Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Changzhi.

The courtyard was filled with the sound of children reading aloud.

Chu Yunfei was enjoying a rare moment of peace.

Here.

It is the newly completed "Changzhi Military Personnel's Children's School".

Rows of bright and clean school buildings, spacious and flat playgrounds, and the innocent smiles on the children's faces have given this land, which was once ravaged by war, an unprecedented vitality.

This was an order personally given by Chu Yunfei.

And public schools built with special funds allocated from military spending.

its purpose.

It was specifically designed to solve the schooling problem for the children of all Nationalist officers and soldiers fighting in North China.

He knew it.

The soldiers risked their lives on the front lines, but their greatest concern was for their wives and children back home.

To relieve them of their worries, so that they no longer have to worry about their children's education and future.

This is more inspiring than any rousing mobilization order.

The Changzhi Military Personnel Children's School is just the beginning.

Chu Yunfei plans to establish a school for the children of officers and soldiers in each market town.

Although it wasn't very large, it had all the necessary facilities, and the children of officers and soldiers ate and lived together.

In order to set an example.

Chu Yunfei even arranged for his goddaughter, Jiang Chuchu, who had just turned nine, to attend this school.

Just like the children of all ordinary soldiers.

We ate together, lived together, and studied together.

At that moment, he was standing outside the classroom window, smiling as he watched the small figure with pigtails, repeating in a childish voice, following the teacher's instructions, "Heaven and earth were dark and yellow, the universe was vast and boundless."

The Thousand Character Classic.

It wasn't about teaching children classics or history, but simply about teaching them to read.

Sunlight streamed through the window, falling on the children's faces and into his heart, bringing warmth.

However, this tranquility was soon broken by a series of hurried footsteps.

Acting Chief of the General Staff Fang Ligong walked over quickly with a solemn expression.

"Lord Yun".

He lowered his voice and gestured for Chu Yunfei to speak privately.

Chu Yunfei took one last look at his goddaughter in the classroom, then followed Fang Ligong to a quiet corner of the courtyard.

"What happened?" Chu Yunfei asked.

Fang Ligong's face was full of worry: "The Japanese army has adjusted its deployment very quickly, and our battle plan and intentions may have already been known to the Japanese army."

"Oh?"

Fang Ligong took out an emergency report that had just been compiled by the intelligence department from his briefcase and handed it to Chu Yunfei.

"Look."

"This is a summary of all the intelligence sent back by our reconnaissance unit deployed behind Japanese lines in the past 48 hours."

"According to intelligence, the movements of the Japanese North China Area Army were extremely frequent and highly unusual."

Chu Yunfei took the report and quickly began to browse through it.

His brows gradually furrowed.

The report clearly marked the latest movements of several main Japanese forces with red arrows.

"The main force of the Japanese 9th Division has secretly left the Jinan Garrison Area and is moving at high speed toward southern Hebei."

"The Independent Mixed 7th Brigade is also assembling to the south."

“What’s even more suspicious is that…”

Fang Ligong pointed to another spot on the map, "The direction in which they gathered was not the main battlefield in Handan that we had planned."

His finger pointed to a relatively isolated spot on the map: "That's General Pang Bingxun's defense zone."

Chu Yunfei's gaze also fell on that spot.

In an instant, the image of the old general with white hair and beard, yet still sharp eyes, flashed into his mind.

"Commander Pang."

He muttered to himself.

Just then, Xue Weihua, the head of the intelligence department, also rushed over.

He saluted the two men, his face full of anxiety.

"Reporting to Your Majesty!"

"We have just intercepted a Japanese encrypted telegram. Although we cannot completely decipher it, through analysis of its signal flow and frequency, we can determine that the final assembly point of the Japanese 9th Division and the 7th Independent Mixed Brigade is just outside General Pang Bingxun's defense zone!"

"and."

