Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

The moment Chu Yunfei's convoy drove into the First War Zone Command Headquarters.

The news spread like wildfire back to the headquarters of the 15th Army.

Inside the army commander's office.

Wu Tinglin's obese body jerked as if pricked by a needle, and he sprang up from the sofa: "What? He went to Wei Junru's place? And he called Liu Maoen over too?"

His voice was filled with undisguised panic and fear.

He is not a fool.

Chu Yunfei bypassed the commander of the 15th Army and went directly to see the war zone commander and his "old superior." The signal couldn't be clearer.

They're going to take action against him!

in the room.

Several of his confidants were also seated there; they were all his relatives and nephews who held important positions in the army thanks to his connections.

now.

These martial arts disciples, who usually acted arrogantly and domineeringly, all turned ashen-faced and fell silent in fear.

"Uncle," the usually most arrogant nephew stammered, "that Chu Yunfei, he wouldn't really be investigating us, would he?"

"nonsense!"

Wu Tinglin slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup vibrate: "If he's not investigating us, what's he doing in Luoyang?"

"For sightseeing and tourism?"

He paced restlessly around the room, his mind a complete mess.

Smuggling, trafficking in opium, seizing farmland, and setting up private opium dens.

Over the years, all the terrible things he did flashed before his eyes like scenes from a movie.

He knew it in his heart.

If any one of these things gets out, it could cost him his head.

Previously, with a formidable enemy at hand and the emperor far away, there was also some influence from Liu Maoen.

But now, it's Chu Yunfei who's here!
He was the "living Yama" who dared to disregard even the respect due to Chang Ruiyuan and He Jingzhi, and who dared to execute Gui Yongqing directly during wartime!
"Uncle, what are you afraid of!"

Another nephew, who was a little bolder, retorted, "Our 15th Army has over 20,000 brothers! No matter how powerful Chu Yunfei is, can he arrest us all?"

"At worst, we'll just vote for Japan!"

"fart!"

Before he could finish speaking, Wu Tinglin kicked him, saying, "I'd rather fight against that old Chang than follow the Japanese."

He was panting heavily when he slumped into a chair, cold sweat pouring down his forehead.

A head-on confrontation is a dead end.

To sit idly by and wait for death is to wait for death in the first place.

How to do?
In the end how to do?
Driven by fear, Wu Tinglin's brain was racing.

His eyes, hollowed out by wine and women, gleamed with a cunning and sinister light.

Suddenly, a thought, like a bolt of lightning, pierced the chaos in his mind.

He recalled what had happened before, and how those warlord predecessors who had been in dire straits had managed to escape unscathed.

"Have it!"

Wu Tinglin slapped his thigh and stood up from his chair.

He looked at his equally panicked nephews and nieces, a cruel yet resolute smile spreading across his face: "You want us dead? Not so easy!"

"Isn't Chu Yunfei going to use us as a 'weapon to scare the monkey' and as a stepping stone for his new appointment?"

"Alright! Then we'll prevent him from finding this 'chicken'!"

His nephews looked at each other, not understanding what he meant. Wu Tinglin sneered and slowly explained his plan.

"Pass on my order! The entire army must assemble immediately and prepare three days' worth of provisions!"

"We're not staying in Luoyang!"

"where are we going?"

The nephews asked.

Wu Tinglin walked to the map and used his thick fingers to press heavily on a spot: the Ningling front line.

"Let's go here! Let's fight the Japanese!"

Wu Tinglin's voice carried a desperate, mad glint in his eye.

"Didn't Chu Yunfei claim to be an anti-Japanese war hero?"

"Isn't he the one who believes in 'when faced with a formidable enemy, we must unite against them'?"

"Alright! Then let's raise this banner of 'resistance against Japan' for him!"

"We should take the initiative and fight the Japanese! The fiercer the fight, the better, and the more devastating the defeat, the better!"

"As long as we engage the Japanese in battle, as long as we fight 'bloody' on the front lines, would Chu Yunfei dare to touch us?"

"If he dares to attack our 'anti-Japanese forces' from behind at this time, he will be a national traitor who sabotages the war of resistance! The whole world's spittle could drown him!"

