Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Shortly after the chairman left Yangon.

A strongly worded joint diplomatic note was delivered to the Nationalist government by the military attachés of Britain and the United States stationed in Chongqing.

Its core message is only one:
The expeditionary force was instructed to complete the mopping-up operation against the remaining Japanese troops.

They should evacuate from Pearl City and other British territories as soon as possible.

And in cooperation with the relevant personnel dispatched by the British Empire, the handover of governing power was completed.

This diplomatic document appears to be an ultimatum.

This caused quite a stir in the mountain city.

But in the Allied command headquarters in Yangon.

When Chu Yunfei saw the copy of the telegram, he simply smiled faintly and casually put it aside.

because.

Just hours earlier, General Stilwell had concluded a “private meeting” with him.

In Chu Yunfei's private office.

The stubborn American general confided in him about the matter.

"Chu, you don't need to take this ultimatum too seriously."

Stilwell, with a mysterious expression that said, "I'm only telling you this," said the White House: "This is a play put on by those old fogies in London, who are trying to save their pathetic 'Sun Never Sets' face by forcing the White House to play along."

"Churchill needed to show a tough stance to his people and Parliament."

"And we also need to appease this ally, after all, we still need his cooperation on the European battlefield."

"so."

Stilwell emphasized, "This is just an ultimatum to show our stance; there will be no substantial follow-up actions."

"Furthermore, it will not affect our subsequent military assistance to you."

"I can assure you of that."

Chu Yunfei simply smiled and nodded in gratitude.

But he knew in his heart that Stilwell's "confession" was actually a deeper test.

In his memory.

The White House and Congress advocated for large-scale aid to China, while the U.S. Army Central Command opposed doing so.

There are two main reasons.

First, there was a possibility that the Nationalist government would make peace with the Japanese army.

Second, the passive strategic attitude during the standoff period displeased the United States. The need to maintain a low level of aid was enough to allow the Nationalist government to continue its resistance against Japan, which led the U.S. Army Central Command to choose a highly cost-effective approach.

nowadays.

Because the "American-equipped" troops performed quite well overall.

Americans wanted to see themselves strong to counterbalance Japan and the Soviet Union.

They also did not want to see the Republic of China become too powerful, to the point of slipping out of their control.

They are being forced to accept the existence of Southeast Asia as a "fait accompli."

And then issue a harmless ultimatum.

In exchange for its continued role as its "partner" in Asia after the war.

This is the deal that best serves American interests.

With this foundation established...

Chu Yunfei handled this "joint ultimatum" with ease.

His suggestion in replying to H.H. Kung was:
"Our expeditionary force has always respected the territorial sovereignty of our allies."

"However, the remnants of the Japanese army and pro-Japanese elements in the Pearl City and Malaya area are deeply entrenched, and the work of eliminating them will take time."

"In order to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, our troops have had no choice but to postpone their withdrawal."

"We hope our allies will understand."

With a single "delaying" tactic, the ball was easily kicked back.

As for how long this "timeframe" will actually take, that depends on the subsequent "mood" and "needs".

……

After handling this minor diplomatic incident.

Zhang Wenbai, who had just returned to the mountain city, also found Chu Yunfei.

The two strolled on the lawn outside the command post, their shadows stretched long by the setting sun.

"Yunfei".

Zhang Zhizhong appeared completely open and honest: "Regarding Jianchu's awarding of the medal, the Chairman actually had some thoughts before he left."

He carefully considered his words: "The Chairman feels that while it is certainly noble of you to give him your Medal of National Glory, it is ultimately somewhat irregular in terms of procedure."

Moreover, the Order of the Blue Sky and White Sun has already been awarded to General Huang Baitao.

In this way, it seems there's not much to reward Liao Yaoxiang, the one who made the greatest contribution.

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunfei stopped in his tracks.

he knows.

Zhang Zhizhong was acting as Chairman, testing his words to see his true attitude towards honor and power.

"Wenbai Gong, you're overthinking it."

Chu Yunfei's tone was sincere and firm: "For soldiers like us, the highest honor is not the medals we wear on our chests, but winning the war."

“I presented the Medal of National Glory to Brother Yaoxiang not on a whim, but because in my heart, he and his 22nd Division deserve this honor.”

"Their sacrifice brought about the victory of the entire battle. This achievement is far greater than that of me, the 'chief advisor' who only talked from the rear."

