Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

After the brief meeting ended.

Chu Yunfei left the Luoyang Garrison Command together with Zhao Chengshou.

On the private car.

Chu Yunfei did not accept Wu Tinglin's arrangement, but instead got into Zhao Chengshou's military vehicle.

"Commander Chu, what's going on?"

Chu Yunfei said meaningfully, "Commander Zhao, I'm afraid I'll have to rest at your military headquarters tonight."

Zhao Chengshou paused for a moment, then silently shrank his massive body to the side.

He was already broad and stout, and Chu Yunfei was also incredibly tall.

The two sat silently in the military vehicle for more than ten minutes before arriving at the headquarters of the North China Mobile Corps.

After getting off the car.

While gesturing for Chu Yunfei to proceed, Zhao Chengshou asked in a low voice, "Commander Chu, what's going on?"

"To be honest, Commander Zhao, I came to Luoyang on a mission this time."

Chu Yunfei gestured to Zhao Pengcheng behind him to take out a secret order.

After Zhao Chengshou took it, he was shocked after just one glance: "Their tone is too arrogant. Four armies, twelve divisions, and Chairman Chiang actually agreed?"

Chu Yunfei nodded: "The number has not yet been determined. Director Zou is currently in Shancheng discussing with Commander Chen. The reorganization of the 15th Army is just in time. If the reorganization does not go smoothly, the number of the 15th Army may be withdrawn and then given to Yan'an."

Although Zhao Chengshou had already guessed that something big must have happened to get Chu Yunfei to come.

He was even prepared to be reprimanded by the mountain city and then lead the First Army back to the combat zone of the Second World War.

But he never expected it.

Not only will he not leave, but follow-up combat troops from the Second World War zone will continue to be deployed forward.

This even includes some combat units belonging to the Eighth War Zone.

At this critical juncture when Okamura Yasuji was sharpening his sword.

To deal with internal problems within the National Revolutionary Army.

Zhao Chengshou was filled with mixed emotions.

Although opium cultivation did exist in the areas surrounding Luoyang.

The 15th Army did indeed engage in bandit-like practices of requisitioning goods locally and borrowing from various sources.

Its commander, Wu Tinglin, was greedy, lustful, and bloodthirsty. He practiced nepotism, and his sons and nephews were even more tyrannical and involved in smuggling into the Japanese-occupied areas.

But after all, a formidable enemy is at hand.
This matter has now reached Chu Yunfei, and Chang Ruiyuan also knows about it.

The warrants were all issued to Chu Yunfei.

He serves concurrently as the Deputy Director of the Military Law Department and is the newly appointed Chief Advisor of the Military Training Department.

Even without Chang Ruiyuan's written order, Chu Yunfei could not turn a blind eye.

Besides, the order has already been issued.

It is said that a new broom sweeps clean, and this first fire, if not on the new Guangxi clique, will certainly burn on the Zhen Song Army.

Compared to Li Bai and the other two.

Liu Maoen is now more like an easy target.

Zhao Chengshou had some concerns, so he simply tried to persuade them from another angle: "During the Battle of Taiyuan and the Winter Offensive, the 15th Army took the initiative to make contact with the enemy and killed and wounded a lot of Japanese soldiers."

Chu Yunfei waved his hand: "Although the banditry of this unit has been greatly reduced after Commander Feng's training and reform, it cannot yet be considered a true National Revolutionary Army in the true sense."

"But Wu Tinglin has a past with Liu Maoen, isn't this a bit inappropriate at this critical juncture?"

It's normal for Zhao Chengshou to have some concerns.

Reorganizing the 15th Army will not be easy.

In the Battle of Nankou, the main force of the 14th Army Group led by Liu Maoen consisted of the 9th Army, the 14th Army, and the 15th Army.

Due to heavy casualties, the 14th Group Army was disbanded.

The 14th Army was placed under the direct command of the Military Commission, while the 9th and 15th Armies were transferred to the First War Zone. (Chapter 532)
Liu Maoen has now been promoted to deputy commander-in-chief of the First War Zone.