A cunning glint flashed in Wu Tinglin's eyes.

He recalled the "Two Guangxi Incident" of that year.

Chen Jitang and Li Zongren, under the guise of "going north to resist Japan," were actually acting against Chiang Kai-shek.

The team included a large number of Japanese advisors and Japanese pilots.

The large quantities of weapons and ammunition were all supplied by the Japanese.

At last.

Chang Ruiyuan had no choice but to compromise and let the matter drop.
Wu Tinglin then thought of Zhang Xueliang during the Great Wall Resistance.

Wasn't that "non-resistance general" who lost the three northeastern provinces only forced to fight a few battles at the Great Wall under the pressure of public opinion to save face for himself?

Their collapse at the first touch was just like when Yan Xishan ordered Zhao Chengshou to go 800 kilometers north to meet the Japanese army.

They were afraid of suffering too much loss, and they were also afraid of inflicting too much damage on the Japanese and triggering retaliatory attacks.

This approach, which sought both ends, simultaneously carried the banner of "resistance against Japan."

The central government really doesn't have a good way to deal with it.

These warlords all basically followed the same pattern in their thinking and actions.

History always repeats itself.

In Wu Tinglin's view, the banner of "resisting Japan" is the most useful "protective talisman".

Just hold it high.

All crimes of corruption, embezzlement, and oppression of the local people can be covered up.

All of these can be forgiven in the name of "national righteousness".

"Uncle is brilliant!"

The nephews immediately understood and clapped their hands in approval.

"Let's get ready now!"

Wu Tinglin looked at them with a satisfied smile on his face.

But he knew in his heart that this was a risky move.

This was a risky move that pushed himself and the entire 15th Army to the brink of disaster.

To deliberately provoke the Japanese, especially at this critical juncture.

It's arguably no different from courting death.

But now, he has no other choice.

Behind.

It was Chu Yunfei's drawn sword.

in front of you.

It was a hail of bullets from the Japanese invaders.

For him, when faced with two evils, he could only choose the lesser one.

After all, it was more likely that the soldiers who died in battle would be lower-ranking officers and soldiers, not him, the army commander.

"Pass down the order," he added finally, "that the Japanese invaders are plotting against western Henan, intending to sever the connection between North China and the Southwest. Our 15th Army, to defend our homeland, is determined to take the initiative and fight the Japanese invaders to the death!"

"Sing it as high as you can!"

"We want all of Luoyang, all of Henan, and all of China to know!"

"I, Wu Tinglin, am going to serve my country with utmost loyalty!"

"Yes!"

Late that night.

While Chu Yunfei was still at the First War Zone Command, discussing with Wei Junru and others how to "peacefully" resolve the issue of the 15th Army,

Wu Tinglin, leading his 20,000-strong army, quietly left Luoyang amidst rousing slogans of "defending the homeland," and "resolutely" set off for Ningling County, which was occupied by the Japanese army.

The 15th Army set off.

Wei Junru, however, did not receive any news.

At least that's how it appears from Chu Yunfei's perspective.

Half an hour after the 15th Army set off.

A lieutenant in a major's uniform strode into the office: "Report."

Wei Junru glanced at Chu Yunfei, who was nodding to himself, and said loudly, "Come in."

"Report, Chief Advisor Chu, Commander Wei, we have just received news that four hours ago, Wu Tinglin's troops launched a propaganda campaign to advance eastward and resist the Japanese. In just a few hours, they have already set off in regiments."

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunfei immediately immersed his consciousness in the three-dimensional combat map.

as predicted.

Wu Tinglin's various regiments are basically assembling and setting off, and his vanguard has already left its post.

At this marching speed, it should take about two days to reach the front line of the battle against the enemy.

Chu Yunfei frowned; this Wu Tinglin was still too cunning.

Since the September 18 Incident, whoever took up the banner of resistance against Japan had a legitimate reason to fight.

If the 15th Army were fighting on the front lines, Chu Yunfei would still be investigating the problems of the officers and soldiers of the 15th Army.

If this matter is exposed, it will be a blow to his prestige.