He changed the subject, his eyes sharpening.

"Therefore, I think what we should be considering now is not how to give Brother Jianchu even greater honors."

"The question is how to ensure that all the soldiers who participated in this bloody battle feel the affirmation and care of the Party and the State."

Zhang Zhizhong asked with great interest, "Oh? What insightful opinion does Yunfei have?"

Chu Yunfei's voice was firm and powerful: "When it comes to honors alone, we must not be stingy!"

"I suggest that the General Staff immediately issue an order for an unprecedented large-scale awarding of medals to all troops who participated in the Battle of Pyinmana!"

"All those who fight bravely, from ordinary soldiers to junior officers."

"Especially those martyrs who have sacrificed their lives should be posthumously awarded honors and given preferential treatment, so that their families can feel the highest honor!"

"We must let every soldier know that the Party and the State see and remember every charge and every sacrifice they make!"

"Secondly."

Chu Yunfei emphasized, "We will not only award medals in the military, but also publicize them extensively in the media!"

"We must ensure that newspapers and radio stations across the country report extensively on the significance of the Battle of Pyinmana!"
We should focus on the perspectives of high-ranking commanders such as Division Commander Liao Yaoxiang, General Dai Anlan, Army Commander Huang Baitao, and Army Commander Yu Zhixing. However, we shouldn't always focus on these high-ranking commanders; we need to explore the story more from the perspective of lower-ranking officers and soldiers.

"We want to compile all the heroes' deeds into stories and songs, so that everyone, young and old, knows them and is familiar with them!"

"We want to tell the people of the whole country why we are fighting and how we achieved victory!"

He looked at Zhang Zhizhong with a burning conviction in his eyes.

"Lord Wenbai, you must believe me."

"This battle, which may seem to involve no more than 200,000 people, is of no less significance to the entire Far East theater than the Battle of Stalingrad in Europe or the ongoing Guadalcanal campaign in the Pacific."

"Because of it, it will become an undeniable turning point in the entire Southeast Asian battlefield, and even the entire Asian battlefield!"

"It proved to the world that after acquiring equipment and logistics equal to those of the enemy, we were fully capable of completely and cleanly annihilating the elite main force of the Japanese army on the main battlefield!"

"This victory wiped out more than just the main force of the Thai-Myanmar Front."

"It has also destroyed all the psychological advantages they have built up against us since the September 18 Incident!"

"It also served as a wake-up call to those so-called 'allies' who once looked down on us and treated us as pawns!"

"This battle is, in fact, proof that we will win our own war and the respect we deserve in our own way!"

"Establishing a presence in Southeast Asia is only the first step."

Zhang Zhizhong was deeply moved by Chu Yunfei's impassioned words.

He seemed to see a powerful and unstoppable confidence.

It burst forth from the young man right before our eyes.

He nodded heavily and grasped Chu Yunfei's hand.

"Okay! Well said!"

"Yunfei, I completely agree with your suggestions!"

"I will report to the Chairman immediately!"

"Don't worry, I'll definitely stand by your side."

Chu Yunfei nodded deeply: "Lord Wenbai, you must believe that our choices and decisions will stand the test of history and the people!"

We bid farewell to Zhang Zhizhong, whose heart was surging with emotion.

The excitement on Chu Yunfei's face quickly faded, and he regained his calm and composed demeanor.

He returned to his office, where a newly translated encrypted telegram lay quietly on his desk.

The telegram was addressed to "To Lord Yun".

The signature is "Ming".

Clearly, this message was sent by Sun Ming, his trusted confidant who remained in the Central Plains to handle the follow-up matters of the Fifth War Zone's reorganization.

Chu Yunfei picked up the slightly cool tea, took a sip, and unfolded the telegram.

I only read a few lines.

His brows furrowed slightly, almost imperceptibly.

The contents of the telegram were compared to the glorious military achievements in Southeast Asia.

It appears rather trivial and gloomy, full of local political power struggles and calculations.

Yun Gong:
Three days ago, Zhao Chengshou, commander of the First Mobile Corps of North China, arbitrarily mobilized his two cavalry armies, the First Cavalry Army and the Second Cavalry Army, to cross the Yellow River and enter Henan Province.

This action blatantly violated the General Headquarters' previous order to "only deploy the Second Cavalry Corps to Henan to suppress bandits." The subordinate secretly investigated.

