Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 418, Section 416: Supporting the Eighth Route Army in Building its Air Force, Plains Guerrilla Force
Along the Yellow River, refugees are moving with their families.

They had no destination; they just blindly went from one point to another, all for the sake of having enough to eat.

This world is too hard. I can't go home, and I can't even make ends meet in a foreign land. Just surviving is a problem.

As Fang Wen looked at the arriving refugees, he was still thinking about the Yellow River breach at the Huayuankou section.

Although the Battle of Taierzhuang annihilated that group of Japanese troops, the overall situation of the war remained unchanged. After redeploying their troops, the Japanese continued their offensive towards Xuzhou.

At that time, will the Kuomintang, as in history, blow up Huayuankou just to stop a few thousand pursuing Japanese troops?
His mind was in turmoil, and he had no clue what to do.

Gathering his thoughts, Fang Wen turned and walked back.

More than a dozen iron pots have been set up at this refugee settlement, with thick porridge bubbling inside.

For refugees suffering from long-term malnutrition, porridge is easier to absorb and will not cause discomfort to the body.

After the porridge was cooked, the staff from the administration and finance departments of Taishan Airlines carefully lifted one side of the iron pot and poured the porridge into a large iron bucket.

They waited until the porridge in the iron bucket cooled down before carrying it to the food storage area.

Over there, thousands of people were already waiting, holding their utensils, eagerly anticipating what was to come.

"Line up, lunch is served."

They lined up as the staff called out to them.

The person in front has already started, with a big spoonful of thick porridge and stir-fried meat with pickled vegetables.

Many people can't wait to wolf down their food as soon as they get it, without caring whether the food is too hot to eat. This is why porridge is cooled down before adding rice.

Outside the food distribution area, Fang Wen and Manager Liu watched this scene together.

"Sigh, there are too many refugees, they're everywhere, we simply can't take care of them all," Manager Liu sighed.

"Where is Uncle Fang?" Fang Wen asked.

"He seemed to say he ran into someone from his hometown," Manager Liu pointed to a spot.

Fang Wen looked over and saw Fang Shouxin talking to several refugees who were squatting and eating.

Something moved in his heart.

Fang Shouxin's hometown is Cangzhou, which was occupied long ago because of its proximity to Tianjin.

This is a taboo subject for Fang Shouxin and his employees who are from Cangzhou; no one would mention the word "Cangzhou" in normal times.

But now, facing refugees fleeing from over there, can Fang Shouxin still hold on?
After Fang Shouxin finished his conversation, Fang Wen walked over.

"Uncle Fang, how's it going in Cangzhou?"

Fang Shouxin sighed: "I heard from them that the Japanese devils committed too many atrocities in Cangzhou. I'm worried that my fellow disciples won't be able to stand this kind of treatment and will fight against the Japanese devils."

That is indeed possible. Fang Shouxin's fellow disciples were all involved in the Boxer Rebellion and fought against the Eight-Nation Alliance in their early years. Now that they have encountered the atrocities of the Japanese devils, can they tolerate it?

Fang Wen said, "How about we go to Cangzhou after we're done with things here?"

Fang Shouxin was pleasantly surprised, but then shook his head: "No, it's too dangerous there."

“If someone helps, it’s not dangerous. For example, we can contact the troops that are fighting in North China and ask them to come and meet us,” Fang Wen replied.

"I see," Fang Shouxin said, still hesitating.

"Ok, deal."

Fang Wen made a decision.

Only he could take Fang Shouxin to North China; others, even if they could fly a plane, couldn't avoid the Japanese troops on the ground.

Of course, without the support of the anti-Japanese forces in the rear, Fang Wen did not dare to go rashly.

Before heading to the enemy-occupied areas in North China, Fang Wen also needs to resolve the current predicament facing his company.

The recruitment process was ultimately entrusted to Manager Liu.

Taishan Airlines' domestic branch is currently at a standstill, so he doesn't have much to do and is in charge of recruiting workers for northern Myanmar.

The labor demand in northern Myanmar is around 2000 people, but in order to provide a way for more refugees to survive, this recruitment has increased by 1000 people.

In order to meet the construction deadline, each batch of recruits would be sent directly to the south by seaplane.

This will allow us to utilize the transportation capacity that was freed up after the domestic branch was shut down.

With a steady stream of laborers arriving in northern Myanmar, construction there has accelerated.

Fang Wenze took Fang Shouxin back to Wuhan first.

The plane flew to Wuhan and landed at the seaport.

Fang Wen, Fang Shouxin, and Gong Xiuneng got off the plane.

Airports are now very crowded because domestic air travel has come to a complete standstill, and the water berths are full of planes.

Three of them were completely blackened, broken in two, and had been scrapped.

Fang Wen's face was icy as he drove back to the company headquarters.

Upon returning to company headquarters, he immediately spoke with his wife.

“My family has arrived in the United States. They are living in an apartment in Las Vegas. With Zhao Jiu and Lin Shuiwang there, there’s no need to worry about their living arrangements.”

