Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 319 Say thank you

"I'm innocent, sir! I'm an innocent man! Have you arrested the wrong person?"

Zheng Qianyi had been tied to a horse and jostled all the way. Upon seeing Chen Chengxing, he immediately began to cry and complain.

“Brigade Commander, this old guy is Zheng Qianyi, I guarantee it,” Wei Dayong said.

"Zheng Qianyi, the lackey of Hirata Ichiro, the captain of the Heyuan County Military Police, right?" Chen Chengxing said with a smile.

"Sir, you are wise to understand. I am doing this in a roundabout way, a roundabout way to save the country," Zheng Qianyi explained.

Many people in Heyuan County know him; his identity cannot be faked.

"I just went to Lijia Town to exchange intelligence with the 358th Regiment of the Jin-Sui Army. You can ask them if you don't believe me."

“Qian Bojun, the battalion commander of the 1st Battalion of the 358th Regiment, can testify for me.”

Hirata Ichiro's letter has been burned, and now there is absolutely no flaw in the relationship between him and Qian Bojun.

If Qian Bojun knew he had been arrested, he certainly wouldn't admit to wanting to betray his country.

Wei Dayong, who was standing to the side, was a little confused. Could this kid really be Chu Yunfei's informant?
"Come on, Zheng Qianyi, I know you too well," Chen Chengxing sneered.

"I've already received the news. You went to persuade the 358th Regiment to surrender on behalf of Hirata Ichiro, right?"

Zheng Qianyi's expression froze instantly.

Although Chen Chengxing was referring to the 358th Regiment, Qian Bojun's First Battalion was also part of the 358th Regiment.

Therefore, it's not wrong.

But Zheng Qianyi never expected that the Eighth Route Army would find out about his work so soon after he started.

"Sir, I... I really was delivering intelligence to the 358th Regiment."

Zheng Qianyi still wanted to make a last-ditch effort, as he was somewhat familiar with how the Eighth Route Army treated traitors.

"It seems Mr. Zheng is quite stubborn. I hope your body is as stubborn as your mouth."

"Monk, please entertain Mr. Zheng." Chen Chengxing waved his hand, signaling Wei Dayong to take Zheng Qianyi out.

"Yes! I guarantee that Mr. Zheng will feel the warmth of the Eighth Route Army."

Wei Dayong grabbed Zheng Qianyi's shoulder and dragged him out.

"Ouch! It hurts! It hurts!"

"I'm willing to cooperate! I'm willing to cooperate!"

Zheng Qian felt as if his collarbone was about to be crushed.

Chen Chengxing didn't even raise his head when Zheng Qianyi begged for mercy.

Some people don't know their place until they experience hardship.

After Wei Dayong dragged Zheng Qian out, a series of screams came from outside.

A full half hour later, Wei Dayong brought Zheng Qianyi back in.

"Stand still! If you dare to spout nonsense again, I'll serve you for an hour!"

Wei Dayong gave Zheng Qianyi a shake.

"Hey, monk, you've got some skills."

Chen Chengxing looked at Zheng Qian, who had no injuries but was in a sorry state, and laughed.

It would be best if there were no scars, so Zheng Qianyi wouldn't need to come up with any excuses to fob off the Japanese.

"Brigade Commander, you don't know, we have to loosen up our muscles and bones before we practice martial arts."

"I just loosened up Mr. Zheng's muscles and bones."

"Strictly speaking, this is a good thing; he should thank me."

As Wei Dayong spoke, he glanced at Zheng Qianyi, the meaning in his eyes self-evident.

"Thank you, thank you." Zheng Qian nodded repeatedly.

He was truly terrified of this brute.

"Hehe. Mr. Zheng is willing to cooperate now?" Chen Chengxing said with a smile.

If Zheng Qianyi had any backbone, he wouldn't have become a traitor.

"Yes, yes."

Zheng Qian quickly recounted in detail what he had discussed with Qian Bojun.

Does anyone know if the 358th Regiment has any Eighth Route Army spies?

If what I say is different from what the Eighth Route Army knows, I'm in for a lot of trouble.