Zhao Chengshou's actions were likely instigated by Commander Yan.

Its stated purpose was to 'assist in suppressing bandits and stabilizing the Central Plains,' but in reality, it was suspected of expanding its influence to the south and seizing territory in western Henan.

Currently, Wang Qifeng's 2nd Cavalry Army has followed the orders of the commander and launched a joint anti-bandit operation with the 22nd Group Army of the Fifth War Zone, and the operation is progressing smoothly.

However, Wen Huaiguang's cavalry garrison lingered around Luoyang, frequently contacting local gentry and behaving suspiciously.

Commander Li and Commander-in-Chief Sun of the Fifth War Zone had an ambiguous attitude toward this matter.

No clear statement has been made.

However, it has been observed that some of his generals have close ties with Zhao Chengshou's side.

The situation in the Central Plains is turbulent and unpredictable.

Commander Yan's move is likely not a simple military mobilization.

Its intention was to test the limits of Chongqing and take the opportunity to stir up factional conflicts within the Fifth War Zone, profiting from the chaos.

And so on.

This could trigger a new round of conflict between local and central authorities, which would be extremely detrimental to the overall situation of the war of resistance.

I am but a lowly official with little influence, and I earnestly request that you, Lord Yun, make a swift decision.

In addition, Brother Pengcheng has fully recovered from his injuries and, grateful for your kindness, does not wish to recuperate in the rear.

I set off yesterday and will arrive in Yangon soon. I hope to continue to follow you and serve you faithfully.

Zhi Sunming knocked.

Chu Yunfei slowly put down the telegram, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the table.

"Commander Yan is really restless."

He whispered to himself.

Zhao Chengshou was Yan Xishan's trusted and beloved general.

Without Yan Xishan's approval, even if he had a hundred times the courage, he wouldn't dare to openly disobey military orders and lead two cavalrymen into someone else's territory.

Yan Laoxi's calculations were meticulously planned.

He had figured out that the Chairman's main focus was on Siam and the subsequent nationwide counter-offensive plan, leaving him no time to attend to anything else.

At the same time, he also saw that the Fifth War Zone was riddled with factions and conflicts among the Sichuan Army, the Northwest Army, and the Central Army, which provided him with an opportunity to exploit the situation.

This move can be described as killing three birds with one stone.

First, it's about "flexing its muscles" in Chongqing, demonstrating that the Second World War Zone remains a formidable military force in North China, and that completely marginalizing it won't be so easy.

Secondly, Henan is located in the heart of the Central Plains and is a strategic location connecting North China and Central China.

By stationing troops here, they can not only coordinate with local forces such as the Guangxi clique and the Sichuan army in the Fifth War Zone to form a "local alliance" against the central government, but also occupy a favorable position that can be used for both offense and defense in the event of future changes in the situation.

Third, and most importantly, Wang Qifeng, the commander of the Second Cavalry Army, was a general who "existed" with Chu Yunfei's help.

Yan Xishan dispatched Zhao Chengshou to abduct him south.

He can be said to have mastered the art of "open conspiracy" to a whole new level.

Taiyuan is the central city, the national language is Wutai dialect, the national liquor is Fenyang King, and the national banquet is corn soup.

At his age, I don't know where he gets his ambitions from.

Chu Yunfei picked up a pen and quickly wrote a few lines on a new telegram.

"It is reported that Zhao Chengshou's troops of the Jin-Sui Army have disobeyed orders and been transferred south, with unclear intentions."

The Central Plains are the heartland of the nation and cannot be lost.

To avoid local misjudgment and the resulting incident, it is recommended that the General Headquarters immediately issue a reprimand to Commander Yan, ordering him to restrain his troops and quickly withdraw the First Cavalry Army back to its original defense zone.

For the task of suppressing bandits, General Wang Qifeng's troops are sufficient.

Student Yunfei.

Clearly, this was a telegram stating a position.

On this issue, Chu Yunfei unequivocally stood on the side of Shancheng.

We oppose any form of local separatism and military speculation.

Even Yan Laoxi is not an option.

The second letter.

That means we need to call the Second World War Zone Command.

A great victory in the counter-offensive in North China.

As the Nationalist army's prestige grew, its influence in Chongqing inevitably extended into North China.

If the reorganization of the Fifth War Zone proceeds very smoothly.

