Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

The expeditionary force that achieved this victory also paid an extremely heavy price.

The total number of casualties exceeds 35,000.

among them.

The newly formed 22nd Division, used as bait, suffered nearly 10,000 casualties and was almost rendered ineffective, urgently needing replenishment.

The Fifth Army, the newly formed Eleventh Army, and the newly formed Twelfth Army, which were the main attacking forces, also suffered heavy casualties and severe reductions in personnel.

Beneath the joy of victory lay shocking sacrifices.

obviously.

The entire expeditionary force.

Although they achieved an unprecedented and brilliant victory, they were also in a state of "winning but also being crippled".

Fortunately.

The Japanese army likely has very few reserve troops left.

As of now, Chu Yunfei has not received any news of the Japanese army's emergency deployment.

He listened quietly to the reports from his subordinates.

His facial expression remained unchanged.

He already knew these numbers by heart from the troop markers on the three-dimensional combat map.

He knew that for an army, casualties were not terrible.

What's frightening is that they suffered heavy casualties after the defeat.

And now, they are the victors.

Victory can heal all wounds.

Chu Yunfei slowly stood up.

He walked up to the huge map, picked up the baton, and pointed to the land that had just been conquered.

"Everyone."

His voice rang out again, drawing everyone's attention.

"The battle in Pyinmana is over."

"But the follow-up operations of our expeditionary force have only just begun."

"Rest, replenish, train, and then move on."

His baton traveled from Myanmar through Siam.

Ultimately, the focus was heavily on the Strait of Malacca and French Indochina.

"Our goal is to drive all the Japanese invaders entrenched in Southeast Asia back into the sea!"

"The glory of the Party and the nation will be restored wherever our military flag goes!"

This meeting was actually just to set the tone for the upcoming counterattack.

As soon as Chu Yunfei finished speaking, all the attendees quickly stood up and replied in unison, "Yes!"

Chu Yunfei waved for everyone to sit down, then slowly said, "According to the next plan, in addition to continuing the pursuit and attack, we will hold a joint meeting of China, Britain and the United States tomorrow to adjust the corresponding combat plan and command sequence."

"Here," Chu Yunfei turned to Zhang Zhizhong, then added, "we also need to understand everyone's opinions and see if anyone has any thoughts."

The words fell.

Zheng Dongguo immediately asked, "Commander Chu, what exactly does this adjustment of the command sequence refer to?"

"Gentlemen, the great victory at Binmana has brought jubilation throughout the country. The Chairman will bestow upon you all the highest honors for your achievements." Zhang Zhizhong's gaze slowly swept over each of the generals present, emphasizing, "However, the joy of victory cannot make us stop."

Although the Japanese invaders suffered heavy losses in Burma, they still had nearly 100,000 troops in Southeast Asia (estimated, but not actually).

Our supply lines will be stretched even longer, and the fighting will be more arduous and complex.

Zhang Zhizhong walked to the huge map and pointed to the vast front line that stretched from Burma all the way to Vietnam.

"At the suggestion of Chief Advisor Chu, the Chairman and the General Headquarters, after careful consideration, concluded that as the war enters the strategic counter-offensive phase, the existing temporary operational formations of our Expeditionary Force's 'Southern Route Army' and 'Northern Route Army' are no longer suitable for future operational needs."

The traditional army group model, when used to command multinational, deep-penetration joint operations, also appears to have too many layers and lacks flexibility.

"Therefore, on the advice of Chief Advisor Chu, the General Headquarters decided to carry out a major reorganization of our expeditionary force and explore a new command system that is more suitable for future expeditionary operations."

Zhang Wenbai's words were like a bombshell, creating ripples in the conference room.

All the generals held their breath.

They knew this was more than just a change in staffing.

It was also a reshuffling of power.

Zhang Wenbai paused, giving everyone time to process the information, before continuing his announcement:

"According to the decision of the General Headquarters, the combat forces of the Chinese Expeditionary Force will be divided into two major sequences: the Annam Army and the Dinh Nam Army."

