Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

After a welcoming banquet filled with local flavor and the love of the people.

Chu Yunfei didn't rest for a moment and immediately threw himself into his intense work.

The next morning, Longcheng.

The founding ceremony of Shanxi Construction Group was solemnly held in the auditorium of the former Second War Zone Command Headquarters.

Inside the auditorium, dignitaries gathered in great numbers.

Not only were there all the senior generals of the Shanxi Pacification Headquarters.

Representatives from various gentry, business circles, and academic circles in Shanxi, as well as representatives from the U.S. Economic Advisory Group to China, were also present.

On the dais, a huge banner, written in vigorous and powerful clerical script, displayed the theme of this conference:
"To build a great road for the prosperity of Shanxi, and to construct bridges for the enrichment of its people."

These twelve characters.

This was the lofty mission that Chu Yunfei set for this newly established "Construction Group".

This is not just a slogan for economic development, but also a political commitment.

It promises to bring a brand-new, open, and prosperous Shanxi to the people of this land.

The conference was personally presided over by Chu Xichun, the acting commander-in-chief of the Shanxi Pacification Headquarters.

This refined and easy-going middle-aged general.

He was radiant and full of energy at that moment.

He stood at the podium and, in his heavily accented Shanxi-accented Mandarin, expressed his sincerest gratitude to all the attendees.

"Fellow villagers, fellow colleagues, and international friends!"

"Today is a day in the history of Shanxi that deserves to be remembered forever!"

"Here, on behalf of the Suijing government of Shanxi Province and on behalf of the 14.5 million people of Shanxi, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all friends who care about and support the development of Shanxi!"

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

Then, the conference moved into its most crucial segment.

The official establishment of "Shanxi Construction Group" and its key personnel appointments were announced.

"I hereby announce the official establishment of Shanxi Construction Group!"

"Based on the opinions of all parties."

"The group's overall head is Mr. Sun Weimou, the former deputy director of the Northwest Manufacturing Bureau!"

The words fell.

Chu Xichun paused noticeably.

Immediately afterwards, thunderous applause erupted once again.

Sun Weimou walked onto the stage amidst enthusiastic applause.

He waved to everyone.

Chu Yunfei looked up at Sun Weimou on the stage.

I worked in local areas for the past two years.

Sun Weimou, who was in his thirties, had a noticeable number of gray hairs.

Chu Yunfei sighed inwardly.

Sun Weimou's speech can be summarized in just two or three sentences.

I will not let down everyone's trust, nor will I let down the expectations of my fellow villagers.

"The executive vice president of the group is Mr. Xie Ming and Mr. Xie Yufa, former deputy chiefs of staff of the Second War Zone!"

This appointment.

This clearly indicates that the group will be a state-owned construction enterprise primarily driven by professional technology.

There was not much factional or political consideration involved.

Whether it's Sun Weimou or Xie Ming.

They all had extensive experience in local development.

If Zhuo Tianyu hadn't already gone to the Army University for further studies...

He will most likely end up with a minor official position in the Shanxi Construction Group.

Next, Chu Yunfei spoke.

Chu Yunfei didn't use many official phrases or paint a grand picture.

His speech was simple, yet full of power.

He was just making a promise to everyone.

All fund flows of the construction group.

All of these will be open and transparent, and subject to supervision by the entire society.

All engineering projects.

Quality will be our top priority, and we will never tolerate any corruption or shoddy construction.

All the achievements of the construction will benefit the vast majority of the people of Shanxi and serve the great War of Resistance against Japan.

His words were met with even more enthusiastic applause than before.

Because people can see it in his eyes.

I witnessed an undeniable sincerity and determination.

Amid applause and flashing lights.

Chu Yunfei sat on the podium, seemingly listening attentively to the subsequent speeches.

But his consciousness had already quietly sunk into the "base construction" module in his mind, a module that only he could see.

A pale blue light screen slowly unfolded in his mind.

[Base Area Name: Shanxi Anti-Japanese Base Area (Core Area: Southeast Shanxi)]

Current total population: 442 million

[Estimated Gross Domestic Product: 138 Million (Fiat Currency)]

[Current estimated total annual income: 3518 million (fiat currency)]

Current tax revenue capacity: 81%

The current estimated number of recruits is 12 (out of 34).

