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

Chapter 215 Chen Ming: Rebellious Heavenly Gang?

Seeing the brigade commander's unquestionable gaze and the words "cultural troupe," Chen Ming's last shred of hope was completely extinguished.

Well, it seems I can't avoid this hurdle of "consolation" plus "blind date" today.

He sighed inwardly, resigned, but showed no sign on his face. Only a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips as he nodded to the brigade commander: "Yes, brigade commander."

This is only possible because of Chen Ming. Any other young and promising cadre in the Jin-Cha-Ji or Tai-Yue Military Region would have a brigade commander personally introducing them to potential partners.

His target was a talented and beautiful key member of the performing arts troupe, handpicked by headquarters. He was probably already overjoyed and ecstatic.

But Chen Ming felt as if he were about to carry out a mission even more difficult than the surprise attack on Datong.

The rehearsal space temporarily marked out behind the drill ground was the art troupe's rehearsal area.

The afterglow of the setting sun cast a warm golden hue over the busy crowd, and the air was filled with the smells of sweat, dust, and a hint of pine resin and paint.

The brigade commander, accompanied by Chen Ming and followed by his bodyguard Wang Dabiao, immediately attracted attention as soon as they stepped into the somewhat noisy area.

The scene backstage came into view: in the corner of the band, an old soldier playing the erhu was frowning and repeatedly calibrating a glissando, his fingertips wrapped with tape;

Several actresses were standing on the side of the stage, reciting their lines from a simple script and occasionally gesturing.

Aunt Zhang, who was in charge of props, hunched over and, in the last rays of daylight, meticulously and quickly mended the corner of a curtain that had been torn by tree branches.

"Sister Li! Look! The two leaders are here!"

A sharp-eyed female soldier spotted them first, her voice filled with surprise and excitement.

The shout was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, momentarily freezing the previously immersed and slightly weary busy atmosphere of the rehearsal hall.

Immediately afterwards, like boiling water, dozens of eyes filled with curiosity, surprise, and reverence focused on the brigade commander and Chen Ming.

The power of those focused gazes made Wang Dabiao, the guard following behind, blush instantly.

He subconsciously straightened his back, but his eyes were unsure where to look. He felt that being stared at by so many young women was more heart-pounding than breaking through the Japanese encirclement.

In contrast, the brigade commander and Chen Ming, both seasoned veterans of large-scale battles, appeared much more calm and composed.

The brigade commander wore his usual smile, which was both authoritative and approachable.

Chen Ming remained calm, his gaze sweeping gently over the crowd as if the small "attention" before him was nothing more than a gentle breeze.

"Reporting, sir! The cultural troupe is rehearsing and preparing. Please give instructions!"

Lin Mei, the head of the cultural troupe, reacted the fastest, immediately jogging over to greet him, standing at attention and saluting.

She was around thirty years old, with short, neat hair. Her military uniform was faded but clean. Her face showed both surprise at seeing the commander and a hint of nervousness that was barely perceptible. Fine beads of sweat clung to her forehead.

The brigade commander habitually raised his hand and gestured for her to lower her arm, his voice gentle:

"Comrade Lin Mei, you've worked hard. No need to report. Comrade Chen Ming and I just came to see everyone and cheer you on."

“Yes, Comrade Lin Mei,” Chen Ming chimed in at the opportune moment, his tone relaxed and natural.

"Don't be so formal. The brigade commander and I are just here to experience the lively atmosphere of our cultural troupe's preparations for the performance."

"We heard you've prepared quite a few of your signature acts? Could you tell us about them?"

His gaze swept over the young faces, some tired from rehearsals, others unable to hide their excitement at the arrival of their superior.

"no problem!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Mei relaxed considerably and subconsciously straightened her faded military cap.

He then tucked a few strands of hair damp with sweat from his forehead, his voice rising a few decibels, carrying the air of a commander's competence:
"Comrades! Assemble! The commander has come to visit you!"

Before the words were even finished, the members of the performing arts troupe, who could no longer contain their excitement, immediately gathered around and quickly formed several rows.

Among the soldiers, the youngest-looking one, who was holding a small trumpet, appeared particularly nervous, his head almost buried in his chest.

Chen Ming noticed him, strolled over, picked up the brass trumpet lying on the nearby haystack, and weighed it in his hand.

The bugle was polished to a shine, bearing the marks of its owner's long practice sessions.

He looked at the young soldier, a mischievous smile on his face, and asked:

"Young comrade, can this thing be blown so loudly that it makes the Japanese shiver?"

The young soldier suddenly raised his head, his baby face flushed red, his voice trembling slightly with nervousness, but he tried his best to straighten his back:

"Reporting...reporting to the commander! No...no problem!"