Chu Yunfei was caught in a dilemma. After thinking for a moment, he could only say, "Commander Wei, I think you are living quite well at the headquarters of the First War Zone Commander."

Wei Junru's face was gloomy as he slowly said, "Go and find out where the information leaked from."

"Yes!"

The major turned and left.

Wei Junru said apologetically, "This war zone is nominally the Central War Zone, but in reality, the troops under its command come from all over the country, and each person has their own thoughts, so it is difficult to completely control them."

Chu Yunfei nodded slowly.

If the information is leaked, you can only accept the bad luck. If Plan A is unusable, you naturally have to quickly change your approach.

After stroking his chin, Chu Yunfei continued, "We have felt the 15th Army's determination to resist Japan. I wonder what Commander Wei's plans are?"

Wei Junru's expression changed slightly. After thinking for a moment, he slowly said, "Since Commander Wu has volunteered for the battle, then Shangqiu and Heze can be the main directions of attack. What does Chief Advisor Chu think?"

"It's impossible."
-
The focus of the third phase of the counter-offensive.

According to the General Headquarters' plan, the actual direction was not Xuzhou.

Qiu Qingquan's troops were originally intended to be used as the spearhead of an attack.

But now, since it has been transferred to the Dingnan Army as a strategic "nuclear weapon" to deter Yin Lao.

Therefore, the direction of the counterattack naturally needs to be adjusted again.

Whether it's north of the river or south of the river.

The two most powerful war zones are the Second War Zone and the Ninth War Zone.

Chu Xichun, the acting commander of the Second World War Zone, was not as well-known as Xue Yue before.

Regarding the upcoming adjustments to the main focus and resource allocation, it's highly unlikely that Chu Xichun will be able to compete with Xue Yue.

There is another major influencing factor.

The Third War Zone has not yet recovered from the losses incurred during the Zhejiang-Jiangxi Campaign.

They are able to provide support to the Ninth War Zone.

In essence, there are only four and five war zones.

However, the Fifth War Zone is currently undergoing internal reorganization.

If the Ninth War Zone were to engage in battle alone with the main force of the Central China Front Army, the 11th Army...

The odds of winning are not high.

Chu Yunfei returned to the lounge and briefly reviewed the current situation in North and South China.

Then the paper was thrown into the brazier.

The lights were still on inside the room.

Outside the room, Zhao Pengcheng, holding a telegram, knocked on the door: "Your Excellency, I have just received a message from Siam."

"come in."

Chu Yunfei continued burning the paper, then asked, "Is it confirmed that Wu Ziqiang's troops are stationed in Siam?"

Zhao Pengcheng nodded and sat down to the side at Chu Yunfei's gesture: "According to the General Headquarters' plan, the first batch of border residents will number around 50,000, and they will be resettled in a unified manner in the form of a construction corps, organized by household, unit, and village, and connected to the domestic infrastructure."

"At the same time, in order to undermine the alliance between Britain and the United States, the General Staff decided to establish the Siam United Investment Corporation, which the Americans mainly used to invest in local agriculture and rubber industry."

"We provide personnel and 40% of the capital, while the Americans provide technology and 60% of the capital, holding 51% and 49% of the shares respectively."

"Specific details of the aid are not yet known, but there are reports that Finance Minister Song and Minister Kong are quite satisfied with this cooperation."

"can."

As the expeditionary force completely established a foothold in Siam.

In Chu Yunfei's mind, the panel for building anti-Japanese base areas also...
Chu Yunfei stood up and paced around, slightly excited: "With Siam's superior geographical location and conditions, if its agriculture develops, it can support at least 14 million more people. These Americans are really savvy, giving us real money."

Zhao Pengcheng then added, "Mr. Stilwell played a crucial role in these negotiations."

"I know."

After pondering for a moment, Chu Yunfei sighed with emotion: "It seems that our previous move was the right one. Trying to ease the relationship between Shancheng and Stilwell has indeed brought unexpected benefits."

"Commander Wu also called to inquire whether the landing force was being trained in Siam according to the original operational plan. He also said that he was short of capable officers and wanted to transfer Chen Zejun to Siam to take over as the commander of the newly formed 13th Army."

