Sword: Heart of Iron

Chapter 88 Reorganizing the Troops
The military camp had a special officer's office, so Wang Feng no longer had to work in an ordinary barracks.

Walking to the office, Wang Feng pushed the door open.

"Ouch!"

The scene before one's eyes was a bit shocking.

Compared to the office, expanding the barracks, cleaning the barracks and nothing else are just piece of cake.

The real meal is waiting here.

Wang Feng was shocked: "It seems that a thorough investigation of corrupt officials is imperative. It is hard to say how much money these people have embezzled."

A rough estimate of the office in front of me shows that it is at least 150 square meters.

For a one-person office, this is quite large.

Rosewood tables and chairs, floors; European leather sofas, stone ornaments, calligraphy and paintings
Wang Feng pulled out a chair and sat down slowly.

Out of boredom, he reached out and opened the drawer.

After seeing what was inside, Wang Feng raised his eyebrows slightly: "It's really everywhere."

There were a lot of gold, silver and jewelry scattered in the drawer. A rough estimate showed that it was enough to pay one month's wages for at least two thousand soldiers.

Zhao Fangyuan walked in quickly.

When I first saw such a gorgeous office, I was shocked: "Sir, this..."

Different from Wang Feng.

Zhao Fangyuan came from a poor family. Even though he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant General and Chief of Staff, he had always been commanding battles on the battlefield or marching in the field.

Never enjoyed anything.

Wang Feng smiled and said, "How is it? Do you like it?"

Zhao Fangyuan suddenly calmed down and shook his head: "This is all a sugar-coated bullet made up by those local bureaucrats, right?"

"Use this to test us, tsk tsk tsk"

Wang Feng waved his hand. The office was too big and it was a bit inconvenient. Zhao Fangyuan was standing at the door, quite a distance away from the desk.

It’s not convenient to listen to reports.

Zhao Fangyuan strode forward and said, "Sir, there's a call from Xiajiashan Village."

"Three hundred technicians have passed through the enemy-occupied area and are on their way. In addition, they have also reported the recent situation. Please review it."

Wang Feng took the telegram.

Although Zhu Xiangwen was originally a housekeeper, he looked inconspicuous.

But if you think about it carefully, if you want to do this kind of job in a wealthy family, you need some skills.

After two or three months of development, a base with Xiajiashan Village as the center and a radiating area of 100 kilometers was basically completed.

The number of guerrillas grew from a few hundred to three teams with a total of six or seven hundred people.

They also looked after each other with the local Eighth Route Army, greatly improving security.

Wang Feng nodded and said, "You've done a good job. Call Zhu Xiangwen back and give him some praise. Also, send someone to send some money over to support the development."

In the future of Shanxi, the importance of the battlefield behind enemy lines will be far greater than that of the frontal battlefield. It is very important to follow the general trend and form our own guerrilla force.

Zhao Fangyuan nodded: "Understood!"

Wang Feng reminded: "The most urgent task is to finalize the plan for the establishment of the arsenal as soon as possible and restore production capacity as quickly as possible."

On the way here, he did a lot of homework.

Changzhi is indeed a good place.

There are large-scale mountains on the west and north sides to isolate the Japanese army. Because it has never been affected by war, the economic development in the area is still relatively good.

In terms of mineral resources, coal, iron and other resources are particularly abundant.

The coal mine is mainly anthracite, which is of high quality.

As for the exact proven reserves, Wang Feng is still unaware.

But I guess it won’t be bad.

Iron ore reserves are also abundant, but compared to coal mines, the current scale of mining is very small.

In addition, there are abundant reserves of marble, lead, zinc, copper, etc. We encountered many transport teams on the way here.

Specializes in selling mineral resources to other places.

This is absolutely intolerable!
In times of war, mineral resources are equivalent to strategic resources!
From now on, no matter what Huang Shaohong’s opinion is, the outflow of mineral resources must be absolutely prohibited.

Agriculture is also pretty good.

Changzhi is an area with relatively abundant water in the North China Plain.

Abundant water means that there are many river systems in the country, but it is affected by the continental monsoon climate and topography.

Drought is common every summer.

But it's not difficult to solve.

Just build some water conservancy facilities to regulate the uneven seasonal distribution of water.

Let Huang Shaohong take care of these things.

If he was lazy and negligent in his work, it would give Wang Feng a reason to find fault with him.

In fact, he knew it clearly.

Because of the Taiyuan Arsenal incident, he was suspected by the Nanjing government. If he clashed with Huang Shaohong again, the next step would be to strip him of his military power.

Chiang Kai-shek attached more importance to "maintaining domestic stability" than "resisting foreign aggression".

The Japanese army continued to attack cities and seize territory.

He could tolerate the annexation of the Northeast.

He could also tolerate the annexation of North China.

Even if the Japanese army occupied the Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai regions and the capital Nanjing fell, he would be able to swallow his anger.