Xue Weihua added: "According to the Volunteer Air Force, three hours ago, our aerial reconnaissance also discovered that the Japanese army was urgently repairing roads and bridges leading to the area, seemingly in preparation for a rapid advance of mechanized troops!"

All the intelligence.

All of this points to a conclusion that couldn't be clearer.

Fang Ligong looked at Chu Yunfei, his face turning extremely ugly.

"Lord Yun, the situation is quite clear."

"That old fox Okamura Yasuji somehow learned of our plan to launch a major offensive in Handan."

"Instead of confronting us head-on in Handan, he turned the tables and targeted the weakest link on our entire front: the 40th Army."

Chu Yunfei quickly returned to the joint command headquarters operations room with Fang Ligong.

In front of the wall not far away.

A more detailed battle map was hanging there.

Fang Ligong used his baton to draw a chilling encirclement on the map.

"I believe that Okamura Yasuji's tactical approach is exactly the same as the one he used to deal with Sun Dianying!"

"He intends to use his most effective tactics, employing the rapid infiltration of mechanized forces, to divide and encircle General Pang Bingxun's troops in the shortest possible time!"

"Once the encirclement is complete, Commander Pang's troops will be cut off from supplies and have no hope of reinforcements, inevitably leading to a desperate situation."

"Until then."

Fang Ligong's voice grew heavy, "Okamura Yasuji will resort to the same old tricks. He'll launch a fierce military attack while simultaneously trying to persuade and induce him to surrender!"

"General Pang is getting old, and most of his subordinates are locals from Hebei, so the morale of his troops is already unstable."

"Once we are surrounded, the consequences will be unimaginable!"

A few words.

The atmosphere in the room became heavy.

Everyone understands.

This is no longer just a localized battle against Pang Bingxun.

"Okamura Yasuji wanted to use the annihilation of Pang Bingxun's troops to shake the morale and fighting spirit of the entire North China combat force."

Chu Yunfei stroked his chin and calmly analyzed, "Judging from the current situation, the area around Anyang is indeed suitable for the deployment and development of mechanized troops."

"Even if the 40th Army fights to the death, the Japanese army can take this opportunity to besiege and ambush reinforcements in the plains, forcing our army to fight a decisive battle on a non-pre-planned battlefield."

"If we do not provide support, or even if the support is not timely, whether this unit is killed or defectes to the Japanese, it will have extremely negative consequences."

Suspicion.

Yes, everyone would suspect that Chu Yunfei might be using the methods Chang Ruiyuan so liked to employ to eliminate dissidents.

Use external warfare to eliminate internal troubles.

In theory, it is indeed a possible approach, but in practice, it is not so easy!

Especially when it comes to people's hearts, no one can control them.

"Once the Japanese launch their offensive, many local military commanders will inevitably adopt a wait-and-see approach. If we rush to their aid, the Japanese will seize the opportunity to exploit our weaknesses, and the local military commanders will become afraid of fighting and avoid battle in order to preserve their strength and status."

"If we don't go all out to support them, the conflict between the local faction and the central army will inevitably intensify further. That old devil Okamura Yasuji is truly ruthless; this move has indeed hit our Achilles' heel."

"Your Excellency, how do you think this matter should be handled?"

After a moment of silence, Chu Yunfei asked, "Where is the Eighth Route Army's Eastern Expeditionary Column at?"

"I boarded the train at Datong Station yesterday. The original plan was to move quickly along the Tongpu and Zhengtai railways and be deployed to the Jingxing area in about fourteen hours. Then, it would take about 28 to 36 hours to reach the front line in Handan."

As soon as Fang Ligong finished speaking, he immediately guessed Chu Yunfei's intention: "Sir, are you planning to send the Eighth Route Army to provide direct support?"

"Correct."

Chu Yunfei nodded slowly: "We are the ones who have the initiative on the battlefield. Okamura Yasuji wanted to fight a decisive battle with our army in Anyang, but we did not go against their wishes. This battle will be fought in the area around Handan, and we will take the initiative to launch the attack."

