Bright Sword: The Flowers of War

Chapter 203 Construction
About 18 kilometers east of Wutai County, there is a winding river that locals call the "Nine-Bend River".

On the south bank of the river lies a vast, untouched wasteland. This wasteland is relatively flat, with firm soil, and more importantly, it is not surrounded by many towering mountains, offering a wide view. In Su Yaoyang's words, it would be a real shame not to use such a good place to build an airport.

Since Su Yaoyang decided to take John's advice and risk airlifting that group of valuable pilots and technicians from Hong Kong, building an airport capable of handling large transport aircraft has become the most important and urgent task for the Shanxi militia.

These days, the usually desolate and quiet banks of the Jiuqu River have suddenly become bustling with activity and lively.

Tens of thousands of local people, organized and mobilized by the Shanxi militia, gathered here from all directions, carrying hoes and shovels, pushing wheelbarrows, and driving stone rollers pulled by oxen and horses.

Encouraged by the availability of ocean resources and food supplies, more than 10,000 local residents devoted themselves to this massive airport construction project.

In an instant, the wasteland was bustling with people.

The people were enthusiastic and full of energy.

Using the most primitive tools, they leveled the land, clearing away weeds and stones, hoe by hoe. Loud work chants echoed across the open fields.

In addition to a large number of manpower, the engineering battalion under Su Yaoyang's command also played a key role.

The engineering battalion was equipped with more than a dozen large excavators and bulldozers. These heavy engineering machines, which were extremely rare in inland China at the time, played an irreplaceable role in the construction of the airport, even though their numbers were not large.

These steel behemoths roared deafeningly as they used their massive buckets and bulldozer blades to quickly level the uneven ground, greatly accelerating the progress of the project.

The truck convoy of the motor transport company was also busy, working day and night to transport truckloads of building materials such as steel bars, cement, and sand from the rear warehouse to the construction site.

Under the guidance of the engineers, the foundations of simple but sturdy barracks, control towers, fuel depots, and ammunition depots began to rise from the ground.

The airport's core... the runway, is the most important part of the entire project.

Based on the takeoff and landing parameters of transport aircraft such as the DC-3 provided by John, and the professional advice that Doolittle and others might offer (communicated via telegram), Pierre and the officers of the engineer battalion meticulously planned the length, width, and orientation of the runway.

Ultimately, they decided to build two main runways and four short runways specifically for fighter jets, forming a "two long and four short" runway network to cope with different wind directions and emergencies.

These runways stretch into the distance at an astonishing speed.

The people used their sweat and hands to repeatedly compact and flatten the roadbed, which was a mixture of gravel and soil. Some key road surfaces were even reinforced with thick layers of steel bars and cement to increase their load-bearing capacity and durability.

Su Yaoyang knew that this matter was of great importance and could not be taken lightly. He temporarily put aside his other work and personally came to the airport construction site on the banks of the Jiuqu River to take charge and direct the work.

Braving the scorching autumn sun, he patrolled the dusty construction site, inspecting the quality of the project and resolving any problems he encountered immediately.

Seeing their own boss personally going to the front line, sharing the joys and sorrows with everyone, and even paying out of his own pocket to provide extra meals for everyone, Spam luncheon meat ensured that every young and strong person involved in the airport construction could eat it.

Seeing that there was even meat to eat, the migrant workers put in their best effort and worked day and night. As the older workers would say, "The boss is treating us to meat. Anyone who dares to dawdle or slack off will be struck by lightning."

With the joint efforts of the military and civilians, the airport runway is extending outwards at a speed that is almost visible to the naked eye.

Standing on a makeshift earthen slope, Su Yaoyang gazed at the bustling construction scene before him, his heart filled with emotion and anticipation.

He knew that this airport not only carried his dream of building a powerful air force, but also concerned the future development of the entire Shanxi militia and the safety of Wutai County.

As long as the plane can arrive smoothly, those "foreigners" from the United States will be able to give his troops wings to take off.

Just as Su Yaoyang was focused on the airport construction and looking forward to good news from Hong Kong, Chief of Staff Pi Ruoyu hurriedly found him and brought news that surprised everyone present.

"Commander-in-Chief!" Pi Ruoyu's expression was grave. He lowered his voice and whispered in Su Yaoyang's ear, "We just received news from Wuhan... Something terrible has happened there!"

Su Yaoyang's heart tightened, and he gestured for him to continue.

Pi Ruoyu took a deep breath and slowly said, "The Japanese Lieutenant General Ushijima Sanetsune, whom we handed over to the Second War Zone in preparation for being sent to Wuhan for public display... is dead!"

"What?!" Upon hearing this, Su Yaoyang's eyebrows shot up sharply, a look of astonishment flashing in his eyes. Several militia officers who were reporting their work nearby also stopped what they were doing and looked at Pi Ruoyu in surprise.