The chief of staff was Guo Jiqiao, who had previously served as the commander-in-chief of the 14th Army Group.

Although he no longer held actual military power.

Liu Maoen was also quite dissatisfied with Wu Tinglin, but on a fundamental level, he and Chu Yunfei were at odds.

this matter.

Chu Yunfei himself also had concerns.

In the area surrounding Luoyang, Chu Yunfei could only directly command one cavalry army.

It is obviously unlikely that the troops stationed at the Eighth Theater Command, which are 80 kilometers away, can be relied upon.

In other words, the combat force that he could command totaled eight thousand people.

The 15th Army.

Although Wu Tinglin's nepotism led to a decline in combat effectiveness, it did improve his control over his subordinates.

Basic information about the 15th Army.

Chu Yunfei could also see it directly through the three-dimensional combat map in his mind.

Unit Name: 15th Army

Current organization level: 43%

Current combat strength: 15980 (out of 22000)

[Currently, the main light weapons in service are: Hanyang rifle, Type 38 rifle, and Shanxi-made Type 65 rifle.]

[Currently mainly equipped machine gun models: Czech light machine gun, Sichuan-made light machine gun, Fengtian-made light machine gun]

[Current main equipment support weapon models: 60mm mortar, 82mm mortar, 120mm mortar]

[Current main heavy weaponry: Shanxi-made 75mm mountain gun]

Current equipment status: Poor

Current logistical support status: Poor

[Current training level of this unit: Trained to completion]

The 3D combat map function allows users to directly view the organization level, equipment status, and training level.

The newly added overview function allows for a clear view of the unit's heavy weaponry and main personnel structure.

For example, only three 75mm mountain guns manufactured in Shanxi were ever equipped.

In terms of combat effectiveness.

Despite having more than 20,000 troops, they were unable to fight on the main battlefield.

Any one of the Flying Tigers' main divisions is enough to defeat or even crush them in battle.

But the problem now is...

There was only one First Cavalry Army around Luoyang.

Not only did they lack a large number of heavy weapons, but their troop strength was also only half of what it should be.

Once a conflict breaks out.

Chu Yunfei didn't even have much room to maneuver.

and.

With a formidable enemy at hand, any problems that arise could severely damage morale.

The personnel structure of the 15th Army is as follows:
The 15th Army Corps consisted of the 64th Army Division and the 65th Army Division.

The commander of the 64th Division was Yao Beichen.

It once commanded two brigades.

That is, the 191st and 192nd Brigades (Yang Tianmin), after the abolition of the brigade-level organization, consisted of three regiments: the 190th, 191st, and 192nd.

Xing Qingzhong (courtesy name Liangchen, a native of Henan, who was later promoted to commander of the 65th Division in 1939 due to his military achievements), the commander of the 191st Brigade, ordered his chief of staff Ling Shaohai to launch a night attack on the Japanese positions during the Battle of Xinkou, killing hundreds of Japanese soldiers.

PS: Chapters 103-104 in the book.

Xing Qingzhong died in 41 on his way to Luoyang for medical treatment. The cause of death was tuberculosis.

Prior to this, he personally commanded operations in Jiangxian County, and his troops were more involved in infiltration operations against the Japanese army.

Although his warlord style was serious, his performance in the War of Resistance against Japan was worthy of the title of hero.

This was due to the reduction of brigade-level combat units, coupled with the fact that the 15th Army had suffered losses in combat.

The 65th Division (Li Jiyun) consisted of three regiments: the 193rd, 194th, and 195th.

Li Jiyun's experience is even more intriguing.

In his memoir, "My Youth," Zhang Wan'an gives a special account of Li Jiyun and her daughter, Li Pinlin.
During the War of Resistance Against Japan, Li Jiyun fought alongside the Eighth Route Army in the Battle of Xinkou, forging a deep bond with our army. He also joined the Communist Party, becoming a member hidden within the Kuomintang's high command.
This also explains why, in the Battle of Qinghuabian, Hu Zongnan's vanguard could not detect any trace of our army's ambush, and why his troops lost their fighting spirit so quickly.