"The Dingnan Army Corps' main responsibilities are to eliminate the remaining Japanese troops in the occupied areas, maintain local security, assist in the establishment of a pro-China government, and consolidate our rear."

The initial plan is to establish the First Army Corps stationed in Burma, the Second Army Corps in Siam, and so on, depending on the advance of the battle lines.

"And the Annamite army."

Zhang Zhizhong's voice suddenly rose, filled with power: "They will be the fist of my expeditionary force, the sharp sword piercing the enemy's heart!"
It will concentrate our army's most elite troops and most advanced equipment, and its sole mission is to attack!
"Keep attacking! Until the last invader is driven out of Southeast Asia!"

Zhang Zhizhong took a deep breath, his fierce eyes sweeping over the important figures present, and loudly announced the most crucial appointments.

"The Annam Army consists of three army groups: the First, Second, and Third Expeditionary Forces."

"The General Staff has decided to appoint General Du Yuming as Commander-in-Chief of the Annam Army!"

These words immediately drew everyone's attention.

Surprisingly, it wasn't a high-ranking official parachuted into the mountain city; instead, it was handed over to acting commander-in-chief Du Yuming.
Du Yuming suddenly raised his head, a complex and excited light flashing in his eyes.

Although he was one of the founders of the Fifth Army, he could be considered a veteran of the expeditionary force.

However, before the Battle of Pyinmana, his position became awkward due to his relationship with Stilwell.

He didn't expect what would happen after the victory.

The Chairman and the Yamashiro faction would actually entrust him with such an important power—commanding three elite army groups.

This is not just trust, it's reliance!

Zhang Zhizhong walked up to Du Yuming, patted him on the shoulder, and said in an expectant tone, "Commander-in-Chief Du, the Chairman has high hopes for you."

I hope you will not betray this trust and will lead the Annamese Army to make new contributions to the Party and the country!

Du Yuming stood up and solemnly saluted Zhang Zhizhong, facing the direction of the main seat.

"Please rest assured, Chairman! I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

With the appointments made, the next step was to make specific adjustments to the troops under the command of the Annamite Army.

Zhang Zhizhong cleared his throat and continued announcing:

"The core of the First Army Group of the Expeditionary Force will be composed of the various units under the former Fifth Army."

"The former Fifth Army headquarters will be upgraded to the First Army Group Headquarters."

"The newly formed 22nd Division, 200th Division, 96th Division and other combat units will be separated from their original army-level structure and placed directly under the command of the First Group Army."

this means.

The traditional "army-division-regiment" structure will be broken.

The army group commander will have greater command flexibility and can directly command down to the division level.

"General Zheng Dongguo will serve as the commander-in-chief of the First Army Group."

"The deputy commander-in-chief will be General Dai Anlan."

"The Chief of Staff will be General Liao Yaoxiang."

Zheng Dongguo and Dai Anlan stepped forward, saluted, and accepted the order.

The promotion of these two generals, who performed outstandingly in the Battle of Pyinmana, was well-deserved.

"The Second Army Group of the Annam Army will be expanded from the main force of the original Northern Route Army, namely the newly formed Eleventh Army and the newly formed Twelfth Army."

Zhang Zhizhong's gaze fell on Huang Baitao and Wu Ziqiang.

"General Huang Baitao will serve as the Commander-in-Chief of the Second Army Group. General Wu Ziqiang will serve as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief."

Huang Baitao and Wu Ziqiang exchanged a glance, both seeing excitement in each other's eyes.

Although they were Chu Yunfei's direct subordinates, they were able to rise to become army group commanders on par with the Five Armies, something they would never have dared to dream of before.

Behind this.

Clearly, Chu Yunfei strongly recommended it.

Zhang Wenbai seemed to have seen through everyone's thoughts.

He added with a smile, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"In addition, at the suggestion of Chief Advisor Chu and with the approval of the General Headquarters, Sun Ming, the former staff officer of the North China Joint Command, will be transferred to the Second Army Group of the Expeditionary Force to serve as chief of staff."

