Courtyard House: Home Alone

"Brother Lin, do you think the regimental commander's 'sowing seeds' method will really work?"

While eating, Wei Dayong asked with some concern, "Are those brothers who went out able to raise their own ranks?"

Lin Yifan smiled confidently: "Brother Wei, don't worry. Our soldiers are all excellent. They are courageous and conscientious. As long as they are given the opportunity, they will definitely be able to take root and grow stronger behind enemy lines."

At that time, the Independent Regiment will, just as Commander Li said, spread everywhere, catching the Japanese off guard!

Upon hearing Lin Yifan's words, Wei Dayong's eyes hardened: "Yes! I believe in you, Brother Lin, and I believe in the Regiment Commander! When we meet again, the Independent Regiment will definitely be a different place!"

After resting for about half an hour, the two mounted their horses again and continued their journey.

They rushed as fast as they could and finally arrived at headquarters before nightfall. After talking to the sentry at the village entrance, the monk and Lin Yifan led their respective mounts into the village.

Upon arriving at the headquarters, Wei Heshang explained the situation to the guards. After listening, the guards told them to wait at the entrance while they went inside to report.

A moment later, a hearty laugh came from the courtyard, and a tall, middle-aged man in a gray coarse cloth military uniform strode out. He had a resolute face and sharp eyes. He was none other than the deputy commander-in-chief of the Eighth Route Army and a founding father of the new China.

As soon as he saw Lin Yifan, he smiled and extended his hand: "Haha, you must be Comrade Lin Yifan! I've heard so much about you! Your father sent me several telegrams because of you. He called you a young hero and said you like my handwriting? Not bad, you have good taste! Hahaha...!"

Lin Yifan quickly stepped forward and gave a solemn salute: "Greetings, Commander! Junior Lin Yifan greets Commander!" His voice carried a youthful clarity, yet also revealed a composure beyond his years.

The leader patted his shoulder heartily, the force quite strong, yet it warmed Lin Yifan's heart. "No need for formalities! Come in quickly, it's windy outside." With that, he pulled Lin Yifan into the courtyard, showing no airs whatsoever.

"The gentleman praised you to the skies in the telegram, saying that despite your young age, you possess extraordinary talent, especially in your unique insights into the current war situation. I've been eagerly anticipating meeting you, this 'Little Zhuge Liang'!"

Lin Yifan was a little embarrassed by the praise and scratched his head: "You flatter me, sir. I've just read a few more books and have some immature ideas based on the current situation. I don't deserve such a high praise as 'world-class'."

"Oh? An immature idea?"

The leader raised an eyebrow, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes. "That's perfect. This old man loves to hear young people's 'immature ideas.' Come on in, let's have a good chat."

Wei Dayong handed the horse to the guard next to him and followed him in, but he consciously stood near the door, like a door god, guarding it vigilantly.

The commander's residence was very simple, an ordinary mud-brick house with an old wooden table, a few chairs, and a huge military map hanging on the wall, densely marked with various symbols and place names.

"Please sit wherever you like."

The leader pointed to the chair, then sat down in the main seat, picked up the enamel mug on the table, took a sip of water, and said, "Speak, Comrade Yifan, what are your thoughts on our current resistance in Shanxi? Or, do you have any 'immature ideas'? You can speak them out."

Lin Yifan didn't stand on ceremony and sat down opposite the leader. He knew that the person in front of him was a leader who could truly listen to opinions and had the world in his heart.

He gathered his thoughts and slowly said, "Commander, I believe that our army has achieved considerable success in carrying out guerrilla warfare behind enemy lines in Shanxi, North China, and Southern Jiangsu. This has effectively dealt a blow to the arrogance of the Japanese invaders and tied down a large number of Japanese troops."

However, we also face some difficulties, such as the replenishment of troops, the supply of materials, and the limitations on the development of our base areas.

The commander nodded, his expression grave: "You're right, these are all problems we urgently need to solve. Do you have any good suggestions?"

"On my way here, I discussed a method of 'sowing seeds' with Commander Li Yunlong."

Lin Yifan gave a detailed report to his superiors on the ideas he had previously discussed with Li Yunlong and Zhao Gang regarding decentralized development, mobilizing the masses, and independently carrying out guerrilla warfare.

"...Therefore, I believe that instead of concentrating our limited forces, we should break them down into smaller units, disperse our core forces to various regions, mobilize the masses, and establish small base areas, just like sowing seeds, allowing them to take root and sprout behind enemy lines, eventually forming a prairie fire."

The leader listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table unconsciously, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

After Lin Yifan finished speaking, he was silent for a moment, then suddenly slapped his thigh and said excitedly, "Great! What a wonderful idea to 'sow seeds'! What a wonderful idea to 'bloom everywhere'! Comrade Yifan, your idea has hit the nail on the head!"

He stood up, walked to the map, pointed to the Shanxi region, and said excitedly, "Look, this vast land of Shanxi, this continuous Taihang Mountains, is fertile ground for us to take root and grow! No matter how many Japanese soldiers there are, they can't possibly control every inch of land."

We must take advantage of this, sending our people deep into the countryside, integrating them with the common people, and plunging the Japanese invaders into a vast ocean of people's war!

The commander turned around and looked intently at Lin Yifan: "Your idea not only solves the problems of manpower and supplies, but more importantly, it is in line with our Party's consistent mass line and guerrilla warfare ideology."

This is a creative development! That simpleton Li Yunlong is truly fortunate to have a brother like you giving him advice!

Lin Yifan quickly replied, "You flatter me, Commander. It is because Commander Li and Political Commissar Zhao have such awareness and courage that I was able to offer a suggestion. I was just there because I happened to be there."

"No, you're too modest." The leader waved his hand. "Good advice can often achieve great results with minimal effort."

Your idea of ​​"sowing seeds" could have a profound impact on the overall situation of the War of Resistance against Japan in Shanxi and even the whole country if it could be promoted on a larger scale.

He pondered for a moment, then said, "Comrade Yifan, the gentleman specifically called to tell me that your main purpose in coming here this time is to escort a batch of airplanes and weapons and ammunition."

Our temporary airport is almost finished, and the hangars and supply warehouses are also nearly complete. We mobilized more than 5,000 people for this, all of whom were our soldiers.

I don't know where those planes and supplies are now, or if I need to send someone to pick them up.