Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Night falls.

Jinan seemed to have turned into a burning furnace, the flames turning half the sky blood red.

The battle continued, with flares occasionally rising into the night sky.

The defending Japanese troops suffered greatly.

The attacking troops quickly rotated and rested, and constructed fortifications.

Inside the forward command post.

Fang Ligong looked at the battle report that had just been compiled, and his tightly furrowed brows relaxed a little: "Sir."

"Although the Japanese resistance was extremely tenacious and their tactical skills were very high, causing considerable trouble for various units, our brothers were not to be underestimated! Especially the junior officers, who had excellent on-the-spot decision-making abilities and prevented the Japanese plot from succeeding."

"As of now, Sun Xinpu's advance troops have controlled most of Xiguan and the commercial district, capturing about a quarter of Jinan's urban area. In addition..."

Fang Ligong's finger moved to the two flanks of the city: "The remnants of two independent mixed brigades of the Japanese army are trying to launch a pincer attack on our army from the flanks under cover of night, with the intention of cutting off our army's logistics channels."

"But under the powerful resistance of Tang Huaiyuan's Fifth Army Group and its directly subordinate reserves, the Japanese counterattack has been completely crushed!"

"They left behind hundreds of bodies and then retreated."

Chu Yunfei nodded slightly: "As for Bojun..."

Fang Ligong's tone was full of reluctance: "Liu Maoen's troops have arrived to reinforce, and the battle line is currently stable, but their casualties are high."

Chu Yunfei smacked his lips. Qian Bojun's troops had already suffered nearly half their losses. If the fighting continued like this...
Then, stroking his chin, he pondered whether to send in the last reserve team ahead of schedule.

Today, there is still a proper field army corps in North China, namely Li Yannian's unit under Hu Zongnan, which includes Liu Anqi's 57th Army, Zhang Zhuo's 1st Army, and Li Zhengxian's 16th Army, with a strength of about 70,000 men. The officers and soldiers are of good quality and well-equipped.

Assigned by the General Headquarters, it will be used as a strategic reserve force for this decisive battle.

Its role is similar to that of Tang Enbo's army during the Battle of Taierzhuang, launching an attack when both sides are deadlocked and urgently need fresh troops to make a decisive move.

"Brother Ligong, draft a telegram and send it to the Chongqing Command Headquarters to explain the situation."

Fang Ligong was overjoyed: "Yes, Your Excellency, I'll take care of it immediately..."
-
Two hours later.

Mountain city, Huangshan official residence.

The study was dimly lit. Chang Ruiyuan, wearing a black cloak, paced back and forth, holding the newly translated urgent telegram in his hands.

His face showed both concern for the situation at the front and a hint of undisguised pride.

"The time for a decisive battle has come!"

Chang Ruiyuan stopped and tapped the floor lightly with his cane. He said to Zhu Peiji, who was standing beside him, "Look, Yunfei entrusted the most crucial task to our Central Army troops at the most critical moment."

Zhu Peiji smiled and nodded in agreement, saying, "The Chairman is right. Qian Bojun's Sixth Army is the old guard of the Jin-Sui Army. They've suffered more than half their casualties so far, which is quite a feat. After this battle, the elite of the Jin-Sui Army will be almost completely depleted, and things will be tough from now on."

Chang Ruiyuan smiled and said, "When recommending someone for a position, one should not avoid relatives or friends; when recommending relatives, one should not avoid those with whom one has a close relationship."

"Releasing Li Yannian now is the final decision!"

"After this battle, although the joint command deserves the greatest credit, the final decisive blow was delivered by Hu Zongnan's troops."

"Everyone knows the two have differing political views, but I never expected Yunfei to be able to put all that aside at this time..."

Chang Ruiyuan nodded slightly, his eyes gleaming. The reason he sent Li Yannian's army over there and had been holding back was precisely because he was waiting for this moment.

Now that Chu Yunfei has already set up the stage and even tackled most of the toughest challenges,

So, this final moment of glory naturally couldn't be complete without his elite troops.

"Send the order!"

Chang Ruiyuan's expression turned solemn, and he said sternly, "Send a telegram to Li Yannian!"

"It has been found that the fourth phase of the counter-offensive in North China has reached its final stage. Although the Japanese 12th Army is still fighting like a cornered beast, it is already at the end of its rope."