This is why General Peng was able to fight so easily in the Qinghuabian battle.
Thereafter.

Li Jiyun was never employed by Chang Ruiyuan and remained unemployed in Shanghai.

The reorganization of the 15th Army.

Chu Yunfei also had a plan.

Liu Maoen was previously the commander of the 15th Army. After being promoted to deputy commander-in-chief of the group army, he handed over the position of army commander to Wu Tinglin.

Wu Tinglin was born into the Zhen Song Army.

The Zhen Song Army was a local force in western Henan established in the early years of the Republic of China by the brothers Liu Zhenhua and Liu Maoen, warlords of the Beiyang Zhili clique and Henan. It was a notorious bandit group that committed arson, murder, rape, and looting without restraint.

The Zhen Song Army was led by Liu Zhenhua and consisted of three regiments and one battalion, commanded by Chai Yunsheng, Zhang Zhigong, and Han Yukun respectively.

The Zhen Song Army initially numbered only over 4000 men, stationed in more than 20 counties in western Henan.

It was named Zhensongjun because it was near Mount Song.

Therefore, many of the bandits who caused serious banditry in western Henan were relatives of these people.

In order to pay the price of loyalty, these people even killed and wiped out their own relatives (who were also bandits).

At its peak, the Zhen Song Army numbered 100,000 men during the warlord era.

Their development strategy, besides being opportunistic and often acting as a fence-sitter, is also characterized by a tendency to play both sides.

There is also a very impressive expansion model.

It is somewhat similar to Li Yunlong's strategy of dividing his forces and developing them separately.

Firing out and holstering the gun.

The former provides weapons to people, determines how many people they bring back, and what official positions they hold.

The latter involved going to the countryside to spread propaganda, bringing weapons to join the Zhen Song Army and being directly given official positions.

Of course, this expansion model also has significant drawbacks.

Internal factionalism is quite serious, and the quality of personnel varies greatly.

Their character and moral quality have deteriorated to a certain extent.

It's no exaggeration to say that everyone in the group is a villain.

In October 1936, Yang Yongtai was assassinated. Upon hearing the news, Liu Zhenhua was so shocked that he went insane.

He was removed from his position as provincial governor the following year.

He left the political arena and inherited his mantle entirely.

Later, under the leadership of Liu Maoen, this bandit force took a very firm stance against the Japanese.

During the second phase of the North China strategic counter-offensive, it also performed quite well in the Battle of Nankou.

At least he never lacked a fierce and courageous spirit.

PS: The 15th Army participated in the Battle of Xinkou and Taiyuan, the Winter Offensive, and the Battle of Zhongtiao Mountain in history. It also performed brilliantly in the Battle of Central Henan in 1944.

PS1: This outstanding performance was also highlighted by the fact that, apart from the 94th Division of the Civil Engineering Department, they were the only ones fighting against what could be considered an army.

PS2: The 15th Army suffered fewer than 5,000 casualties but more than 20,000 were captured. It was not the iron-willed anti-Japanese army that was touted to be. This point should be noted.

Liu Maoen and Li Jiyun are most likely to be sensible.

Yao Beichen, a commander with a background in artillery at the Army Academy, is also someone worth trying to win over.

As for Wu Tinglin and his rebellious family...

Chu Yunfei, on the other hand, planned to eradicate it completely.
-
Luoyang, the headquarters of the 15th Army.

The night was dark.

But the office of Army Commander Wu Tinglin was still brightly lit.

This was a local tyrant who held absolute power in western Henan.

At this moment, however, he was like a wild beast trapped in a cage, restless and uneasy.

His slightly overweight body paced back and forth in the room, making the expensive carpet creak under his feet.

Smoke filled the entire room.

But the unease in his heart, like the smoke, grew thicker and thicker, refusing to dissipate.

His intuition told him that Chu Yunfei's visit to Luoyang this time was not merely for "inspecting defenses," as he himself claimed.

That smiling tiger was after him!
"Commander-in-Chief."

