Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Changzhi, North China Joint Command Inspection Department.

The air in Deputy Director Mao Renfeng's office was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

"Is Cao Yuncheng serious this time?"

Mao Renfeng stared at the coded telegram he had just received from the airport on the table, his temples throbbing, feeling as if a heavy stone was pressing on his heart.

Kong Lingkan.

That's Kong Yongzhi's eldest son and the Song family's eldest nephew!
This "royal relative" was used to running rampant in the Kuomintang-controlled area, and even his old superior, Dai Yunong, had to give him some leeway.

But now.

They were actually forced to come back by Cao Potian's official letter?

Moreover, they were escorted back looking disheveled and crying.
"This Cao Potian is truly a fearless living devil."

Mao Renfeng muttered to himself, a fine layer of cold sweat beading on his forehead.

He knew Cao Potian's methods all too well. When the military discipline was being rectified in Henan and other divisional areas, those officers who embezzled military pay and resold supplies were exposed.

Regardless of background or level.

If they fall into Cao Potian's hands, they are doomed.

Now, the knife is at Kong Lingkan's neck. Who knows if he'll end up covered in blood?

"Somebody come!"

Mao Renfeng suddenly stood up and shouted towards the door.

A trusted adjutant rushed in through the door: "Mao Zedong?"

"Quick! Go to my house and get those things."

Mao Renfeng lowered his voice, his tone urgent, "Return all the antiques that Manager Li sent last month, and the gold bars that Commander Wang sent a few days ago."

"what?"

The adjutant paused for a moment, "Mao Zuo, those are all good stuff, and there's no one around..."

"Stop talking nonsense! Just return it when I tell you to!"

"Yes Yes Yes."

"Remember, do it cleanly and neatly, leave no trace!"

"Yes, yes, yes, I'll take care of it right away!" The adjutant shrank back in fright and turned to run away.

Watching the adjutant's departing figure.

Mao Renfeng finally breathed a sigh of relief and slumped into his chair.

He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and secretly vowed: During this period, he must keep a low profile and not provoke that "living devil" at this critical juncture.

Meanwhile, in the office of the head of the inspection department.

Cao Potian was hunched over his desk, his pen flying across the paper.

In front of him lay a thick stack of files, all of which contained evidence of Kong Lingkan and his subordinate "North China Yangtze Company" smuggling contraband and reselling military fuel.

"Director, Kong Lingkan's plane will land in an hour."

A staff member knocked gently on the door and came in to report to the leader: "The airport is ready to receive the passenger, and the interrogation room is also ready."

"Ah."

Cao Potian didn't even look up, continuing to write furiously.

"How should we interrogate this section chief?"

The junior clerk hesitated for a moment, then asked in a low voice, "After all, his identity is special. There will definitely be pressure in Shancheng. I heard that even the Chairman's wife..."

"Special status?"

Cao Potian didn't care about Kong Lingkan's identity at all: "Which soldier who bleeds on the front line wasn't born of a father and mother? Aren't their lives special?"

"Even a prince who breaks the law is subject to the same punishment as a commoner!"

"Once they step through the doors of my Inspectorate, regardless of whether their surname is Kong or Song, they will be interrogated however they are required to be!"

Cao Potian handed the draft telegram to the inspector: "Send it to the Liaocheng forward command immediately and present it to Chief Advisor Chu for his personal attention!"

"The content is very simple: Kong has been apprehended, the evidence is conclusive, and his crimes are heinous."

"Given his sensitive status, and the fact that the mountain city authorities will surely plead on his behalf, our department hereby requests Your Excellency's instructions: Should this scoundrel be severely punished according to the law to uphold military discipline, or…?"

Cao Potian paused, a hint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes: "Let's make an example of one to deter others, and appease the world!"
-
North China Front Command.

"Your Excellency, this is an urgent secret telegram from the Changzhi Inspectorate."

Li Jingzhong strode up to Chu Yunfei: "This is the preliminary report sent by Director Cao."

"Read it." Chu Yunfei didn't turn his head, his gaze still fixed on the sand table map in front of him.