"The Second Army Group of the Annamese Army was mainly responsible for offensive operations in the Indochina direction."

This appointment was like a reassuring pill.

Who is Sun Ming? Everyone present knew perfectly well; he was Chu Yunfei's most trusted confidant.

The significance of placing him as chief of staff in Huang Baitao's Second Army Group is self-evident.

Second Army.

This will be the most direct manifestation of Chu Yunfei's will.

Huang Baitao and Wu Ziqiang immediately understood and stepped forward to loudly accept the order.

"As for the Third Army Group, General Song Xilian will serve as its commander-in-chief. It will consist of the newly formed 38th Division, the newly formed 29th Division, the newly formed 28th Division, the 88th Division, and the 87th Division. It will be mainly responsible for offensive operations in the Malayan direction and will also conduct corresponding amphibious landing training."

After Zhang Zhizhong announced the main appointments, the atmosphere in the entire conference room changed completely.

Sitting at the head of the table, Chu Yunfei, who hadn't said a word, looked at everything before him with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

A completely new, more assertive, and more aggressive command system is now taking shape.

This marks the beginning of the Expeditionary Force's bloody battles in a foreign land.

Starting today, we will bid farewell to the constraints of the past and no longer care about so-called international perceptions or the so-called traditional spheres of influence of Britain and France.

They have been completely transformed!

The expeditionary force will become a true tiger, breaking free from all undue constraints.

They unsheathed their sharpest claws at the Japanese invaders throughout Southeast Asia.
-
As the massive conference room door slowly closed, shutting out all the generals and the clamor,

Only Zhang Zhizhong and Chu Yunfei remained in the room.

The atmosphere, which had been so warm and solemn just moments before, instantly calmed down, becoming intimate and meaningful.

The soft light from the crystal chandelier shone down on the two of them; one was calm and composed, while the other was filled with emotion.

In the end, it was Chu Yunfei who broke the silence first.

He stood up, poured Zhang Zhizhong a cup of tea himself, and then poured one for himself as well, his movements calm and unhurried.

"Wenbai Gong".

Chu Yunfei pushed the teacup towards Zhang Zhizhong, a faint smile in his voice, "It seems that the General Headquarters has finally made up its mind to support us in establishing our own 'presence' in Southeast Asia."

He deliberately emphasized the word "existence".

This word is very meaningful.

He is not merely a continuation of Chu Yunfei's "Shanxi existential philosophy".

It doesn't just refer to military victories.

It also includes political influence and the right to control the land after the war.

Zhang Zhizhong picked up the teacup, feeling the warmth emanating from his fingertips.

He stroked the delicate rim of the porcelain cup, his gaze complex, and sighed, saying, "Yes, Yunfei."

"To be honest, I never expected this day to come so soon."

His voice carried a sense of relief and satisfaction.

"To be honest, before the Battle of Pyinmana, the Chairman and the generals of the General Staff had always had a concern in their hearts."

"The question is, will our rapid progress damage relations with countries like Britain and the United States?"

Zhang Zhizhong put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his voice, as if he were telling a secret.

"Especially the British."

As you know, they have always regarded Southeast Asia as their own private domain.

We defeated the Japanese here, and they are certainly happy. But if this 'tiger' of ours were to linger and even try to take their place, that old man Churchill would probably be the first to jump up in opposition.”

Hearing this, Chu Yunfei chuckled softly.

The laughter carried an undisguised contempt for the former "empire on which the sun never sets."

"The gentlemen of the mountain city have probably overestimated the fighting power of our British ally in the Far East."

He picked up his teacup and gently blew on the floating tea leaves.

"Lord Wenbai, I dare to say something that may be a bit arrogant."

"Judging from the combat skills and command level currently demonstrated by the British Indian Army in Burma."

“You can find three or five mid-level commanders at random in our army.”

"For example, division commanders like Liao Yaoxiang, Qiu Qingquan, and Sun Liren, even if given just two fully-equipped elite corps, with equal logistical support, would be enough to completely defeat all the main British Indian Army forces under Alexander on the front lines."