Beside him, Chief of Staff Liu Hebi was leisurely refilling his cup of hot tea: "You don't need to be so anxious. After all, Commander Chu is the chief advisor of the Military Training Department. It is only his duty to come to the various war zones to inspect."

Liu Hebi graduated from Baoding Military Academy, a professionally trained military academy.

He was not the same kind of person as Wu Tinglin, a warlord who rose from banditry.

He was able to become the chief of staff of the 15th Army because of his excellent military skills and his shrewd and resourceful interpersonal skills.

On the surface, it was an attempt to comfort Wu Tinglin.

But behind those gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes gleamed with shrewdness and composure.

"It's my duty?" Wu Tinglin suddenly stopped, snatched the teacup, and drank the scalding tea in one gulp, grimacing from the burn.

"fart!"

"If he really came to inspect, why didn't he stay at the camp I arranged for him? Why did he insist on spending the night at Zhao Chengshou's place? What does he mean by this? It's obvious that he doesn't trust me! He's trying to give me a hard time!" Wu Tinglin became more and more angry as he spoke, and slammed his teacup heavily on the ground.

The crisp cracking sound startled the guards at the door.

Liu Hebi pushed up his glasses, still maintaining a calm and composed demeanor.

The two worked together for more than a decade.

Liu Hebi knew exactly what kind of person Wu Tinglin was.

"Commander, please calm down."

He said slowly, "Even if Commander Chu has some misunderstandings about us, please don't forget that our 15th Army has more than 20,000 brothers."

With a formidable enemy at hand, could a newly appointed chief advisor really dare to do anything to us?

"Furthermore," he changed the subject, seemingly casually, "we still have Deputy Commander-in-Chief Liu above us. Even if Commander Chu doesn't care about the monk, he has to consider the Buddha. He can't very well refuse to give face to the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the First War Zone, can he?"

These words sounded like they were meant to encourage Wu Tinglin and analyze the pros and cons for him.

But in reality, Liu Hebi already knew exactly what was going on.

Who is Chu Yunfei?

When he was just a regimental commander, he dared to disrespect even Chiang Kai-shek.

Recently, some have even dared to treat the "ultimatums" from the UK and the US as worthless in Yangon.

Would he care about Liu Maoen, who has lost his military power?
Would he care about the more than 20,000 poorly equipped and weak "ragtag" troops under your command, Wu Tinglin?
They dared to come to Luoyang with only twenty people, completely disregarding Wu Tinglin.

The building is about to collapse; it's obvious at a glance.

Liu Hebi knew the answer.

Wu Tinglin and his Zhen Song Army are likely facing dire consequences this time.

His current concern is not how to help Wu Tinglin overcome his difficulties.

Rather, it's about finding a stronger backing for yourself before this crumbling edifice collapses.

Wu Tinglin calmed down a bit after hearing Liu Hebi's words.

He was panting heavily as he plopped back down on the sofa, but the worry on his face remained undiminished.

"That's what I said."

He waved his hand irritably: "But I still feel uneasy. Go to him tomorrow and sound out Chu Yunfei, see what he's up to."

Liu Hebi replied respectfully, "Yes, Commander."

But in his heart...

But they already had their own plans.
Early the next morning.

Liu Hebi did not go to the military headquarters to handle official business as usual.

Instead, he changed into a neat military uniform, prepared a small gift, and drove alone to the temporary command post of the North China Mobile Corps.

Instead of going through Wu Tinglin, he sought an audience with Chu Yunfei under the private pretext of "reporting on defense matters."

To his surprise, Chu Yunfei quickly agreed to see him.

In the reception room of Zhao Chengshou's military headquarters, Liu Hebi met this legendary "war commander".

Younger and more composed than I imagined.

Chu Yunfei simply sat there quietly drinking tea, yet he possessed an aura of quiet authority that commanded respect and made him a force to be reckoned with.

"Chief of Staff Liu, please have a seat." Chu Yunfei politely gestured to the seat opposite him.

"No, no, in front of Chief Advisor Chu, He Bi is just a junior." Liu He Bi quickly said humbly, and sat down carefully.

Seeing this attitude, Chu Yunfei did not lower his guard.