But his tolerance for domestic politics is almost zero.

But what Chiang Kai-shek didn't know was that even if he was stripped of his military power, it would not help.

Since he came here, he has never relaxed his leadership of the army. He will promote loyal veterans without hesitation, even if they are slightly lacking in ability.

It doesn’t matter if you have poor abilities, just go to a training class and learn.

As the number of troops increased, he could no longer control every soldier comprehensively.

But to be an excellent leader, to be good at bringing out the abilities of your subordinates, you only need to keep a firm control over the upper and middle-level officers.

Wang Feng took out all the jewels from the drawer and said, "These are all evidences of those bureaucrats bribing me. Take them down and count them and convert them into specific amounts of French currency."

Zhao Fangyuan's expression was solemn: "Yes!"

Wang Feng: "Also, we should recruit soldiers in the city first to fill the vacancies in the army."

"The Japanese army may attack us at any time, so we must prepare early."

After a major reorganization, the full strength of a tactical corps is about 5,000 people.

Four tactical corps would require at least 20,000 men.

In addition, there are the battle group's direct subordinate troops, plus the reserve forces.

At least 25,000 people are needed.

This is not a small number. Currently, the battle group only has about 12,000 soldiers, not even half of that.

Now that we have a stable rear base, conscription work is bound to be successful.

Zhao Fangyuan added: "Then, sir, how should Chu Yunfei's reserve tactical corps be allocated?"

The Nanjing government's transfer order has been issued to transfer the North China Battle Group from the 14th Army Group to the Fifth War Zone.

Assigned to the troops directly under the theater.

It was obvious that they were preparing for the war of resistance on the Jinpu Line.

The famous Battle of Taierzhuang and the Battle of Xuzhou broke out here.

Compared to Shanxi.

Huaihai and other places are flat, and the highest point on the map is only over 200 meters.

In the Taihang Mountains or Luliang Mountains, this altitude is no different from a small dirt slope.

Wang Feng shook his head: "Just follow the original plan to expand normally."

In plain warfare, mechanized troops are more suitable than mountain troops.

Previously, due to the lack of a stable rear base and independent industrial production capabilities, the so-called mountain troops were no different from ordinary troops.

But now stationing troops in Changzhi and looting the Taiyuan Arsenal is risky, but it is a safe way to gain a certain industrial foundation.

It is possible to carry out independent production of weapons.

Produce some mountain cannons, lightweight cannons and other weapons unique to mountain troops.

Create a real mountain tactical corps.

Moreover, Wang Feng discovered that the long-forgotten [National Policy Tree] function had undergone some new changes after the Taiyuan Arsenal incident.

Currently, the system panel has unlocked so many functions. If we talk about which one is the most commonly used, the three-dimensional combat map deserves to be ranked first.

The [National Policy Tree] function is the least commonly used thing.

If it weren't for this, Wang Feng would have almost forgotten about him.

The next level of the "Mountain Infantry Development" branch has already appeared. Although it will not be unlocked until the Arsenal fully resumes production, the option information on the "National Policy Tree" can already be seen.

They are two completely different paths.

[More specialized mountain infantry] or [More general mountain infantry]

[The above two national policies can be unlocked at the same time]

Looking at the information on the options, Wang Feng was secretly shocked.

Aren't they mutually exclusive options?

"I know this question!"

The two national policy options are not difficult to understand.

[More professional mountain infantry] is to further enhance the troops' mountain combat capabilities.

The [more versatile mountain infantry] will increase the troops' combat capabilities in different scenarios, making them more versatile.

As a military fan in his previous life, Wang Feng had a deeper understanding of these two mutually exclusive options.

In fact, the answer has been given by later generations.

What India and other countries have developed is [more professional mountain infantry], stationing mountain troops in specific areas to perform specific military tasks.

But the United States is different.

The route is [more universal mountain infantry].

It can also be understood as an elite route.

For example, the US 10th Mountain Division.

Although it was named a mountain division, with the development of time, its combat range expanded from mountains to cities and other areas.

It is affiliated with the Airborne Force and has strong rapid response capabilities.

In other words.

One line corresponds to large-scale cluster corps combat, and the other line corresponds to high-intensity tactical penetration.

Wang Feng scratched his head.

The specific effects of the two national policy trees are not yet visible, and we can only get a glimpse of them after they are officially opened and unlocked.

Mountain troops are widely used in China. In addition to Shanxi, the vast hilly areas in the south are also suitable for mountain troops to show their strength.

The next day.

Huang Shaohong officially arrived in Changzhi County.

After learning that Wang Feng did not live in the courtyard prepared in advance, but chose to stay temporarily in the military camp, he couldn't help feeling a little surprised.

The problem of corruption is particularly serious in today's society. Huang Shaohong, who served in both the military and political terms, has a deep understanding of this.

Under military rule, corruption in the military is more serious than in the political world.

