Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Luoyang, a military airport.

A silver-gray C-47 transport plane awaits its distinguished guest amidst the deafening roar of its propellers.

The black Cadillac sedan slowly came to a stop in front of the helipad.

Chu Yunfei, dressed in military uniform, stepped out of the car with a solemn expression.

"President Chu, have a safe journey to Sichuan."

Liu Maoen held Chu Yunfei's hand tightly and said earnestly, "With us here on the front lines in North China, you can rest assured!"

"Commander Liu, you're too kind."

Chu Yunfei shook hands in return and said, "The Japanese invaders have never given up their desire to destroy us. The defense of North China still requires everyone's concerted efforts. We must not take it lightly."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries and farewells.

Chu Yunfei boarded the plane.

The cabin door slowly closed, shutting out the noise from outside.

The plane taxied on the runway, accelerated, and then leaped into the sky.

The ancient city of Luoyang gradually became a small black dot in the field of vision.

Inside the cabin.

Chu Yunfei unbuttoned his collar and let out a long sigh of relief.

The intense work over the past few days has left even the strongest body feeling fatigued.

He leaned against the porthole, gazing at the magnificent landscape rushing past below, his thoughts racing.

Zhao Pengcheng, the guard's adjutant, came over with a cup of hot tea and quietly sat down opposite him.

"Master Yun, have some water to moisten your throat."

"Hmm." Chu Yunfei took the teacup and nodded.

Zhao Pengcheng took out an itinerary from the folder and began to report the upcoming schedule to him.

"Mr. Yun, our plane is expected to arrive at Chengdu Phoenix Mountain Airport at around 4:50 pm."

"I have contacted the Sichuan-Kang Pacification Headquarters, and they will send a special car to wait for us at the airport."

"Tonight, we will rest at the Central Military Officers' Guesthouse in Chengdu."

"Tomorrow morning, we will take a car to the Air Force Junior School at Puyang Field in Guanxian County."

"The opening ceremony will be held promptly at 10:00 AM. As the chief advisor of the military training department, you will deliver a speech."

"According to the plan, we will stay in Puyangchang for two days."

"In addition to attending the ceremony, you will also need to have an informal meeting with Soviet Ambassador Petrov and to encourage the young tigers of the Air Force Cadet School."

Chu Yunfei listened quietly, nodding occasionally.

Zhao Pengcheng paused, turned to the next page of the itinerary, and his expression became somewhat serious.

"Two days later, we need to set off again from Chengdu to Longcheng."

"Oh?" Chu Yunfei was somewhat surprised: "Back to Shanxi?"

“Yes,” Zhao Pengcheng explained, “according to a telegram sent by Acting Commander-in-Chief Chu Xichun.”

"The 'Shanxi Construction Group' that you previously proposed to establish has been officially approved by the authorities in Shanxi Province."

"The group's leadership team formation meeting will be held in Longcheng in three days."

"Representatives from the Second World War Zone, the Executive Yuan Resources Committee, and the U.S. Aid to China Administration will all be present."

Upon hearing this, a hint of relief flashed in Chu Yunfei's eyes.

He nodded: "I understand."

After reporting his work, Zhao Pengcheng did not immediately leave and return to his seat.

He seemed to have something else on his mind, but hesitated to speak.

Chu Yunfei noticed his hesitation: "Is there anything else?"

Zhao Pengcheng then spoke, his tone filled with barely concealed excitement: "Yes, Lord Yun. There is another piece of good news for us."

“Yesterday, we received a secret telegram from the mountain city.”

He looked at Chu Yunfei and said, word by word, "The officer corps that our Second World War zone selected to study at the Frunze Military Academy in the Soviet Union has successfully completed their studies. As per your instructions, they refused to stay in the Soviet Union to participate in their Great Patriotic War and instead chose to return home to fight."

"Judging by the days, I should be back in the mountain city this month."

"Luo Weiguo and the others?"

Zhao Pengcheng said with a smile, "It is said that Commander Luo achieved excellent results in the graduation assessment of the Frunze Military Academy, which surprised those Soviet instructors who looked down on our Chinese soldiers."

