20 years of the Republic of China

Chapter 830 The Great River [Part 2]

As Zhao Zhengbei entered the military tent, the Japanese advisors immediately stopped talking.

The group turned around, glanced at Beifeng's epaulets, smiled calmly, and then nodded and said a few words in Japanese.

Chang Nianci hurriedly stepped between the two sides and whispered, "Sir, let me introduce you. This is Major Horikawa of the Kwantung Army, this is Lieutenant Watanabe of the Independent Garrison, and this is Lieutenant Mizuno of the Fengtian Special Service Agency..."

Zhao Zhengbei didn't interrupt, but listened quietly. If the Japanese soldiers didn't salute, he wouldn't salute either.

This is not out of pettiness, but because wearing a military uniform means that he represents far more than just himself.

The Japanese sent an advisory group, intending to infiltrate every corner of the Fengtian Army, even taking charge of battalion-level affairs.

Horikawa, Watanabe, Mizuno...

Upon their first meeting, Zhao Zhengbei couldn't remember so many names, so he could only mentally mark them by their military ranks.

Among them, Major Horikawa was the oldest, with a slightly protruding jawline, and a rather composed demeanor, suggesting he was a veteran who had been through many battles.

In contrast, the other two seemed quite young and impatient, with a sense of urgency to make a name for themselves.

That's understandable; a soldier who doesn't want to be a general is definitely not a good soldier.

However, for Japanese people, it is a time of peace, so how easy is it to get promoted?

After listening quietly to Chang Nianci's introduction, Zhao Zhengbei saw that the Japanese soldier still did not intend to salute, so he simply stopped being polite and said directly, "We are grateful for your army's assistance, but this is my command post. Without my order, no outsiders are allowed to enter. Please leave as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Chang Nianci sensed something was amiss and stammered, "Sir, according to the higher-ups' requirements, they have the right to participate in the formulation..."

“Translate truthfully!” Zhao Zhengbei glanced at him and said firmly, “Your job is to relay what I say, not to give me advice!”

Chang Nianci dared not disobey the order, so she had no choice but to truthfully convey Beifeng's message to the Japanese advisor.

"Nandesga?"

Lieutenant Mizuno was quite dissatisfied and went on and on, seemingly emphasizing the authority they should have.

Chang Nianci was about to translate when Bei Feng raised his hand to interrupt her.

"No need for translation, just convey my meaning directly." Zhao Zhengbei turned to look at the few Japanese soldiers, and then said, "The Commander-in-Chief hired you here to serve as advisors to my unit, not as commanders. If I need anything, I will naturally consult you, but until then, please respect your authority."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned to the outside of the military tent, clearly indicating that he was trying to get rid of the guest.

"Hey, suru sai!"

Lieutenant Watanabe suddenly got annoyed and started rambling on like a machine gun for a long time without stopping, leaving Chang Nianci standing aside, unable to get a word in edgewise.

After he finished venting his anger, Zhao Zhengbei frowned and asked, "What did he just say?"

Chang Nianci replied, "Uh... Lieutenant Watanabe said that the Fengtian Army had suffered setbacks in the early stages of the war, and faced with Guo's army's repeated defeats. If it weren't for the Japanese coming to their aid, Commander-in-Chief Zhang would probably have already resigned and become a recluse. Our army would not have had time to deploy defenses at the Julu River. So... you should show some respect."

These words left Zhao Zhengbei speechless.

Not long ago, his unit received a transfer order to return to Jinzhou for a change of garrison duty, and he himself planned to take this opportunity to ask for leave to go home and visit his family.

Unexpectedly, just as the leave slip was approved and they were about to set off, news suddenly came from their superiors that Guo Guizi had rebelled in Luanzhou and all the troops outside the pass were urgently deployed.

With his holiday ruined, Zhao Zhengbei had no choice but to stay behind and join other troops in blocking Guo Jun's attack.

However, Guo Jun's 70,000 troops were the elite of the Fengtian clique, armed with the best guns and the longest-range artillery. All of his officers were graduates of military academies. The Fengtian army's second-line troops were completely powerless against Guo Jun's offensive. Almost all of their defenses collapsed at the first touch. It was only with the help of the Japanese that the Fengtian army was able to barely gain a foothold.

He who takes a bribe is bound to be obligated to serve it; he who eats a meal is obligated to eat it.

Nowadays, the Fengtian Army Command can only swallow its anger and dare not offend the Japanese when they make any demands.

Zhao Zhengbei thought for a moment, then said, "That's right, what you said is true, but I only recognize the orders from the command headquarters. The orders say that you are here as advisors. In my eyes, you are just advisors, not commanders."

Lieutenant Watanabe wanted to say something more, but was stopped by Major Horikawa beside him.

