Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

"Yun Gong, Yangon has replied that Stilwell is willing to travel to North China to help with the sorting work and has suggested setting up an inspection office for the Burma Road to investigate issues related to the flow of supplies."

"Inspectorate?"

Chu Yunfei smiled and nodded: "It's better for the Americans to bring it up than for me to bring it up myself."

If Stilwell is willing to talk, that would be very good news.

Taking the first step is far from enough.

Stilwell could only solve external problems, not the internal ones.

He was directed at the high-ranking bureaucrats at KFC.

Chu Yunfei trusted none of them from beginning to end.

In his view, every single one of those people should be shot.

There's always a chance that some might slip through the net.

Are we really expecting them to supervise and manage the transportation of supplies along the Burma Road, a lifeline for the country?
That's like sending a pack of hungry wolves to guard a piece of fat meat.

We must place one of our own people in the Inspectorate.

A person who is reliable and capable enough.

Chu Yunfei thought of someone: Luo Weiguo, who had returned from studying in the Soviet Union.

The next day, in the morning.

Changzhi, on the banks of the Zhuozhang River.

Chu Yunfei and Luo Weiguo were each sitting on the riverbank, fishing leisurely with a fishing rod in hand.

The babbling brook and the warm sunshine.

This place, temporarily away from the clamor of war, allowed the two of them to relax considerably.

"Brother Weiguo."

Looking at the calm river, Chu Yunfei casually posed a question: "The General Headquarters still hasn't given up on the reconstruction plan for the 13th Army Group."

"It seems there's little hope for this matter in the short term."

Upon hearing this, Luo Weiguo's grip on the fishing rod tightened slightly, but his face did not show much disappointment: "Master Yun,"

He calmly said, "I understand. As long as I can do something for the country and the nation, it doesn't matter where I am."

Chu Yunfei smiled, turned to look at him, a sharp glint in his eyes: "Since that's the case, then I have a new position here that I'd like to recommend you for. I just don't know if you dare to take on this responsibility."

Luo Weiguo's heart skipped a beat: "Please make this public."

Chu Yunfei slowly spoke: "Director of the Yunnan-Burma Highway Inspection Office."

Luo Weiguo was stunned on the spot: "The Yunnan-Burma Road Inspection Office, what kind of organization and position is that?"

“I reported this to Shancheng yesterday. It was Stilwell’s suggestion. I reckon Shancheng will definitely give in and let the Americans oversee the use of these aid supplies. It’s better than the supplies remaining stuck in Myanmar.”

Luo Weiguo certainly knew what this "Inspectorate" meant.

This is a volcano that could offend everyone, from the city's top brass to local warlords!
Chu Yunfei said it bluntly and cruelly: "This position is not easy to sit in."

“If you go, you will definitely offend a lot of people. Not just those ‘big shots’ in the mountain city, but also Long Yun in Yunnan, Li and Bai in Guangxi, and the local forces in Sichuan and Xikang. They will all see you as a thorn in their side.”

"If you are not cautious enough, not ruthless enough."

"It's very likely that I'll die in this spot."

Chu Yunfei looked at Luo Weiguo with an extremely serious expression: "So, I'll ask you one more time."

"Do you dare to take this position?"

Luo Weiguo fell silent.

He looked at the buoys on the river, bobbing up and down with the ripples.

Luo Weiguo recalled the words his red instructors had told him when he was studying in the Soviet Union: "A true revolutionary should go to the most dangerous and most needed places."

The next second, he remembered the late Premier's last words.

The revolution has not yet succeeded, and comrades still need to work hard.

In Luo Weiguo's heart, it was as if a fire had been ignited in an instant.

He suddenly raised his head, looked at Chu Yunfei, and his eyes were filled with unprecedented determination: "Lord Yun!"

His voice was firm and resolute: "Thank you for your high regard! As long as it is for the country, the nation, and the people, even if it is a mountain of knives or a sea of ​​fire, I, Luo Weiguo, will never flinch!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunfei also showed a relieved smile.

He knew then that he hadn't misjudged the person.