So this is actually a blow to the entire local faction.

Yan Laoxi trusts Chu Yunfei, but he won't trust Mr. Jiang.

This is the kind of thing that happens when someone has served their purpose and then discards them.

Chu Yunfei was not worried.

These elderly people couldn't sleep.

Now, the main force of the Japanese army in North China has suffered heavy losses and is holed up in the cities, temporarily losing its ability to launch large-scale offensives.

External pressure has eased.

Yan Xishan's petty scheme of "preserving strength and expanding territory" was shady.

Then, naturally, the crackling sound started again.

His original intention was no longer to establish a separatist regime; he simply wanted to use his strength to protect himself.

This is actually a kind of helplessness.

After all, to be frank, Chu Yunfei was far away in Siam.

The distance between North China and Siam is more than a thousand miles.

Responding to each other from afar is not so easy.

Chu Yunfei sighed softly.

I roughly understand that Yan Laoxi is just insecure.

He picked up his pen and quickly drafted a reply.

The message was sent to the Second World War Zone Command Headquarters in Taiyuan, directly inquiring about the matter with Yan Xishan.

The telegram was worded extremely politely, still in the tone of a junior.

They inquired why General Zhao Chengshou had "exceeded" the quota for his southward expedition.

He also stated that he was far away in Siam and did not know much about the situation in Central China.

Worried that this might cause a "misunderstanding" in the mountain city, they hoped that Commander Yan could "clarify" the matter.

……

Taiyuan, the headquarters of the Second World War Zone Commander.

Yan Xishan looked at the telegram sent by Chu Yunfei, stroked his signature beard, and chuckled.

"Yunfei is becoming increasingly perceptive in this regard."

He said to his chief of staff, Chu Xichun, "Qingbo, do you think Yunfei will express his stance to the Shancheng side?"

Chu Xichun said expressionlessly, "Commander Yan, isn't this exactly what you wanted?"

Yan Laoxi did not answer directly, but continued, "Although the person is thousands of miles away, their eyes are always on home."

"How should we respond now?"

Chu Xichun added with a hint of worry, "After all, Commander Zhao violated military orders, and the mountain city authorities have called to inquire about it several times."

"What are you afraid of?"

Yan Xishan waved his hand dismissively: "Let them question us."

"If we ignore him, does Chiang Kai-shek dare to send troops to attack us?"

As he spoke, Yan Laoxi picked up a pen.

He personally drafted the reply to Chu Yunfei.

The content is also meticulously detailed.

It is full of the care and sincerity of "elders" for "younger generation".

"Banditry is rampant in the Central Plains, and the Japanese invaders are showing signs of a counterattack."

"In order to support our allied forces and consolidate the fruits of victory in North China, I had no choice but to order Cheng Shou to lead his troops south to bolster our morale."

"It is truly out of a heart devoted to the country, with absolutely no other intentions."

"The troops will only be stationed around Luoyang to assist in the suppression of bandits, and will never expand outwards, much less interfere in the internal affairs of the Fifth War Zone."

"Once the banditry is quelled and the threat from the Japanese invaders is eliminated, we will naturally lead our troops northward."

"I hope my nephew can understand my good intentions and put in a good word for me with the Chairman."

This reply can be described as taking Tai Chi push hands to its extreme.

They acknowledged the fact that they had "disobeyed orders," but then packaged it as a helpless act of "sharing the nation's burdens."

At the same time, it gave Chu Yunfei the face of "turning the tables" and passed the ball back to him.

The meaning is clear: my troops have already been sent out and will not be recalled.

Chu Xichun only glanced at it before she guessed Yan Laoxi's little scheme.

"Commander Yan, are you planning to send Yunfei to the central government?"

Yan Laoxi chuckled and offered no explanation: "The headquarters in this mountain city has been filled with the same old faces for so long."

“Military operations cannot always be commanded by these old men. We should indeed bring some younger generals into the command headquarters. This will bring vitality and vigor.”

Chu Xichun sighed, "But old commander, this move could very well make the Chairman see you as a thorn in his side."

Yan Laoxi frowned slightly and sighed softly: "Qingbo, the defeat of the Japanese army is a foregone conclusion. How much longer can I stay in this position?"
As elders, we should help out as much as we can, so that when we're older, we won't be able to offer much assistance even if we want to. (End of Chapter)