Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 424 Recapture of Cangxian, Seizure of Chongqing Aircraft, Asset Transfer
Fang Wen observed the situation on the ground using his mechanical senses.

At the street corner, in a brick and stone building, Japanese soldiers were firing at the outside from different floors.

They occupied the high ground, which was right at the street corner, blocking the guerrillas and the volunteer army.

Fang Wen also saw two guerrillas strapping on explosives, preparing to rush over and detonate them.

Ground troops alone could not suppress their firepower enough to get the two of them across the street intersection, which had little cover.

We must immediately assist ground troops in clearing out the enemies inside this building.

Fang Wen ordered: "Shooters, prepare. Gong Xiuneng, adjust the machine gun firing angle to 25 degrees. Machine gunners, stand by, maintain a fixed angle, and await firing orders."

Gong Xiuneng quickly turned the lever on the machine gun mount to adjust the firing angle.

Zhao Shanhu and the guerrilla gunner were also waiting behind the aircraft machine gun.

At the same time, Fang Wen flew to the left, tilting the aircraft to the left and flying diagonally towards the building below.

Once the aircraft's orientation was adjusted and it began circling the lighthouse below, Fang Wen issued the order.

"Continue firing."

Gong Xiuneng saw the target ahead through the observation hole and immediately fired a 20mm cannon shell.

The other two, although they had no experience in aerial shooting, obediently followed orders and pulled the triggers.

Inside the cabin, spent cartridge cases kept falling, and the gun was shaking.

The firing ports on the side of the aircraft fired a large number of munitions at the buildings.

The ear-piercing roar of gunfire made the guerrillas and volunteers at the street corner look up.

The dazzling trajectory of the ballistic missile shot towards the building in front of it.

The 12.7mm bullets struck the building surface, creating honeycomb-like bullet holes.

Under continuous fire, the roof tiles and brickwork of the building were stripped away by the dense barrage of bullets, exposing the internal wooden beams.

The flying brick dust and metal fragments caused secondary damage inside the building.

Then came the 20mm cannon shells.

When a single 20mm high-explosive shell hits a wall, the blast wave damages an area of ​​2 square meters, producing a greater structural damage effect than a heavy machine gun. After continuous hits, the wall develops a penetrating gap.

But that's just the beginning.

The power of gunships lies in their ability to continuously suppress targets by circling around them.

During the circling firing, the entire building was swept through from all sides, causing extensive damage to the walls. Even the load-bearing wall on one side of the building was torn apart in sections, leading to a partial collapse.

The machine guns that were firing inside the building just moments ago have all fallen silent; the people inside have been completely suppressed by such overwhelming firepower.

This is the best opportunity to attack.

Two guerrillas rushed out with explosives, nimbly vaulted over the low wall, and ran to the outside of the building without being attacked.

They immediately lit the detonator fuse and ran away quickly.

They had only run 20 meters when the two of them pounced and fell to the ground.

Two loud explosions blew open two gaps in the first floor of the building, and the troops rushed in and stormed inside.

Upon seeing this, Fang Wen also ordered the gunners to cease fire.

The Japanese troops inside the building suffered heavy casualties due to the brutal strafing by gunboats and aircraft. Later, guerrillas broke in from the lower levels, and their resistance did not last long before they were completely annihilated.

After the battle, the troops immediately rushed into the streets and headed towards the Japanese camp.

At this point, the construction at the intersection caused a five-minute delay.

Some of the Japanese soldiers had already stood up and were preparing to fire their rifles.

The guerrillas and volunteer soldiers charged forward, shouting as they went.

The scene was extremely chaotic, with people firing guns, fighting with bayonets, and even pulling out large swords from their backs to slash at the heads of the Japanese soldiers.

In a single encounter, more than a hundred Japanese soldiers died, and the rest fled in panic toward the puppet army camp.

That was their only way out; only by joining forces with the puppet troops could they continue to resist.

But how could their idea possibly come to fruition?

Gunships reappeared in the air, flying sideways with one firing port continuously firing bullets at the ground.

While the hail of bullets was annihilating the enemy, it also prevented the two sides from regrouping.

Those puppet soldiers, who had just recovered from the smoke, watched their masters being wiped out one by one and lost all will to continue.

It's unclear who started it, but hundreds of puppet troops were routed.

They fled in the direction away from the battlefield, some even abandoning their rifles, equipment, and uniforms in the process.

This scene was exhilarating for everyone.

They continued their attack on the remaining Japanese troops and sent out troops to pursue the fleeing puppet troops.

From the air, Fang Wen had a clear view of what was happening below.

Only a few dozen Japanese soldiers remained, huddled behind a burning building, putting up a last stand.

There's no chance of turning things around now.

Several grenades were thrown over, and after the explosions, the guerrillas shouted loudly.

The remaining Japanese soldiers obediently lined up with their guns raised.

