Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Jinan, the forward command post.

That evening, the "Detailed Rules for the Implementation of the Third Phase of the Sweep Operation and the Pengcheng Campaign" were placed heavily on the table.

The paper struck the solid wood tabletop with a dull thud, which was particularly clear in the empty room.

"Brother Weiwen, what do you think?"

Chu Yunfei picked up the strong tea that had long since gone cold, tilted his head back and took a sip. The bitter tea stimulated his tired nerves.

He put down his teacup and looked intently at Lin Wei across from him.

Lin Wei was rubbing her throbbing temples when she heard this, and put down the other copy she was holding.

He pondered for a moment, carefully choosing his words: "Da Yun's plan is very well-thought-out."

"Advance step by step, layer by layer, relying on the existing Jinpu Railway and the Grand Canal, and using our firepower advantage to gradually compress the living space of the Japanese army around Pengcheng."

Lin Wei paused, then looked up at Chu Yunfei: "Your Excellency, given the current situation, we hold the absolute initiative."

"Since victory is assured, we should proceed steadily and surely. Even if it takes ten days or half a month longer, we can still crack this tough nut. This is the best course of action."

"Safe?"

Chu Yunfei shook his head.

He stood up, his military boots making a dull thud on the wooden floor.

He walked to the window, pushed it open, and a slightly cool night breeze rushed into the room, dispelling the stuffiness.

"Brother Weiwen, that's the problem."

With his back to Lin Wei, Chu Yunfei looked out at the dark night and said in a low voice, "Too steady, as steady as a stagnant pool."

"Da Yun has always served as a staff officer in Changzhi, overseeing the rear. The plans he devises are textbook-level in their rigor."

"But he was far from the battlefield, hundreds or even thousands of kilometers away, and couldn't smell the blood in the smoke of battle."

What are we facing now?

"They're a pack of mad dogs with broken spines, fighting like cornered beasts!"

Chu Yunfei turned around abruptly, his eyes blazing: "They have lost unified command. It can be said that the Japanese army is now a disorganized mess, fighting their own battles."

"At this point, if we continue to fight this battle in a rigid and methodical manner, we are giving them time to catch their breath and reorganize their defenses!"

"What does Your Excellency mean?"

Lin Wei frowned slightly, as if she had a premonition of something.

"Loosen the reins."

Chu Yunfei walked to the map, picked up a red and blue pencil, and drew a sharp line across the vast area of ​​southern Shandong and northern Jiangsu. His movements were as swift as a knife. "The commanders at the front, like Xue Jie, Sun Xinpu, and even that Kong Congzhou Division Commander who just made a great contribution, are the ones who know the situation at the front best."

"Now that the general direction has been set, there's no need to fix the specific tactics for them in this room."

"Whether they can infiltrate, whether they dare to outflank, whether they should take a risky attack – let them decide for themselves!"

"What I want is a pack of tigers coming down from the mountain, not a bunch of puppets who only dare to move when given a command."

Lin Wei looked at the jagged battle lines on the map and felt a chill run down his spine.

Thinking to myself, Chu Yunfei, you micromanage more frequently than the Chairman, so why did you choose to give up at such a crucial moment?
This complete delegation of authority allows each unit to operate freely within the framework of the overall strategy, leveraging their mobility and firepower advantages to thoroughly disrupt and tear apart the Japanese army.

This tactic is extremely risky, as it can easily lead to the troops becoming separated or even be counterattacked by the Japanese army.

If a promising situation turns into a problem, it can easily affect subsequent battle plans.

Similarly, the profits are also enormous.

This could very well be a devastating, avalanche-like victory.

"Since Your Excellency has made this decision, I will issue the approval immediately."

Lin Wei took a deep breath, nodded, and stopped insisting: "When a general is in the field, he may disobey the emperor's orders."

"Giving them this kind of trust might actually lead to unexpected miracles."

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunfei's face showed a hint of satisfaction. He sat back down in his chair and tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table: "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken."

The change of topic did not lighten the atmosphere in the room; instead, it became even more somber.

Lin Wei pulled another document from her briefcase, her expression becoming somewhat subtle. It was a top-secret report from Shancheng: "There's something else I need to tell you."

Lin Wei lowered his voice and tapped lightly on the cover of the document: "The Ministry of Military Affairs has sent a message that the list of the inspection committee for the takeover of enemy property in the liberated areas has been finalized."

"The chairman is Qian Dajun, and the vice chairman is..."

Lin Wei named several people, all of whom were "financial experts" from the Central Government system.

These people were either figures with close ties to the Kong and Song families, or they were Zhejiang natives promoted by Chang Ruiyuan.

"Director Qian should be able to fly to Jinan the day after tomorrow."

Upon hearing this name, Lin Wei observed Chu Yunfei's expression: "When he was in Hainan Island, he had quite a few arguments with 'our' people."

