Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

three days later.

Taiyuan, Second War Zone Command Headquarters, Conference Room.

Although a resolution on how to deal with the military expansion of the northern powers had already been made.

However, the many implementation problems left over from the last meeting still weigh heavily on everyone's minds.

"Machines can be bought, factories can be built, but where can we find people to operate these precision lathes?"

Sun Weimou, general manager of North China Construction Group, rubbed his aching temples and spread a labor shortage report on the table: "Sir, our biggest bottleneck right now is not funding or raw materials, but skilled industrial workers and technically proficient engineers."

Sun Weimou sighed: "Our previously highly efficient 'master-apprentice' model is too slow for our needs."

"It simply cannot fill the production black hole of four billion bullets, let alone artillery shells."

Upon hearing this, Yu Dawei, the director of the Ordnance Department who had been silent, slowly stood up.

This double PhD, who had studied at Harvard University in the United States and also pursued advanced studies in ballistics in Germany, had obviously come up with a solution.

"The conventional recruitment methods have reached a dead end."

Yu Dawei pulled out a draft of "Wartime Youth Mobilization and Industrial Coordination" from his briefcase, which he had been pondering for three days.

"If we want to increase military production capacity several times over in a short period of time, we must take drastic measures!"

He slammed the draft bill onto the center of the long table, his voice hoarse: "I propose that we immediately implement an extremely high-intensity student mobilization plan in North China and even throughout the country!"

Yu Dawei took a deep breath and quickly presented his core idea.

"First, we will comprehensively adjust the existing school system for secondary vocational schools, requiring all secondary vocational school students to complete a six-month full-time internship at arsenals and supporting enterprises every year."

"Second, all science and engineering majors in universities should be restructured."

Yu Dawei's eyes gleamed with determination behind his glasses: "University students majoring in related fields must go to the front line of the defense heavy industry for a two-year on-site internship, and take over the calculation of basic data and the mapping of weapon blueprints."

"Even junior high and high school students in various places are required to set aside one day of their extracurricular time each week to participate in local infrastructure construction work organized by the local production and construction corps!"

A brief silence fell over the entire conference room.

Deputy Commander-in-Chief Li's hand, holding a teacup, froze in mid-air, breaking the silence with a furrowed brow: "Director Yu, your proposal is well-intentioned, but it will likely face enormous resistance in its implementation."

Commander Li put down his teacup, his tone revealing deep concern: "Students have always been the most easily instigated and swayed."

"If you force them into the workshop to forge iron and draw blueprints using cold administrative means, it might trigger large-scale strikes and unrest, which would be counterproductive."

Sun Weimou also keenly realized the drawbacks of simply "coercion": "What Degong said makes sense."

Sun Weimou looked at the draft and stroked his chin, adding, "Besides, forced relationships are never sweet."

“These are all cultured people who wield pens. If they work with resentment in their hearts and make a little tampering, the losses we suffer will be far more than just a small amount.”

"Now that the problem has been identified, let's solve it."

Chu Yunfei's fingers tapped rhythmically on the table.

"Tap. Tap. Tap."

"Director Yu's proposed direction is correct; it is the only feasible solution we have at present."

Chu Yunfei laid the draft out on the table and picked up a red and blue pencil: "But Wei Mou and De Gong's concerns are also very real."

"Therefore, the way this draft is implemented must be changed!"

As if he had just thought of something, Sun Weimou immediately replied, "Does Your Excellency mean to give them subsidies?"

Chu Yunfei's favorite method was to give money.

For officers and soldiers at the grassroots level, receiving money is far more satisfying than grand narratives.

Strategic planning is political, and so is the mundane matter of "daily necessities."

For example, in the historical social environment of the Republic of China, the idea of ​​doing only what you are paid for was deeply ingrained.

For example, a police officer who doesn't receive his June salary is unlikely to be willing to investigate a case in July.

There are very few combat units that can maintain a certain level of combat capability even after being owed military pay for more than half a year.
But this tactic was used to win over students.
Commander Li raised an eyebrow, then hesitated for a moment before asking, "How about calculating it based on technical allowances?"

"Having money alone is not enough."

"Young students are full of passion; they cannot bear to see their country humiliated and they yearn to save this long-suffering nation with their own hands!"

"We must treat this as a national salvation movement!"

"We can call it the 'Youth Knowledge Serving the Country Movement'!"

Chu Yunfei tapped the document heavily with the tip of his pen: "Don't treat students as cheap labor to be exploited; instead, respect and inspire them as the future pillars and backbone of the nation!"

Sun Weimou slapped his thigh, suddenly realizing what was going on.

"Understood!"

"We should not only provide technical subsidies, but also honors!"

Sun Weimou quickly outlined the logic behind combining business and political work: "Outstanding students can be directly awarded technical military ranks!"

"The construction group even funded the establishment of a special 'National Defense Outstanding Contribution Scholarship'!"

Yu Dawei pushed up his glasses, his breathing quickening. The stubbornness in his eyes finally turned into admiration: "Replace administrative coercion with patriotic enthusiasm and tangible honors and benefits."