"Okay! Okay!"

Chu Yunfei said "good" twice in a row.

The fatigue on her face seemed to have vanished.

Instead, there was a heartfelt joy and satisfaction.

Those who could be selected to be sent out by the Second World War zone.

They are either mid-level commanders who have previously distinguished themselves in battle.

Or they are military academy graduates who have just completed their grassroots training and performed their duties.

in short.

These people had previously sacrificed their lives on the battlefield against the Japanese.

Many of them were even his old comrades-in-arms who had fought alongside him.

The return of these people will solve the problem of generational transition in the military.

Chu Yunfei had long wanted to take action against some veteran soldiers, but he had never had a suitable opportunity.

The thought of this.

Chu Yunfei was also filled with sighs.

Nearly three years have passed since he was shot and seriously injured.

It's unclear what Luo Weiguo's current command level is.

If it has indeed improved a lot.

At least in the future, there will be a place for Luo Weiguo to use his skills in Northeast China.

The Soviets certainly had their own ideas about using the superior techniques of the barbarians to control the barbarians, particularly regarding the command of large-scale military operations.

Thinking of this, Chu Yunfei couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

Time flies on the plane, and it landed smoothly.

After arriving at the officers' guesthouse, Chu Yunfei quickly fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning.

The special vehicles had already been arranged, and the route and security personnel were all in place.

Everything is in order.

As the special vehicle slowly drove into Puyangchang Town, Guanxian County, Sichuan Province.

A refreshing and tranquil atmosphere, completely different from the somber atmosphere of Luoyang, wafted over.

Here, there are no rows of fortified camps or heavily fortified outposts.

Instead.

It is a neat school building, a spacious playground, and a group of young faces full of vigor and curiosity.

"The Second Emei Mountain is less than ten miles from here, and I heard it's a place where students go hiking."

Chu Yunfei asked with a smile, "You know that?"

Zhao Pengcheng scratched his head: "I chatted with Captain Li at the guesthouse last night. He had worked here on official business before, so he gave me a brief introduction to the local situation."

Puyangchang is the location of the Republic of China Air Force Junior School.

It is also one of the cradles of the future Chinese Air Force.

The car just stopped.

Chu Yunfei's gaze pierced through the crowd that came to greet him and immediately spotted the figure that haunted his dreams.

Song Wenying.

She wore a well-fitting blue cheongsam with a white knitted cardigan over it, and her long hair was simply tied back, making her look gentle and intellectual.

She seemed to have lost some weight after I hadn't seen her for several months.

But those eyes always held a gentle smile.

The moment Chu Yunfei got out of the car, the sky lit up instantly, as if filled with the starlight of the entire world.

There were no hugs, no passionate words.

The two exchanged a glance from a distance, separated by the crowd.

A single glance is worth a thousand words.

All the longing, worry, and concern transformed into a tacitly understood warmth at this moment.

"General Consultant Chu, welcome, welcome!"

A loud and cheerful voice pulled Chu Yunfei back to reality.

A middle-aged officer, dressed in an Air Force Major General's uniform, with a refined appearance and gold-rimmed glasses, strode forward and gave him a standard military salute.

"Wang Qiang, the Director of Education of the Air Force Junior School, is here to await the arrival of the Chief Advisor."

"Director Wang, you're too kind."

Chu Yunfei returned the greeting and shook hands with him.

Chu Yunfei's impression of Wang Qiang was actually somewhat unfamiliar.

Before he came, Wenbai Gong (Zhang Wenbai) had talked with him.

As for Wang Qiang, he was his classmate from Baoding (artillery department), who left the army to study in the United States because he was dissatisfied with the corruption and incompetence of the warlord troops.

After returning to China, he served as the chief advisor to the front lines in the Battle of Shanghai on August 13.

Wang Qiang has always focused on the study of German and American military sciences, and firmly believes that the army should absorb the strengths of Germany and the air force should absorb the strengths of the United States. He has previously written some articles published in the Whampoa Monthly, a publication of military academies, and can be considered an academic-style education director.