This time, coming to North China, wielding the sword of authority and responsible for receiving such a large and lucrative prize, I'm afraid...

Chu Yunfei chuckled and gestured to Jingzhong to refill his cup of hot tea.

The steam from the tea rose in front of his stern face.

“In some people’s eyes, this is indeed a piece of fat meat.”

"But in my eyes, Chu Yunfei, that is the blood and sweat of the people of North China, and the capital for our National Revolutionary Army to fight in the future!"

Chu Yunfei put down his teacup, which made a crisp sound as it collided with the tray: "The Japanese and their puppet regime operated in North China for many years, leaving behind factories, mines, and warehouses of supplies—the numbers are astronomical."

"If these things can be transformed into productivity, they will become an endless supply of guns and bullets, and the food in the people's bowls."

"If it falls into the pockets of certain corrupt officials and becomes US dollars they hold in foreign banks..."

"That's a traitor to the country!"

Lin Wei's heart skipped a beat; he sensed the murderous intent in Chu Yunfei's words.

"So, how does Your Excellency intend to respond?"

Lin Wei tentatively asked, "Although Director Qian wouldn't do anything underhanded, what about his subordinates?"

"I will definitely give him face, but I hope the instructor can handle it."

Chu Yunfei's expression remained unchanged: "I have already instructed Cao Potian to spread the net throughout the Inspectorate."

"Whether they come from the central government or are one of our own people."

"Anyone who dares to reach out at this critical juncture, dares to turn public property into private property, dares to do something like the 'five sons passing the imperial examination' scheme."

"Kong Lingkan is naturally their role model!"

When Kong Lingkan was mentioned, Lin Wei subconsciously pursed her lips.

That young master Kong is still being held in the Changzhi Inspectorate.

Although he wasn't executed, he was severely punished, and even H.H. Kung had to admit defeat.

Chu Yunfei is using Kong Lingkan to establish rules for North China!
"The Inspectorate has a very heavy workload."

Chu Yunfei's tone softened slightly, but the weight of his words remained undiminished: "I will transfer Sun Ming back to North China to assist Qian Dajun's work. All the receiving lists must be in triplicate: one copy for the Central Committee, one copy for our records, and one copy directly to the Joint Command."

"Brother Weiwen, I'll have to trouble you to keep an eye on this for me."

"Rest assured, Your Excellency." Lin Wei nodded solemnly. "This is a matter of great importance concerning the foundation of the Party and the country. I know its significance."

We've finished discussing the two most difficult issues.

Lin Wei seemed to remember something, and opened the thick casualty statistics book beside her, her brows furrowing again.

"Your Excellency, although we have won this battle, and won it by a great margin."

Lin Wei sighed, her voice filled with deep weariness and reluctance: "But the price is just too high."

“Each department has suffered losses that are essentially organized.”

"Now, apart from Pengcheng still being in the hands of the Japanese army, the established strategic objectives of the fourth phase of the counter-offensive have been basically achieved."

"Yes or no"

Lin Wei hesitated for a moment, but still spoke up: "Could we consider drafting a rest and recuperation plan in advance, so that the brothers can catch their breath and replenish their manpower and equipment?"

“If this continues, these troops will definitely run into problems.” Chu Yunfei fell silent, looking at Lin Wei’s worried face, and felt a pang of pain in his heart.

Behind those casualty figures are countless lives lost and broken families.

But he can't stop.

“Brother Weiwen, I also want the brothers to rest, even if it's just to get a good night's sleep and have a hot meal.”

Chu Yunfei stood up, walked back to the map, and looked down at the other side of the Pacific Ocean, as if he could see the Quebec Castle where the meeting was being held, and the giant sitting in the wheelchair.

"But the situation is beyond our control."

Chu Yunfei's voice became somewhat unsteady, yet unusually firm: "The Quebec Conference has just concluded, and American aid fleets are continuously sailing from the Indian Ocean toward Rangoon."

"The P-51 production line, Sherman tanks, large-caliber howitzers."

"These things were given to us by Roosevelt."

"If we take something from someone else, we have to work for them and achieve results on the battlefield."

"This is a business. Our country is weak and poor, and this is the only way to rapidly develop the defense industry. This is a necessary sacrifice."

"Besides, if we stop now, once that momentum is lost, it will be difficult to pick it up again."

Lin Wei naturally understood this principle, but as a human being, who wouldn't feel sad and grieving for the sacrifice of their fellow human beings?

"But."

Chu Yunfei turned around, his eyes blazing: "Although the Japanese army has been defeated, they still have fighting power."

"If we don't take advantage of this momentum and drive them out of North China completely, and wait for them to recover and rebuild their defenses based on the terrain, we will have to pay a much higher price to win this war."

"Brother Weiwen, it's not that I don't want to stop, it's that I can't stop, and I dare not stop."

Lin Wei remained silent.