"The Fifth Division, the Eighth Division, and the Ninth Division."

"In addition, there are four mixed brigades for auxiliary operations and countless locust-related troops."

"The ratio of combat forces between the enemy and our side is close to 2:1, the overall firepower is similar, and our army has the advantage in local firepower."

Fang Ligong breathed a sigh of relief, then said with a confident expression, "I am quite confident that we can capture Handan as a fulcrum for the counterattack in the first phase of the campaign and eliminate the influence of the CC Clique on the newly formed 14th Division."
-
Anyang, the temporary headquarters of the 40th Army.

In a somewhat rudimentary office converted from a residential house.

The air was filled with a strong smell of traditional Chinese medicine.

Pang Bingxun, the nearly 70-year-old commander of the 24th Army Group, was wrapped in a thick sheepskin coat.

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes slightly closed, looking listless.

The continuous overwork and the recurrence of old illness.

This is the "Oriental Lion" who once terrified the enemy on the battlefield of Linyi.

It has long lost its former glory.

His body.

Like an old, rusty machine that has been running for too long, it could break down completely at any moment.

Most of the military affairs were actually handled by his most trusted deputy, who was also his trusted and beloved general, Ma Fawu.

Ma Fawu was also the commander of the 40th Army at this moment.

The 24th Army Group comprises the newly formed 5th Army (which has defected to the enemy and was once under the command of Sun Dianying), the 27th Army (formerly under the command of Fan Hanjie, now commanded by Liu Jin), and the 40th Army.

PS: The original Hebei-Chahar War Zone has long been abolished due to the counter-offensive.

"Commander-in-Chief!"

Ma Fawu strode in, his face filled with solemnity and anxiety.

In his hand, he also held a newly sent encrypted telegram from the North China Joint Command.

"Urgent telegram from the North China Joint Command!"

Pang Bingxun slowly opened his cloudy eyes and waved his hand weakly: "Nian."

Ma Fawu immediately read the contents of the telegram aloud clearly.

"To Commander-in-Chief Pang: According to reliable intelligence, the Japanese are assembling the main forces of the 9th Division and the 7th Independent Mixed Brigade, intending to launch a major attack on our Anyang defense zone. It is expected that the enemy's vanguard will arrive at the front line in two days."

"Fang Ligong, Acting Chief of Staff of the North China Joint Command, hereby orders your unit to: abandon the outer positions, consolidate your forces, hold the defense line south of Anyang, and wait for reinforcements."

"We must closely coordinate with the 88th Group Army, the main force of our army, which is about to arrive on the battlefield, to launch a flanking attack on the enemy."

The contents of the telegram confirmed their suspicions from their previous private conversations.

Okamura Yasuji.

We really need to take action against this old, weak, sick, and disabled unit!
Upon hearing this, Pang Bingxun coughed violently, and an unnatural flush rose on his aged face.

"What a fine Okamura Yasuji."

He was breathing heavily, his voice hoarse.

Looking at him like this, Ma Fawu felt a pang of sorrow in his heart.

he knows.

What is the current situation of the 40th Army?

The entire army, nominally numbering ten thousand, consisted of ten thousand men.

In reality, there are only about seven thousand people who can actually fight.

The equipment is outdated and ammunition is scarce.

The soldiers looked pale and sickly; even their winter coats had not yet been fully distributed.

How can such a force withstand the full-force attack of two elite Japanese brigades?
It's like throwing an egg against a rock.

"Commander-in-Chief."

Ma Fawu's voice carried an undisguised pessimism: "As for Changzhi, although they say they will send their main force to attack from the flank, it's too late to solve the immediate problem."

"We can't control the 27th Army. Both sides are basically just minding their own business and ignoring the problems of others."

"By the time their main force arrives, our 40th Army will probably have been wiped out."

Pang Bingxun remained silent.

He simply closed his eyes, as if gathering his last bit of strength.

a long time.