Our allied forces on the northern front have fought bitterly for many days and suffered heavy casualties. They desperately need fresh troops to finish the job and secure victory.

Brother's troops have been resting and recuperating for many days, their equipment is excellent, and their morale is high. This is the time for them to make contributions and serve the country.

The 34th Army Group is ordered to launch a full-scale attack immediately!
With overwhelming force, in coordination with allied forces, we must annihilate the enemy in front of us!

This battle is not only about the gains and losses in Shandong, but also about the prestige of our Central Army and the honor and disgrace of the Party and the country!

I hope you will take the lead and command your troops, not only to win, but also to demonstrate the might of our revolutionary soldiers, so that our friendly forces and allies will look up to you!

Anyone who hesitates or misses a battle opportunity, regardless of rank, will be dealt with according to military law without any leniency!

Cut!

"Zhongzheng, this is the order."

Late that night.

The headquarters of the Sixth Army Group in the southern part of the Hebei Plain.

"Commander-in-Chief! Chief of Staff!"

A communications staff officer rushed in excitedly, waving a telegram in his hand: "An urgent telegram from the General Headquarters! It's a handwritten order personally issued by Chairman Chiang Kai-shek to Commander-in-Chief Li Yannian of the 34th Army Group and Commander-in-Chief Liu Maoen of the 14th Army Group!"

Qian Bojun was leaning against the ammunition box, resting with his eyes closed, when he heard this and suddenly opened his eyes, grabbing the telegram.

Although the sound of gunfire outside has become much less frequent, the tense and oppressive feeling that has been building up over the past few days has not completely dissipated.

He quickly scanned the area, and a relieved smile finally appeared on his face, which was covered in gunpowder and soot. His tense shoulders relaxed instantly, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

"Okay! Okay!"

Qian Bojun handed the telegram to Qian Zhaoyou beside him, took out a half-smoked cigarette from his pocket, lit it, took a deep drag, and laughed, "This tiger has finally been released from its cage. And that old fox Liu Maoen didn't dare to hold back this time either; he's quite quick to act."

Qian Zhaoyou took the telegram, read it carefully, and his admiration grew stronger: "Li Yannian has launched a full-scale attack northward to meet the Kwantung Army. The main force of the 14th Army Group has begun to take over our front-line positions. Commander, we can finally catch our breath."

"Yes."

Qian Bojun exhaled a smoke ring and pointed to the situation on the northern front of the map: "These past few days, we've been going head-to-head with those mad dogs from the Kwantung Army. The brothers have really done their best. If reinforcements don't arrive soon, our casualties will be more than half."

"It's still Lord Jun who cares about us the most."

A combat officer standing nearby couldn't help but interject, "I think Your Excellency has timed this perfectly. We've worn down the Kwantung Army's morale and broken the Japanese's teeth. Sending Li Yannian up now would be like reaping the benefits. I wonder if Your Excellency has reached some kind of deal with the Yamashiro side."

"Commander Chu's thoughts are beyond our comprehension."

Qian Zhaoyou pushed up his glasses, walked to the map, and pointed heavily at the location of "Baoding" with his finger, his tone full of admiration: "Look at the place that Commander Chu arranged for us, Baoding."

"On the surface, it appears that we have withdrawn to rest and recuperate."

"But actually?"

Qian Zhaoyou turned around, looked at the crowd, and his eyes gleamed:

First of all, our army group fought the Japanese army for ten months. Although the fighting was fierce, the combat effectiveness of both sides was basically still intact.

On the Japanese side, before the war, they had nearly three divisions of troops, totaling seventy to eighty thousand men.

Our army fought against them and inflicted considerable casualties on the Japanese army, but the Japanese army's organizational structure remained largely intact.

Although Li Yannian's troops were the main force, they had been mostly defending against the Communists in the Northwest for many years. They hadn't fought any major battles in so long, so it was unclear how much strength they could actually exert.

I think that even with their three armies plus the 14th Army Group, it would be difficult to defeat the main force of the Japanese army under the personal command of Okamura Yasuji.

In addition, news just came from the Second World War zone that the reinforcements and new American weapons sent to us have arrived in Changshan and are being transported towards Baoding.

Qian Zhaoyou paused, then looked at everyone present.