"it is good!"

Chu Yunfei then added, "But you must also remember, the Burma Road is not in North China."

"With so many intricate connections here, we have the absolute power to carry out our will."

"Therefore, Cao Potian can act without any scruples."

"However, the Burma Road was different."

"The water there is too deep and too murky."

"Too many people are involved. The vast majority of K-group high-ranking officials and local warlord troops are involved, each with their own interests."

"Therefore, once you get there, you must be strategic in your actions."

"We must both crack down on the big fish and eliminate the small fish. While making an example of them, we must also ensure our own safety."

“I’ve already started the process of transferring Chen Zejun there. That kid can be a lot of help to you. I’ll send Ziqiang a secret telegram and have him send a main force regiment to be stationed near your Inspectorate to protect you in case of any accidents.”

"Lord Yun, this..."

Chu Yunfei waved his hand: "This is not making a mountain out of a molehill, it is a necessary consideration."

As the two were talking, Zhao Pengcheng walked over quickly.

He stood behind the two men and respectfully began to report on the final spoils of the Handan-Anqing Campaign.

"Reporting to Lord Yun."

"After repeated counting and confirmation by all units, our army has captured the following total spoils in this battle:"

"Type 38 rifles, 430 in total."

"Type 99 rifles, 2,360 in total."

"Type 92 heavy machine guns, thirteen in total."

"Twenty Type 96 light machine guns."

"Type 99 light machine guns, eleven in total."

"The rest, grenade launchers, various types of shells, bullets, in various quantities."

"In addition, a large amount of strategic materials were seized from the Japanese army's warehouses."

"Of these, nearly 30,000 bolts were cotton cloth alone."

"Director Xu has already arranged for all of them to be sent to Shanxi for the urgent production of winter clothing."

Chu Yunfei listened quietly and nodded. Just then, the fishing rod in his hand suddenly sank downwards!
"Took the bait!"

With a flick of his wrist, Chu Yunfei skillfully tossed a large, lively crucian carp ashore.

He smiled and put away his fishing rod.

Zhao Pengcheng, who was standing to the side, glanced at Luo Weiguo's fishing rod, which was still motionless, and joked with a smile, "Commander Luo, your bait has probably been eaten by the fish in the water long ago, hasn't it?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Weiguo simply smiled noncommittally and put away his fishing rod.

Chu Yunfei, however, saw it clearly.

From beginning to end, Luo Weiguo's bare fishhook was never actually baited.

Chu Yunfei clearly saw through the feint of baiting the fish.

Perhaps Luo Weiguo was also worried that he might catch the fish before his superior.

Thinking of this, Chu Yunfei couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. It seemed that Luo Weiguo had learned more than just theoretical knowledge during his trip to the Soviet Union; he had also learned something else.

Chu Yunfei got up, put away his fishing rod, and handed it to the guard standing guard nearby.

The group walked towards the car not far from the riverbank. On the way, Chu Yunfei asked again, "How is the reorganization of the 38th Army progressing?"

Zhao Pengcheng responded, "We have already received the newly arrived state-of-the-art equipment and have completed the full re-equipment process."

"General Chen rated the 38th Army's combat effectiveness as above grade C, which I think is unfair. The Qin soldiers are more resistant to hardship and fighting, and these old Shaanxi men are even more resilient than us Shanxi people."

"You're right, Your Excellency. When it comes to combat troops, we can't just look at their weapons and equipment. We also need to look at the will of the combatants. These men from Shaanxi are impeccable in their attitude towards the War of Resistance."

The car quickly drove back to the command post.

Luo Weiguo had other matters to attend to.

Chu Yunfei then discussed the upcoming battle plan and the development direction of the base with Fang Ligong and others.

The situation on the front lines has stabilized, and corresponding propaganda and public opinion campaigns need to follow suit.

Zhao Pengcheng was then assigned to take charge of this matter by Chu Yunfei.

The auditorium of the North China Joint Command was temporarily transformed into a brightly lit and lively press conference venue.

