Liang Jian: Commander, save some for me

If they could establish a connection with Mu Jin earlier, their relationship with him might be better, and he might even join them in the future.

“Commander, that’s probably unlikely. Even if we had known Mu Jin earlier, he wouldn’t have gotten along with us. Don’t forget why he left his original unit,” Chu Yunfei said.

Mu Jin probably disliked them for a long time. If it weren't for the fact that they were also a unit fighting the Japanese, he probably wouldn't have paid any attention to them.

"Sigh...that's true." Commander Zhang sighed, feeling it was still a bit of a pity.

"At present, it seems that Mu Jin will not join them, but the possibility is still quite high in the future. I just hope that if the two sides become enemies, he will go easy on him because of our past friendship," Fang Ligong said.

Mu Jin's current decision not to join doesn't mean he won't join in the future.

"Speaking of which, besides wanting to break the Japanese blockade, they probably have other purposes for deciding to launch such a large-scale operation over there," Chu Yunfei said, changing the subject to the large-scale operation launched by the other side.

"That's right. Didn't launching such a large-scale operation expose their strength? That person is very wary of them and has been trying to restrict their development and prevent them from growing stronger."
But development over there hasn't slowed down, and the number of people is increasing. Not only does that person not know how many there are, but even we don't know! Fang Ligong was also puzzled by this.

Although they were in the same war zone as the Eighth Route Army, they did not know exactly how many people the Eighth Route Army had grown to.

However, by choosing to launch such a large-scale battle, they are essentially exposing their own strength.

"Yes, it's fine if their numbers don't grow much, but if they get too many, that person will probably have trouble sleeping." Commander Zhang could also imagine that if their growth far exceeded expectations, that person would be restless and unable to eat or sleep.

"But the division commander and his men must have considered these factors when launching such a large-scale operation, yet they still did it."
It's estimated that seeing the unfavorable situation, many high-ranking Nationalist soldiers wanted to negotiate peace with the Japanese. Therefore, they launched this major battle to prevent them from having the opportunity to negotiate, and also to give the people at home hope, further bolstering their confidence in fighting the Japanese.
"They're thinking from a broader perspective." Chu Yunfei slowly revealed his guess.

“What you said is indeed true. In fact, Commander Yan is quite wary of them as well,” Commander Zhang nodded and said.

After all, the continued development over there might one day threaten the Jin-Sui Army.

“Actually, I think that with Mu Jin around now, he is even more of a threat. Once he joins the Eighth Route Army, we probably won’t have any chance of winning.” Fang Ligong brought up Mu Jin again at this point.

As soon as the words were spoken, Chu Yunfei and Commander Zhang fell silent. Although Fang Ligong's words were meant to boost the morale of others and diminish their own, there was nothing wrong with what he said.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this now, we can discuss it later." Commander Zhang waved his hand, not wanting to discuss the topic anymore, because he really couldn't think of any way to defeat Mu Jin.

After all, this is something even the Japanese couldn't do, let alone them. The key point is that this time, Mu Jin saw through the Japanese's plan and even turned the tables on the Japanese!
It seems the Japanese are definitely going to suffer.

"How about we tell the Japanese about Mu Jin's plan?!" Qian Bojun, who was following behind, suddenly said.

"What did you say?!" Chu Yunfei's face darkened.

Commander Zhang and Fang Ligong also looked at Qian Bojun in surprise.

"If we tell the Japanese about the plan, Mu Jin will be in big trouble. Didn't he say the Japanese have a secret unit?"

With a Class A division stationed there, even if Mu Jin is incredibly skilled, he probably won't be able to escape. And we'll be fighting another Japanese brigade at the time, so even if Mu Jin isn't wiped out, we certainly won't be suspected!" Qian Bojun hadn't noticed the strange expressions on the others' faces and was still talking to himself.

He became more and more excited as he talked, feeling that the plan would definitely work.

"Qian Bojun, do you really think your plan will work?! Will the Japanese believe it?! They might think it's a trap and won't believe it at all."

"They might even leak the information to others, mocking Mu Jin's methods as mediocre. What do you think will happen to us then!" Chu Yunfei said with a gloomy face.

He couldn't help but recall Mu Jin's warning: Qian Bojun was a businessman who valued profit above all else, and might betray him under some circumstances.

But now it seems that Qian Bojun has no intention of betraying him, but rather wants to betray Mu Jin.

