Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Jining, within the city.

What should have been a relaxed final battle, or even an "armed parade," was originally intended to be a lighthearted affair.

however.

Within half an hour of the combat troops entering the city, it turned into a chilling hunting game.

Chen Hongyu, the battalion commander of the first battalion of the Third Army's vanguard regiment, was leading his men excitedly toward the clock tower in the city center, eager to claim the first credit for planting the flag.

It was quiet all around; there wasn't even a dog barking.

The Japanese soldiers who could be seen fleeing in disarray from the city wall just moments ago seemed to have vanished in an instant.

The streets were lined with ruins of houses destroyed by heavy artillery fire, and the ground was covered with rubble. There were no defensive positions set up by the Japanese army.

This made the officers and soldiers of the attacking battalion lower their guard considerably.

Many soldiers naively believed that the Japanese army had begun to retreat to the rear and that what they occupied was just an empty city.

"Hurry up, all of you!"

Chen Hongyu brandished his pistol: "Don't let those bastards from the Second Battalion get there first! We're the main force, the First Battalion!"

Just as the procession reached an intersection.

"Click."

A soft metallic clanging sound came from beneath my feet.

A machine gunner at the back of the column suddenly felt the manhole cover under his feet move.

Before he could even look down to see what was going on, the manhole cover was suddenly pushed open, and a dark gun barrel emerged.

“Da da da da da——!!!”

The dull, rapid gunfire shattered the already unnatural silence.

The 11.43mm large-caliber pistol bullet unleashed terrifying lethality at close range.

The weapons used by the Japanese devils.

These were Thompson submachine guns that the Japanese army had captured during the battle.

On the street, the machine gunner was instantly pierced through the back by several bullets, screaming as he collapsed to the ground, his water bottle on his back exploding.

This is like lighting the fuse of a powder keg.

In an instant, countless tongues of fire spewed out from the seemingly empty streets, from the collapsed ruins, from behind half-closed doors, and even from the wells by the roadside!

"Enemy attack! Take cover!"

"Over there! In the hole in the wall!"

"Ah, my legs!"

The Nationalist soldiers were stunned.

They held their guns, ready to return fire, but found they couldn't find any targets.

The Japanese troops did not engage in open fire with them.

"boom!"

A cold gunshot rang out, and the top of a company commander who was giving orders was blown off, his blood splattering all over the face of the communications officer next to him.

The gunman was a Japanese sniper hiding in a half-cut chimney. After firing the shot, he immediately retreated back into the tunnel and moved to another firing port a few dozen meters away.

"Watch your step!"

"There are Japanese soldiers in the sewers!"

Someone shouted in terror.

Several manhole covers on the street were flipped open at the same time, and Japanese suicide squads strapped with grenades rushed out like demons from hell. They were also carrying many grease guns and Shanxi-made Thompsons captured from the Chinese army. They opened fire on the Nationalist army, which was in a state of chaos, and then pulled the fuse while carrying the wounded.

"Boom! Boom!"

Explosions rang out one after another, and the narrow street was instantly turned into a bloody grinder.
……

West Gate of Jining, the temporary headquarters of the Third Army.

Just moments ago, Zhou Tiren was full of vigor, but now he was sweating profusely, clutching the phone, his face looking worse than if he were crying.

"what?"

"More than half of the regiment has been killed or wounded? What exactly happened?"

"asshole!"

"Aren't they defeated soldiers? How can they have such fierce firepower!"

"You mean the Japanese army didn't collapse, but instead retreated entirely into underground fortifications?"

As Zhou Tiren listened to the report on the other end of the phone, he felt dizzy: "More than 300 people were injured or killed in just one hour?"

"The attack must cease immediately. All personnel must evacuate outside the city. The mortar company must quickly use smoke screens to cover the battlefield and ensure that the wounded are removed from the battlefield."

"You're already doing it, right? Good, that's how it should be done. Report back to me immediately after you've figured out what's going on in the city."

Put down the phone.

Zhou Tiren's hands were trembling.

His previous arrogance and pride had now turned into a chilling cold that seeped into his bones.

He realized he had made a big mistake; he had underestimated his opponent!

This Jining City is not an empty city at all, but a huge trap!

No wonder that elite troops like Guo Yanzheng's were engaged in a protracted war with the Japanese army outside the city.

These Japanese devils haven't become any easier to deal with.

"Jingle Bell--"

The telephone on the table, which connects directly to the front-line command headquarters in Liaocheng, suddenly rang.

Zhou Tiren was startled, and he looked at the phone, feeling a mix of emotions.