[Current development status of the base area: 17 (out of 100)]

[Current pillar industries of the base area: tobacco industry; mining;]

Current literacy rate: 48%

Current stability: 74%

[Special: Base area's pillar industry resources increased by 5%]

[Current Base Area Construction Submodule Upgrade Requirements: 1. Find new pillar industries for the current base area; 2. Stabilize the stability rate above 70%]

Looking at this series of data.

Chu Yunfei felt a mixture of joy and worry.

The good news is that, after these years of development...

The core base area in southeastern Shanxi is already quite large.

The population had increased by a full third since the outbreak of the War of Resistance against Japan.

Both education and healthcare are up to par.

Not only did the output value increase several times, but the stability and literacy rate also far exceeded the average level of the Kuomintang-controlled areas.

this means.

The policies previously implemented in southeastern Shanxi, such as rent and interest reduction, vigorous establishment of national schools, and the implementation of work-for-relief programs, were highly effective.

Chu Yunfei was also somewhat worried at this moment.

A score of 17.

Compared to before, the rating only increased slightly.

The pillar industries remain the traditional tobacco and mining industries.

The tobacco industry is highly profitable, and the current increase in output value mainly relies on the tobacco industry.

These roasted tobaccos were very popular with the Soviets.

With the vigorous expansion of tobacco production in Quwo, the entire southeastern Shanxi province is operating as a unified whole.

These imported tobacco seeds from Yunnan have increased production by about 30% again.

Plus.

The buff that increases the resources of the base's pillar industries by 5% is here.

Each year, just by exporting tobacco, they were able to receive at least three million US dollars in aid from the Soviets.

This is just one aspect of the tobacco industry.

As exchanges between the two sides deepened, handicrafts, furs, and other industrial by-products were also able to be sold.

The workshops, which were originally on the verge of bankruptcy, have managed to revive and thrive.

As for the mining sector...

There's not much to say about this; dig as much as you can, and use as many people as you can.

These things are not only needed in Shanxi, but also in the mountain city, where some mineral resources are needed.

The upgrade requirements provided by the system.

It was clearly stated that a "new pillar industry" must be found. In the entire southeastern Shanxi region, besides tobacco and mining...

What else can be called a pillar industry?
Chu Yunfei's gaze shifted from the light screen back to the real world.

The next second, his consciousness was immersed in a three-dimensional combat map.

A topographical map of southeastern Shanxi Province came to mind.

Here.

It is a rare area in the entire SX province with relatively flat terrain and a well-developed water system.

The Shangdang Basin has been the "granary" of Shanxi Province since ancient times.

This year is another bumper harvest.

But why isn't agriculture considered a pillar industry in southeastern Shanxi?

Is there something they haven't done well enough at this stage?
Just as I was pondering this, the local official representative finished speaking.

Chu Xichun announced the end of the meeting, and Chu Yunfei gestured with his hand.

"President Chu, is there anything you'd like to say?"

Chu Yunfei nodded slightly, stood up and looked around at the people around him: "Those of you who are able to attend this meeting are basically the heroes of my Shanxi region. Since everyone is relatively well-organized, if you have any good ideas for the development of your respective regions, you can write them down and submit them to me. I will personally take a look at this matter."

The group exchanged surprised glances, but said nothing.

This military commander seems to pay special attention to the development of the Shanxi region.

Chu Xichun and Chu Yunfei exchanged glances.

Chu Xichun immediately spoke up: "Meeting adjourned!"

Several key personnel set off for a small conference room.

In the conference room.

Chu Yunfei, Chu Xichun, Xie Ming, Sun Weimou, and the leaders of the Sacrifice League.

It served as a bridge for cooperation and communication between local forces in Shanxi and the Eighth Route Army.

The Shanxi Sacrifice for National Salvation League has always existed, and as the relationship between the two sides becomes closer, many people from both sides have joined this common organization.

The meeting begins.