Pi Ruoyu continued, "According to reports from Wuhan, the plane carrying Ushijima Saneatsu was attacked by a bomb shortly after arriving at Wuhan Airport, on its way from the airport to the press conference venue."

It is said that someone planted a powerful explosive on the roadside beforehand, which blew up the car carrying Ushijima Minoru into the air.

Ushijima Sanetsune...along with the dozens of Kuomintang agents escorting him, were all killed instantly, their bodies never recovered, not a single survivor! "Hiss..."

Upon hearing this news, Su Yaoyang and everyone present gasped in unison.

This news was so sudden and shocking! It's unbelievable that a high-ranking Japanese general, who was about to be publicly displayed, was so easily killed in the heavily guarded capital of the Nationalist-controlled area, under the protection of dozens of elite agents!
Pi Ruoyu's face revealed an indescribable expression as he continued, "It is said that this incident caused the Nationalist government to lose face. When the Chairman learned of the news, he was so angry that he smashed a cup on the spot and cursed loudly, which shook the entire city of Wuhan. Now, Chinese and foreign journalists are in an uproar, and there are all sorts of speculations. Chongqing has ordered a thorough investigation, but it is estimated that it will be a muddled mess."

Su Yaoyang remained silent for a moment, his eyes becoming somewhat profound.

He slowly shook his head, his tone carrying a barely perceptible hint of sarcasm and感慨: "It seems... the National Government has long been infiltrated by various forces, like a sieve..."

Upon hearing this, the other militia cadres present all nodded in agreement.

One operations staff officer couldn't help but say, "Yes, Commander! They can't even protect such important prisoners on their own turf. That shows how chaotic their internal management is! There are all sorts of possibilities: Japanese and puppet regime spies, sabotage by traitors, and even infighting within their own ranks!"

Another staff officer also analyzed: "The death of Ushijima Minoru is a loss of a bargaining chip for us, but it is also a relief to have one less troublesome person."

However, this incident shows that the waters over there are very deep! We must be extremely careful when dealing with them in the future.

Su Yaoyang nodded slightly, his gaze once again fixed on the airport under construction in the distance.

Ushijima Minoru's death, while unexpected, strengthened his resolve to build a powerful force entirely under his control.

Relying on others is ultimately unreliable.

Only by firmly grasping one's own destiny can one remain invincible in this chaotic world.

"Give me the order!"

Su Yaoyang said in a deep voice, "The construction progress of the airport cannot be relaxed in the slightest! It must reach the standard of being able to take off and land large transport aircraft in the shortest possible time! At the same time, strengthen the security around the airport and strictly prevent any infiltration and sabotage by enemy agents!"

Lu Shaobin, the recruitment work for the airport garrison and the two newly added regiments must be expedited and completed before the Spring Festival!

"Yes, Commander!" everyone responded in unison.

Ushijima Minoru's death was like a pebble thrown into a lake, causing a ripple in Su Yaoyang's heart, but it was quickly submerged by the larger wave of airport construction.

For him, the most important thing right now is to welcome the "hope" that is about to fall from the sky.

As for the filth and chaos in the Nationalist-controlled areas, he had no time to worry about it for the time being, nor did he bother to investigate it further.

He only knew that he had to forge his own path, step by step. And this airport on the banks of the winding river was an important step for him toward his future.

After giving the order, Su Yaoyang was about to go back when he suddenly stopped. He seemed to have forgotten something very important, but he couldn't remember it for a moment.

After arranging all the matters related to the airport construction, and giving Pi Ruoyu and the head of the engineering battalion a few instructions on the technical points and safety issues of runway construction, Su Yaoyang rubbed his throbbing temples and prepared to return to the command post to deal with the backlog of military affairs.

However, just as he took a step, a thought flashed through his mind, and he abruptly stopped! "Damn it! How could I have forgotten about that!"

Su Yaoyang slapped his forehead, a look of annoyance on his face.

He suddenly realized that he had been so focused on accelerating the construction of the airport that he had overlooked a crucial issue—preparing the aircraft for the American pilots who were about to arrive from afar!
Airports are nests, airplanes are birds.

Without airplanes, no matter how well the airport is built, those precious pilots can only stare blankly, their talents wasted.

If they arrive in Wutai County after traveling thousands of miles, only to find that there isn't even a decent combat aircraft there, wouldn't that be a huge joke?
This will not only utterly disappoint them, but will also severely damage their enthusiasm and their trust in the Shanxi militia.

"How foolish I am! I'm so foolish!"

Su Yaoyang cursed himself inwardly.

During this period, he was busy with fighting, construction, and handling various affairs within the base area. He was overwhelmed with tasks and neglected such a crucial link.

Fortunately, I remembered now; it's not too late.

(End of this chapter)