"Mr. Zheng is wrong, isn't he? Qian Bojun has been Chu Yunfei's confidant for many years."

“I don’t believe he would betray Chu Yunfei behind his back,” Chen Chengxing said.

"Um?!"

Seeing that Zheng Qianyi was still not behaving himself, Wei Dayong glared at him and put his big hand on his shoulder again.

"Sir, I'm telling the truth."

Zheng Qianyi was almost in tears.

Why is it that no one believes me when I tell the truth?

"I'm giving you a chance now. Think it over carefully: is it Qian Bojun who's going to betray us, or the entire 358th Regiment?"

Chen Chengxing emphasized the words "358th Regiment".

"It really is money."

"Ah! No, it's the 358th Regiment, the 358th Regiment is going to betray us!" Zheng Qian realized.

"Yes, very good. I'm satisfied with your honesty." Chen Chengxing nodded.

"Now you write down what happened in your statement, and then sign and put your fingerprint on it."

"Yes, yes, yes!" Zheng Qian nodded repeatedly.

We're in a stronger position now, so let's just do as they say for now.

A few minutes later, looking at the freshly produced confession, Chen Chengxing nodded in satisfaction.

"Do you want to live or die?" Chen Chengxing asked.

"I want to live, I want to live."

“Very good, then you can continue to try to win over Qian Bojun. Just keep the situation reported in real time.”

"However, to avoid any unforeseen circumstances, I now need you to submit another pledge of allegiance."

Chen Chengxing took another piece of paper and handed it to Zheng Qianyi.

"A pledge of allegiance?" Zheng Qianyi said, indicating his confusion.

"It's simple, you just curse the Japanese devils as 'corrupt locusts,' the uglier the better."

“Mr. Zheng must be a scholar, surely he knows how to curse?” Chen Chengxing said with a smile.

"This is me." Zheng Qian's face turned green.

Cursing the Japanese is no small matter.

If the Japanese find out, I'll be doomed no matter where I run to.

"Don't worry, as long as you get things done, I guarantee that only I will know about this," Chen Chengxing said.

“I’ll write it right now,” Zheng Qian said through gritted teeth.

He had no choice in this matter.

If I write it, I might die later; but if I don't write it, I'll die now.

A few minutes later, Chen Chengxing held the signed and sealed paper and nodded in satisfaction.

As expected of a scholar, his insults are indeed harsh.

If this document were to reach the Japanese, Zheng Qianyi thought he wouldn't even be able to die a quick death.

"Monk, ride your horse and take Mr. Zheng back to Heyuan County."

"Yes!"

"Old Chen, what's going on?"

Why were the 212th and 213th Regiments suddenly transferred?

Luo Ping hurriedly returned and just in time to block Chen Chengxing, who was about to leave Hongniwan.

"Old Luo, you're back. I've received news that the 358th Regiment has been making moves to defect to the enemy these past few days."

Chen Chengxing gave an awkward laugh.

During this time, Luo Ping was busy with the reorganization, so he was unaware of Chen Chengxing's plans.

"What did you say? Chu Yunfei defected to the enemy? Are you kidding me?" Luo Ping exclaimed in shock.

Based on what we saw last time, Chu Yunfei can be considered a hero.

"I wasn't quite sure, that's why I didn't tell you."

"However, we must be careful," Chen Chengxing said.

"Yes, you make a good point." Luo Ping nodded.

The 358th Regiment's jurisdiction extends diagonally into the Jin-Sui Military Region. Normally, they keep to themselves and it's normal for them to pass each other by. But if they were to turn against them, it would be a major problem for the Jin-Sui Military Region.

"Did you report this matter to the military region and have the commander-in-chief inform the Second War Zone Command?" Luo Ping asked.

"How do we report this? The 358th Regiment hasn't taken any action yet."

"What if Commander Yan doesn't believe us? Besides, he is very likely to think that we are trying to sow discord within the Jin-Sui Army."

How could Chen Chengxing possibly report it? If he did, how could he still eat meat?