Chu Yunfei spoke casually, as if stating a very simple fact.

But to Zhang Zhizhong, these words were like a thunderclap.

Zhang Zhizhong looked up in astonishment at Chu Yunfei.

He had expected Chu Yunfei to name three or five army group commanders, but to his surprise, he only mentioned division commanders!

In his view, this was not just arrogance, but almost contempt.

Alexander was, after all, a renowned British general and a senior commander who organized the Dunkirk evacuation.

From Chu Yunfei's perspective, they resembled withered bones in a tomb.
Zhang Wenbai was somewhat incredulous: "Yunfei, is this really true?"

Chu Yunfei put down his teacup, his eyes sharpening.

"Lord Wenbai, this is not arrogance, but confidence. It is confidence built upon countless bloody battles and victories."

"The British, their army, is perhaps a formidable force in Europe."

"But in the Far East, on this land they have colonized for a century, their soldiers have long been corrupted of their fighting spirit by complacency and arrogance."

"Their commanders were not thinking about how to win the war, but about how to preserve the dignity and interests of the colonies."

"Their fight was for the king and the colonies."

"And our soldiers," Chu Yunfei's voice deepened, carrying a profound emotion, "fight for their homes, for their country, and for future generations who will no longer be bullied!"

"That's the fundamental difference."

"In addition, their main force consists of Indians. The quality of soldiers in this region is..."

Zhang Wenbai seemed to be deep in thought.

Chu Yunfei changed the subject, regaining his composure: "We don't need to care too much about the feelings of the British."

"On this battlefield, strength is the only passport to everything."

"If we win, we become the rule-makers. If we lose, we are left to be slaughtered."

"As for the Americans."

Chu Yunfei seemed completely unconcerned about how sensational the topic was: "President Roosevelt was a smart politician."

"He needed a strong China after the war to counterbalance the Soviet Union's influence in the Far East."

"Therefore, as long as we demonstrate sufficient value, he will not only not restrict us, but will increase his assistance to us."

Zhang Zhizhong listened quietly, his heart churning with turmoil.

Chu Yunfei's words have completely gone beyond the scope of a pure soldier.

This is the perspective and mindset of a major power politician based on a global strategic landscape.

He finally understood why the Chairman had promoted and trusted this young man so exceptionally.

Because what Chu Yunfei saw was not just the outcome of a battle, but the future destiny of the entire country and nation.

Before the shared vision of making China great again.

All barriers and disagreements seem insignificant in the face of this point.

At least for now, because of Chu Yunfei's existence, no one wants to, and no one dares to, become a "sinner of history."

"Yunfei".

Zhang Zhizhong let out a long sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted, and a genuine smile appeared on his face: "Hearing your words is better than reading books for ten years."

"If the Americans can firmly support us, at least we will not have to face pressure from the British alone after the war."

Chu Yunfei reiterated: "Wen Baigong need not worry. With Britain's military strength, even if it mobilizes its entire army and navy, I am 100% confident that we will win."

Zhang Wenbai nodded slowly: "I will report your ideas to the Chairman in their entirety."

"I believe that after hearing this, the Chairman will be completely relieved."

Chu Yunfei nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Wenbai."

"And one more thing."

Chu Yunfei seemed to remember something. He took a document out of his briefcase and handed it to Zhang Zhizhong.

"These are my immature views on the situation in Southeast Asia after the war, as well as some suggestions for the future work of the Dingnan Army Corps. I would appreciate your corrections, Mr. Wenbai."

Zhang Zhizhong curiously took the document, opened it, and his pupils suddenly contracted.

The document is titled: "A Preliminary Conception of East Asian Integration".

This is a blatant attempt to plan the political landscape of postwar Southeast Asia!
The goal is to transform the Japanese's hypocritical "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere" into a truly new regional order dominated by them!

Zhang Zhizhong's hand holding the document began to tremble slightly. (End of Chapter)