War is always cruel.

"There's no need to worry too much about manpower."

Chu Yunfei continued, "The people in the liberated areas are highly enthusiastic about resisting Japan. With our proper policies, we have a continuous supply of new soldiers. After screening and training, we can also recruit about 20% of the former puppet troops."

"What's really giving me a headache right now is money."

Chu Yunfei took out a financial statement from the drawer. It had just been delivered by Sun Weimou yesterday, and the deficit on it was glaringly red.

"Brother Weiwen, take a look at this."

Lin Wei took the report, adjusted his glasses, and after only a few glances, his expression changed: "This shortfall is too large."

"pension."

Chu Yunfei sighed and tapped the report heavily with his finger: "Before the start of the second phase of the operation, in order to boost morale, the Class B combat units improved their compensation and benefits. Now, in addition to North China, South China is also starting to follow suit, ensuring equal rights and benefits for all."

"This is something I can do with a clear conscience, but it has also emptied out what little we have left."

"There are now nearly 60,000 wounded soldiers in the entire World War II zone."

"They shed blood for the country, we cannot let them shed tears."

"Medical care, resettlement, and subsequent livelihood support are all bottomless pits."

"In addition to the large-scale war expenditures, the finances of North China are actually walking a tightrope."

"The aid from the Americans is mostly military equipment and semi-finished industrial products, but these can't be converted into cash to give to the people and soldiers."

Lin Wei put down the report, her face also showing worry: "This is indeed a big problem."

"The central government's finances were already on the verge of collapse several years ago."

“If military pay and pensions cannot be paid on time, it will be of no use to recover more places, and the morale of the army will definitely collapse.”

"But there are wars everywhere right now, and tax collection is already difficult, this..."

He looked at Chu Yunfei.

Hopefully, we can hear some solutions from this war commander who always manages to create miracles.

Chu Yunfei did not answer immediately. He paced slowly in the room, the sound of his leather boots particularly clear in the quiet night.

"Brother Weiwen."

Chu Yunfei stopped, a glint of wisdom flashing in his eyes: "Simply relying on 'cost-cutting' won't work; we must 'increase revenue'."

"Open source?" Lin Wei asked, puzzled. "At this point, where can we find open source?"

"people."

Chu Yunfei pointed out the window: "There are at least 20 million young adults in the entire North China region."

"This is the greatest wealth."

“Give them hoes, tools, and weapons.”

"Let them maintain a certain level of combat effectiveness while they are producing."

"In the rear, in the liberated areas, and even on the future frontier."

"We need to reclaim wasteland for farming, build roads and bridges, and open mines and factories!"

Chu Yunfei became more and more excited as he spoke, his eyes shining brighter and brighter: "The experience in Shanxi has proven that this is feasible."

"living comfortably without anybody's help."

"It can not only reduce the financial burden, but also resettle a large number of veterans and stabilize social order."

"more importantly"

Chu Yunfei's voice deepened: "This will make our soldiers understand that they are not only destroying the old world, but also building a new home."

"This will make them love this land even more deeply."

"Moreover, this is also a solid backing for our future expansion into all directions, especially the 'borrowing a route' plan."

As Lin Wei recalled the fertile fields reclaimed by the army in Shanxi and the factories that sprang up from the ground, his worries gradually dissipated.

This may truly be the broad road to rejuvenation.

"If we replicate the Shanxi model..."

Lin Wei murmured to himself, a glimmer of hope gradually igniting in his eyes: "If it can really be done, it will not only solve the financial problem, but also establish a foundation for survival in this chaotic world."

Chu Yunfei remained silent.

He wanted to give Lin Wei enough time.

Besides production and construction, it also serves another purpose.

Divide local power.

This is also a key step in Chu Yunfei's plan to reform people's livelihood.

Lin Wei suddenly raised her head, her tone firm: "Whatever you say, we'll do it!"

"it is good!"

Chu Yunfei reached out and shook hands firmly with Lin Wei: "After the battle around Pengcheng is over, we'll start with pilot projects in resource-rich areas like Jining and Zaozhuang."

"Make use of those coal and iron mines."

"Let those who have laid down their guns grip their pickaxes."

"We want to show the Japanese, and the whole world."

"We Chinese people can not only drive them out, but also build an even stronger nation from the ruins!"

That night, the lights at the Jinan Command Center remained on all night.

Over a pot of cold tea, the two sketched out a grand blueprint for production and construction on a table covered with maps.

From this moment on, the Civil Engineering Department, represented by Lin Wei, will join hands with the North China Department to move forward together.

The war machine of the Nationalist Army in North China was not only charging towards victory, but also launching with a roar towards the dream called "rejuvenation".

And that sharp sword that was about to sever the throat of the Japanese invaders will be honed even more amidst the rumbling sounds of production and construction, its cold light becoming even more menacing. (End of this chapter)