Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Changjin Lake, a Hundred Battles, a Hundred Victories

Chapter 164 Chen Ming: Brigade Commander, can you give me some funds?

It turns out that the people in the mountain city were demanding the regimental flag from our army as a display of the nationwide achievements of the War of Resistance.

However, it's obvious to anyone with eyes to see that once the regimental flag is handed over, there's absolutely no chance of getting it back; they want to monopolize propaganda and consolidate their authority.

Therefore, our army temporarily withheld the flag from the enemy, citing the long distance and the risk of it being destroyed by enemy agents, promising to hand it over after the victory of the War of Resistance.

However, we don't know how many days will follow this victory.

Yamashiro knew it would be difficult to get the regimental flag, so he temporarily abandoned that idea and continued to maneuver.

Meanwhile, the Allied forces learned of the Independent Detachment's achievements and the return of a plane capable of taking off from the Japanese airfield through the Party's propaganda efforts.

At this point in time, the Allied forces are completely helpless against the Japanese Type 100 headquarters reconnaissance planes.

This aircraft, with its exceptional speed and altitude, was difficult for Allied fighters to intercept and effectively pursue.

It can penetrate deep into the Allied rear areas, such as India and Myanmar, to obtain strategic intelligence.

At the same time, the appearance of this aircraft often foreshadowed large-scale attacks by the Japanese, and it was called "Hell's Angel" and "Plague God" by the Allied forces.

The Allies were terrified of it, yet were helpless against its difficulty in interception, exacerbating battlefield anxiety.

This psychological pressure was particularly pronounced in the early stages of the Pacific War.

This aircraft had a significant impact on the Allies in January 42, primarily through indirect strategic deterrence and intelligence support.

The Allied forces were eager to acquire its flight data and technical means in order to counter the Japanese aircraft and reduce its impact on the battlefield.

Just like the Japanese Zero fighter, the initial kill ratio between the Japanese and Allied fighters was 1:6, which meant that for every Japanese Zero fighter destroyed, the Allies would have to pay the price of six fighters.

However, after the Allied forces obtained the flight data and technical means of the Japanese Zero fighter, they developed new models such as the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair, which quickly reversed the decline.

Even in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in 44, at the cost of losing 29 F6F Hellcats, they destroyed 315 Japanese Zero fighters, a kill ratio of more than 1:10, which was jokingly referred to by the US military as the "Purgatory of the Philippine Sea".

This demonstrates the immense value of capturing an advanced enemy aircraft.

Upon learning that the Eighth Route Army had captured a Japanese Type 100 reconnaissance plane capable of flight, the Allied forces immediately contacted the mountain city.

Because the Allied forces currently only recognize the Shancheng regime on the mainland, they hope to contact our party through Shancheng to exchange intelligence on the aircraft or even directly exchange the aircraft.

To this end, the Allies offered a wealth of resources, so much so that it made others extremely envious.

In addition, Japanese intelligence agents also contacted the mountain city through various channels, hoping that they could act as intermediaries to release the captured pilots.

Therefore, they can release the intelligence personnel captured in the mountain city in batches.

The Japanese did this not for the pilots' own sake, but for political reasons.

For example, during the Battle of Saipan in 44, the U.S. military broadcast the list of captured Japanese pilots, which led to a 30% increase in the mass suicide rate of the Japanese 23rd Regiment.

If the story of Noon Saburo's nephew is publicized, such as "Commander Noon Saburo's nephew is eating peacefully in the prisoner-of-war camp."

If such a thing were to be publicized, it would definitely have an immeasurable impact.

For political reasons, the Japanese chose to pay a high price to bring back Noon Saburo's nephew, and then kill him.

Even if we announce the news, the Japanese can use the body of Noon Saburo's nephew to refute it.

The passage through the mountain city was also for political reasons. The pilots were prisoners of the Eighth Route Army, and the Japanese regulations absolutely did not allow them to negotiate directly with the Eighth Route Army. They needed an intermediary.

Otherwise, it would be treason. Releasing prisoners in batches would also avoid direct negotiations and would not trigger the ban on "exchanging prisoners of war".

The news of the Japanese spy greatly excited Boss Dai.

After all, those pilots weren't captured by them, and the Eighth Route Army wouldn't hand them over.

If we could exchange our captured people for our own, it would be like using the hard-won prisoners of others to rescue our own people, which would be a huge win.

Therefore, when the Allied forces hoped to exchange Japanese aircraft through the mountain city and the Eighth Route Army, Boss Dai also conveyed the matter of exchanging prisoners to our army.

In exchange for the release of Noon Saburo's nephew, the Japanese not only released captured Kuomintang agents but also promised to release our prisoners in batches and "gift" a batch of medicine.

After careful consideration, headquarters agreed to the proposal.

Noon Saburo's nephew is a die-hard; no matter how you try to persuade him, he just won't cooperate, so there's no point in keeping him around.