"His abilities are certainly sufficient, but he still lacks a lot in terms of seniority and combat achievements."

Chu Yunfei stroked his chin and then slowly said, "Brother Ligong, haven't you been organizing operations to contest the area around Hengshui recently? Think of a way to send Chen Zejun's troops there as the main force. When the time comes..."
-
Taihang Mountains.

Eighth Route Army Headquarters.

In the dim cave dwelling, the flame of a kerosene lamp flickered gently in the night breeze.

The deputy commander-in-chief was frowning, staring at the huge North China military map on the wall.

Beside him.

Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff Tang Dayun both had serious expressions.

The situation in North China has been quite tense recently.

Contrary to his usual behavior, Okamura Yasuji took the initiative to contact the Nationalist army troops at every turn.

Not only did they strengthen the defenses of various transportation lines, but they also frequently raided the rear areas of Shandong, seemingly trying to ascertain their own logistical situation.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist army has also been making frequent moves.

First, two cavalry corps from the Second World War zone marched into Henan in a grand manner.

The combined forces of the North China Area Army and the Nationalist Army have exceeded 500,000.

Immediately afterwards, Chu Yunfei, who had just become the chief consultant of the military training department, also suddenly came to Luoyang.

This is a sign that a great war is about to begin.

"Commander," the chief of staff pointed to the location of Luoyang on the map and analyzed, "Chu Yunfei's visit this time is probably not well-intentioned. According to the intelligence we received from the underground party in Luoyang, he is secretly contacting junior and middle-ranking officers of the 15th Army."

"The 15th Army?" The deputy commander's thick eyebrows furrowed even more. "Wu Tinglin's unit? That's a tough nut to crack. It won't be so easy for Chu Yunfei to deal with them."

Tang Dayun nodded: "Yes."

This unit not only creates friction with us, but also with other Nationalist army units.

Although the 15th Army was generally not very disciplined, it was no slouch when it came to fighting the Japanese.

but.

After all, they were the old guard of the Zhen Song Army, with deep-rooted internal connections, and they were all locals from western Henan, so they were very united.

"Chu Yunfei is an outsider; if he tries to harm them, it might incite a mutiny."

Just as the group was discussing, a clerk walked in quickly, carrying a newly translated telegram.

"Reporting, sir! Top secret!"

The atmosphere inside the cave dwelling instantly froze.

All eyes were focused on the thin telegram.

Top Secret!
This means.

This telegram was sent through the secret, single-line, and never-before-used communication channel between the highest levels of both sides.

The deputy commander-in-chief took the telegram, held it up to the kerosene lamp, and began to read it carefully.

His pupils contracted sharply at the first glance.

"Respectfully presented to Deputy Commander-in-Chief Peng: "
Comrade Li Jiyun, whom your party has not used for a long time, how have you been?
This man is a pillar of the nation and a key figure in the Party; it is a great pity that his talents are wasted in the 15th Army.

The Ministry of Military Affairs will soon conduct a comprehensive reorganization of the 15th Army. In order to cooperate with the reorganization plan and to prevent this gem from being tarnished.

Yunfei boldly offered his suggestion to the Chairman, which has been approved.

It was decided that the reorganized 15th Army would retain its designation and the basic personnel would remain unchanged.

They are temporarily placed under the command of your army group to cooperate in combat and jointly respond to the Japanese counterattack in North China.

For specific handover matters, your liaison office can contact General Liu Hebi, our representative stationed in Luoyang.

Chu Yunfei.

The entire cave dwelling was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The chief of staff and Tang Dayun also came over to read the telegram, their faces showing undisguised shock and disbelief.

"How can this be?"

The chief of staff was the first to exclaim, "How could Yunfei know Li Jiyun's identity?"

"This is a top-level secret within our Party!"

Tang Dayun felt a chill run down his spine: "He not only knew, but he also dared to point it out directly in this way. Wasn't he afraid that the telegram would be intercepted by the Japanese or the Military Intelligence Bureau? He was incredibly audacious!"

The deputy commander-in-chief remained silent.

He just stared intently at the telegram, as if trying to see through Chu Yunfei's heart between the lines.