Upon hearing that her parents had arrived safely in the United States, Kuang Mingzhu smiled.

“My dad often tells stories about his childhood in San Francisco, and this trip back will be a good opportunity to see my old neighbors.”

"You probably won't see them. The place your dad used to live in has been demolished, and they've all moved to another place."

"Really? It's alright, he'll definitely be able to find his old friends."

As she spoke, Kuang Mingzhu picked up the kettle and brewed Fang Wen a cup of Tieguanyin tea, which he often drank.

Picking up his teacup, Fang Wen stood by the window, gazing at the distant sea airport.

"When I got off the plane, I saw that three planes were damaged, probably from bombs."

“It was yesterday’s Japanese air raid,” Kuang Mingzhu explained. “Hengrong was going all out. In the name of the major shareholder, they stopped all flight operations and returned the leased airports in various locations, getting their deposits back. As a result, our planes could only fly back to the headquarters airport to park. As a result, three bombs fell on the airport during yesterday’s Japanese air raid, destroying three of our planes.”

Fang Wen sneered: "They want all that deposit money, give it to them. They think they can bankrupt me by terminating their domestic aviation business. They're dreaming."

"You have a solution? That's dozens of planes!" Kuang Mingzhu exclaimed in surprise.

Fang Wen nodded: "I plan to modify some of them into gunboats, and use the rest as transport planes."

"What are you planning to do with so many gunship-launched aircraft?"

"New orders from Europe will come soon. As for the remaining gunboats and aircraft, I will give them to the anti-Japanese forces behind enemy lines in the north."

Kuang Mingzhu looked surprised: "The Communist Party? You've made a decision?"

From the perspective of people of this era, although the Communist Party has a good image, it is too weak.

Especially after being repeatedly besieged by the Kuomintang, its strength has been greatly diminished.

Not to mention, they established anti-Japanese base areas behind enemy lines and engaged in fierce battles with the Japanese army.

But for Fang Wen, who possesses memories of the future, this is the most correct investment.

He pulled his wife into his arms, and the two nestled together, looking out the window.

The rising sun casts a soft glow, bringing new vitality and hope to the day.

"Do you believe me?"

Kuang Mingzhu leaned against her husband's strong chest: "No matter what you do, I will support you."

Fang Wen smiled; his wife's support was very important to him.

The next day, he took Fang Shouxin and Gong Xiuneng to Fuping. The seaplane landed on the river outside Fuping city.

Fang Wen got off the plane and was greeted by Wu Yingzong and Pan Jiafeng.

With William heading to northern Burma, the affairs here were left to the two men: Wu Yingzong was in charge of the ground forces, and Pan Jiafeng was in charge of the transport team and the gunboat squadron.

The group entered the airport conference room, where Wu Yingzong and Pan Jiafeng first reported on the combat situation during this period.

During this period without Fang Wen, the battles were no longer spectacular, but they became more composed.

After numerous battles, the new recruits of the Provisional 7th Division also grew rapidly and basically met the requirements of qualified soldiers.

However, casualties are also increasing. To date, 107 people have been killed and more than 300 have been wounded.

However, more than 300 Japanese soldiers were killed, so it wasn't a loss.

After listening to the report, Fang Wen said, "The belongings and ashes of the fallen soldiers must be properly preserved. Those from the Sichuan Army will be sent back to their hometowns next month, and their families must receive adequate compensation. For the fallen soldiers of the Independent Regiment, the Taishan International Aviation Department will be responsible for the foreign mercenaries. For the fallen soldiers in China who are not in enemy-occupied areas, we must send their ashes, belongings, and compensation home."

"Yes, Commander, I will make the arrangements," Wu Yingzong replied.

"Contact the Eighth Route Army; I need to speak with them," Fang Wen said again.

"There's a liaison office in the city; Bai Yunfei lives there."

Bai Yunfei? The one who was in charge of the Red Army's cigarettes a few years ago, his real name is Shu Zhitao. The last attack on Yangmingbao was also facilitated by Bai Yunfei and the 120th Division.

Fang Wen had never had any direct contact with him before, but now it was time to stop hiding it.

Fang Wen then went to Fuping County.

The Eighth Route Army Liaison Office in Fuping.

Located on Chengxi Street, we rented a storefront facing the street.

Accompanied by Wu Yingzong and others, Fang Wen entered the liaison office and saw Bai Yunfei writing at his desk.

Bai Yunfei (Shu Zhitao) was once handsome and capable.

Bai Yunfei now wears thick glasses, and his hand trembles occasionally when he writes.

Fang Wen asked in surprise, "What's wrong with you?"

Bai Yunfei raised his head, adjusted his glasses, and after carefully recognizing him, stood up and said warmly, "Commander Fang, it's been a long time."

Seeing Fang Wen's questioning gaze, he explained, "During the war, shrapnel injured my eyes and damaged my hands. Now I can't hold a gun, so I can only do clerical work."