"Alright, now is not the time for argument!" he said. "We have reliable intelligence that Guo Jun will launch a general offensive against the Julu River position at four o'clock tomorrow morning. I wonder if your army is prepared?"

Zhao Zhengbei was taken aback.

Everyone could guess that Guo Jun, due to the urgent shortage of supplies, would definitely launch a general offensive against the Julu River position between tonight and tomorrow morning, but only the Japanese intelligence had the exact time of the attack.

Thinking of this, Zhao Zhengbei felt a chill run down his spine and hurriedly asked, "Is this news confirmed?"

"Of course, you'll receive orders from headquarters soon!" Lieutenant Mizuno sneered. "Commander Zhao, I must remind you again, without the Empire's aid, your army has absolutely no chance of winning. As long as you follow our arrangements, your army can quickly quell this rebellion!"

Lieutenant Watanabe immediately echoed, "That's the truth. If you refuse to cooperate, we can request your headquarters to send someone else to cooperate with our work."

The two young officers always spoke with a sharp tongue.

In contrast, Major Horikawa appeared much more experienced.

Instead of leaving the tent as Bei Feng demanded, he preserved the dignity of both sides and suddenly suggested, "Commander Zhao, may we go and inspect the position?"

The Fengtian Army Command issued a clear order requiring frontline officers and soldiers to undergo inspection by Japanese advisors and to make corresponding adjustments to the frontline positions based on their suggestions.

Zhao Zhengbei couldn't refuse, so he nodded and said, "Please!"

As Horikawa and the others stepped out of the military tent, Chang Nianci came over to persuade them: "Sir, things are different now. The Commander-in-Chief listens to the Japanese. You can't fight city hall. Don't bother with them."

Zhao Zhengbei looked at him and said, "It's one thing to be unable to resist, but it's another to resist at all."

"So... what are you trying to achieve by doing this?"

"Just for the sake of pride!"

Zhao Zhengbei lifted the curtain and stepped out of the military tent.

In fact, within the Fengtian Army, there were quite a few officers like Beifeng who harbored suspicion towards the Japanese. Unfortunately, the upper echelons were corrupt, and the lower echelons were crooked as well. The Fengtian clique had grown stronger step by step with the support of the Japanese, so it was inevitable that it would be subject to their control. Consequently, officers at all levels dared not speak out against them, harboring a bellyful of resentment. After leaving the rear tent, the group walked along the earthen embankment towards the front-line positions.

Horikawa and the others walked at a leisurely pace, looking relaxed and even chatting and laughing. Despite it being an internal strife within the Fengtian clique, it was as if they had won a battle.

Zhao Zhengbei frowned and asked in a low voice, "Hey, what are those Japanese soldiers saying?"

Chang Nianci listened carefully for a while and said, "Reporting to the commander, they are talking about Guo Guizi and his rebellion."

"What, is there other information they haven't shared?"

"No, they're probably joking. I think they were thanking Guo Guizi!"

"Thank you?" Zhao Zhengbei pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "We should thank them. Of course they're happy that the Fengtian Army is fighting the Fengtian Army. A full 70,000 elite troops, not used to conquer the Central Plains, not used to defend against foreign aggression, they've all been used to bully their own people. If I were a foreigner, I'd laugh my head off!"

“Sir, that’s not all!” Chang Nianci also said, “I’m from the Military Affairs Confidential Office, so I know the specifics. Before Guo’s defection, the Kwantung Army only had a little over 7,000 men at most. Since his rebellion, the Japanese have transferred troops from Korea and Japan, expanding the force by more than 10,000 men. I don’t know if they will be able to leave in the future.”

"Hmph! He uses the banner of the Young Marshal to oppose the Old Marshal, talking about resisting Japan and saving the country, but he doesn't even dare to step into the South China Sea Railway Zone. What Japan is he resisting, what country is he saving? If he's going to rebel, he should just say it openly. That would make him a real man. Instead, he uses these ridiculous excuses. In the end, it's the people of Northeast China who suffer—"

Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Zhengbei suddenly stopped.

Before they knew it, they had reached the gentle slope next to the position.

Major Horikawa picked up his binoculars, first looked across the Julu River, then scanned the trenches on both sides of the position, and offered several reasonable suggestions.

Zhao Zhengbei was not stubborn. Seeing that what the other party said made some sense, he immediately ordered his adjutant to go and improve the position's defenses.

Then, Major Horikawa turned around and asked in a low voice, "How much ammunition does your army have in reserve?"

Zhao Zhengbei thought for a moment and said, "It's enough."

"Enough?" Major Horikawa reprimanded. "Commander Zhao, you are the highest-ranking officer in the regiment. Your responsibility is to give specific numbers, not just 'enough'!"