He slowly opened his eyes, and a barely perceptible glint of light flashed in his cloudy eyes.

Pang Bingxun knew that he and the 40th Army had been pushed to the edge of a precipice.

At this moment.

The problem cannot be solved by fighting alone.

“Five Laws,” he said, looking at his most capable assistant, in an almost whispered voice, revealing his decision.

"Draft me three telegrams."

"Send a letter to Changzhi, and return to your hometown to report for meritorious service."

“Send one letter to Longcheng, to Chu Xichun.”

“Send one letter to Chongqing, to Chairman Chiang Kai-shek.”

"Just say it."

He paused, as if making a great decision, and said, "I, Pang Bingxun, am old and frail, plagued by old ailments, and no longer able to command a large army to serve the country."

"I earnestly request to resign from all my posts and retire to my hometown to enjoy my remaining years."

"The 24th Army Group is the nation's sharpest weapon and cannot be without a commander for even a day."

"I earnestly request Your Excellency to select another capable person to take over command in order to consolidate the overall situation of the War of Resistance in North China."

Upon hearing this, Ma Fawu was stunned.

Resignation?

At this critical juncture, with a formidable enemy at hand and war clouds looming, why submit your resignation?
Changing generals on the eve of battle is a major taboo in military strategy, especially at a critical juncture when victory is known to be impossible.

If I resign now, wouldn't that be shirking responsibility?
Just as Ma Fawu was about to say a few words of advice, Chief of Staff Pang Qingzhen (Pang Bingxun's son), who was standing next to him, spoke up: "Commander-in-Chief, the 40th Army is a force that you built up with your own hands. If you leave at this critical juncture, wouldn't you be abandoning your brothers?"

"The Generalissimo's move is a strategic retreat, which is actually a statement. He wants to express his attitude of 'not competing' and his current state of old age."

Pang Bingxun smiled and nodded, then said, "Fa Wu is right. I don't want this military power, nor do I want to compete with other units for credit. I'm old and willing to hand over military power. Does Chang Ruiyuan not even want to use the 'releasing military power over a cup of wine' method?"

"I refuse to believe that Chu Yunfei would just stand by and watch our combat unit, which has made great contributions in battle, be wiped out by the Japanese."

Pang Bingxun was only concerned with the mountain city area.

Even just a symbolic attempt to persuade him to stay, giving him a way out.

Therefore, the 40th Army's organizational structure will certainly be preserved.

The army commander is still Ma Fawu. Once his son has gained some experience, he will naturally be able to take over the position.

Pang Bingxun was able to secure a stable retirement for himself in his later years by virtue of his "consideration of the overall situation" after the war.

"The commander's move is truly brilliant. Commander, should we inform En San about this, so that we can avoid the enemy's sharp edge and preserve our strength to await reinforcements?"

Pang Bingxun shook his head seriously: "It's better not to tell him about this. He has a fiery temper, and if he misunderstands, we'll be in trouble. We've made a decisive battle in the mountain city. We must defend the positions we need to defend. Immediately assemble the troops, prepare for battle, distribute all the accumulated weapons and ammunition, allocate all the artillery shells to the front line, and cook all the stored food into dry rice for the brothers. Only when we are well-fed and watered can we win the battle."

"Yes!"

Ma Fawu immediately accepted the order and left.

He believed.

Whether it's for political reasons or out of consideration for past relationships.

It was impossible for anyone in Chongqing to remain indifferent to Pang Bingxun's resignation, which was filled with "tragedy."

……

however.

Reality, however, gave them a resounding slap in the face.

Less than three hours after the telegram was sent.

The reply from Changzhi arrived at the 40th Army's headquarters at top speed.

The reply was also very short, but its content struck Pang Bingxun and Ma Fawu like a thunderbolt, leaving them frozen in place.

Telegram.

It was drafted by Chu Yunfei himself.