The telegram stated: "Kong Lingkan has been escorted to Changzhi and is undergoing intensive interrogation."

"We have obtained preliminary core evidence that they used 'Yangzi Company' to purchase military supplies and resell fuel."

Li Jingzhong paused, his tone tinged with admiration: "Director Cao specifically mentioned in the telegram that the reason we were able to quickly break through this breach was entirely due to the meticulous planning of Wu Jingzhong, the head of the reconnaissance section."

"Oh? It's Wu Jingzhong again?"

Chu Yunfei turned around, took the telegram, and glanced at it.

Li Jingzhong lowered his voice and added, "Moreover, Director Cao even specifically requested commendation for an action team leader named Li Ya."

"Li Ya?"

“Yes, it’s Li Ya, the one who’s usually stern and ruthless,” Li Jingzhong explained. “According to the telegram, the crucial ledgers and the confession of the Kong family’s steward were all seized by Li Ya and his men in a night raid from Kong Lingkan’s guards. To capture them alive, he didn’t even use a gun; he and his men just used their fists and feet to subdue them.”

"Wu Jingzhong is shrewd and calculating, while Li Ya is loyal and capable; they are a fine weapon."

Chu Yunfei folded the telegram and placed it on the table, tapping it lightly with his fingers: "Not bad, you didn't embarrass the Inspectorate."

Fang Ligong stepped forward, his expression somewhat subtle: "Your Excellency, Cao Potian asked in the last part of his telegram, given Kong Lingkan's special status and the immense pressure from the mountain city, what should be done about this person?"

Fang Ligong glanced at Chu Yunfei's expression and cautiously added, "Moreover, the Constable's Office just sent another 'inquiry' telegram. Although the wording was euphemistic, saying something about 'concern about the progress of the case,' the meaning was very clear: the Chairman is waiting for your 'lenient treatment' of that young master from the Kong family."

"A lenient sentence?"

"Do you expect me to give you an answer?"

Chu Yunfei sneered: "At this time, if I were to directly call back to discuss Kong Lingkan's life or death, or how to punish him, I would be putting myself at a disadvantage."

"It will not only make the Chairman feel that I am controlling him, but it will also make the outside world think that this is a power struggle."

He turned around abruptly, his eyes fixed intently on Fang Ligong: "Brother Ligong, draft a telegram!"

"Yes!"

Fang Ligong quickly opened his notebook.

"Send this to the Yamashiro Attendant's Office for the Chairman's perusal."

Chu Yunfei paced back and forth in the room, his hands behind his back. His voice was steady and powerful, each word like a carefully polished nail.
"Investigation into the case of the resale of military supplies in North China has yielded a major breakthrough thanks to the swift action of the Inspectorate. The rapid resolution of this case is due to the skillful command and strategic planning of Wu Jingzhong, the head of the Investigation Section, and the courageous leadership and fearlessness of Li Ya, the leader of the action team."

"The two men ventured deep into the enemy's lair, thoroughly investigated the corrupt elements, and saved the soldiers on the front lines from enormous losses. They are truly pillars of the Party and the country, and role models for soldiers!"

"The Department hereby requests commendation: We earnestly request the General Headquarters to issue a commendation order to Wu Jingzhong, Li Ya, and other meritorious personnel, and to promote them to higher military ranks, so as to recognize their achievements and set the record straight!"

At this point, Chu Yunfei stopped and looked at Fang Ligong: "That's all. Send them out."

Fang Ligong was stunned for a moment, his pen hovering in mid-air, looking bewildered: "Your Excellency, where is Young Master Kong?"

"Not a single word was mentioned in the telegram?"

"What the Chairman is waiting for is the opinion on how to deal with Kong Lingkan."

"Don't mention it! Not a single word!"

Chu Yunfei waved his hand and said, "I want to show the Chairman that I, Chu Yunfei, am fair in rewarding and punishing! Those who arrest 'traitors' will be commended! This merit is real!"