On the dais, Lin Wei, the newly appointed chief of staff of the joint command, Zhao Pengcheng, Chu Yunfei's guard staff officer, Ma Fawu, the newly appointed commander of the 40th Army, and Pang Bingxun, the former commander-in-chief of the 24th Army Group who had just "retired from the army," were invited to attend and sat upright.

Below the stage, a sea of ​​black people stood ready, armed with long lenses and short cannons.

Hundreds of journalists from home and abroad gathered together.

The Central Daily News, Xinhua Daily, Changzhi Weekly, Longcheng Evening News, and Guanghua Daily, all influential media outlets in China, occupied the front row positions.

And behind them.

Reporters from internationally renowned media outlets such as Reuters, TASS, and United Press International also wore serious expressions.

They are always ready to send firsthand news from this eastern battlefield to the world.

Previously.

Although the artillery fire was deafening along the Handan-Anqing line.

However, due to military secrecy considerations, Zhao Pengcheng, at Chu Yunfei's request,

The reason given has always been that "the battle is not yet over, and disclosing the battle situation may involve military secrets."

He declined all media interview requests, which only piqued everyone's interest even more.

People across the country only knew that a war was being fought on the front lines.

But they didn't know how well the battle was going.

just now.

Okamura Yasuji, China's biggest rival in North China, had already suffered a crushing defeat in this great battle and fled in disarray.

With both sides returning to a standoff.

The press conference was actually held after deeper considerations.

This press conference was personally hosted by Zhao Pengcheng.

He was dressed in a crisp lieutenant colonel uniform.

His face was calm, but his eyes were sharp.

His speech and mannerisms bear a resemblance to those of Chu Yunfei.

After a brief opening, the Q&A session with reporters began immediately.

The first person to stand up was the chief reporter of the Changzhi Weekly.

Song Wenying, Chu Yunfei's wife, founded local media in Shanxi.

His question was direct and to the point.

"Excuse me, Staff Officer Zhao!"

His voice, clearly transmitted through the microphone, resounded throughout the entire venue: "Does this glorious victory in the Battle of Handan signify that the Chinese army has ushered in a new era of a full-scale strategic counter-offensive against the Japanese invaders?"

As soon as he finished speaking, all the reporters understood immediately.

This set the tone for the press conference.

The Battle of Handan was a glorious victory.

same.

This question, while brimming with national pride, also gave the generals present ample opportunity to boast.

All eyes were on Zhao Pengcheng.

only.

Zhao Pengcheng's answer surprised everyone.

He did not follow the reporter's lead and exaggerate the victory or the results of the battle.

Instead, he replied in an extremely calm, even "humble" tone: "Thank you for your question, my friend from the press."

"The victory in the Handan-Anqing Campaign was won by hundreds of thousands of soldiers on the front lines who fought bloody battles and gave their lives and blood."

Secondly, it also owes much to the strong support of compatriots across the country and overseas Chinese.

Of course, this was also inseparable from the selfless assistance, both materially and morally, from our allies.

Zhao Pengcheng distributed the credit to everyone, but notably omitted the contributions of the North China Joint Command and the General Headquarters.

This is a very obvious bias.

The reporters present already had their answer in their hearts.

Domestic journalists dared not say much, but what about foreign journalists?
then.

Zhao Pengcheng then shifted the focus to the core of the issue: "But..."

The tone became heavy with the word "but": "We must be soberly aware of this."

"The victory of a single battle does not, and absolutely does not, represent the final victory of the war."

"Our national strength is still quite different from that of the militaristic and aggressive Japan."

"Our industrial base remains weak; our military is inadequate in many ways and still needs to learn from our allies."

"so."

Zhao Pengcheng drew his final conclusion, looking sincerely at the blond-haired, blue-eyed foreign journalists below the stage: "Now is far from the time when we can rest easy and celebrate our victory."

"We still need even stronger support from our allies!"

"We still need further support from our overseas Chinese compatriots!"

"The War of Resistance is not yet won, but victory is just ahead. Comrades, we must continue our efforts!"

His words were spoken with neither arrogance nor servility, and were based on reason and evidence.