But he didn't dare refuse.

Taking a deep breath, Zhou Tiren grabbed the microphone with trembling hands: "Hello, this is Zhou Tiren."

Instead of Chu Yunfei's authoritative voice, the voice on the other end of the phone came from Li Jingzhong's calm yet somewhat businesslike tone: "Commander Zhou, this is Li Jingzhong."

"The commander asked me to ask you, in your 'good news' you sent, that you could wipe out the remaining enemy and recover Jining before sunset."

"The sun is almost setting now."

"His Excellency asked me to remind you of something."

Although Li Jingzhong's voice was not loud, every word was like a whip lashing Zhou Tiren's face: "'An arrogant army will surely be defeated, and a careless enemy will surely perish.'"

"The commander said that the 26th Independent Mixed Brigade has not been defeated; they are luring the enemy deep into their territory."

"What you are standing on right now is not flat ground, but Jining City, which the Japanese have been managing for several years. The 26th Mixed Brigade has been stationed here for more than two years. Two years is enough time for them to build a decent defense system."

"Lieutenant Li! Please convey this message to Your Excellency!"

Zhou Tiren had lost all his previous arrogance; his voice was filled with fear and regret: "I'm guilty! I underestimated my enemy!"

"The current battle situation is very passive!"

Zhou Tiren wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and reported truthfully: "The troops entering the city encountered extremely fierce resistance from the Japanese army, and the enemy is elusive."

"They've hidden all their troops underground!"

"Japanese soldiers were everywhere—in the sewers, cellars, and hidden walls!"

"Moreover, they had a large number of automatic weapons, which seemed to be captured during the battle with our army, but we never had a similar battle. It was as if the Japanese army deliberately concentrated these automatic weapons for use."

Zhou Tiren's statement is not a lie.

In previous battles with the National Revolutionary Army, the Japanese army would distribute the automatic weapons captured from them to the Kuomintang auxiliary forces for logistical reasons.

The fact that the Japanese 26th Brigade is now equipped with a large number of domestically made submachine guns is truly unexpected.

"Given the current situation, heavy artillery is unable to damage underground targets, and if tanks enter the city, they will basically become sitting ducks."

"It would be difficult to achieve a quick victory against such an enemy."

Zhou Tiren hesitated slightly, then decisively said, "Lieutenant Li, please tell Your Excellency that we request the Chief Advisor's guidance."

Luxi, Liaocheng, Frontline Command Headquarters.

Li Jingzhong covered the microphone, turned to look at Chu Yunfei, and nodded solemnly: "Sir, Commander Zhou requests tactical guidance."

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunfei put down the red and blue pencils in his hand and strode over to the telephone.

He didn't immediately take the microphone, but first glanced at the thick stack of hydrological and geographical data of the Jining area next to him.

Subsequently.

He grabbed the microphone, his voice steady yet carrying an imposing aura: "I am Chu Yunfei."

Zhou Tiren on the other end of the phone caught his breath and immediately straightened his back: "Sir!"

“Zhou Tiren, you’ve been leading troops for decades.”

Chu Yunfei did not issue a direct battle order. Instead, he asked in a calm tone, "What kind of battles haven't you seen during the Central Plains War and the early stages of the War of Resistance?"

"Now, facing a bunch of ground rats huddled underground, are you really helpless?"

"Since heavy artillery can't hit it and tanks can't get in, sending infantry in would be suicide."

"Do I, Chu Yunfei, have to personally go to the outskirts of Jining City to teach you how to smoke out rats?"

Zhou Tiren, on the other end of the phone, blushed and sweat instantly poured down his forehead.

Of course, he wasn't truly without options; he had the means to survive the warlord era and rise to the high position of army commander.

However, the method was too ruthless, and the workload was enormous.

It will take time; his concern is the safety of the flanks.

After all, south of Jining lies the important town of Xuzhou, which is surrounded by the main forces of two Japanese divisions and one brigade.

"Your Excellency's instruction is correct; I am ashamed."

Zhou Tiren swallowed hard, no longer hiding his intentions, and said through gritted teeth, "Actually, I also have a plan in mind."

"Jining is a low-lying area, bordered by the Grand Canal to the west and Weishan Lake to the south, with a dense network of waterways."

"Since those Japanese devils like to burrow underground, then I'll grant their wish!"

"I want to blow up the canal dam, or divert the water from Weishan Lake to flood these rats!"