As for how to deal with that 'traitor'

"As long as the Chairman approves this commendation order, it will be tantamount to acknowledging that Wu Jingzhong and Li Ya made the right and good arrest!"

"That's tantamount to confirming Kong Lingkan's guilt!" Fang Ligong suddenly realized, his eyes filled with admiration: "Your Excellency is brilliant. Sending this telegram requesting commendation is like kicking the ball back to the Chairman. If he approves it, it will be difficult for him to let Kong Lingkan off easily in the future; if he doesn't approve it, it will chill the hearts of the soldiers on the front lines!"

"These are all minor matters in the current battle situation. The real focus is not here, but on the outcome of the battle."
-
Southern Shandong, Zaozhuang.

This industrial city, which prospered because of coal and also bled because of coal, is now basking in the scorching midday sun.

Unlike before, the flags on the city walls have been changed.

After losing the Zhongxing Coal Mine, a crucial stronghold, the remnants of the Japanese 65th Division saw their defenses collapse like dominoes.

Faced with the bloodthirsty soldiers of the 38th Army, the defenders' will to resist completely collapsed in the face of overwhelming numerical superiority and artillery fire.

"Commander!"

"A call from the 17th Division!"

The communications officer's voice was filled with barely concealed joy: "Commander Shen reports that the remnants of the Japanese army have abandoned the city and fled towards Linyi. Our vanguard has taken control of Zaozhuang Railway Station and major strongholds in the city!"

"it is good!"

Li Zhenxi stood beside a newly captured Japanese truck, hands on his hips, watching the flag of the Republic of China slowly rise on the bullet-riddled wall, and let out a long sigh.

"Tell Shen Jizhi and Kong Congzhou to stop scavenging for scraps in the city!"

Li Zhenxi turned around, his gaze passing over the ruins and landing on the vast land to the east: "Zaozhuang is just a starting point, not the end!"

"Order each division to leave only a small number of troops to maintain order and mop up the remaining enemy forces, while the main force immediately assembles and heads east along the highway to pursue them!"

The chief of staff reminded him from the side, "Commander, Linyi is just to the east. The Japanese might rebuild their defenses there, relying on the Yi River."

"Then let's fight another great victory at Linyi!"

Li Zhenxi's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he spat fiercely: "Back then, we were poorly equipped and risked our lives to fight. Now we have cannons, guns, and air support. I don't believe these stray dogs can turn the world upside down!"

"Send a telegram to the old commander!"

"Our troops have recovered the entire territory of Zaozhuang, and now our forces are heading straight for Linyi, determined to drive the enemy in southern Shandong completely into the sea!"

……

On the same day, in the heart of central Shandong, beneath the city of Tai'an.

This is at the foot of Mount Tai, the foremost of the Five Sacred Mountains, and also the southern gateway to Jinan.

Li Xianzhou, commander-in-chief of the 28th Army Group, was standing on a high ground on the banks of the Dawen River, tightly gripping a pair of binoculars that were already soaked with sweat.

His eyes were bloodshot, and he was in a state of extreme excitement.

"Commander-in-Chief, Commander Hou of the 92nd Army has personally led the supervisory team up there!"

"Report from the front: The assault team has breached the Japanese bunker complex south of the city and is advancing towards Dai Temple!"

"it is good!"

"Good fight!"

Li Xianzhou's voice trembled slightly.

No one knew how much anger was burning inside him.

Back in southern Shandong, he was chased by the Japanese army like a rabbit all over the mountains, which was a great humiliation in his military career.

Now, Chu Yunfei has given him this chance to avenge his defeat and provided him with unprecedented heavy artillery support. If he fails to win this battle, Li Xianzhou will truly have no choice but to jump into the Yellow River.

"Tell Hou Jingru!"

Li Xianzhou roared into the walkie-talkie, "I'll be watching from behind. Tell him to beat me to death!"

"Tell the brothers, we, the 28th Army, are not cowards; we are men with our own hands!"

"Whoever is the first to charge up the walls of Tai'an today, I'll reward him with a thousand silver dollars and promote him three ranks!"