Chen Ming deliberately frowned, then teased him with a smile:

"Judging from your voice, I'm a little skeptical. You seem a bit unsure, young comrade."

As if spurred on by these words, the young soldier took a deep breath, his chest heaved, and with all his might, he practically roared:

"Reporting, sir! No problem!!!"

His voice was loud and clear, with a youthful quality that made the women next to him smile.

"Good! Very energetic!"

Chen Ming's eyes showed approval, and he patted his thin but straight shoulder heavily.

"He's a good comrade! Remember that confidence; when you're on stage, you need that same drive!"

The young soldier was so excited by his idol's praise that he became breathless and his face turned even redder, but his eyes shone with an amazing brightness, and all his previous restraint vanished.

Chen Ming's seemingly casual action instantly broke down the invisible barriers and restraint.

The comrades in the cultural troupe discovered that this legendary "war god" commander, who was said to strike fear into the hearts of the Japanese, was actually so approachable and even a bit humorous.

The atmosphere in the team immediately became relaxed and lively.

"Reporting, sir!" Lin Mei began her report.

"The performance program we have prepared for the martial arts competition includes: songs such as 'The Yellow River Cantata,' 'The Guerrilla Song,' and 'The Eighth Route Army March,' etc."
"Drama performances include 'Put Down Your Whip,' 'Brother and Sister Reclaiming Wasteland,' etc.; there's also a large-scale stage play, 'Bao Datong.'"

"."

The programs that were recited were all classic programs that were well-known in the base area. Chen Ming listened and nodded with a gentle smile on his face.

But when the name "Bao Da Tong" came into his ears, his eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly.

A question popped into my head: "Bao Da Tong"? What kind of new play is this? The name sounds a bit...unusual? I don't remember it.
Chen Ming didn't hide his doubts and asked directly:

"Comrade Lin Mei, what is this 'Bao Datong'...?"

Lin Mei immediately explained, her tone filled with pride:

"Reporting to the commander! This is a large-scale drama that our cultural troupe has recently created and rehearsed!"

"It was created based on the glorious example of our Independent Detachment's surprise attack on Datong, which routed the Japanese! The comrades are incredibly enthusiastic!"

"Oh—!" Chen Ming suddenly realized, and then a complex feeling that was hard to describe welled up in his heart.

The surprise attack on Datong had such a huge impact that it even inspired a large-scale drama!

A sense of novelty and a subtle anticipation quietly began to grow.

After all, the surprise attack on Datong was his and the Independent Detachment's most dazzling calling card, and it would be a lie to say that he wasn't looking forward to seeing their performance on stage.

"Would the commander like to see it?"

Lin Mei keenly noticed the fleeting interest in Chen Ming's eyes and immediately made a suggestion.

“We were just rehearsing a scene from this play! We'd love to have your guidance, Commander!” “Rehearsal?” Chen Ming hesitated. “Won't that affect your performance tonight?”

"No, no!" Lin Mei waved her hands repeatedly, her face beaming with a confident smile.

"We've been rehearsing this play for a long time, and the comrades know it by heart!"

"Now that the commander has arrived, everyone's enthusiasm is even higher! We're all just waiting to show off our skills to him!"

"Comrades, don't you agree?"

Upon hearing this, the members of the performing arts troupe shouted in unison, "Yes!"

"Good!" The brigade commander smiled and gave the order.

"Then Comrade Chen Ming and I will watch the comrades' wonderful rehearsal! We'll also get a feel for the momentum of 'taking down Datong'!"

"Alright!" Lin Mei perked up, turned to the group members, and said in a clear and loud voice:
"Comrades! Cheer up! Perform at our best, just like in our rehearsals! Let the brigade commander and Commander Chen inspect our results!"

“Ready—go!”

The members of the performing arts troupe immediately sprang into action, moving swiftly and in an orderly fashion.

People were moving props, adjusting positions, and checking instruments... In just a few minutes, a simple yet atmospheric stage was created in the center of the open space.

Chen Ming and the brigade commander were invited to sit down on several small stools in the front row.

Soon, scenes vividly unfolded before my eyes, encapsulating the key moments of the Independent Detachment's surprise attack on Datong.

The set was simple, with a few tables representing the city walls and boxes covered with gray cloth symbolizing bunkers.

Limited costumes and props, using soot to draw mustaches to portray Japanese officers, and wooden sticks as rifles, could not conceal the actors' dedicated and vivid performances.

The brigade commander nodded frequently as he watched, and Chen Ming also watched with great interest.

What moved him most was the bright and determined light in the actors' eyes.

That wasn't a performance skill, but rather the spirit and energy unique to this era and to this group of steadfast revolutionaries!
It is a shared ideal of rebuilding our country, a pure belief forged in an extremely difficult environment.

It is the brilliance of humanity that shines even amidst profound suffering.

