun soaked in sweat.

He glanced up at the Sherman tank next to him, codenamed "Chicago Typewriter," its huge white five-pointed star standing out starkly against the smoke of battle.

"Platoon leader, this foreign gadget is huge, but it looks so clumsy in this narrow passage," asked Xiao Wang, a new recruit behind him, swallowing nervously.

"Stop talking nonsense! Open your eyes wide!" Ma Xiaoyuan hissed, "The Americans are like tin turtles, and we are the turtles' eyes and legs!"

"If the Japanese devils get close enough to blow up our tanks, none of us will make it back alive!"

The biggest obstacle is the language barrier.

Although the command post was equipped with translators, in the midst of gunfire on the front lines, there was no time for you to translate every single sentence.

Tank commander, U.S. Army Sergeant Ryan, was anxiously peering out from under the turret roof, surveying his surroundings.

He couldn't understand Chinese, and Ma Xiaoyuan couldn't understand English either.

But the battlefield has its own language, and among elite troops, a single battle is enough to establish synergy.

Ahead, a glint of light suddenly flashed from the window of a two-story building that was only half standing.

"hidden!"

Ma Xiaoyuan suddenly waved his hand and instantly shrank back into the corner.

"Snap!"

A crisp gunshot rang out as the bullet struck the turret of the Sherman tank, sending sparks flying and startling Sergeant Ryan, who flinched.

Without the slightest hesitation, Ma Xiaoyuan leaned out, but instead of firing, he made a tactical hand gesture towards the tank.

He first pointed to his eyes with his index and middle fingers, then suddenly pointed to the second-floor window of the small building, and finally clenched his right fist and pressed down hard with his thumb as if pulling a trigger!
Look there!
Get rid of it!
"gunner!"

"High-explosive bomb at the 11 o'clock position, second-floor window!"

"boom--!!!"

The Sherman tank jolted violently, and its 76mm main gun spewed out a burst of orange-red flames.

The second floor of the small building was instantly blown to smithereens, and bricks mixed with the limbs and severed bodies of Japanese machine gunners fell like raindrops.

"Good job!"

Ma Xiaoyuan gave the tank a thumbs up.

Sergeant Ryan grinned from inside the turret and returned an American-style salute.

Of course, Ma Xiaoyuan couldn't see it.

However, before smiles could even bloom on their faces, cruel reality dragged them back to hell.

The astonishing resilience displayed by the Japanese army in urban warfare caused all attacking forces to hesitate.

These Japanese soldiers never thought about victory; they only wanted to perish together with their enemies.

When the tank formation reached an intersection.

“Onboard!!!”

Accompanied by hysterical screams, the manhole covers on both sides of the street were suddenly pushed open, and dozens of Japanese soldiers suddenly emerged from the rubble of the ruins.

They were strapped with explosives or carrying long, rod-shaped anti-tank mines, charging at American tanks like a pack of mad dogs.

"Japanese devils! Left! Left!"

Ma Xiaoyuan roared, his Thompson submachine gun spitting fire wildly, instantly mowing down two Japanese soldiers at the forefront.

"Da da da da da!"

The soldiers of the Dingnan Army also turned red-eyed.

The concentrated firepower of Garand and Thompson submachine guns formed a net, attempting to intercept these frenzied "human bombs".

However, there were too many Japanese troops, and they were too close.

A Japanese soldier, covered in blood and riddled with bullets, still laughed wildly as he charged toward the side of the lead Sherman tank. He suddenly detonated the explosive charge in his chest, rolling like a ball of flesh under the tracks.

"Boom!!!"

A dull bang.

The Sherman tank, named "Statue of Liberty," was as if it had been violently ripped apart by a giant hand; the right track snapped instantly, and the road wheels were blown far away.

Immediately afterwards, from the ruins on the other side, a well-hidden Japanese 47mm rapid-fire gun opened fire.

"when!"

Although the armor-piercing shells failed to penetrate the Sherman's frontal armor, several Japanese suicide squad members following behind took advantage of the tank's vibrations to climb onto the roof and stuff Molotov cocktails and grenades through the observation ports.

"what--!!"

The agonizing screams of American tank crewmen echoed from inside the tank. Seconds later, flames erupted from the turret ring and hatch, turning the entire tank into a massive crematorium.

"Fuck! Fuck!"

Sergeant Ryan stared at the burning friendly vehicle ahead, his eyes bloodshot. He unleashed a furious barrage of fire from his M2 heavy machine gun, turning several Japanese soldiers nearby into a bloody pulp.

"cover!"

"Cover the Americans' retreat!"

Ma Xiaoyuan roared and led his brothers to charge forward.

This isn't about saving Americans; it's about holding the line!
Street fighting is the most primitive form of combat.

There's no such thing as tactics or non-tactics; it's all about head-on confrontation.

The soldiers of the Dingnan Army used submachine guns, bayonets, and even entrenching tools to fight the Japanese soldiers who rushed up.

Meanwhile, the US tanks used reversing as cover, providing a final shield for the infantry with machine guns and artillery.

In this narrow block.

Language has lost its meaning.

When a Dingnan Army soldier shielded an American tank from a Molotov cocktail, he charged at the Japanese soldiers while engulfed in flames.

When American tanks used their bodies to block direct fire from the Japanese army in order to cover wounded Chinese soldiers.

A tacit understanding called "sharing life and death" quietly formed in this purgatory of blood and fire.

The battle lasted for two full hours.

When the street was finally cleared, the ground was covered with the bodies of both sides.

Ma Xiaoyuan leaned against the still-smoking wreckage of the Sherman tank, panting heavily as he loaded his magazine with bullets.

Sergeant Ryan, his face covered in grease, climbed out of the car, jumped down, and walked up to Ma Xiaoyuan.

He handed me a Camel cigarette, his hand trembling slightly.

Ma Xiaoyuan took the cigarette, said nothing, lit it with the light Ryan had given him, and took a deep drag: "Thanks."

Ryan said in broken Chinese, "Awesome!"

He pointed to several Japanese soldiers' corpses on the ground.

These few Japanese soldiers were the ones who tried to ambush the rear of the tank but were killed by Ma Xiaoyuan.

Ma Xiaoyuan exhaled a smoke ring, patted the scorching hot gun barrel in his hand, pointed to the still-lingering smoke in front of him, and made a hand-cutting gesture.

Continue, kill.

Ryan paused for a moment, then nodded emphatically.

No translation is needed. As long as we have guns and the enemy is alive, the attack will never stop. (End of Chapter)