After the initial shock, a more complex emotion welled up inside him.

Chu Yunfei, what are you doing?
The mountain city authorities intend to simply transfer the Class B combat army into their organization for nothing.

This is simply an unexpected and irresistible "gift"!
"Boss, could there be a trap here?"

The chief of staff calmed down and raised his concerns, saying, "The mountain city side would never do a losing deal."

The deputy commander placed the telegram on the table and tapped it lightly with his fingers: "Chu Yunfei's plan is a win-win situation."

His voice carried a barely perceptible hint of admiration: "No, it could even be described as a win-win-win situation."

He stood up, walked to the map, and suddenly his mind cleared.

"Look, the mountain city authorities have dumped the hot potato that is the 15th Army on us."

"What benefit would it bring them?"

"First, the problem of the 15th Army was solved without bloodshed."

"Wu Tinglin was eliminated, but the military structure was preserved, which prevented a mutiny and the stability of the First War Zone from being shaken. This was the first victory."

"Secondly, Chang Ruiyuan handed this unit over to us for command, which was essentially doing us a favor."

This would demonstrate his 'sincerity' to us, while also earning him a good reputation among the people of the whole country for 'putting the overall situation first and uniting to resist Japan'.

Look, so many people and equipment were given out directly.

How generous!

after.

No matter who tries to attack him in public opinion for "passively resisting Japan and actively opposing communism," it won't be so easy for them.

This is the second win.

"And what about for us?"

Excitement gleamed in the eyes of the deputy commander-in-chief: "We've gained command of an entire army out of nowhere!"

Nearly 20,000 well-trained soldiers, along with a full set of weapons and equipment!

This is like sending charcoal in snowy weather, especially given our current urgent need to expand our base and strengthen our capabilities!

"With this force, our operational space in western Henan and southern Shanxi will be greatly expanded!"

“This could even serve as a basis for expansion southwards, threatening the Pinghan Railway.”

"This is our victory!"

"Won't the people of Shancheng suspect that Chu Yunfei is a communist?" Tang Dayun asked with some concern.

Both Yan'an and the Eighth Route Army headquarters held Chu Yunfei, their "old friend," in high regard.

To be fair, no one wants to see Chu Yunfei fall out with either side.

The deputy commander smiled and said, "Chu Yunfei must also have his own explanation."

"For example, let our Eighth Route Army gnaw on the 15th Army, that 'hard nut to crack,' and wear down our strength."

or.

Let's be the scapegoats.

If this unit causes any trouble in the future, the responsibility will fall entirely on our Eighth Route Army.

Chairman Chiang Kai-shek was happy to sit back and watch the two tigers fight.

He thus successfully extricated himself from this predicament, dealing with this hot potato.

After hearing this analysis, the chief of staff and Tang Dayun suddenly understood.

Chu Yunfei's actions.

It can be said to kill four birds with one stone, making the most of all available factors.

He not only solved his own problems, but also won favors from all sides and gained enormous political prestige for himself.

This is a thoroughly open and irresistible scheme.

"High! It's really high!"

Tang Dayun exclaimed from the bottom of his heart, "This Chu Yunfei, his cunning and ruthlessness are truly unprecedented in my life."

The deputy commander nodded, a complex smile on his face.

"Yes, having such a 'friend' is both our misfortune and perhaps our great fortune."

He picked up the telegram and lit it on the kerosene lamp.

Watching that piece of paper filled with earth-shattering secrets turn to ashes in the flames.

"Send a telegram to Yan'an to report the specific situation."

Two hours later.

The deputy commander-in-chief then said, "Send a telegram back to Luoyang."

His voice was firm and strong: "Just say: My old friend is well, there's no need to worry. I have received the generous gift and am extremely grateful."

"In addition, the Yu-Xi Military Region is ordered to immediately dispatch its most capable cadres to make contact with Liu Hebi."

"Tell them that the takeover and renovation work must be done flawlessly!"

"We cannot let Chief Consultant Chu's 'kind intentions' go to waste!"

Inside the cave dwelling, several high-ranking officers of the Eighth Route Army exchanged smiles. (End of Chapter)