This heartfelt "light" gave this rehearsal, conducted in rudimentary conditions, a power that struck straight to the soul.

However, when the plot reached a crucial "decision-making" scene, Chen Ming's expression instantly became extremely interesting.

On stage, the actor playing "Chen Ming" stood in front of a set symbolizing the command post, one hand on his hip and the other pointing at the "sand table".

He spoke to the actor playing the "chief of staff" in a somewhat theatrical and decisive tone:

"Chief of Staff! Please take note! I'm making the following adjustments to the deployment:"

The 1st Battalion of the 1st Brigade... will take over Datong! ...As the general reserve, remain in place! Okay, repeat it again!

Chen Ming: "...?!"

He almost choked on his own saliva.

"Guaranteed to take care of Datong"? So that's what "taking care of" means?! Who came up with this phrase?!
When I was making the deployment, I never shouted "We'll take care of it" with such great confidence!

This is too much... A strong sense of absurdity and the frustration of wanting to laugh but not being able to make it out almost made him lose control of his facial expressions.

He glanced subconsciously at the brigade commander beside him, only to see that the brigade commander's lips were also twitching suspiciously, clearly struggling to hold it in.

However, the brigade commander is a professional; he won't laugh even if it's hilarious.

Sigh... Chen Ming sighed inwardly, this artistic embellishment is really something else.

If we ever actually film "The Great Battle" in the future, will that classic scene also be attributed to me as my original creation?
Wouldn't that be turning the Heavenly Spirits upside down?
An extremely absurd thought flashed through his mind.

The rehearsal finally ended amidst a rousing bugle call and cheers symbolizing victory.

Chen Ming suppressed his inner thoughts, stood up with the brigade commander, and clapped vigorously.

As the applause subsided, Chen Ming walked to the center of the venue, his gaze sweeping over the young faces, flushed and glistening with sweat from their performance.

He raised his voice, his words filled with affirmation and expectation, firm and resonant:
"Comrades! Well done! Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!"

Chen Ming paused:
"Remember this! Your stage is your battlefield! The instruments in your hands, your voices, every movement, every expression of yours are the weapons to pierce the enemy! They are the bugle calls to inspire your comrades to charge!"

"The soldiers charged into battle on the front lines, shedding blood and sweat, and even sacrificing their lives."

"What do they need most when they are tired, when they miss home, when they need the strength to keep fighting?"

"It is you! It is you who bring spiritual nourishment through art! You are the 'light cavalry' active in the rear, inspiring thousands of troops!"

"You are the 'timely rain' that irrigates the parched hearts of our soldiers with your songs and performances! Comrades, the responsibility is great and the mission is glorious! Keep up the good work!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire rehearsal room fell silent, then erupted into even more enthusiastic applause and excited shouts.

The trumpeter gripped his trumpet tightly with excitement, his knuckles turning white;

Lin Mei's eyes reddened slightly; even Aunt Zhang, who was mending the curtain, stopped sewing and clapped her hands vigorously.

Chen Ming affirmed the importance of the performances by the soldiers of the cultural troupe.

Although they do not fight on the battlefield, they still contribute their strength in their own way.

Therefore, they are warriors!

Chen Ming's words were like a spark, igniting the lofty sense of mission in their hearts.

The women in the performing arts troupe, in particular, looked at Chen Ming with stars in their eyes.

The play they painstakingly rehearsed was based on the work of the very leader before them.

How could they not be excited about the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the object of their worship and admiration?

"Comrades, this is the conductor of the play you are performing. Why don't you seize the opportunity and ask him anything you want to know?"

At that moment, the brigade commander suddenly shouted from behind.

The brigade commander's words were like opening a floodgate, and all the members of the cultural troupe turned to greet Chen Ming.

"Commander, Commander, I'd like to ask what you were thinking after we captured Datong, so that I can help improve the play later."

"Sir, I have a question."

"."

Faced with the enthusiastic members of the performing arts troupe, Chen Ming answered their questions one by one, though he did choose to avoid some of them.

After all, the women in the performing arts troupe were really bold; they even asked Chen Ming what kind of girl he liked and how many children he planned to have in the future.

How was Chen Ming supposed to answer that?

The brigade commander, glancing at Chen Ming in the crowd, secretly chuckled from behind.

After dealing with the enthusiastic members of the performing arts troupe, Chen Ming prepared to leave.

Before leaving, Chen Ming patted the young comrade blowing the bugle on the shoulder and straightened his slightly crooked military cap.

He smiled and said to Aunt Zhang, "Thank you for your hard work, sister-in-law."

Then they left amidst the reluctant gazes and resounding slogans of their fellow members.

PS: Alright, tomorrow we'll wrap up the daily storyline and begin the next strategic planning phase.

(End of this chapter)