It acknowledged the victory without being blindly optimistic.

This not only boosted public morale but also sent a clear signal to allies that "we need more assistance."

The reporters present all nodded in approval at his impeccable answer.

Followed by.

At Zhao Pengcheng's prompting, the reporter from Xinhua Daily stood up.

The bespectacled, somewhat refined-looking reporter did not pose the question to Zhao Pengcheng.

Instead, he turned to Lin Wei, who was standing to the side.

"Chief of Staff Lin," he asked, his question equally tricky, "I understand that you previously held the important position of Deputy Chief of the Military Affairs Department at the Chongqing Command Headquarters."

You personally came to North China and participated in commanding such a glorious victory. What are your personal thoughts on this?

This question seems to be asking for your thoughts and feelings.

In reality, it was also a test.

Is there a so-called "power struggle" between this "parachuted" chief of staff and the North China Joint Command?

Upon hearing this, Lin Wei immediately revealed a gentle smile.

His answer was equally watertight.

"In my personal opinion, this victory is 90% due to the bravery of the soldiers on the front lines."

"As for us staff officers who formulate plans in the rear, our command role is merely icing on the cake."

Lin Wei cleverly avoided both individuals and the General Headquarters.

The credit was once again attributed to the collective and the officers and soldiers on the front lines.

The Xinhua Daily reporter was clearly not satisfied with this answer.

He immediately posed a second, more pointed question.

"Then, Chief of Staff Lin, in this campaign, the 'Eastern Expeditionary Column' performed exceptionally well and received high praise from Chief Advisor Chu Yunfei."

"I wonder, what is your personal view on this new unit that is 'cooperating' with us?"

He emphasized the words "cooperation" and "new troops" very heavily.

The entire venue fell silent instantly.

Everyone knows that this question is asking about the true relationship between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party in North China.

You know, this is in South China.

The New Fourth Army and the Nationalist Army were sworn enemies.

The two sides have clashed several times, and it has gone beyond mere skirmishes.

Huangqiao, Caodian, and other historical events that cannot be mentioned later.

A barely perceptible hint of seriousness flashed across Lin Wei's face.

He knew that a careless answer to this question could trigger a huge political storm.

Lin Wei pondered for a moment before slowly replying in an official yet affirmative tone: "The Eastern Expeditionary Column fought bravely and made outstanding contributions in this campaign, which is beyond doubt."

"Their existence played a crucial role in thwarting the Japanese invaders' plot."

"I thought."

Lin Wei emphasized, "The successful experience of this pilot cooperative force under the unified leadership of the Nationalist government will lay a more solid foundation for our subsequent deeper and more comprehensive cooperation."

These words affirmed the achievements of the Eastern Expeditionary Column.

Furthermore, it was firmly defined within the framework of "under the unified leadership of the National Government".

It can be said that it both saved face and preserved substance.

The Xinhua Daily reporter wanted to continue asking questions.

For example, questions such as "How will the subsequent cooperation be carried out in detail?"

Zhao Pengcheng immediately interrupted him with a laugh: "Alright, Reporter Zhao."

His voice was polite, yet authoritative: "We know you have many more questions."

"However, we should also give other journalists the opportunity to ask questions."

As he spoke, Zhao Pengcheng turned his gaze to the British journalist from Reuters: "Magnus Drummond, an old friend of ours."

At the translator's prompting, the British journalist quickly stood up and then asked excitedly, "Commander Zhao, I heard that the National Revolutionary Army pursued the enemy for hundreds of miles in this battle, recovered large areas, killed more than 10,000 Japanese invaders, and wiped out the so-called newly formed Fifth Army of Wang Jingwei's puppet government."

Zhao Pengcheng was completely bewildered by the long and complicated translated sentence: "Mr. Drummond, please be more direct."

"Commander Chu previously stated in the media that he regarded Okamura Yasuji as his most formidable opponent. Now, I wonder how your side views this renowned Japanese general, Okamura Yasuji."

"Okamura Neiji?"

"As Commander Chu's bodyguard and staff officer, I can confirm that Commander Chu did indeed regard Okamura Yasuji as a major enemy."