"Commander, think about it. Even the Japanese are wary of Mu Jin. Don't you think we are too?! So, the Japanese are more likely to believe him!" Qian Bojun said.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Mu Jin is the biggest threat now. As long as we get rid of him, everything will be fine!
Upon hearing this, Commander Zhang was momentarily tempted. To be honest, the pressure Mu Jin exerted on them was indeed stronger than that of the Japanese.

They were confident in fighting the Japanese, but their chances of winning against Mu Jin were slim, unless the Eighth Route Army refused to help Mu Jin, but even then, there was only a very small chance of victory.

"Besides, even if Mu Jin isn't wiped out, he'll definitely suffer heavy losses, which will weaken their fighting power. It will take them much longer to recover their original numbers," Qian Bojun continued.

Mu Jin is too strong now; defeating them would be effortless for him, not to mention the Eighth Route Army would be there to help him.

“But what if Mu Jin isn’t dead and comes out alive? What if he notices and attacks us directly?” Chu Yunfei continued.

"They have no evidence, so why would they attack us?" Qian Bojun said dismissively.

"Do you think Mu Jin, after sacrificing so many lives, would give us evidence?! We'd probably be torn to shreds on the spot!" Chu Yunfei said with a cold laugh.

The reason Mu Jin was so cautious in battle was because he didn't want too many soldiers to die or be wounded. If Mu Jin found out that their deaths and injuries were due to someone informing on them, and that it was most likely them, then they would be in big trouble.

"This..." Qian Bojun fell silent upon hearing this. If Mu Jin really did that, they would be in big trouble.

"Let's leave it at that. Don't say anything more, and don't even think about it anymore," Commander Zhang said hurriedly. He didn't want to be killed by Mu Jin instead of the Japanese; that would be too unlucky.

"Yes! Commander, I was only thinking of the Jin-Sui Army, I have absolutely no ulterior motives!" Qian Bojun nodded and tried to explain, but after realizing that his life might be in danger, he no longer dared to have any thoughts of informing.

"I understand. In the future, you should think twice before acting on matters concerning Mu Jin and not be too impulsive. Don't make decisions on your own!" Commander Zhang instructed, fearing that Qian Bojun might act on his own and harm them.

He didn't doubt Qian Bojun at all, after all, he was the one who first said he was very wary of Mu Jin, and Qian Bojun was just trying to share their burdens.

"Understood," Qian Bojun replied. He didn't dare to act on his own; what if he got killed?

"Then you all eat first. Just stay put for the next couple of days and wait for Mu Jin's notification. I'm going to get some sleep now." After saying that, Commander Zhang quickly left.

Chu Yunfei and the others went to get something to eat. While Qian Bojun went to get something, Fang Ligong spoke up.

"Commander, I have a feeling that Qian Bojun has a rebellious streak. Will this guy harm us in the future?" Fang Ligong felt a chill run down his spine. Qian Bojun, someone who might betray his allies at any moment, was far too dangerous.

Although he was wary of Mu Jin, he never thought of betraying Mu Jin and letting the Japanese attack him.

"Should we find an opportunity to..." Fang Ligong added, making a throat-slitting gesture.

"It's a bit too early to talk about this now. His original intention was for the good of the Jin-Sui Army, so let's wait and see," Chu Yunfei said. In any case, Qian Bojun did not betray them.

Therefore, Qian Bojun should not have been killed.

"Commander, I'm afraid it will be too late by then," Fang Ligong said.

"I don't think Qian Bojun would betray us. As for your concerns, they're not entirely unfounded. So, just have someone keep an eye on him secretly," Chu Yunfei replied. After all, Qian Bojun had been with him for many years!
Moreover, he hasn't done anything outrageous, so Qian Bojun shouldn't be sentenced to death directly!
"Commander, if Qian Bojun really betrays us later, you won't be able to bring yourself to do it, will you?!" Fang Ligong asked. He knew that Qian Bojun had followed Chu Yunfei for many years, which was why he disagreed with him taking action prematurely.

"If he really betrays us and joins the Japanese, I will kill him myself!" Chu Yunfei said, his face filled with murderous intent.

He would spare Qian Bojun even if he betrayed them and joined the Eighth Route Army, but if he joined the Japanese, he would not hesitate for a second because that was his bottom line, and anyone who crossed it would die!