Under the reward, there must be a brave man.

Moreover, it was a defeated army that had learned its lesson and was now determined to fight back.

The 92nd Army's offensive was like that of a mad tiger, disregarding casualties and advancing wave after wave.

The Japanese army's defensive line, built using the foothills of Mount Tai and city fortifications, finally crumbled under the Nationalist army's relentless fighting style and overwhelming artillery fire.

3pm.

With a deafening roar, the south gate of Tai'an was completely blown up by engineers.

Countless Nationalist soldiers in gray uniforms charged into the ancient city, shouting as they entered.

"kill!!!"

……

Luxi, the front-line command headquarters.

The atmosphere in the operations room was extremely enthusiastic.

Fang Ligong stood in front of the huge sand table, and planted two small blue flags heavily in the positions of "Zaozhuang" and "Tai'an" respectively.

"Your Excellency!"

Fang Ligong's voice trembled slightly with excitement: "The entire territory of Zaozhuang has been liberated, and Tai'an has also entered the stage of street fighting. Commander Li called to inquire whether the Japanese army should shell the defensive line built on Mount Tai?"

"What do you mean?"

"Mount Tai is a place with a certain significance."

"No matter what the reasons are, you can't care about those things when you're fighting a war. You have to make full preparations with artillery fire before you attack."

"it is good."

Fang Ligong turned to instruct the communications officer to send a telegram, while Chu Yunfei turned to his adjutant Li Jingzhong: "Also, what is the casualty situation of Brother Kuishan's troops?"

Li Jingzhong then reported: "According to the summary in the telegram, our troops suffered more than 6,300 casualties and killed or wounded more than 4,500 Japanese soldiers. The casualty ratio is very close. We have also captured a lot of weapons and equipment, but we have not yet had time to count them. Li Zhenxi asked whether we should pursue them towards Linyi."

Chu Yunfei's consciousness was immediately immersed in the three-dimensional combat map.

The remaining Japanese troops in the area surrounding Zaozhuang are fleeing eastward in panic, numbering 637 men.

Clearly, they have lost their organizational structure and ability to resist.

Li Zhenxi's target is Linyi.

In reality, there was only one Japanese military police company stationed there, along with two scattered companies of puppet troops.

The 38th Army poses no threat and has no possibility of counterattack.

Chu Yunfei immediately ordered: "Pursuit is permitted. After occupying Linyi, hold your ground and await further orders."

"Yes!"

"Your Excellency, look."

Fang Ligong picked up his baton and drew two sharp arcs on the map: "This has completely cut off the possibility of the Japanese army in southern Shandong advancing westward or northward. In fact, this route has cleared all obstacles in southern Shandong."

"Once we take Tai'an, the southern gate of Jinan will be wide open!"

Fang Ligong suddenly pointed his baton at Jinan: "The 88th Group Army is pressing from the west and north, the 28th Group Army is approaching from the south, and the 5th Group Army is providing support from the southwest."

"We can launch a pincer attack from three sides, leaving the Japanese army with only one option: to retreat eastward."

"It can be optimistically judged that the remnants of the 12th Army under Tuqiao are now like caged beasts trapped in a cage, with no way to go to heaven or hell!"

He nodded slightly, his tone calm yet laced with a chilling edge: "Li Xianzhou fought with courage this time and did not disgrace the Central Army."

"He is to eliminate the garrison in Tai'an within three days, and leave a division to defend Tai'an. The main force should immediately march north along the Jinpu Railway!"

"They will join forces with the main force of the 88th episode under the city walls."

Chu Yunfei's tone was firm: "The remaining units, according to the original battle plan, will further tighten the encirclement."

"clear."

"What's the situation in the Fifth Theater?"

"Currently, we are engaged in fierce fighting with the main force of the Japanese army in Central China in the area around the Huai River. According to Commander Li's telegram, the Japanese army's combat strength has surged in the past two days."

Furthermore, intelligence indicates that the Japanese inland river fleet is active, suggesting significant activity on the Yangtze River. (End of Chapter)