The War of Resistance Against Japan: Starting with a Calm View of Life and Death

When Zhou Jindong heard the eight words "to grow bigger and stronger and create new glories," an unknown person involuntarily flashed into his mind.

There's always a strange sense of humor about it.

He tried hard to keep his smile from getting too wide, but the excitement in his eyes was impossible to hide.

He leaned closer: "Minister Li, do you mean what you said? What if we bring the people here, and then the higher-ups deny it?"

Minister Li was amused by his earnestness and thought that the young man was not only courageous but also quite thoughtful.

He looked around and saw that apart from Wang Yuan and a few team members who were packing their things in the distance, no one else was paying special attention to this side. So he leaned forward slightly, making a gesture as if he were revealing a secret.

He brought his mouth close to Zhou Jindong's ear and whispered, "Comrade Zhou, don't worry. I, Li, always keep my word."

To be honest, I came to the countryside to recuperate, and on the surface I claimed to be the minister of the Eighth Route Army's arsenal, but in reality I was the deputy chief of staff of the Eighth Route Army Headquarters.

"I can handle this. If you encounter any practical difficulties in the future that require coordination and support from higher authorities, feel free to come to me!"

His words were half true and half false. The position was real, of course, but the main reason he made such a readily available promise of expansion was that he felt that Zhou Jindong's request was not a "request" at all.

With guns, it's natural to recruit people, and with recruits, there's a need for official positions. This is almost a matter of course, and he simply doesn't believe that Dongzhai Town can recruit more people than he expected.

Therefore, he agreed very readily, making it seem as if he both valued talent and supported grassroots development.

Upon hearing the title "Deputy Chief of Staff of the General Staff Department," Zhou Jindong felt even more at ease; this was a high enough rank!

But he was still not completely at ease, and his eyes darted around: "Minister Li, I feel much more at ease with what you've said. However... words are not enough, could you... leave us a note?"

Having it in black and white will ensure that other comrades in the guerrilla force, as well as any higher authorities involved in the future, are aware of this policy.

Otherwise, if I just say it, I'm afraid people won't believe me, and I'm also afraid of causing trouble for you, the leader.

Minister Li paused for a moment, then pointed at Zhou Jindong and laughed: "You, Zhou Jindong, you're quite cunning! Fine! Since you asked, I'll write one for you! Consider it my formal support and expectation for your Dongzhai guerrilla force!"

He found the young man meticulous and interesting, and instead of feeling offended, he admired him even more.

Without hesitation, he looked around.

Wang Yuan had already cleverly run into the town hall next door, which was not yet completely tidied up, and quickly brought back half a relatively clean sheet of rough-edged paper and a brush, and then pulled out a small half bottle of ink from some corner.

Minister Li took the paper and pen, used an overturned broken basket as a table, pondered for a moment, and then began to write quickly.

He writes very quickly, with a touch of the vigor of a soldier.

The content agreed that, given the current sufficient supplies and self-defense needs, the Dongzhai guerrillas could, based on their own development capabilities, expand their ranks at their discretion without seeking additional personnel or supplies from higher authorities.

The expanded unit was officially recognized and its organizational structure was officially approved, and his name and the date were signed at the end.

After finishing writing, he blew on the ink on the paper and handed it to Zhou Jindong: "Here, take it. Are you relieved now?"

Zhou Jindong took the paper with both hands, quickly glanced at its contents, especially the signature at the end, and felt a huge weight lifted from his heart.

His face instantly lit up with an admiring smile as he carefully folded the paper in half, opened the inner flap of his cotton-padded jacket, and meticulously stuffed it into the innermost pocket.

He even pressed it down with his hand to make sure it wouldn't fall out, repeatedly saying, "I'm relieved! Completely relieved! Thank you, Minister Li! Your handwriting is so spirited and powerful! You're clearly a learned and capable leader!"

He's a true admirer. Good heavens, the way he signed that note is just as impressive as the blank documents that leaders in some TV dramas use to sign for gun requisition!