"In this way, resistance will become motivation, and once they get to the workshop, they will work even harder than any veteran worker!"

Chu Yunfei smiled slightly, grabbed the military cap on the table, and put it on his head with deft movements: "The propaganda line should be followed immediately. It should be published in newspapers such as the North China Daily, Changzhi Weekly, and Guanghua Daily. Make sure it's on the front page."

"Jingzhong, go prepare the car!"

Li Jingzhong, who had been standing to the side taking notes, closed his notebook, stood at attention, and saluted: "Sir, where are you going? Didn't you have an appointment with Director Xu this afternoon to discuss work?"

"Let's stop talking. Just have him write a report and give it to me. We'll go directly to Shanxi Military and Political University in Taiyuan, and the Shanxi office of the National Northwest Institute of Technology!"
-
Mountain city, Huangshan official residence, Yunxiu Tower.

The thick winter fog, accompanied by a light drizzle, washed the vegetation covering the mountains, leaving it somewhat white.

On the bluestone steps leading to the official residence, two black umbrellas closed almost simultaneously.

Chen Cixiu and He Jingzhi unexpectedly met under the carved corridor of Yunxiu Tower.

The two military giants, who had held sway over the lifeline of the National Revolutionary Army at different times, exchanged a glance and both stopped in their tracks.

"Respect the Lord."

Chen Cixiu nodded slightly first, handed the umbrella to his adjutant, and said in a polite tone, "With this continuous winter rain, the roads are not easy to travel."

He Jingzhi shook the water droplets off his woolen overcoat, a seasoned smile on his face: "It's alright, Brother Cixiu has been making some bold moves lately."

"You jest, Lord Jing. If we want to implement the plan to equip the 60th Division with American weapons, someone has to make a sacrifice."

"Compared to the fact that I offended people in China, Mr. Jinggong, the Chairman probably wants you to take over that hotter 'potato' of Southeast Asia, right?"

Upon hearing this, He Jingzhi's eye muscles twitched slightly.

"Just an enclave far from the central government."

He Jingzhi lowered his voice, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "Even if I go, I'll just be a figurehead."

The two exchanged a smile and said nothing more.

Turn around.

They pushed open the heavy wooden door of the top-secret conference room in Yunxiu Tower, one after the other.

Inside, the supreme commander Chang Ruiyuan sat in the main seat, his cane resting horizontally on his lap.

Chief of the General Staff Bai Jiansheng had already taken his seat and was looking through a map of the Far East. He and Chen had just entered as well.

These four individuals constitute the current high command of the KMT military in the mountain city.

"Please sit down."

Chang Ruiyuan picked up the celadon teacup, flicked the tea leaves, and spoke in a seemingly casual tone.

"As the 60th Division's plan to equip itself with American weapons progresses, the work in Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly important."

"Our hundreds of thousands of soldiers are guarding the borders, but the organization and functions are becoming increasingly bloated."

"If we let it continue to entangle like a tangled mess, it will cause a major disaster sooner or later."

The three people present were all fox spirits who had become human.

Everyone could understand what the Chairman meant.

Commander-in-Chief Wei has always maintained a certain distance from Chang Ruiyuan, and now he holds military power.

Chang Ruiyuan naturally had some thoughts in his mind.

Bai Jiansheng took the lead: "Chairman, you are wise. The Allied counter-offensive in the Pacific has now fully commenced."

"The current configuration of the expeditionary force is to undertake the long-term defense and security of various territories in Southeast Asia, and to prepare for the possible cross-sea island seizure at any time."

"The mixing of powers is indeed detrimental to command; it's time for some adjustments."

Chang Ruiyuan put down his teacup, making a crisp "ding" sound: "Jingzhi, you previously drafted a proposal for splitting up the business. Tell everyone about it."

He Jingzhi immediately sat up straight and opened a top-secret memorandum in front of him.

"Based on the overall vision of the General Headquarters."

He cleared his throat, his voice steady: "The existing overseas armed forces will be completely dismantled and reorganized."

“We will retain the designation ‘Expeditionary Force’ but strip it of its local defense functions.”

"General Wei Junru will continue to serve as the commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force, but his headquarters will be moved to Qiongzhou Island starting today."

"As for the massive field forces that remain in Southeast Asia to assume strategic deterrence and passive defense."

"It will be officially renamed as the 'National Revolutionary Army Zhennan Army'."

"Considering that the Zhennan Army not only governs the military, but also involves extremely complex foreign politics and the interests of overseas Chinese from many countries."

He Jingzhi closed the document and looked at Chang Ruiyuan without showing any emotion: "The Chairman has decided that the Chief of Staff will serve as the Commander-in-Chief, concurrently serving as the Chief of Staff of the Zhennan Army, and that Chu Yunfei, the Chief Advisor of the Military Command, will concurrently serve as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief."

Upon hearing this, Chen Cixiu inwardly sighed in admiration at his brilliance.

By having He Jingzhi hold the nominal title of commander-in-chief, the government could maintain order and ensure that the central command firmly held absolute control over the hundreds of thousands of troops.