Qian Bojun chuckled and replied, "Let's go to Baoding. Once we've rested, we'll look north and there'll be Beiping! And Tianjin!"

"The purpose of this move by the ruler is most likely to get us involved in the subsequent battle in the capital region."

Upon hearing this, one of the staff officers' eyes lit up instantly, and he slapped his thigh: "I knew the commander wouldn't let us sit idle!"

Upon hearing this, all the staff officers suddenly understood. The slight sense of loss they had felt due to the withdrawal from the battle vanished instantly, replaced by even higher morale.

"Your Excellency's troop deployment is truly brilliant!"

The operations director gave a heartfelt thumbs up: "It not only appeased the Chairman and the Central Army, but also preserved our strength, and laid the groundwork for the decisive battle in the next stage."

"Give me the order!"

"Each division shall withdraw from the battle in an orderly manner and hand over defense responsibilities to the 14th Army Group. We must not give the Japanese any opportunity to take advantage of the situation!"

"Tell the brothers, our retreat is not a flight, it's to go to Baoding to eat meat and get new guns!"

"When we get back, it will be time to go to Beiping (Beijing) to celebrate our victory!"

"Yes!"
-
Mountain city, Baishiyi military airport.

A C-47 transport plane painted with the insignia of the North China Joint Command was already parked at the end of the runway.

Several stern-faced military police officers, fully armed, stood ramrod straight beside the gangway.

"squeak--"

Two black sedans drove through the rain and came to a steady stop not far from the plane.

The car door opened, and Mr. and Mrs. Kong stepped out, escorted by their trusted steward who held an umbrella over them.

The man "invited" out of the car behind was none other than the once arrogant young master Kong Lingkan.

At this moment, he was no longer the arrogant and domineering man he was when he was dealing in supplies in North China.

His well-tailored suit was wrinkled and crumpled, his hair was messy, and his once well-maintained face was covered with snot and tears. He was so limp that he could barely stand, and it was only by being supported by two people accompanying him.

"I'm not going! I'm not going to North China!"

Kong Lingkan stared at the plane, his legs went weak, and he clung tightly to the car door, refusing to let go. His cries sounded particularly shrill in the empty airport: "Mom! Dad! I don't want to go!"

"That Cao Potian is a madman!"

"He really will kill me! He really will kill me!"

"You can't push me into a fire pit!"

"Snapped!"

A sharp slap suddenly rang out, interrupting Kong Lingkan's wailing.

The one who did it was none other than his mother.

This mother, who usually dotes on her son the most, now had two lines of tears on her face, and her hands were trembling slightly.

She looked at her son, who was covering his face in a daze, and her voice choked with emotion but contained an undeniable ruthlessness: "What are you crying for! Have some backbone!"

"What do you think you're going there to do this time?"

"You're going to atone for your sins, you're going to save your life!"

Song's mother stepped forward, grabbed her son's collar tightly, and whispered, each word seemingly squeezed out from between her teeth: "Do you know that your father has risked his reputation to save your life!"

"Our family has given back everything we ate, and we're even going to have to put in most of our savings!"

"If you don't go, that's considered fleeing from justice!"

"If the Inspectorate issues a letter then, no one can protect you!"

"mom"

Kong Lingkan trembled, tears and snot streaming down his face. He knelt down on the puddle and hugged Soong Ai-ling's leg, saying, "Mom, I was wrong. I really know I was wrong. I'll never do it again."

"My son."

In the end, Song's mother softened. She squatted down, took a handkerchief and wiped the dirt off her son's face, and gently comforted him, "Listen to your mother. When you get there, no matter what the inspectors ask, you must tell them the truth."

"Have a good attitude and confess quickly!"

"Don't worry, your father has already taken care of things. As long as you don't say anything out of line and you accept the punishment," Song's mother took a deep breath and looked north. "I promise you, I will definitely bring you back alive!"

Kong Xiangxi turned his back, unable to bear watching the scene any longer. He simply cupped his hands in greeting to the military police officers who were escorting the son and said, "Brothers, my son is unruly. Please take good care of him on the road."

The military police returned the salute expressionlessly, then stepped forward, supporting the limp Kong Lingkan on either side, and half-dragged, half-pulled him into the cabin.