"Go get treatment first. The medical conditions in China aren't good enough. I'll send you abroad for treatment," Fang Wen said with concern. He really didn't want to see Bai Yunfei like this.

Bai Yunfei shook his head: "I went back to Yan'an last month. There is an international medical team there, composed of very skilled doctors, and they all said that they couldn't cure it."

Fang Wen remembered something: the rare treasure he had mortgaged to three American conglomerates could cure diseases, and might be useful to Bai Yunfei.

The rare treasure will be returned once a year, at which time Bai Yunfei can receive treatment.

He kept this in mind and continued the conversation.

“I know a highly skilled doctor who should be able to treat your injury, but he’s not in the country right now, so you’ll have to wait a while. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”

Fang Wen's words touched Bai Yunfei's heart. Given the chance, who wouldn't want to be a normal person?

"Thank you then."

"It's alright, let's get down to business. I'd like to provide the Eighth Route Army with a batch of military aircraft."

A single sentence was earth-shattering.

This left Bai Yunfei in disbelief.

"Military aircraft?"

"Yes, mainly gunboats, but considering that you don't have qualified pilots, I suggest that you first select a group of flight trainees and send them to Fuping. I will take them to the south to learn how to fly."

Bai Yunfei took a deep breath and asked, "How many flight trainees?"

"Thirty, I guess. The first batch of gunboats will consist of ten, and the conversion is expected to be completed in two months, which will match the training time of the flight cadets."

"I need to report to the higher-ups."

After Bai Yunfei finished speaking, he went straight back to his room to send a telegram.

After a while, he came out excitedly: "Thank you for your support. We will select flight trainees and send them over as soon as possible."

If there were sufficient ammunition, 10 gunboats and aircraft would be a huge boost to the firepower of the Eighth Route Army.

This is Fang Wen's first investment in line with history, and there will be more in the future.

Next, we'll talk about Fang Shouxin's matter.

Fang Wen pointed to Fang Shouxin: "This is my uncle. He watched me grow up. His hometown is Cangzhou, and there are still many people in his family there. He's always been very worried about him. I want to fly him there, but the problem is there's no ground support. Could you use your channels to contact the local anti-Japanese forces and arrange a rescue?"

Bai Yunfei looked at Fang Shouxin. He and Fang Shouxin had known each other for a long time, having established their connection back in the Miao village.

This is a favor I shouldn't have been able to do, since the Eighth Route Army is a disciplined force and we can't break the rules because of personal feelings.

But now it's different.

In order to improve the air force capabilities of the Eighth Route Army, he decided to report this to his superiors.

Immediately afterwards, Bai Yunfei went into the inner room to send a telegram.

After a while, he came out holding a piece of paper.

"The higher-ups have agreed. But we're not part of the local system; we need to contact them through Yan'an. You'll have to wait for the results."

Fang Wen nodded, "Okay, now that we've finished talking, let's grab something to eat and catch up."

Bai Yunfei readily agreed.

The group left the liaison office and strolled around Fuping City.

The small town of Fuping is not large, and many wealthy people have already fled, leaving only one restaurant still open.

If there's no other choice, then we have to go there.

A large group of people entered, much to the delight of the bored owner who had no business.

He hurried over and asked Wu Yingzong, "Commander Wu, what would you like to eat?"

Wu Yingzong stepped back and stood next to Fang Wen. "Commander, you can have some."

This gesture made the restaurant owner realize that Fang Wen was the most important among them.

The shopkeeper quickly greeted Fang Wen with a smile, "Sir, please come in and have a seat."

The group entered a private room on the second floor of the restaurant and sat down. The restaurant staff served the dishes as they saw fit. Fang Wenze chatted with Bai Yunfei about how he got injured.

Bai Yunfei sighed as he recounted how he was injured.

“At that time, we were fighting in northwestern Shanxi. 1 Japanese and puppet troops tried to surround us. These puppet troops were poor in combat, and we defeated them directly, annihilating more than 1000 of them. But on the way back, we encountered a Japanese air raid. A bomb flew over my head and exploded more than 100 meters away. I was knocked over by the blast wave and passed out. When I woke up, I could no longer see. Later, after recovering a little, I crossed the Yellow River back to Yan'an for treatment. After I recovered, I became like this.”

Fang Wen was surprised: "The Japanese army is bombing northwestern Shanxi? Their air base in Yangmingbao is gone, so they can only fly from Tianjin. These long-range air raids are all aimed at cities. It's impossible for them to fly hundreds of kilometers just to bomb your troops."

Bai Yunfei's expression immediately turned serious.

"You mean the Japanese army re-established a secret airfield near northwestern Shanxi?"

Fang Wen nodded: "This airport can cover the Taihang Mountains and the Lüliang Mountains, so it should be located here."

He dipped his finger in water and drew a simple map on the table, marking the north.

That place, in the Chahar region, was a Japanese air base that Fang Wen had absolutely no recollection of.

Perhaps it was because of Fang Wen that he appeared in this time and space.

(End of this chapter)