After some pleasantries.

Unable to ascertain Chu Yunfei's true intentions, Liu Hebi decided to take the initiative and probe him.

"Advisor Chu."

Liu Hebi pretended to be worried: "Your visit to Luoyang this time must be to deal with the possible offensive launched by the Japanese army in North China."

Although our 15th Army is poorly equipped, our determination to defend our country is no different from that of our brothers in the National Revolutionary Army.

"At the command of the chief advisor, our entire army will fight to the death."

These words sounded very high-sounding.

This not only demonstrated his "active resistance against Japan" attitude, but also subtly bound the entire 15th Army to his own war machine.

Chu Yunfei put down his teacup and looked at him with a half-smile.

"I am deeply gratified that Chief of Staff Liu has this intention."

“However,” he changed the subject, “before I came to Luoyang, someone told me that resisting Japan was not just about killing the enemy on the battlefield.”

"Rectifying military discipline, eliminating corruption, and ensuring that the people live and work in peace and contentment are also ways to consolidate the foundation of our resistance against Japan."

"Chief of Staff Liu, do you think this statement makes sense?"

Liu Hebi's heart sank suddenly.

He knew that the real issue was about to be addressed.

He immediately echoed Chu Yunfei's words, saying, "The chief advisor is absolutely right!"

"There are indeed some bad apples in our army who prey on the local people and line their own pockets. They not only tarnish the reputation of the National Army, but also shake the morale of our army and the people."

"If such malignant tumors are not eradicated, the nation will cease to exist!"

His words were spoken with righteous indignation, as if he were the one who deeply abhorred corruption and remained a virtuous person.

obviously.

Liu and Bi are cutting.

This was clearly stated to Chu Yunfei.

The actions of Wu Tinglin and his former Zhen Song Army subordinates had absolutely nothing to do with Liu Hebi.

Chu Yunfei looked at him, a hint of approval in his eyes.

Talking to smart people is effortless.

“Since Chief of Staff Liu is also so understanding,” Chu Yunfei’s tone became much more amiable, “then, there is another matter I have come here for that may require Chief of Staff Liu’s help.”

Liu Hebi immediately declared, "Chief Advisor, please give your orders, and I will gladly die for you!"

Chu Yunfei slowly said, "The Military Training Department is currently compiling a new artillery manual and needs to select some junior officers with combat experience and excellent military skills from various units to assist in the work."

In my opinion, Yao Beichen, commander of the 64th Division, is a rare and exceptional military talent within the 15th Army. I wonder if Chief of Staff Liu could introduce him to him?

Liu Hebi instantly understood Chu Yunfei's entire intention.

This is hardly a "recommendation".

This is clearly a ploy to use him as an inside man!

The order is for him to bypass Army Commander Wu Tinglin and establish direct contact with the division and regimental officers below him!
This is an attempt to sideline Wu Tinglin!

This is a huge political gamble.

Choosing the wrong side leads to utter ruin, while choosing the right side can lead to meteoric success.

Liu and Bi acted almost without hesitation.

Even if you chose blindfolded, you'd know where to stand.

He didn't believe that Chu Yunfei dared to come to Luoyang without having a backup plan.

Liu Hebi abruptly stood up, gave Chu Yunfei a solemn military salute: "Chief Advisor, you have a discerning eye! Commander Yao is indeed a rare and excellent general in our army! I, Hebi, am willing to serve as Chief Advisor and act as a go-between!"

His attitude was self-evident.

Chu Yunfei nodded in satisfaction.

They haven't had a chance to express their opinion yet.

Zhao Pengcheng strode into the room and whispered something in someone's ear.

Chu Yunfei's expression changed slightly, and then he slowly stood up: "Chief of Staff Liu is indeed a talented graduate of Baoding Military Academy. I'll leave this matter to Chief of Staff Liu."

"Yes, sir, please rest assured."
-
Chu Yunfei's schedule was packed tightly, like a fully wound top that could not stop for a moment.

His visit to Luoyang and the First War Zone this time lasted only ten days at most.