Compared to his previous attitude of trying to sideline He Jingzhi, Chang Ruiyuan now seems to have become more tolerant.

As for why Chu Yunfei was given a temporary post, it was because the Zhennan Army's entire logistical lifeline, American equipment, and even the replenishment of bullets were highly dependent on the North China Ordnance Industry Cluster.

It can be considered an alternative form of power balance.

"The specific troop deployment of the Zhennan Army also needs to be redefined."

He Jingzhi then added tactical details, his finger quickly drawing four blocks at the southern end of the Asian map.

"The three corps originally under the Southern Army were completely disbanded."

"The newly formed Zhennan Army has divided its massive forces into four army groups."

"The First Army was stationed in the Toungoo region, the Second Army in the Siam region, the Third Army in Malaya and Pearl City, and the Fourth Army in Indochina."

"The pieces were placed on all four sides, and a total of twelve armies were under its command."

"Each corps commands two fully American-equipped divisions, and is directly subordinate to heavy artillery regiments and related air defense and auxiliary branches."

"In this way, the troops can be stationed in a dispersed manner and can support each other in local skirmishes, which is enough to ensure our country's absolute military dominance in the entire Southeast Asia region."

After hearing this extremely well-thought-out plan, Chang Ruiyuan finally smiled with satisfaction: "Jingzhi, that ethnic leader in Toungoo named Aung San has been making quite a few moves lately."

Upon hearing the Chairman's question, Ho Ching-chi immediately looked down to examine another briefing.

"Yes, Chairman, under the pretext of assisting us in suppressing local rebels, Aung San has been ordered to establish the 'First National Self-Defense Army of Toungoo' in the area."

He Jingzhi reported: "Although the current number of troops is only around 10,000 and has been split into two small brigades without heavy weapons, their recruitment momentum is very rapid."

"Self-Defense Forces?"

Chang Ruiyuan sneered, his tone revealing a deep-seated contempt and defensiveness: "Without an independent government, what is he supposed to protect?"

Chang Ruiyuan's eyes sharpened instantly: "If we're going to maintain order, then let's do it the rules."

"After you take office, issue instructions in the name of the Zhennan Army Headquarters."

Chang Ruiyuan coldly and firmly made the decision: "Disband that so-called 'First Army' designation, and inform Aung San that the Toungoo region does not need a field army."

"Have him select capable personnel as soon as possible to establish a local 'garrison' and 'police force'!"

"In terms of weapons, we can give them a few old Hanyang rifles for self-defense, but they are not allowed to be equipped with heavy weapons, including heavy machine guns, and the number of light machine guns should also be limited."

"Yes!"

He Jingzhi nodded in agreement. They were experts at using this method of slowly and painstakingly restricting the development of local armed forces.

It doesn't even require much discussion; it can be handled quite well on its own.

Even after resolving the complex overseas issues, the atmosphere inside was far from relaxed.

The real highlight is the upcoming decisive battle in the Jiangnan region.

Chen Cixiu picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and then turned his gaze to Chang Ruiyuan: "Chairman."

Chen Cixiu lowered his voice slightly: "Jiangbei has been cleared, and the amphibious assault operation in the Yangtze River Delta is about to begin."

"This involves multiple mobilizations by the Third, Ninth, and North China Joint Commands."

"Regarding the selection of the commander-in-chief for this recapture of Jiangnan."

At this point, He Jingzhi also raised his head at the right time and exchanged a tacit look with Chen Cixiu: "We two jointly recommend General Gu Mosan, the commander of the Third War Zone, to take on this important task."

Chang Ruiyuan raised his eyebrows almost imperceptibly.

"Mo San, you guys also think highly of Mo San?"

Bai Jiansheng interlaced his fingers, feigning contemplation: "North China fought such a brilliant annihilation battle in Jiangbei, and the chief advisor's fierce troops are in high spirits. How will he explain changing generals at this time?"

Chang Ruiyuan smiled and took out a coded telegram from his pocket: "Jiansheng is overthinking it."

"This is a secret telegram that Yunfei sent me yesterday."

"In his telegram, he strongly declined the main task of attacking the Yangtze River Delta region and even took the initiative to recommend Mo San."

Bai Jiansheng respectfully accepted the telegram handed to him by Chang Ruiyuan.

"Yunfei said in the telegram that the battle of Pingjin had reached its final stage, and the North China Armored Group must be on high alert and make final preparations for the liberation of Northeast China, which will begin next spring."

"Moreover, the massive military industrial construction in North China is now at a critical juncture. He himself has been unable to leave his post recently, spending day and night at the arsenal in Taiyuan planning for the future."

He volunteered that, given the dense network of waterways in the Jiangnan region, it was appropriate for a southern general familiar with the terrain and naval warfare to coordinate and manage them.

"Commander Gu has always been mature and prudent, so it is perfectly justified for him to be in charge of Jiangnan."

Chang Ruiyuan picked up the red pen on the table and neatly signed his name on the appointment letter: "Since everyone has no objections, then it's settled." (End of this chapter)