As the cabin door slammed shut and the engines roared to life, the plane taxied onto the runway and soared into the sky.

As the plane disappeared into the thick rain and fog, Song's mother swayed and almost fell, but fortunately Kong Xiangxi caught her in time.

"Let's go, we still need to inform ML."

……

The next morning, at the Huangshan official residence.

The restaurant was extremely quiet.

The only sound was the occasional slight noise Chang Ruiyuan made while drinking porridge.

His breakfast was as simple as ever: a bowl of millet porridge, a dish of pickled mustard greens, and half a steamed bun.

Song ml sat to the side, and although there was an exquisite Western breakfast in front of her, she had no appetite at all.

The eldest sister's tearful complaints still echoed in my ears.

The horrific state of Kong Lingkan when he was taken away horribly horrified her, his aunt.

"Darling."

After hesitating for a long time, Song ML finally put down the silver spoon in her hand and said softly, "Ling Kan was sent to North China yesterday."

"Ah."

Chang Ruiyuan didn't even look up, picking up a piece of pickled vegetable with his chopsticks: "I know."

"My older sister cried all night yesterday, and her eyes are swollen."

Song ML tentatively said, "Although this child is a scoundrel, he returned all the money and admitted his mistake. The Inspectorate in North China is known for its ruthless methods; I've heard that Director Cao has a lot of lives on his hands."

"Darling, what do you think?"

"Snapped!"

Chang Ruiyuan slammed his chopsticks on the table, startling the servant standing beside him.

"Is it something?"

"Should I call Yunfei?"

"Make him release them?!"

"Nonsense!"

"It's simply unreasonable!"

Chang Ruiyuan suddenly stood up, pointed to the north, and angrily shouted, "Do you know what the soldiers on the front lines are doing? They are bleeding! They are fighting desperately!"

Do you know what that bastard did?

"He resold aviation fuel and penicillin!"

"Without fuel, the fighter jets can't take off; it's like medicine to save the wounded soldiers' lives."

Chang Ruiyuan grew increasingly agitated as he spoke, his chest heaving violently: "The Inspectorate did the right thing! In my opinion, they did a good job! They were just too late!"

"This kind of parasite on the nation deserves to be executed ten times over!"

"You actually want me to plead on your behalf?"

"Do you want the whole world to criticize me, Chang, behind my back?!"

Song turned pale after being scolded, but she was, after all, Kong Lingkan's aunt.

Having watched that child grow up, how could I bear to see him just gone like this?

“Darling, I’m not saying he’s innocent.”

With tears welling up in his eyes, SML pleaded, "I mean, can you spare my life?"

"Even if it means being locked up for life, I'd be willing."

"no!"

Chang Ruiyuan coldly and firmly replied: "National law is merciless, and military law is as solid as a mountain!"

"I will absolutely not interfere in this matter; everything will be handled by the North China authorities in accordance with the law!"

After saying that, he turned and left, leaving SML alone in the restaurant, stunned.

……

Left with no other option, Song ML had to think of another solution.

She went back to her room, picked up the dedicated phone line, and dialed the number for the Chu Mansion in Changzhi.

"Hey?"

Is that Wenying?

"I am my third aunt."

On the other end of the phone, Song Wenying had just seen off a group of chamber of commerce representatives who had come to donate money. Hearing Song ML's voice, she could roughly guess what was going on.

"Good morning, Madam. Is there something urgent that you're calling so early?" Song Wenying's voice was gentle and respectful.

Song ML didn't beat around the bush, and said with a hint of sadness, "Wenying, it's still about Ling Kan's matter."

As a child from a collateral branch of the Song family, her marriage to Chu Yunfei was approved by these elders.

In terms of seniority, Song ML is indeed her cousin.

And Kong Lingkan, who caused such a huge disaster, was her cousin.

Song Wenying's voice was gentle and respectful: "Third Aunt, hello. Is there something urgent that you're calling so early?"

Song ML didn't mince words, saying with a hint of sorrow, "Wenying, it's all about your good-for-nothing cousin, Ling Kan. We're all family, you know him. This time he was completely foolish and blinded by malice. He's already been taken to your side..."

“I know he’s guilty of something unforgivable, but he’s still your aunt’s darling and your cousin.”