However, in Chu Yunfei's historical memories from his previous life...

I only caught a fleeting glimpse of this Air Force junior school on my phone.

It seems that not much of the war history has been written about how these young air force pilots were trained and what their educational philosophy was. Chu Yunfei knew very little about it.

The only impression left on Chu Yunfei was that many future backbone members of the Nationalist Air Force emerged from here, but they participated not in the War of Resistance against Japan, but in the War of Liberation.

Think of this.

Chu Yunfei couldn't help but feel a little wistful.

After a brief greeting.

Instead of taking Chu Yunfei on a tour of the campus, Wang Qiang led him to an elegant reception room.

Song Wenying followed in with a smile and brewed tea for the two of them.

"Advisor Chu."

Wang Qiang pushed up his glasses and got straight to the point, talking about his educational philosophy.

His eyes shone with the light of an idealist.

"Our purpose in establishing this early childhood education school is far more than simply to train a group of 'military machines' who can only fly airplanes."

"I believe that what is more important than technology is thought and character."

"Therefore, my educational policy is, first and foremost, to inspire these children to have a sense of patriotism and love for their nation. To make them understand why they fly and for whom they fight."

"Secondly, we should guide them to learn basic courses such as mathematics, physics, and foreign languages, so as to lay a solid foundation for their future flight technology studies."

"Finally, through strict military management and physical training, we can improve their physical fitness and cultivate the excellent qualities that soldiers should possess, such as obedience, perseverance, and courage."

He became more and more excited as he spoke, and even stood up.

"I have always believed that an excellent air force officer should first and foremost be a 'person' with noble character and moral integrity, not a cold-blooded killing machine!"

"In this regard, I personally highly admire Mr. Tao Xingzhi's concept of 'life is education, society is school'."

"We not only teach children book knowledge, but also take them to the countryside and factories, so that they can see with their own eyes what kind of suffering our country and our people are going through, and how they are rising up in the struggle!"

Wang Qiang's words surprised Chu Yunfei, but also filled him with sincere admiration.

He never imagined that in such a war-torn era...

In a military academy whose primary mission is to train "killing machines," there is surprisingly an educator who cherishes ideals and emphasizes humanistic education.

What he said coincided with many of Chu Yunfei's ideas about the future development of the military.

"Director Wang."

Chu Yunfei sincerely said, "I deeply admire your educational philosophy."

"The future of our motherland needs educators like you who possess both professional knowledge and humanistic spirit."

Wang Qiang was very pleased to have gained Chu Yunfei's approval.

Chu Yunfei then added, "I just heard you describe the students' three subjects (music, art, and crafts) in a very good way. However, to encourage and satisfy these little tiger cubs' curiosity, I suggest we adopt the clubs and societies that American schools have been promoting, using interests as a guide to unite the students."

The two then had an in-depth exchange of nearly twenty minutes on specific issues of curriculum design and student management.

It wasn't until the orderly came in and reminded him.

The two reluctantly ended their conversation just as the opening ceremony was about to begin.

……

On the parade ground, hundreds of boys aged twelve to fifteen, dressed in brand-new khaki air force cadet uniforms, stood in neat rows, ramrod straight in the sunlight.

They had just enrolled in school, and their young faces were filled with nervousness, excitement, and anticipation for the future.

In Chu Yunfei's view.

These children are one of the most precious hopes for the development of this country's air force.

Five years for the army, ten years for the air force, and a hundred years for the navy.

Chu Yunfei had no clue how to develop the navy yet. However, Bai Jiansheng, Zhang Wenbai, and others had already taken the lead in developing the air force.

Even Wang Qiang himself was recommended as the Dean of Education by Bai Jiansheng and Zhang Wenbai.

On the podium.

Chu Yunfei noticed the slightly arrogant expression on the face of Soviet Ambassador Petrov.

The two simply nodded to each other amicably, without exchanging any further words.

They all knew what the real "main course" was.

After the ceremony.

As arranged, Chu Yunfei, as the chief consultant of the military training department, was required to deliver a speech at the entrance ceremony.