Regiment 358 is a very, very lucrative target.

“That’s true. There’s been a long-standing grudge between our two armies.” Luo Ping nodded.

"Moreover, both sides are on high alert, and a major incident could occur if they are not careful."

If the situation is unclear, rashly notifying the Second World War Zone will most likely result in being accused of undermining the united front.

"Old Chen, what do you plan to do?"

"That's why I mobilized the 212th and 213th Regiments; they have already moved forward and are on alert."

"The two regiments are now closely monitoring the movements of the 358th Regiment. If they dare to make a move, we will wipe them out."

"No matter what, I cannot watch Chu Yunfei go astray," Chen Chengxing said solemnly.

"Are two regiments enough? Chu Yunfei's 358th Regiment is a reinforced regiment of five thousand men."

"If the 212th and 213th Regiments were to launch a surprise attack, their heavy weapons would not be able to keep up."

Luo Ping didn't want the Second New Brigade to suffer losses, since they were only helping the Jin-Sui Army.

"The two armies are about 20 miles apart. If the cavalry battalion launches a surprise attack, they can arrive within an hour."

"Then two infantry regiments will make a forced march to outflank and encircle the enemy. The battle should be resolved within two hours."

"Chu Yunfei is a tough guy, but the Jin-Sui Army? Hmph, a piece of cake."

Despite Chu Yunfei's arrogant demeanor, the Jin-Sui Army was still fundamentally composed of old warlords.

Their combat strength was even inferior to that of the Central Army, so Chen Chengxing didn't take them seriously at all.

The reason for deploying two regiments this time was simply to guard against any actions by the Japanese in Heyuan County.

"Let's leave it at that for now. We'll report to the military region after we've taken control of the 358th Regiment."

"Both the 212th and 213th Regiments have radios. If there's any situation, contact me and I'll bring people to support you."

At this moment, Luo Ping had no idea what Chen Chengxing's specific actions were going to do.

"Okay, you stay home and wait for my message."

Chen Chengxing was more than happy that Luo Ping didn't go.

Subsequently, Chen Chengxing led his cavalry battalion forward to the guerrilla zone.

A few days later, with Chen Chengxing keeping a close eye on things, Qian Bojun and Hirata Ichiro reached an agreement.

The Japanese began to act according to plan.

The Japanese have big ambitions this time; they want to take advantage of Qian Bojun's defection to wipe out the 358th Regiment in one fell swoop.

This can be seen as revenge for Yan Xishan standing them up earlier.

Fang Ligong walked over inside the headquarters of the 358th Regiment.

"Commander, our intelligence officer has brought the latest information: the enemy's mopping-up operations have been launched."

"Its vanguard was the 5th Regiment of the 4th Mixed Brigade of the Locust Army."

"The regiment adopted a strategy of gradual encroachment, advancing step by step."

"Their vanguard was less than ten kilometers away from my 2nd Battalion's position."

Fang Ligong pointed out the location of the Fifth Regiment on the sand table.

"The Fourth Mixed Brigade? A bunch of rabble who only know how to bully ordinary people, dare to cause trouble for my 358th Regiment?"

Chu Yunfei felt that the Locust Army was looking down on him. Did the Locust Army even deserve to fight the 358th Regiment?
"Pass on my order! The entire regiment prepares for battle!" Chu Yunfei stood up straight.

"Order the forward positions to open a gap to let the enemy's 5th Regiment in, and then the 2nd Battalion should immediately seal the gap to block the Japanese troops behind."

"First Battalion, Third Battalion, Fourth Battalion, Artillery Battalion, and Regimental Direct Units, surround them and wipe out the enemy's 5th Regiment!"

"yes!".
While the staff officer went to make a phone call to relay orders, Fang Ligong stepped forward and said:
"Commander, the intelligence also says that following the enemy's 5th Regiment is a Japanese infantry battalion, but it is not equipped with any heavy weapons."

"This unit was the newly formed 41st Brigade of the Japanese Army, and most of its members were old, weak, sick and disabled."