"Do you think you could talk to Yunfei and ask him to put in a good word with that Director Cao? As long as he's spared, he can accept any punishment."

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a moment.

Then came Song Wenying's slightly troubled and even somewhat distressed voice: "Third Aunt, you've really given me a huge problem."

"It's not that I don't want to help, it's just that my cousin's matter has become too big of a fuss."

Song Wenying sighed: "You are far away in the mountain city and do not know that the front line is delayed in fighting due to the lack of oil and medicine."

"Once this matter was investigated, the division and army commanders at the front were furious, wishing they could tear him apart alive."

"Director Cao Potian is a 'living Yama' whom even Yunfei sometimes has to give way to. He is also the knife that Yunfei uses to enforce military discipline."

"I heard from Commander Chu (Chu Xichun) that the case files stacked up are half a meter high."

Song Wenying paused, sighed, and then her tone became unusually serious again: "Third Aunt, to put it bluntly..."

"If it weren't for our kinship, if Yunfei weren't still holding back because of our Song family ties, and if it weren't for the sake of the Party and the country's reputation, given the past practices of the Inspectorate and the current public outrage..."

"My cousin will probably be taken to the execution ground and executed on the spot as soon as he gets off the plane."

Upon hearing this, Song ML's hand holding the microphone trembled violently, and a chill ran through her heart.

Of course, she knew Chu Yunfei's style of doing things.

Back in the Battle of Xuzhou, they dared to execute members of the Fifth War Zone Command right on the territory of the Fifth War Zone.

He was known for his audacity and ruthlessness.

Now he commands a large army and his prestige is at its zenith.

Killing Kong Lingkan was no different for him than crushing an ant; he could even use it to win over the hearts and minds of his troops.

Although Song Wenying's words were tactful, the meaning was very clear: she had already done a great favor by keeping him alive until now, out of consideration for their kinship, and by preventing the matter from becoming public knowledge. To ask for anything more would be as difficult as climbing to heaven.

"Wenying, your third aunt understands. I'm so sorry to have troubled you."

Song ML hung up the phone helplessly.

She sat in the room for a long time, watching the rain outside the window get heavier and heavier.

In the end, she gritted her teeth and went to Chang Ruiyuan's study again.

"Darling."

Chang Ruiyuan was sitting at his desk reviewing documents when he saw her come in, and his brows furrowed slightly.

But seeing his wife's haggard face and swollen eyes, his anger eventually subsided somewhat.

"what happened again?"

Song ML walked over, gently ground the ink for him, and whispered, "I called Wenying."

"They say this incident has aroused public outrage. If it weren't for Yunfei suppressing it because of our kinship, Ling Kan would have been dead long ago."

Chang Ruiyuan snorted coldly: "That's his own fault."

"But darling."

Song ML lowered her eyes and said in a soft voice, "The Kong family is the Kong family after all. My eldest sister and brother-in-law have done their best for the country's finances and for its diplomacy."

"Although Wenying married Yunfei, she is still a junior member of the Song family, and that relationship is undeniable. If Lingkan is really shot by his own soldiers, it would be a tragedy of fratricide."

"Moreover, if Ling Kan dies, I'm afraid my eldest sister will..."

Chang Ruiyuan stopped writing.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

He certainly hated Kong Lingkan for being so useless.

They also gained a clearer understanding of the Kong family's position in the Nationalist government's financial system, as well as the intricate network of relationships among the Song sisters.

Since he married the Song family's niece, she was practically family.

No matter how it's handled.

There are reasons for people outside to criticize Chang Ruiyuan.

Chang Ruiyuan himself knew that Chu Yunfei most likely wouldn't kill Kong Lingkan directly.

a long time.

Chang Ruiyuan opened his eyes, a hint of helplessness flashing in them. He had compromised with the Song family.

"That's all."

He picked up a pen, quickly scribbled a line on a piece of paper, and then handed it to Song ML:

"Have the staff send an urgent telegram to Chu Yunfei."

“Tell him: The law must be upheld, but there are extenuating circumstances. Although Kong Lingkan’s crimes are heinous, we hope that he can be spared due to his family background and kinship.”

"Death penalty can be avoided, but living crime cannot be avoided."

Chang Ruiyuan waved his hand, leaning wearily back in his chair: "Go on, don't mention that bastard again." (End of Chapter)