In those short ten days, however, he had a mountain of things to deal with.

First, it is to supervise the war preparations of the First War Zone.

It's no secret that Okamura Yasuji is stirring up trouble in North China.

According to intelligence, the Japanese army is drawing troops from the Kwantung Army and Central China to replenish its losses in the North China Area Army.

A large-scale counterattack could erupt at any moment.

Luoyang, as a strategic location connecting North China and the Central Plains, was the first to bear the brunt.

Chu Yunfei had to ensure that the frontline troops here were absolutely safe, from the construction of fortifications to the storage of ammunition and supplies, and the formulation of combat plans.

He spent a lot of time every day holding military meetings with Liu Maoen, deputy commander-in-chief of the First War Zone, Guo Jiqiao, chief of staff, and others to study maps, simulate battle situations, and plug every possible loophole.

Secondly, it is necessary to review the operational plans of the Second War Zone.

Shanxi's geographical location determines its importance in the overall North China chess game.

Whether to attack or defend, to contain or to launch a major offensive, every step is related to the stability of the entire North China battlefield.

Chu Yunfei needed to remotely command via telegram to ensure the operation in the Second World War zone.

It can be perfectly coordinated with the strategic deployment of the First War Zone and even the entire country.

At last.

The most difficult task was to reorganize the 15th Army.

This is a hornet's nest.

If handled well, it can eradicate the malignant tumor, rectify military discipline, and transform a rabble into a fighting force.

If not handled properly, it could incite a mutiny, destabilize the entire war zone, and have endless consequences.

Even with the help of Liu Hebi, their "insider".

Chu Yunfei also needs time to divide, win over, and disintegrate Wu Tinglin's old Zhen Song Army system.

The command of this unit was smoothly transferred to a reliable person.

These three major events.

Each one of these is enough to give an ordinary commander a major headache.

Chu Yunfei, however, had to handle them meticulously within ten days.

He was like a highly skilled chess player, playing three games at the same time, making precise and steady moves in each game.

Time is ultimately finite.

Ten days later, regardless of the situation in Luoyang.

Chu Yunfei had to set off for his next destination.

Sichuan, Guanxian County, Puyangchang.

there.

The opening ceremony for the third cohort of new students at the Air Force Junior School awaited his arrival as the chief consultant of the Military Training Department.

This wasn't Chang Ruiyuan giving him a break to enjoy a moment of peace.

This is also a crucial task.

Because the newly appointed Soviet ambassador to China, Andrei Andreyevich Petrov, will also be invited to attend and observe the birth ceremony.

Against the backdrop of rapidly warming Sino-Soviet relations and increasingly close military-technical cooperation.

They had Chu Yunfei, a commander with considerable "prestige" among the Soviet high command, personally intervene.

The significance of informal contact and exchanges with this new ambassador is self-evident.

This is paving the way for deeper cooperation in the future.

of course.

This itinerary is filled with political and military considerations.

It also contained some of Chang Ruiyuan's concern for him.

His wife, Song Wenying, will also be waiting for him at Puyangchang.

One of the "honorary principals" of the Air Force Junior School will also attend the ceremony.

For Chu Yunfei.

This was a brief reunion between him and his wife after several months apart.

From North China to the Central Plains, and then to Burma and Siam, he was constantly on the move, fighting across thousands of miles.

Family and country, loyalty and love.

In Chu Yunfei, there always seems to be a contradiction that is difficult to resolve.

He can strategize and win battles from afar.

Alternatively, one can sit at the conference table, strategizing and outmaneuvering the world.

But when faced with his wife and children...

This stirred up a complex and indescribable emotion in Chu Yunfei's heart.

This emotion contains anticipation, guilt, and a hint of nervousness.

Stand in front of the car.

Chu Yunfei's mind was a bit chaotic. He thought of his young child and felt quite sorry for his family.

Zhao Pengcheng, oblivious to what was amiss, stepped forward and asked, "Sir, what's wrong?"

Chu Yunfei quickly regained his senses and shook his head: "It's alright, let's go."

"Yes!" (End of this chapter)