"Commander Pang's Honor":
He fought for the country for decades, making great contributions and leaving a lasting mark on history.

I am currently unwell and should rest.

Yunfei has forwarded the request to the Chairman, and it has been approved.

Your loyalty and courage will not be forgotten by the Party and the nation.

Yunfei has taken it upon himself to send people to Linxian County in the southern Taihang Mountains to find thirty acres of land for the public to build a small courtyard for quiet cultivation.

Other.

We will hire you to serve as a senior military advisor to our Second War Zone, with a monthly salary to support you in your retirement.

As for the 40th Army, it is an important force in our anti-Japanese resistance in North China. Yunfei will make proper arrangements to enable it to make new contributions.

We hope the police will remain calm and not take this to heart.

Chu Yunfei kowtows to report.

No retention.

There were no formalities.

There wasn't even the slightest hesitation.

Chu Yunfei actually agreed immediately?

Not only did they agree, but they also arranged everything for him, from his retirement home to his adjunct advisor title, making sure everything was perfectly arranged!

This is hardly an approval of resignation.

They clearly couldn't wait for him to leave!

Holding the telegram, Pang Bingxun felt a sudden dizziness and his vision went black.

The cold telegram slipped from Pang Bingxun's trembling hand.

He seemed to have lost all his energy, collapsing slumped in his chair, panting heavily.

He almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

He originally intended to stage a "reconciliation between the general and the minister" scenario, using a retreat as a tactic to advance.

But to everyone's surprise, Chu Yunfei didn't follow the script at all!

His carefully calculated "retreat to advance" turned into a huge joke in the face of Chu Yunfei's ruthless "going with the flow".

Chu Yunfei simply and decisively removed this "veteran" from the stage!
"he"

Pang Bingxun's lips trembled as he muttered to himself.

Ma Fawu, standing to the side, was also ashen-faced and felt utterly cold inside.

"Commander, are you alright?"

Ma Fawu rushed forward and supported his swaying body, his voice filled with helplessness: "What should we do now?"

There wasn't a single bit of politeness involved.

Could it be that after Pang Bingxun leaves, he will immediately begin the cleanup and investigation of the 40th Army?
No matter what.

The two sides also cooperated closely on the battlefield of Linyi, and fought the Linyi Pursuit Battle, which shocked China and the world.

Why won't you even give me this much face?

Pang Bingxun just stared blankly out the window.

His entire life flashed through his mind.

From a lowly soldier in the late Qing Dynasty to a general in the Beiyang Army; from the smoke of the Zhili-Anhui War to the intricate maneuvering of the Central Plains War; and then to the bloody battle of Taierzhuang and the desperate defense of Linyi; guerrilla warfare in the Shanxi and Hebei regions.

"Five Lawyers, what do you think people like us are trying to achieve in the end?"

"Commander, at least in terms of fighting the Japanese, you are a hero for the country and the people."

"hero."

Pang Bingxun's tone was full of resentment: "Does Chang Ruiyuan really think of us as heroes?"

"hero?"

Pang Bingxun chuckled self-deprecatingly once again.

His laughter was tinged with bitterness: "Hero, is there anyone as pathetic as me?"

"Even the heroes' team is struggling to get enough to eat and wear right now, heroes."

Ma Fawu was about to speak up and offer some advice.

Pang Bingxun immediately waved his hand, indicating that Ma Fawu did not need to say anything more.

He sighed deeply: "Now I finally understand completely."

Just like we said before.

In the eyes of someone like Chu Yunfei.

The entire North China battlefield was like a meticulously crafted chess game.

Any piece that can't keep up with his pace, or even become a burden, will be removed from the board without hesitation.

Even.

This chess piece is a true veteran of military affairs.

The next morning.

As the telegram from the General Staff arrived.

This means that Chang Ruiyuan has also made his own decision.

Pang Bingxun sighed deeply: "Someone, prepare the carriage. I'm heading to Changzhi to report on my duties." (End of Chapter)