"It's said that there are quite a few fifteen or sixteen-year-olds among them."

"I think the Second Battalion can hold them off without any problem."

"Hmph! The Japanese are going downhill; they're even dragging their children onto the battlefield," Chu Yunfei laughed.

"The outcome of this war is probably about to be decided."

"However, a new war is also on its way."

At this moment, Chu Yunfei's expression was somewhat strange.

"Report!" The staff officer who went to make the call to relay the order returned.

"Commander, Chief of Staff, the Second, Third, and Fourth Battalions, the Artillery Battalion, and the Regiment's Direct Subordinate Units are now ready for battle."

"Where is the First Battalion?" Chu Yunfei asked immediately when he didn't hear "First Battalion".

"There's still no news from the First Battalion. It seems there's a problem with the telephone line leading to Lijia Town," the staff officer explained.

"This morning, the communications unit has already dispatched two groups of maintenance personnel."

"But until now, no one has returned, and the line is still not connected."

"What did you say?!" Chu Yunfei's face immediately darkened.

The battle is about to begin, but they can't get in touch with the troops.

If this gets out, won't people laugh their heads off?

"Go! Send men to Lijia Town immediately!" Chu Yunfei roared.

"yes!".
"Commander, I feel like the taste isn't quite right," Fang Ligong said seriously.

"With a major battle imminent, the air is thick with the smell of gunpowder. Even if Qian Bojun can't contact the regimental headquarters, he should at least send someone over."

Qian Bojun isn't a new soldier; he's been fighting for years. How could he not have this much of a sense?
There's been no sound and activity lately; something's definitely going on here.

"You suspect Qian Bojun and his group?"

Chu Yunfei immediately realized that this matter was very unusual.

"Commander, that's not what I meant." Fang Ligong shook his head repeatedly.

"I have no basis for my opinion right now, I just feel that something is wrong."

Regardless of your own thoughts, you should not doubt your own people without evidence.

Moreover, I am just the chief of staff; all I need to do is offer my own ideas.

As for the final decision, it will be up to Chu Yunfei, the commander of the 358th Regiment.

“Qian Bojun has been with me for many years. When I was still a company commander, he served as my platoon leader.”

“I’ve had him with me all these years, and I really can’t believe he would betray me,” Chu Yunfei sighed.

Qian Bojun was Chu Yunfei's confidant; otherwise, he wouldn't have entrusted half of the 358th Regiment's infantry to Qian Bojun.

"However, people's hearts are unpredictable, so one should always be wary of others."

"Alright, I'll go to Lijia Town!" Chu Yunfei said seriously.

Upon hearing Chu Yunfei's words, Fang Ligong was greatly alarmed.

"No! Commander, it's too dangerous there right now!"

There has been no news from Lijia Town, and even the communications personnel haven't returned.

Qian Bojun has most likely already decided to betray them.

Going there at this time would be suicide, wouldn't it?
If Chu Yunfei is killed by Qian Bojun, the entire 358th Regiment might be wiped out.

"If Qian Bojun betrays us, I will kill him with my own hands!" Chu Yunfei said solemnly.

"But I can't just suspect my subordinates without any evidence."

"If we make a mistake, the brothers will be disheartened!" Chu Yunfei said.

Chu Yunfei still couldn't quite believe that Qian Bojun would betray him.

I've treated Qian Bojun very well.

Seeing that Chu Yunfei was determined to go, Fang Ligong could only helplessly say:
"Commander, if you insist on going, then transfer the Second Battalion there as well. Your safety is of utmost importance right now."

"Hmph! Even if Qian Bojun wants to defect to the enemy, I don't think he'll dare to do anything to me!" Chu Yunfei said confidently.

Qian Bojun's betrayal was something he absolutely dared not make public.

When the time comes, all I need to do is raise my voice, and the brothers of the battalion will be able to take down Qian Bojun.

"The person who can kill me, Chu Yunfei, has not yet been born!"

"Guards! Move out!"

Chu Yunfei left the regimental headquarters, mounted his horse, and headed straight for Lijia Town.

(End of this chapter)