“Once the water is poured in, whether it’s a cellar or a bunker, they’ll either swim out and surrender, or they’ll all suffocate inside!” Zhou Tiren’s tone became urgent at this point: “But, Your Excellency, this will take time to build a dike and divert the water.”

"What I'm most worried about right now isn't the few thousand Japanese soldiers in the city, but the direction of Xuzhou!"

"Once our main force is tied up in Jining to launch a water attack, and if a large Japanese force marches north to reinforce Xuzhou, our troops will be attacked from both sides."

“Therefore,” Zhou Tiren paused, “this subordinate hopes to receive flank cover.”

After listening, Chu Yunfei's lips curled into a faint smile.

This week, Ti Ren's mind is still relatively clear.

They know how to assess the situation and make use of their geographical advantages.

"Water attack is a good idea."

Chu Yunfei affirmed his plan: "As long as the enemy can be eliminated at the lowest cost, whether by fire or water, it is merciful. However, before launching a water attack, we must ensure that the local people are evacuated before taking action."

"The liberation of Jining can be postponed, but remember, our victory must never be built on the sacrifice of the people."

Zhou Tiren instinctively stood at attention, his footsteps firm and resounding: "Understood, Your subordinate!"

"As for the threat from the Xuzhou direction..."

Chu Yunfei looked up at the battle map on the wall, his gaze falling on the vast area south of Jining and north of Xuzhou: "You don't need to worry."

"The joint command has already arranged a 'gatekeeper' for you to the south."

"Commander Sun's Fourth Army Group has already deployed along the Chengwu and Shanxian line."

"Commander Sun's main force, the 38th Army under Li Zhenxi, shall immediately advance towards Fengxian and Peixian and construct a blocking defense line on the west bank of Weishan Lake."

“Brother Kuishan worked with me for two years before, and his experience and ability in leading troops are both qualified.”

"With these Shaanxi Army lads blocking your way, not even the Japanese devils from Xuzhou, let alone flies from Nanjing, can get past you and stop you from catching mice!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Tiren on the other end of the phone finally felt a huge weight lifted from his heart, and his voice became louder: "Thank you, Your Excellency!"

"With the 38th Army on our flank, our troops have no worries about their rear!"

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, three days, no, two days!"

"If I haven't wiped out the Japanese devils in Jining City within two days, I'll jump into the canal and feed the fish!"

"Okay, I'm waiting for your good news."

hang up the phone.

Chu Yunfei turned around and said to Li Gong, "Brother Li Gong, draft a telegram!"

"Order all units to continue combat operations according to Emergency Plan No. 2. Sun's unit, immediately advance towards Xuzhou to cut off any possibility of the enemy advancing north along the southern section of the Jinpu Railway!"

"Yes!"

Southwest Shandong, east of Chengwu County, the forward command post of the 38th Army.

Army Commander Li Zhenxi was sitting in a chair, toying with a Mauser pistol in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed, seemingly anticipating something.

"Commander!"

"finally come!"

"A telegram from the Frontline Command!"

The confidential staff officer lifted the curtain and burst in, his clothes damp with sweat, his voice brimming with barely suppressed excitement.

"Read!"

Li Zhenxi suddenly jumped off the kang (a heated brick bed), his movements as agile as a leopard: "Does this mean we're called to make a move?"

"Yes, sir!" the confidential staff officer read aloud. "Important telegram from Your Excellency: The battle at Jining is at a stalemate, and the Japanese army is currently resisting stubbornly from underground fortifications. To prevent the enemy from Pengcheng from advancing north to reinforce, your unit is ordered to immediately advance eastward along the entire front according to the established 'Operation Plan No. 2'!"

"We must capture Feng and Pei counties before sunset tomorrow, cut off the southern section of the Jinpu Railway, and build a solid defensive line on the west bank of Weishan Lake to block any enemy advancing north!"

"it is good!"

Li Zhenxi slapped his thigh, his eyes gleaming: "Damn it, we've been holed up in the back for so long, our bones are practically rusting! It's finally our turn to shine!"

"Pass on my order! Summon Shen Jizhi and Kong Congzhou to my command post immediately!"

……

Ten minutes later, the two major generals strode into the command post.

Shen Jizhi, the commander of the 17th Division, had a dark complexion and was a graduate of the fourth class of the Artillery Department of the Whampoa Military Academy.

The 49th, 50th and 51st regiments under his command were the old guard of the 38th Army. They were all soldiers brought from Shaanxi by this unit, known as "stubborn kids" by the people. They were famously fearless in battle.