Zhao Zhengbei sighed and said, "Ammunition is replenished every day, but we haven't had time to count the exact amount yet."

Upon hearing this, Lieutenant Watanabe and Second Lieutenant Mizuno showed disdain in their eyes—this was the professional quality of Fengtian officers; the Chinese were destined to lose the war!

Major Horikawa did not jump to conclusions, but instead asked, "What about your food and supplies? How much do you have left?"

Zhao Zhengbei thought for a moment and then said, "Enough to eat."

"What is the average length of service in your unit? What is the average age? What is the literacy rate and the percentage of officers? And what specific wars have you participated in?"

"I don't remember very clearly. After Jinzhou fell, my unit suffered some casualties. Later, we were replenished with additional soldiers and also mixed in with other remnants. I don't know much about it now."

Major Horikawa narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Commander Zhao, we hope you can cooperate with our work."

“I’ve already cooperated enough!” Zhao Zhengbei said. “The Fengtian Army only has 80,000 troops in total, and I only have about 2,000 men under my command. This is after counting the reservists and cadets transferred from the provincial capital. It’s a temporary expansion. What’s the use of asking how long they’ve served, their average age, the percentage of officers, or whether they can read? Even if they’re missing limbs, they can only hold the line now. I can’t possibly teach them to read, can I?”

Chang Nianci translated these words to the Japanese advisor with trepidation.

Upon hearing this, Major Horikawa's face darkened, and he suddenly said inexplicably, "Commander Zhao, they are your soldiers, not your brothers. Calling them brothers is the style of bandits, while you should be a professional soldier."

Unexpectedly, Zhao Zhengbei didn't take it seriously, shrugged and said, "You're only just realizing that we Fengtian Army soldiers are all bandits?"

Major Horikawa paused for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Remember, Guo Jun will launch the general offensive at four in the morning. Please have your soldiers ready."

After speaking, he waved and led the other advisors toward the rear of the position.

The Japanese had their own military tents.

As Zhao Zhengbei watched them walk away, he couldn't help but curse under his breath. He then stepped down from the breach and came to the top of the trench, shouting loudly, "Attention, everyone!"

The soldiers were eating in silence when they heard the order, and they quickly put down their bowls and stood at attention.

"Tonight, there will be no duty shifts. Everyone must be on alert, check equipment, replenish ammunition, and report any problems immediately!"

Zhao Zhengbei stood at the front of the formation, gave instructions on the relevant matters, and then added one last sentence, shouting: "Also, don't keep taking your guns out unless necessary. Keep them in your pockets. After midnight, no one is allowed to pee. If you need to pee, hold it in, especially the machine gun company!"

All the soldiers responded in unison.

Zhao Zhengbei jumped back into the trench and personally inspected several key points, calling on veteran soldiers to guard them in case of any problems at critical moments.

Once everyone was in the right place at the right time, the positions in the trenches remained unchanged.

The daylight faded quickly.

Before we knew it, it was dusk. The Julu River shimmered, so brightly that it was hard to keep our eyes open.

The cooks prepared dinner in advance and distributed night rations to the soldiers on the front lines. By the time everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, it was already completely dark.

Aside from the rushing water, all that could be heard was the local folk song hummed by Chou Dianzi.

"One watch, oh li ya, enter the embroidery room, hey hey, daffodils are in bloom, the courtyard is filled with fragrance, the lights are bright, hey hey~ beautiful lady, call for her husband, lift the veil, remove the heavy makeup, quickly close the door, hey hey~"

"Second watch, oh li, I'm on the bed, shy and ashamed, I take off my clothes, I pull down the curtains, oh ya~ Red silk quilt, we lie like mandarin ducks, bees gather nectar, we love the fragrance of flowers, oh ya~ Don't forget me, oh ya~"

They were singing a folk tune called "Pu Di Jin" (铺地锦). Although it also exists in northern Jiangsu, the lyrics in the Northeast version are wilder.

Soldiers are constantly on the move, and everyone loves to listen to their songs, often changing the lyrics without permission. This has become the cheapest form of entertainment on the front lines.

The new recruits were all very nervous, but the veterans would deliberately try to scare them by asking if they were married. If they weren't, the veterans would say, "Oh no, you're going to die without leaving any offspring for your family." If they were married, the veterans would say, "Don't worry, if anything happens, I'll take care of your wife."

All of these are common jokes among veterans.

Zhao Zhengbei had gone through the same thing, but he hadn't shared a risqué conversation with his brothers in a long time. As the regimental commander, he had to stay in the military tent to direct the battle and wait for orders from his superiors.

Time ticked by, and the intelligence capabilities of the Japanese were indeed impressive. Just as it turned four in the morning, a series of booming cannon shots came from not far from the position...

(End of this chapter)