Wang Qiang respectfully handed him a well-prepared and eloquent speech.

Chu Yunfei took the manuscript and glanced at it.

It was covered with all sorts of flowery language and impassioned slogans.

He frowned slightly, and just as he was about to step onto the podium, he made a move that surprised everyone.

He casually handed the speech to Zhao Pengcheng, who was standing next to him.

"Put it away."

Then, empty-handed, he walked to the microphone.

Everyone looked at Chu Yunfei with slight surprise.

But Chu Yunfei didn't look at anyone; his gaze slowly swept over the energetic faces below the stage.

Those upright, poplar-like bodies seemed to straighten even more because of Chu Yunfei's gaze.

Chu Yunfei remained silent for a moment, as if organizing his thoughts.

Then he spoke.

There were no official documents or lengthy treatises.

His voice, though not loud, was clear and reached the ears of every child.

"Comrades."

He only said those two words, and the audience instantly fell silent: "When I see you, it's like seeing myself fifteen years ago."

"Back then, I had the same dream as you."

"That is, to make our country stronger."

"Today, you have chosen to put on this military uniform, and you have chosen to dedicate your future to it."

"Closely linked to the blue sky and the fate of the nation."

"I, Chu Yunfei, am truly proud of you."

"I don't want to lecture you on grand principles. I just want to tell you three things."

Chu Yunfei paused for a moment, then slowly extended his finger: "First, eat well and strengthen your body. Because we all know that pilots need bodies of steel."

Immediately afterwards, Chu Yunfei slowly extended his second finger.

"Second, study hard, especially math and physics, because the vast blue sky will not sympathize with anyone who has an empty mind. Future fighter jets will inevitably be more sophisticated and require a smarter mind. Only in this way can we achieve victory in air combat and better carry out corresponding combat missions."

He held up a third finger, his gaze becoming incredibly sharp: "The third, and most important one."

"Forever, forever remember how you feel standing here today."

"Remember the burning passion in your hearts, remember your yearning for the future, remember your deep love for this land."

"Because when you will one day pilot warplanes, soar into the sky, and fight the enemy."

"The only thing that can sustain you, enabling you to overcome fear and rush towards death, is not orders, nor honor, but the unyielding pure heart within you!"

"I'm done."

He solemnly gave a standard military salute to the group of children below the stage, who were deeply moved by his words.

The playground was completely silent.

Immediately, a thunderous and prolonged applause erupted.

Those young "tiger cubs" used all their strength to offer their highest respect to this general who spoke without uttering a single wasted word, yet expressed all their innermost feelings.

Wang Qiang, standing on the dais, had a look of amazement in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Soviet Ambassador Petrov, standing to the side, clapped thoughtfully.

Then it was Wang Qiang's turn. He stuffed the manuscript he had prepared earlier back into his pocket.

Wang Qiang confidently stepped forward, then slowly spoke: "Students, modern warfare emphasizes speed. The Yuan Dynasty used the speed of its cavalry to conquer Europe; the British used the speed of their steam engines to dominate the world and establish the British Empire. Since its invention, airplanes have been even faster and more powerful, capable of destroying nations within days."
Our school gathers the nation's most outstanding youth, providing them with a balanced education that emphasizes both moral character and national defense. Our aim is to cultivate a great air force to counter imperialism. We strive not only for the freedom of our entire nation but also for the freedom and equality of other nations.

Standing behind him, Chu Yunfei listened quietly to Wang Qiang's speech, nodding in approval.

No wonder she was able to become the principal of the kindergarten.

Today, the Nationalist government's air force has been almost completely wiped out.

These tiger cubs will become the future Republic of China Air Force.

Chang Ruiyuan trusted him, and the generals also trusted his abilities, which shows that he really had some skills.

The opening ceremony did not take up too much time.

The luncheon following the ceremony was held in the officers' mess hall of the Air Force Junior School.

There were no delicacies, nor any clinking of glasses.

On the long dining table were several dishes that were similar to the students' daily meals.