Those puppet troops actually ran very fast, and many of them rushed out of the north gate and scattered in all directions.

What about Fang Shouxin and the others?

Fang Wen's perspective shifted to the other side of the county town.

There was also a group of people operating there, but no fighting occurred.

The officers of the fake police station surrendered with their guns raised, accompanied by a man named Liu Sanye.

Among those who accepted the surrender of these police officers were Fang Shouxin and his men.

Another group of ragged, emaciated, and weak prisoners emerged from the police station.

Among these people were Fang Shouxin's fellow disciples.

They embraced and wept.
Fang Wen felt relieved, looked away, and picked up the microphone to call out.

"Airborne call to ground, please respond."

"The ground can hear it."

"Operation completed. I will land on the canal outside the city. Please provide guidance."

"I'll arrange it right away."

From the guerrillas below, a group of soldiers ran out, each carrying a bag, and fled the city.

On the canal outside the city, they opened their bundles, which contained torches. They lit these torches and stuck them on both sides of the canal to guide their landing.

At this point, Fang Wencai piloted the gunboat down from the sky onto the river.

After the capture of Cangxian County, 300 Japanese soldiers were either captured or annihilated, with none escaping. However, most of the puppet troops fled.

Fang Wen also accomplished his purpose in coming here: rescuing Fang Shouxin's two fellow disciples.

Next, it's time to return to base.

Before leaving, the Cangxian guerrilla captain and local underground party members came to see him off. A middle-aged man in a long gown, with a refined and scholarly demeanor, grasped Fang Wen's hand: "Thank you for your help. It allowed us to win against overwhelming odds and recapture Cangxian. On behalf of the local people, I thank you for your contributions."

Fang Wen replied, "This is only a local victory. There's still a long way to go before we drive the Japanese out. Be careful in the future; the Japanese will definitely not let this go."

The guerrilla leader shook hands with Fang Wen and said, "We are not afraid. It won't be long before our troops come over and build a new base behind enemy lines here."

Their faces radiated unwavering conviction.

This is also one aspect of Fang Wen that he appreciates about them.

Despite such difficult circumstances, at the beginning of the year, the Jin-Cha-Ji base area was established, centered on the northern part of the Taihang Mountains. This area included northern Shanxi, Chahar, and the area on the left side of the Pinghan Railway in Hebei.

In the occupied areas behind enemy lines, they persisted in staying, fighting the Japanese while capturing a region and establishing a base to continue the struggle against the enemy.

Starting in April, the Eighth Route Army began advancing into Hebei and Shandong provinces, further expanding its gains behind enemy lines.

In terms of danger, their actions were no less dangerous than those of the National Army engaged in direct combat.

As for themselves, they should provide them with better equipment so that this war of aggression can end sooner.

After talking with the two for a while, Fang Wen boarded the plane.

There were a few more passengers inside the plane.

Young Zhao Junping, Fang Shouxin's two fellow students, and their families.

In addition, there are two memorial tablets representing two people who were killed by the Japanese.

Looking at Fang Shoushou, who looked dejected, Fang Wen said, "Uncle Fang, I understand how you feel. Those two uncles are like your own brothers. You must be very sad right now. We will avenge them."

Fang Shouxin nodded: "Young Master, please do as you say. My nephews and I will fully support you."

Everyone else also looked at Fang Wen.

"Don't worry, Taishan Airlines and I are sworn enemies with the Japanese. There will be plenty of opportunities to fight them in the future. Let's go back first."

After Fang Wen finished speaking, he walked towards the rear cabin.

There were three large iron barrels in the rear compartment, one of which was connected to a flexible hose, the other end of which was connected to the oil pipeline.

There were no refueling facilities behind enemy lines on this route, and the aircraft relied entirely on three large barrels of fuel for supplies.

"Have you added them all?" Fang Wen asked.

Gong Xiuneng pulled out the hose, looked inside, and shook the iron bucket: "It's all added."

Fang Wen nodded and walked out of the rear cabin.

He bid farewell to those seeing him off at the cabin door: "See you again someday, goodbye."

"Goodbye." "Goodbye." Farewells echoed from the shore.

Fang Wen waved to signal, then pulled the hatch shut.

He sat back in the driver's seat and said, "We're about to take off. Everyone, fasten your safety harnesses to prevent accidents caused by turbulence. If anyone doesn't know how to use a safety harness, someone else can help them."

After speaking, Fang Wen checked the fuel gauge. The main fuel tank was 90% full, and the auxiliary fuel tank had 30% fuel left. Flying 900 kilometers back to Wuhan would be no problem at all.

Immediately, the engine started, the propellers rapidly selected speed, and the aircraft accelerated on the water, flying into the sky.

The plane took off during the day and returned home. During the flight, Fang Wen kept the radar detection device on to prevent encountering Japanese aircraft.

They did not encounter any Japanese warplanes along the way.