Sun Weimou briefly introduced the development status of Shanxi: "Based on the current situation in Shanxi, we have decided to first develop Longcheng and the surrounding areas, do a good job in industrial zone planning and corresponding industrial restructuring. All the production equipment left behind by the Japanese puppet regime has been repaired and put into production."

"Regarding the railway merging plan in Shanxi Province, it is estimated that approximately 68 million yuan will be invested over three years."

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunfei interrupted immediately: "Three years is too long."

Sun Weimou was taken aback. He exchanged a glance with Xie Ming and tentatively asked, "Your Excellency, what do you mean?"

"We must treat the opening of railways as the most important task in infrastructure construction. Within one year, we will increase manpower and funding to ensure the completion of the railway track merging work and ensure the continuous improvement of logistics and transportation efficiency. Moreover, we will strive to make double-track operation on the eastern section of the Zhengtai Railway and the northern section of the Tongpu Railway to maximize transportation efficiency."

Sun Weimou nodded slowly: "However, Your Excellency, this matter is extremely difficult."

"We must overcome difficulties," Chu Yunfei tapped the table and emphasized again: "The importance of railways is self-evident. To put it more bluntly, if the war in the European or Pacific theaters ends first, and we still fail to recover important strategic nodes, then our national and ethnic interests will inevitably be harmed."

"so!"

Chu Yunfei raised his voice again: "Even if we have to stop infrastructure construction in western Shanxi, we still need to have enough manpower and resources to work on this matter."

The leader of the Sacrifice League also spoke up at this time: "Since Commander Chu has made a decision, our Eighth Route Army can also assist in mobilizing the masses and participate in the highway construction work in western Shanxi."

Chu Xichun nodded in agreement: "Regarding national rejuvenation and the premise of national prosperity, our two parties must strengthen cooperation."

"Yes."

Then, Sun Weimou continued, "The development momentum in the Jin-Northwest region is quite good. The 386th Brigade of the Eighth Route Army has now exceeded 30,000 in size. Currently, Brigade Commander Chen plans to organize an expeditionary force of about 15,000 people, at the column level. They plan to participate in the upcoming counter-offensive."

"Oh?"

Chu Yunfei subconsciously looked at the module of the Jin-Northwest Base Area.

[Base Area Name: Shanxi Anti-Japanese Base Area (Secondary Area: Northwest Shanxi)]

Current total population: 152 million

[Estimated Gross Domestic Product: 378.67 million (legal tender)]

[Current estimated total annual income: 518 million (fiat currency)]

Current tax revenue capacity: 75%

The current estimated number of recruits is 2 (out of 8).

PS: The requirements for recruits have been raised considerably. Currently, both the North China troops and the Expeditionary Force are selecting the best candidates.

[Current development status of the base area: 7 (out of 100)]

[Current pillar industry of the base area: Mining;]

Current literacy rate: 37%

Current stability: 69%

[Special: None]

[Current base construction sub-module upgrade requirements: 1. Increase output value to 5000 million RMB; 2. Stabilize stability above 70%]

The area in northwestern Shanxi has declined due to the development of the times.

Nowadays, thanks to mobilizing the people to reclaim wasteland, plant trees, dredge the Yellow River, and promote the development of inland waterway transportation, it is slowly showing signs of a second spring.

Considering that the Shanxi-Northwest region was linked with the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia base area, and due to the continuous transportation between inland river trading ports.

The Eighth Route Army must have put in a lot of effort as well.

Currently, the blockade of Yan'an by Hu Zongnan's former Eighth War Zone forces remains in effect.

Even though the number of times the two sides rubbed against each other has decreased significantly.

But the atmosphere was still tense.

Clearly, the one in the mountain city did not want the Eighth Route Army to leave the area he had designated.

North China had now become the front line against the enemy.

Rather than the more general term "occupied areas behind enemy lines".

In this situation, organizing a force of over 10,000 people to launch an eastward expedition would enhance their influence.

Those who think of this.

That's truly remarkable.

For the Eighth Route Army at this stage, this is indeed a good strategy to break the deadlock.

Chu Yunfei then asked, "Who is the commander of this unit?"