Standing next to him was Kong Congzhou, the commander of the newly formed 35th Division, whose expression was somewhat solemn, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible tension.

The situation of the newly formed 35th Division is rather special.

Although it was originally the Independent 46th Brigade, in order to replenish its ranks, it absorbed two puppet army brigades that had surrendered from North China.

Although they had undergone a long period of reorganization and political education, and their weapons and equipment had been replenished, in the eyes of other main forces, they were always labeled as "reorganized puppet troops".

Kong Congzhou and his officers and soldiers always felt inferior.

"Did you all understand the mission?"

Li Zhenxi pointed to Feng and Pei on the map, his eyes blazing: "Your Excellency has entrusted us with the safety of our friendly forces' flank; that is an immense trust in our 38th Army!"

"The battle in Jining isn't going well. If even one Japanese soldier gets through, it'll be a dereliction of duty on our part! It'll be a disgrace to the men of Shaanxi!"

"Commander Shen!"

Shen Jizhi snapped to attention: "Yes, sir!"

"Your 17th Division is the main force, responsible for attacking Fengxian! The Japanese garrison there has a large number of troops and a strong defense line, but I don't care what methods you use, I want to see the 17th Division's flag planted on the walls of Fengxian within three days!"

"Yes!"

"Rest assured, Commander, the 49th Regiment will be the vanguard. If we fail to take Fengxian, I'll cut off my own head!" Shen Jizhi made a solemn pledge with murderous intent.

Li Zhenxi nodded, then turned his gaze to Kong Congzhou, his tone softening slightly, but carrying even greater weight:
"Commander Kong."

"To!"

Kong Congzhou straightened his back: "Your newly formed 35th Division is responsible for attacking Pei County and extending its guard towards Weishan Lake."

Li Zhenxi stared into Kong Congzhou's eyes and said in a deep voice, "I know there are some rumors circulating outside about your division. They say that you have infiltrated a lot of spineless cowards who used to work with the Japanese, and that your fighting ability is not good."

Kong Congzhou's face flushed red instantly, and his fists clenched so tightly they cracked.

"This is your chance!"

Li Zhenxi's voice suddenly rose: "Tell the brothers below, do you want to stand up straight and be human?"

"Do you want to wash away the shame of the past?"

"Do you want all our allies in North China to give us a thumbs up?!"

"Then let's use the heads of the Japanese devils as proof!"

"Yes!"

Kong Congzhou roared, veins bulging on his neck: "Commander, just you wait and see!"

"If there's even one coward in the newly formed 35th Division, you don't need to lift a finger, I'll kill him myself!"

"Okay! Let's go!"

……

In the blink of an eye, half an hour had passed.

At the assembly point of the newly formed 35th Division, a group of officers stood in neat rows, numbering over a hundred.

"brothers!"

Kong Congzhou stood on the hood of the jeep, looking at the hundreds of officers in front of him.

Their weapons had been replaced with brand-new Type 24 rifles, and even each squad was equipped with a light machine gun, but the sense of inferiority stemming from their "origins" still lingered in the ranks.

“I am Kong Congzhou, your teacher.”

“I believe that many of you have seen me, know me, and understand me. You call me your teacher, and I consider you my brothers.”

Kong Congzhou took off his military cap and slammed it to the ground: "I know, someone is stabbing us in the back!"

"Call our 'traitorous' troops a reorganized force!"

The officers stirred slightly, and many lowered their heads.

"I don't agree!"

"Do you submit?!"

Kong Congzhou shouted loudly, "We are Chinese too!"

"We are men born of parents too!"

"We were on the wrong path before, but there was nothing we could do!"

"But now, they've given us guns, food, and even the designation of a regular army!"

"This gives us a chance to start anew!"

"Our mission to attack Pei County and fight a blocking battle is a life-or-death struggle!"

"Whether we can fight well or not will determine whether the second phase of the counter-offensive will continue smoothly."

"Brothers, our responsibility is very heavy!"

Kong Congzhou paused, his fierce eyes sweeping over everyone present, before pointing east: "103rd Regiment, 104th Regiment, 105th Regiment!"

"The entire division has them!"

"Today, we will show those little devils, and show all the people of China, that we are not spineless!"

"We are heroes who can kill Japanese devils too!"

"Anyone who's afraid of dying, get out of here now!"

"The rest of you, charge with me!"

"Get back the face you've lost!"

"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

The shouts of hundreds of officers merged into a torrent.

"Very well, I'll give you half a day to make your final preparations. The attack will commence promptly at six o'clock tomorrow morning!" (End of Chapter)