If we could exchange a die-hard Japanese soldier for our comrades and precious medicines, that would be well worth it.

Besides, even if we exchange them, it won't affect the propaganda. We can save our comrades and carry out propaganda work at the same time, so we won't lose out either.

Both the Allied forces and Boss Dai had their own agendas, and the battalion commander was no exception.

Last time, when he tried to recruit Chen Ming to Shancheng, Chen Ming refused outright while reporting the situation, clearly not giving him the chance to recruit him.

Now, Chen Ming has led the Independent Detachment to win so many victories, and even captured a Japanese regimental flag.

It should be noted that since the September 18 Incident, the War of Resistance against Japan has lasted for ten years and four months.

The Nationalist army failed to capture a single regimental flag, while the Eighth Route Army captured one. How could the battalion commander put his face in such a situation?

The independent detachment has now become a force to be reckoned with, directly tying down two Japanese armies with a single detachment, and has also recovered a large area of ​​territory, forcing the Japanese to retreat into the cities.

The battalion commander was envious of this general who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere and was so capable in battle.

They considered taking advantage of the Allied intervention to bring Chen Ming to the mountain city and use the opportunity to win him over.

He was confident that as long as Chen Ming came to Shancheng, he would be able to bring him under his command.

Even if that doesn't work, it can still satisfy his curiosity.

He wanted to see if Chen Ming really had three heads and six arms, and how he, a peasant, had managed to develop to his current level in just over two years.

Based on these three factors, the Allied forces and the mountain city side hoped that Chen Ming would come to the mountain city as their representative, firstly for negotiations, and secondly for propaganda.

Because the planes were captured by the Independent Detachment, the pilots were captured by the Independent Detachment, and the Japanese regiment was also wiped out by the Independent Detachment.

Both the Allied forces and the mountain city were very curious about Chen Ming, wondering what abilities he had to fight so well.

After careful consideration, headquarters decided to ask Chen Ming for his opinion.

After all, there are certain risks involved in this trip to the mountain city.

Even though the material aid was very tempting, our Party has always put people first and adhered to the principle of never abandoning or giving up. We would never sacrifice the lives of our comrades to obtain the material aid.

"Brigade Commander, do you think I should go?" Chen Ming asked the brigade commander.

The person who came to communicate with Chen Ming this time was the brigade commander, Chen Ming's former superior.

"Personally, I don't recommend you go. The risk of going to the mountain city is very high. We can find other ways to deal with the supplies, but we absolutely cannot lose one of our excellent comrades," the brigade commander said.

He knew better than anyone how much risk Chen Ming would be taking on his trip to the mountain city.

Whether out of concern for talent or affection for Chen Ming, his subordinate and comrade, the brigade commander didn't want Chen Ming to take any risks. Seeing the brigade commander's solemn expression, Chen Ming smiled and said, "Brigade commander, I've made up my mind. I'll go."

Chen Ming said firmly.

This trip to the mountain city will allow us to obtain a large amount of supplies from the Allied forces, including a substantial quantity of medicine, enough to save the lives of countless soldiers.

What does his personal safety matter when it comes to the cause of the War of Resistance?
Are other comrades willing to sacrifice their lives, but Chen Ming can't?
As a great revolutionary fighter, Chen Ming was prepared to sacrifice himself at any time.

"Do you know that you might not come back this time, or that you might be assassinated by Japanese spies, or even detained?" the brigade commander asked, frowning.

"I know, but I'm going anyway."

Chen Ming firmly stated that, just as he declared when he joined the Party, he would fight for communism for the rest of his life and be ready at any time to sacrifice everything for the Party and the people.

This is Chen Ming's responsibility as a Party member, and it is also a true reflection of countless Party members in this era.

Looking into Chen Ming's determined eyes, the brigade commander pursed his lips and patted Chen Ming's shoulder heavily: "I respect your choice. Remember, you must come back safely."

"Yes, sir. I guarantee I will complete the mission." Chen Ming saluted the brigade commander.

Afterwards, in an attempt to ease the tension, Chen Ming thought for a moment and then said with a smile:
"Brigade Commander, can the higher authorities provide some financial support?"

"What, you're rolling in money now, with such a large base area and several coal and iron mines, do you still need funding from higher-ups?" the brigade commander said with a smile.

The brigade commander was right. The Independent Detachment had indeed become incredibly wealthy after raiding northern Shanxi and recovering so much territory.

There is absolutely no problem in meeting the normal expenses of the troops.

However, Chen Ming asked his superiors for funds not for the normal development of the base area, but to buy some supplies.

After all, the Allied Observer Group will not make a formal visit for another 44 years, and our army has very few opportunities to contact the Allies now.

This trip to the mountain city is an opportunity.

The Allied side consisted of capitalist countries; if they had the money, they would even sell nooses to sever their own necks.

Our army is currently under a double blockade by the Japanese and the mountain city, facing shortages of supplies and economic difficulties.

Of course, the main problem is that those who have money can't buy urgently needed supplies.