He naturally wanted to provide ample emotional support, and Minister Li, finding it agreeable, smiled and shook his head.

After carefully keeping the receipt, Zhou Jindong felt relieved and immediately began to think about how to repay this unexpected joy.

His gaze shifted to the pile of spoils, landing on the two grenade launchers.

This thing is good, but nobody knows how to use it now, so keeping it is just for decoration for the time being.

His eyes lit up, and he said to Minister Li, "Minister Li, since you're so supportive of us, we can't just stand by and do nothing. We captured two grenade launchers this time, but none of us in the guerrillas know how to use them, so keeping them is a waste."

I think sending you one, along with the matching shells, would be a small way for our guerrillas to support our superiors. It might also be of some research and reference value to the arsenal.

"You'll find it much more useful back in the border region."

Minister Li's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this. Grenade launchers were valuable items, and light infantry accompanied by artillery were a rare commodity even within the Eighth Route Army.

The arsenal has indeed been trying to research and replicate it; having another physical reference is of great value.

He didn't expect Zhou Jindong to be so sensible, not forgetting his superior when there were benefits to be had.

The more he looked at Zhou Jindong, the more pleasing he became. Of course, this had absolutely nothing to do with his father healing his injuries.

Minister Li's smile widened, and he patted Zhou Jindong's arm: "Good! Comrade Zhou Jindong, it's good that you have this intention! I'll shamelessly accept this as a contribution from your guerrilla team to the revolutionary cause! However, I can't take your things for nothing."

He turned around and waved to a fit young man who had been silently following a few steps behind him: "Xiao Liu, come here!"

The guard named Xiao Liu immediately jogged over and stood at attention: "Sir!"

Minister Li pointed to the grenade launcher on the ground and the shell box next to it, and said to Zhou Jindong and Wang Yuan: "This is my bodyguard Liu Meng. Before joining the army, he used to play with homemade cannons in his hometown. After joining the army, he learned from the old gunners in the unit. He is very familiar with grenade launchers and is quite accurate."

So let him play the role of the master craftsman for a while. Today, let's make the most of the time and pick out a few of the brightest members of your guerrilla team to teach them how to use this thing!

Although you won't become a master overnight, at least you should know how to use it and how to fight. Otherwise, you might get good equipment but not know how to use it, and end up hurting yourself instead!

Zhou Jindong and Wang Yuan were overjoyed to hear this.

It's like someone just sent you a pillow when you're sleepy!

They were worried that no one would know how to play with this lump of iron.

Zhou Jindong quickly saluted Minister Li and said loudly, "Thank you so much, Minister Li! This is truly a timely help! We will definitely learn from you!"

Wang Yuan grinned and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Liu Meng: "Comrade Liu, you've worked hard! Just let me know if you need anything!"

Minister Li waved his hand: "Alright, enough with the formalities. Let's get started. Xiao Liu, just follow the instructions of Deputy Captain Zhou and Captain Wang, find a suitable place, and get to teaching."

Liu Meng answered crisply and decisively, "Yes, sir!"

Then he turned to Zhou Jindong and Wang Yuan, "Deputy Captain Zhou, Captain Wang, please make the arrangements. It would be best to find a more open place, away from the villagers."

Wang Yuan nodded immediately, then turned and shouted to the group that was collecting the spoils of war, "Zhuzi! Taozi! Shuisheng! You three, come here! And call... Sanniu! You guys, come with me! Let's learn how to fire artillery from this Comrade Liu!"

Shui Sheng and the others were immediately excited when they heard that they would be learning how to fire cannons.

Although Zhou Jindong knew how to tinker with it, the original owner of this body didn't, so he naturally pretended to be very interested.

After all, throughout history, those who aren't enthusiastic about firing cannons have a problem with their thinking!

However, he is also preparing to properly establish his image as a genius!

Because he suddenly made a new discovery!

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