"With the commander's words, I'm relieved." Fang Ligong nodded. Chu Yunfei's word was his bond; if Qian Bojun dared to betray them and join the Japanese, he would surely die.

.........

Meanwhile, Li Jin also had the reconnaissance company secretly keep an eye on the situation of the 358th Regiment.

When Li Yunlong realized what was going on, he and Zhao Gang came over to ask what was happening.

“I’m worried that someone in the 358th Regiment might inform on us to the Japanese, so for safety’s sake, we have to keep an eye on them.” Li Jin didn’t hide anything and told them directly.

"What?! That can't be right, can it? Who do you think would betray us?!" Li Yunlong asked in shock.

"Well, I think Qian Bojun is very likely to be the one," Li Jin thought for a moment and then mentioned Qian Bojun.

“Qian Bojun?! That battalion commander?!” Li Yunlong said.

"Mm." Li Jin nodded.

“Speaking of Qian Bojun, I also think he has some minor issues. During battles, he likes to hide in the back,” Zhao Gang added.

“Old Zhao, what you’re saying is that other officers in the National Revolutionary Army also liked to hide in the back, not just Qian Bojun,” Li Yunlong said with a smile.

Wouldn't it be too hasty to conclude that Qian Bojun has a problem based on this alone?

"Li Jin, what makes you think there's something wrong with him?!" Li Yunlong asked.

"I had a feeling that this person wasn't the kind who would stay on the sidelines fighting the Japanese forever." Of course, Li Jin wouldn't say that Qian Bojun would definitely betray them in the future.

"I feel..." Li Yunlong fell silent for a moment. Judging someone's problem based solely on feelings is a bit hasty, but Li Jin's feelings seemed to indicate that there was nothing wrong with him.

"Whether it's him or not, it's good to keep an eye on the 358th Regiment. But don't let them find out, or this cooperation will probably fall through." Zhao Gang didn't care about that. Being cautious for safety's sake was perfectly fine.

“That’s right. Since they’re not one of our own, it’s better to be cautious.” Li Yunlong agreed. Regardless of whether Qian Bojun has any problems or not, we just need to keep an eye on him.

…………

386th Brigade, Conference Room.

"Commander, all units are now in position and are just waiting for the 20th to arrive before we move out," the political commissar said to the commander as he entered.

"Well, how are the preparations going with the 771st and 772nd Regiments?!" The commander nodded and then asked.
The ones under the most pressure right now are the 771st and 772nd Regiments, especially the 772nd Regiment, which has to face more Japanese troops.

"They are all ready. The 772nd Regiment has already drawn up the battle plan and is just waiting for the time to strike," the political commissar replied.

The 772nd Regiment began formulating its combat plan the very day the rotation was completed.

"That's fine. Tell them that as long as they display the flags of the New First Regiment and the Independent Regiment, the Japanese will think that these two regiments are still in their garrison area."

"If we can't withstand the Japanese attack, we can choose to retreat," the commander said slowly.

The purpose of these two regiments was to lull the Japanese into a false sense of security, making them believe that both regiments were still in service, so that Li Jin's plan could proceed smoothly.

"Understood!" the political commissar replied.

"Now that Li Jin and the others have reunited, we just need to confuse the 772nd and 771st Regiments. This mission is very important," the commander couldn't help but say again.

The missions of the two regiments are of utmost importance, and there can be no mistakes.

"Sir, I don't think there will be any major problems. After all, the Japanese don't know we're about to launch an operation."
"Otherwise, our plan would probably fall through before it even begins," the political commissar laughed. Their move was a complete surprise to the Japanese; how could the Japanese have imagined they'd dare launch such a large-scale operation?

"Don't be too careless. As long as Li Jin's plan goes smoothly, the Japanese will suffer heavy losses. In this way, Li Jin and his men will be able to attract even more Japanese soldiers."

This will make the operations of other units go more smoothly. The commander's expression was serious because Li Jin's side was of utmost importance, which is why he repeatedly gave instructions.

"That's true. The Japanese have three Class A divisions, so the pressure on other units is still quite significant." The political commissar nodded in agreement.

Other units don't have the same combat power as the special operations regiment. If they were to fight against a Class A Japanese division, the pressure would be immense. Therefore, Li Jin had to be sent to draw the main firepower.

(End of this chapter)