This opportunity to communicate with the outside world is rare, and Chen Ming wants to seize it.

"Brigade Commander, I'd like to ask the higher command to send an officer specializing in business in the mountain city to accompany me to procure some supplies and technology there," Chen Ming said.

"This is our current situation. Even if we have money, we can't buy supplies. I want to take advantage of the Allied forces' influence to purchase a batch of valuable supplies."

After listening to Chen Ming's idea and thinking it over carefully, the brigade commander nodded in agreement.

"Okay, I'll report this to my superiors and try to raise some funds."

After the brigade commander left, Chen Ming began his preparations for his trip to the mountain city.

Regarding funding, in addition to the independent detachment raising funds on its own and receiving support from headquarters, Chen Ming also needed to find a way to raise funds to alleviate the pressure.

His gaze fell on the Japanese standard-issue swords and the martial arts flags that the Independent Detachment had captured—things that were of little importance.

The Japanese soldiers' standard-issue swords were of poor quality. Unless they were made with funds by Japanese officers themselves or were "gifted by heaven" to high-ranking officers, they were not very useful.

The soldiers of the Independent Detachment were unwilling to use the inferior Japanese standard-issue swords, even if they were using large, heavy swords.

The reason why some of them were left unmelted to be used to forge weapons is twofold: firstly, as evidence of the Japanese invasion and a record of their military exploits.

Just like the officer's sword that Chen Ming captured after annihilating the main force of the Independent Mixed Fourth Brigade, it was approved by the organization and used as a memento of Chen Ming's war achievements.

Secondly, Chen Ming planned to donate some of the military swords purchased at his own expense by ordinary junior Japanese officers to the families of the fallen martyrs in the name of the collective.

Let their families know that this was captured by their son, husband, or father who fought bravely and killed the Japanese soldiers; they are all heroes.

As for the Military Fortune Flag, which was purchased by Japanese soldiers at their own expense, it had no special significance and was therefore even less useful.

When Chen Ming went to the mountain city, he planned to exchange his unused Japanese swords and flags with some Nationalist officers for money to buy more supplies.

After reporting to his superiors, Chen Ming received permission.

Why would anyone refuse an application to exchange something of little use for supplies to fight the Japanese and save their own soldiers?

Seven days later, news came from Shancheng that Chen Ming could come to Shancheng with the Jin-Sui Army.

This was something Chen Ming hadn't expected.

According to the original historical records, there is no record of the Jin-Sui Army commander going to the mountain city. Why would he go at this time?
However, despite the unexpected circumstances, being able to act alongside the Jin-Sui Army still ensured safety.

Chen Ming originally planned to travel to the mountain city by land, not daring to take a plane.

At this time, the Japanese air force still held the advantage, and once you encountered Japanese planes, the threat would be enormous, and you would have nowhere to escape.

However, since he was going with the commander of the Jin-Sui Army, then there wasn't much of a problem.

As long as Commander Yan is alright, Chen Ming will be alright too.

With Commander Iwa accompanying us, our safety was guaranteed, since Commander Iwa was a man who valued his life and lived into the 1960s.

Upon learning that he could reach the mountain city more quickly, Chen Ming packed his things and prepared to go to the territory of the Jin-Sui Army.

Chen Ming planned to launch another major offensive against the Japanese three months later in response to the Japanese-organized "May 1st Great Sweep".

If Chen Ming had more time to prepare, his chances of success would be even greater.

Airplanes are much faster than land routes, allowing travelers to finish their journey much earlier.

Meanwhile, within the Jin-Sui Army, the commander was also preparing to go to the mountain city.

The situation deteriorated rapidly not long after Chen Ming obtained a batch of medicine from Commander Yang.

The Jin-Sui Army's medical reserves, which were originally barely maintained, have fallen into a state of extreme shortage due to the deteriorating situation.

External transportation was almost completely cut off, there was no self-production capacity internally, and the amount of supplies requested from the mountain city was far below demand, and was often withheld.

It's truly a case of the front lines being in dire straits while the rear is feasting.

As a result, a large number of Jin-Sui Army soldiers did not receive timely medical assistance, and their wounds eventually festered, leading to a sharp increase in non-combat casualties.

Since they couldn't rely on the allocation from the mountain city, the Jin-Sui Army had to find their own way.

In order to alleviate this situation, after learning about the Allied forces' objectives, Commander Iwa decided to go to the mountain city to purchase a batch of medicines from the Allied forces.

This led to Commander Yan's trip to the mountain town.

P.S.: After reading the plot of "Kite," I was deeply moved and wanted to make up for Sixth Brother's regrets. To be honest, there are quite a few regrets I want to rectify, such as the monk's murder, Xiuqin, the May Day sweep, Kite Sixth Brother, and many other plot points that I regret. I want to use the protagonist's influence to change their fates. Of course, if you, dear reader, don't want to read that, please let me know, and I will just gloss over it in a few words.

(End of this chapter)