I have long heard that the troops under Wang Feng's command have strict military discipline, food and wages are paid on time, and they never withhold the pensions that the sacrificed soldiers deserve.

I didn't expect that the same is true in personal style.

Outside the military camp in the east of the city.

After Huang Shaohong arrived in Changzhi, he did not rush to the newly established capital administrative office immediately, but went to the military camp in the east of the city.

Inside the office.

Wang Feng introduced them to Huang Shaohong one by one: "Look at this stone, Taihu stone, named after the Taihu Lake where it is produced. It is very beautiful!"

"And that, Lingbi Stone, if I remember correctly, should be produced in Anhui."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, it really comes from afar!"

"You said that they have the transportation capacity to transport such heavy stones from the south, but why can't they transport weapons and ammunition?"

Wang Feng shook his head and sighed.

Huang Shaohong smiled and said, "Commander Wang, I just took office, so don't make fun of me."

Wang Feng: "How can you say that? From now on, you will be in charge of government and I will be in charge of the army. We are partners. How can I joke with you?"

Huang Shaohong laughed awkwardly.

Of course he knew that Wang Feng was not talking about him, but was indirectly criticizing the Nanjing government behind him for its ineffective combat and serious corruption.

It could also be a way of venting dissatisfaction.

He also just received the news.

Without giving any prior notice, Chiang Kai-shek used the excuse that the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions were adjacent to the war zone and were fraught with danger.

The resolution to promote him to the position of provincial governor was urgently stopped.

A resolution was immediately proposed to transfer him to Changzhi to serve as director of the administrative office.

He was actually demoted.

Although he seemed to be in charge of the government, his main task was actually to monitor Wang Feng.

No one could accept being demoted from a high-ranking official to being in charge of a small city.

Although Huang Shaohong was deeply dissatisfied with this, he had no choice but to accept it.

Supreme Commander, you are acting on impulse.
Since we are here, we should make the best of it. Huang Shaohong was not entirely pessimistic about this appointment.

The troops stationed in Changzhi were none other than Wang Feng's North China Battle Group.

Huang Shaohong still has a good impression of this army.

Wang Feng sat on the chair and talked about business: "In my opinion, if we want to govern Changzhi well, the most urgent thing is to solve the problem of official administration."

As he spoke, he pointed at the strange stones, calligraphy and paintings in the house.

Huang Shaohong nodded. Everyone understood the principle, but there were many unspeakable difficulties in actually doing it.

After thinking for a while, he said, "Commander Wang may not know that bureaucratic corruption has a long history and has become a trend that is difficult to reverse. Even if we try every possible means, we can only curb it and want to eradicate it."

"It's hard!"

Wang Feng frowned: "Can't it be eradicated at all?"

He hated these things to the extreme.

I still remember that when I played "Tightrope" in my previous life, the first thing I did after accumulating enough political points was to adjust the degree of corruption.

Huang Shaohong shook his head: "Unless Commander Wang is willing to sacrifice himself."

Wang Feng leaned forward and asked, "Excuse me, how do you cut it off?"

Huang Shaohong was slightly surprised. He didn't expect the other party to answer so straightforwardly.

"According to my countermeasures, nearly half of the officials in Changzhi alone are involved in corruption."

"If we arrest everyone, how will the government continue to work?"

Wang Feng responded.

It seems that the two have the same idea.
What really hinders the two from dealing with corrupt officials is that the impact of timing is a bit severe, which may cause a shutdown.

As for the forces behind it
Stop making trouble.

Huang Shaohong was not a direct official of the Nanjing government, but his status was not bad either, and was not comparable to that of any ordinary person.

This is especially true for Wang Feng.

The troops under his command were stationed in Changzhi, and there were two stars on his collar badge.

It's about status and rights.

The only ones higher than them were the warlords.

Even with the combined efforts of these two great Buddhas, they may not be able to handle the corruption in several small counties.

That would be really embarrassing.

Wang Feng frowned: "Then arrest a group now?"

Huang Shaohong: “No.”

"Small county towns are not like big cities. In short, things are very complicated. The smaller the plate, the easier it is for one move to affect the whole body."

Wang Feng suddenly realized.

In his previous life, when he was in high school, he had read "Rural China" many times, although he could no longer remember the details of the content.

But I still remember the specific meaning.

Sometimes, the smaller the place, the harder it is to solve a problem.

Wang Feng touched the pistol pouch at his waist.

Huang Shaohong: "This matter cannot be taken lightly, we need to think about it carefully."

"First recruit minor officials from the public, so that they can gradually become familiar with government work and quickly fill vacancies when necessary."

Wang Feng nodded: "That's the only way."

"One more thing."

“It’s the water problem.”

Huang Shaohong smiled and praised: "Chief Wang and Huang arrived in Changzhi one after another."

"I never expected that Commander Wang had made so many preparations in advance. I feel ashamed of myself, really ashamed of myself!"

(End of this chapter)