A large pot of steaming braised pork with potatoes, a plate of stir-fried greens, a plate of Mapo tofu, and plenty of white rice and steamed buns.

The dishes were simple, even somewhat rudimentary, but the portions were generous, the aroma was enticing, and the atmosphere was full of the rustic yet heartwarming spirit characteristic of military canteens.

Chu Yunfei was very pleased with this.

He picked up his rice bowl, took a large piece of braised pork with alternating layers of fat and lean meat, and ate it with great relish.

He knew that Wang Qiang was using this most direct way to demonstrate the school's spirit of diligence, thrift, and pragmatism.

Chu Yunfei was quite pleased with this approach of not engaging in any "vanity projects".

However, the Soviet guests at the same table did not look so pleased.

Soviet Ambassador Andrei Petrov frowned deeply as he looked at the ordinary food served in the large, rough porcelain bowl in front of him.

He used his silver fork to pok at the potatoes on his plate with a hint of disdain, then put down his cutlery.

In his view, this was nothing short of a disrespect and an insult.

As the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, he represented the face of a world power.

The Chinese actually served him this kind of food!

"Is this how your country treats its guests?"

Petrov's tone carried a hint of barely suppressed anger.

He spoke coldly to Chu Yunfei through the translator beside him.

The Soviet military attachés and diplomats sitting next to him also put down their chopsticks, their faces showing the same dissatisfaction.

Regarding the group's formation and this matter, the Russians did a pretty good job.

For a while.

The atmosphere at the dinner table became somewhat awkward and tense.

Wang Qiang and several accompanying Chinese officers were somewhat at a loss, and they subconsciously looked at Chu Yunfei.

Chu Yunfei, however, seemed oblivious to the hostility in the other person's words.

He swallowed the rice in his mouth, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and then looked up at Petrov with a smile.

“Mr. Ambassador, you may not know this.” His voice was calm and gentle: “In China, there is an old saying, ‘One should not be too particular about the fineness of food, nor too particular about the delicacy of cooking.’ But there is another saying, ‘An army marches on its stomach.’”

"We are now in a military academy, training future soldiers for our country."

"For soldiers, the highest level of hospitality is to ensure they are well-fed and have the strength to train and fight."

He pointed to the braised pork on the table: "This is the 'victory celebration dish' that our frontline soldiers can eat after winning a battle."

Today, we use it to entertain you, our distinguished guest, to express our highest respect.

These words were perfectly worded, explaining the reason for the simple menu.

Conversely, this "simplicity" was elevated to the level of "highest respect".

But Petrov clearly wasn't buying it.

In his view, this was nothing more than a hypocritical polite remark commonly used by Chinese people.

He snorted and threw the napkin on the table, making a move to get up.

“I’m sorry, General. I’m afraid I’m not worthy of such ‘respect’.”

He's about to walk out in protest.

However, to his surprise, he made a movement to get up.

But not a single Chinese person present, from Chu Yunfei to Wang Qiang, and the other officers, dared to intervene.

They simply watched him silently, as if observing a drama that had nothing to do with them.

This is very embarrassing.

Petrov's buttocks were halfway up.

Whether to stand up and leave or sit down again became a dilemma.

at this time.

His accompanying military attaché and translator appeared slightly anxious; everyone was well aware of the importance of this meeting.

Petrov also realized that this seemingly mild-mannered Chief Advisor Chu was a tough and ruthless figure on the battlefield.

If things really do fall apart like this...

Upon returning, Moscow held them accountable, and no one could bear the consequences.

"Comrade Ambassador! Comrade Ambassador!" The military attaché quickly grabbed Petrov's arm and said urgently in Russian, "Please calm down! The Chinese have their own way of doing things! This might just be a test! We can't let this small matter affect the subsequent talks!"

The translator chimed in, "Yes, Mr. Ambassador, what Chief Advisor Chu just said makes a lot of sense."

"This may be a reflection of their military culture."

Only after being pulled and persuaded by his two subordinates did Petrov's flushed face calm down a little.

He used the steps to sit down again.