Without hesitation, the leader of the Sacrifice League said, "Ding Wei, the former commander of the 28th Regiment of the Jizhong Military Region, and the deputy commander of the column, are old acquaintances of yours, Commander Chu..."

"Could it be Li Yunlong?" Chu Yunfei raised an eyebrow.

"It was him. The main force in this operation was Li Yunlong's New First Regiment and Kong Jie's Independent Regiment."

"These two regiments will be designated as the 1177th and 1178th Regiments, according to the designations given by the General Headquarters."

"In addition, the column also includes the 1179th Regiment, which is the main combat force of three regiments, as well as a mortar support battalion, a cavalry battalion, and a supplementary battalion."

Chu Yunfei nodded slowly: "Right now, the North China region is preparing for the liberation of the area around Handan. Let them go to Fang Ligong's command to receive further orders."

"it is good."

Chu Yunfei then spoke up: "Wei Mou, given the terrain of Shanxi, there aren't many places where agriculture can be developed vigorously. The southeastern part of Shanxi has a large population, flat terrain, and its water conservancy projects are more complete than those in other regions."

“Southern Shanxi can rely on the salt industry as its pillar industry, but southeastern Shanxi cannot continue to depend on mining and tobacco. We also need to vigorously develop agriculture in the Shangdang region.”

"Regarding the improvement of improved varieties, the establishment of the Changzhi branch of the National Government's Agricultural Research Institute has been approved, and the introduction of fertilizer production lines from the United States, as well as the learning of related mechanized farming techniques, have also been put on the agenda."

Sun Weimou was utterly astonished: "The Americans agreed?"

"The Soviets have also made technological breakthroughs. The Americans are unwilling, but we can ask the Soviets for it. They have no choice but to agree."

Zhao Pengcheng, who had been responsible for taking notes at the meeting, spoke up for the first time.

As an adjutant involved in the negotiations.

Zhao Pengcheng naturally knew more.

Chu Yunfei nodded slowly: "Transforming the Shangdang region into a high-yield, high-efficiency modern agricultural demonstration area will not only solve the problem of food self-sufficiency in Shanxi Province, but also supply surplus grain to other provinces and regions, effectively reducing the number of hungry people."

Agriculture is the foundation of people's livelihood. A strong agricultural base will greatly improve the stability of various regions and the happiness of the people.

"Brother Yufa, Weimou, quickly select personnel for further investigation and planning, and strive to increase grain production again within three years."

"The Japanese army is now exhausted and its national strength is depleted. The end of the war is not far off. Before that happens, we must rebuild Shanxi into a model province for the new era."

The meeting ended quickly.

Chu Xichun left first, followed by Xie Ming and Sun Weimou.

"How is Sun Ming's reorganization work in the Fifth War Zone going?"

"I received a call a few days ago. The reorganization of the Sichuan Army is going very smoothly. We have identified 4,600 people who are not actually employed and have also laid off about 3,000 elderly, weak and young soldiers. The 22nd Group Army of the Sichuan Army now has only about two-thirds of its authorized strength, which is exactly the size of a Class B combat unit."

Chu Yunfei nodded in satisfaction: "It's quite good that you've accomplished this much in two months. After you've finished organizing, send Sun Ming to the Second Army Group's station to conduct the corresponding investigation. At the same time, send a telegram to the General Headquarters requesting that the latest batch of Whampoa Military Academy graduates and officers' training corps students be sent to the Twenty-Second Army Group and the Second Army Group."

After considering the issue of manpower for junior officers.

Chu Yunfei then asked again, "How many students are there in the first class of the Shanxi Military Academy?"

Zhao Pengcheng shook his head: "I haven't received any reports, but there was some information from the Second War Zone Command Headquarters."

The artillery school's "students" have successfully graduated this year, which will be able to recruit at least 400 professional artillerymen.

Principal Ouyang Xianpeng wants to further expand the campus and equip it with more advanced artillery teaching equipment.

"What did the Chief Speaker say?"

Zhao Pengcheng smiled somewhat awkwardly: "Commander Yan refused at the time." (End of Chapter)