However, through mechanical perception, Fang Wen gained a relatively comprehensive understanding of the current situation of the Japanese army in Hebei and Shandong.

The areas currently occupied by the Japanese army include Dezhou, Jinan, and Jining, mainly areas near the coast.
Meanwhile, Liaocheng, Heze, and Shangqiu, which are located nearby, are still under the control of the Nationalist Army.

Zhoujiakou Airport in the Shangqiu area was an important rear air force base for the Battle of Xuzhou.

It can be said that although the Battle of Taierzhuang eliminated 3 Japanese troops, it did not stop the Japanese invaders' pace of aggression.

Japanese troops from the north and south are now converging and launching an attack on Xuzhou.

Three hours and forty minutes later, the plane arrived over Wuhan.

It landed at Taishan Aviation Sea Airport.

After the plane landed, Fang Wen asked Fang Shouxin to accompany his nephew and fellow apprentices' families to make arrangements.

He then drove back to Taishan Airlines headquarters with Gong Xiuneng and Zhao Junping.

The car stopped outside the headquarters building. Fang Wen turned to look at Zhao Junping, then gave Gong Xiuneng a look before getting out of the car first.

Gong Xiuneng then got out of the car.

Fang Wen instructed, "I think Zhao Junping is clever, so I plan to train him to be my assistant so he can handle some clerical work. You should teach him how to do things during this time."

Gong Xiuneng was pleasantly surprised: "That's great! Commander, you always make me do those brain-taxing tasks. I always have a headache after doing them. It's best to let that kid do it. Don't worry, I'll teach him how to do it."

"Go arrange his accommodation first, then go to the logistics department to get some daily necessities for him. Once he's settled, come upstairs to my office."

After Fang Wen finished speaking, he went upstairs alone. Gong Xiuneng opened the car door, let Zhao Junping out, and took him to the dormitory to settle in.

When Fang Wen reached the top floor, he didn't go to his own office, but went to his wife's place first.

The wife, who was busy at work, heard footsteps and said without looking up, "You're back. I can recognize the sound of your big leather shoes right away."

Fang Wen asked in surprise, "You have this ability?"

Kuang Mingzhu looked up and said with a smile, "I was just kidding. Chuncao saw you coming up and told me in advance."

Fang Wen sat down and asked, "Have you been busy these past few days?"

Kuang Mingzhu's smile vanished, and she replied, "After the domestic branch ceased operations, problems arose in Chongqing as well; they refused to pay the aircraft rental fees."

Earlier last year, the Nanjing government leased 30 seaplanes from Taishan Airlines for transportation, and the lease has continued until now.

At that time, because the major shareholder was Quan Yuncai, who had the backing of the Chen family, he was able to receive rent every month.

Now that they've stopped charging rent, it's exactly what Fang Wen expected.

He asked, "If you don't pay the rent, the plane will fly back."

“They can’t bring them back. They’ve seized and confiscated 30 aircraft,” Kuang Mingzhu replied.

"Why should it be confiscated?" Fang Wen shouted angrily.

Kuang Mingzhu's face darkened: "They can just fabricate some charges, but the key is that those people are still targeting us. Husband, we can't fight them, let's just give up."

His wife came from a typical traditional Chinese business family, and she was taught from childhood that the common people should not fight against the officials, and that officials and businessmen should cooperate.

But given the current situation, there is no room for compromise.

Fang Wen tried to calm himself down and explained to his wife:

"What they want is the technology for aerial bombs and military aircraft. Let's not even talk about whether we can continue production after they steal the technology. As for aerial bombs, I can't give them to them. Just think about it, the Japanese devils are dropping bombs from the air every day. If the bombs they use are combined with my napalm, how much damage will that cause?"

Kuang Mingzhu imagined it for a moment, then her expression changed drastically. "Our city is full of wooden buildings, so a fire caused by a regular bomb is already dangerous. If it were napalm, with its sustained burning properties, it could probably burn down a large area."

Fang Wen nodded. "Over the years, I've met many Japanese spies. They've been infiltrating various industries for a long time. The Nationalist government is their main target. Every time there's a military operation, the Japanese know in advance when planes take off, which shows how many undiscovered spies are lurking inside. If we give them the information, it probably won't be long before they appear in the Japanese military research institutions."

Kuang Mingzhu finally understood her husband's good intentions, and she sincerely said, "If they don't give it to us, what should we do?"

“If we lose our domestic civil aviation business, we lose our business. We’ll keep the 30 seaplanes in Chongqing for now. We need to transfer our existing assets to avoid being taken advantage of by those people again.” Fang Wen paused before explaining his plan.

Apart from Sun Debiao, who was in charge of the logistics project in Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan, all the other employees at the company headquarters were transferred to Xiangxi Airport.

The company owns 50 seaplanes in China, all of which fly to Yangon.

After you've done all that, then you can consider other things.

(End of this chapter)