Although his expression was still unpleasant, at least he didn't completely ruin the situation.

He picked up his cutlery and took a symbolic bite.

Chu Yunfei, on the other hand, maintained that polite yet distant smile throughout.

It was as if nothing had happened.

This minor luncheon incident thus came to an end in a subtle, tacit atmosphere.

……

After the banquet is over.

The military attaché from the Soviet embassy quickly sent someone to inform them.

The "informal meeting" originally scheduled for 3 p.m. in the reception room was cancelled at the last minute because "the Ambassador was unwell".

This news was expected by everyone.

Wang Qiang approached Chu Yunfei with some concern: "Chief Advisor, is the Soviet man angry? Will this affect subsequent meetings and negotiations?"

Chu Yunfei waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to worry: "Don't worry, Chief Instructor Wang, they won't leave. Even if the talks break down, the Americans are happy to be the tiger cubs' air force instructors."

He glanced at the guesthouse where the Soviet delegation was staying in the distance, a glint of insight flashing in his eyes. He chuckled and added, "This ambassador is merely using this method to raise his own price, hoping to secure more favorable terms in the upcoming negotiations."

"We don't need to pay attention to it."

"The Soviets don't have much 'face' with me. At this stage, we are just getting what we need from each other."

"Will this affect future cooperation?"

Chu Yunfei smiled and shook his head: "After leaving him out for a day, he will come to us on his own. They won't leave."

Petrov canceled the meeting, but did not leave the airfield immediately.

This in itself is a signal.

A signal that says, "I'm still waiting for you to comfort me."

Chu Yunfei, however, deliberately avoided taking the bait.

He seemed to have completely forgotten about the Soviet ambassador.

With great interest, Chu Yunfei, accompanied by Wang Qiang, went to visit the outstanding students of the first class of the Air Force Junior School.

These fifteen- or sixteen-year-old boys, after more than a year of study and training, have shed the naivety and immaturity they had when they first entered school.

Their posture became upright; their eyes became resolute.

"Young man, what's your name?"

"Reporting, sir: My name is Ye Benjian, a trainee in the first class of the Air Force Kindergarten."

Chu Yunfei asked again, "Judging from your accent, you're from Henan?"

"Sir, he's from Henan."

"So how did you end up joining the army?"

“A few years ago, the Japanese invaded southward along the Pinghan Railway. When our Chinese teacher, Di Gangqing, learned about the situation at the front, he immediately told us to leave. He said that if we were captured and taken to the three northeastern provinces, we would be subjected to enslavement education and forced training, and we Chinese would be forced to kill Chinese people.”

“My parents and grandmother pooled all the family’s money and entrusted it to my uncle, who then took my cousin and me away from home. We boarded a train and headed south to Hankou. After going through some procedures, we were sent to a wartime children’s nursery.”

The wartime children's nursery was founded by Soong Ching-ling, Li Dequan, Deng Yingchao, Shi Liang, and other patriotic groups and individuals from all walks of life. Its main task was to rescue children from the occupied areas and send them to the rear for resettlement and education.

"During our escape to the wartime capital, Yichang, we passed through Yichang and experienced the first bombing by the Japanese army. The deafening explosions were ringing in our ears. We were so frightened that we curled up and huddled together. The girls couldn't help but cry. It was truly terrifying. Of the more than one hundred people in our group that bombed, less than seventy of us were left."

"After arriving in the mountain city by boat, the bombing did not stop. Enemy planes frequently launched air raids, and countless civilians died under enemy bombs. It was the atrocities committed by the enemy planes that became our 'bloody textbook'."
Two summers ago, during the first enrollment period of the Air Force Kindergarten, I applied with the ambition to fly iron eagles and drive the Japanese invaders out of China. After a rigorous physical examination and written test, I was admitted, thus ending my life in exile.

Chu Yunfei nodded earnestly: "Remember this blood debt, engrave this hatred into your bones. In the future, when the day of the amphibious landing operation arrives, I believe you will pilot your own Iron Eagle and use it to exact tenfold revenge on the enemy!" (End of Chapter)