"However, judging from the results of several encounters..."

"Okamura Yasuji's performance in the Battle of Nanchang was merely a flash in the pan."

"His so-called command level was indeed excellent within the Japanese army's order of battle."

"However, compared to General Teraichi Hisanai, who died in battle and committed seppuku, and the commanders such as Umezu Yoshijiro and Sugiyama Gen, who had previously caused Commander Chu a bitter battle."

Zhao Pengcheng chuckled: "Okamura Yasuji is at best a long-legged general who led his troops to a rout that lasted three days and covered hundreds of miles!"

Magnus Drummond was so excited his mouth was agape: "Commander Zhao, is this Commander Chu's opinion?"

Zhao Pengcheng nodded slightly: "Of course."

The reporters present were extremely excited and immediately took notes.

"Shocking: Zhan Shuai criticizes Okamura Yasuji as unworthy of his reputation, mocking him as just a long-legged general."

Chu Yunfei rarely mocks his opponents in the media.

In a sense, Zhao Pengcheng represents Chu Yunfei.

As for who was mocked last time?

It was four years ago.

Xiangyue Qingji was ridiculed by Chu Yunfei as an inferior student.

To be fair, Okamura Neiji's command ability was indeed very strong.

Many people only know about Guderian's blitzkrieg.

Little did they know that it was this old Japanese devil, Okamura Yasuji, who first used "blitzkrieg" on the battlefield.

Even on the Nationalist army's side, there was no opponent who could match it.

Xue Yue suffered more defeats than victories in battles, both large and small, when facing Okamura Yasuji, while Li Zongren suffered a complete defeat when facing Okamura Yasuji.

Luo Zhuoying was also defeated by Okamura Neiji, and to add a side note, Tang Enbo was also among those defeated.

The Nationalist army only had a handful of capable fighters, all of whom were defeated by Okamura Yasuji.

As for those so-called famous generals of the Northern Expedition, very few of them performed reasonably well during the War of Resistance against Japan.
They've all basically been beaten up by Okamura Neiji.

Even the Eighth Route Army suffered heavy losses during the large-scale mopping-up operations after Okamura Yasuji took office.

Objectively speaking...

Okamura Yasuji's skill level was indeed a level above average; he was one of the few top-notch fighters within the Japanese army.

Chu Yunfei instructed Zhao Pengcheng to say this.

They were just going to give it a shot, no matter what.

If this could lead to Okamura Yasuji being transferred from his position as commander of the North China Area Army.

The remaining opponents are completely unskilled, and there's nothing to worry about.

The following questions mainly focused on Pang Bingxun's retirement and the specific situation of the newly formed Fifth Army under Sun Dianying.

Pang Bingxun immediately distanced himself from traitors like Sun Dianying, and then stated that he was old and decided to retire from active service, which was approved by the General Headquarters.

He will spend the rest of his life in Linxian County, returning to a rural life and waiting for the victory of the War of Resistance against Japan.

The press conference ended quickly.

After greeting Lin Wei, Pang Bingxun, and others, Zhao Pengcheng set off for the command post to report to Chu Yunfei.

In the conference room.

A specific plan has not yet been discussed regarding the main counter-offensive direction in North China.

However, Chu Yunfei preferred to make some moves in areas such as northern Anhui.

"Since there are not many opportunities for a counterattack in North China, perhaps we can consider the Fifth War Zone."

"After all, the main force of the Japanese army in South China was mainly in the Yangtze River region and around Wuhan. Their logistics supply line was heavily dependent on the Yangtze River transport, and they were like a turtle with its neck stretched out."

"If we had the chance to cut off their necks, the 250,000 Japanese troops in the Wuhan area would be trapped like turtles in a jar. Even if we couldn't annihilate them all, we would have a good chance to severely damage them."

Chu Yunfei nodded slowly: "Bojun's idea is good, but there is a big problem in implementing this strategy, which is that the Third and Fifth War Zones currently lack truly capable main forces that can overcome difficulties." (End of this chapter)