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

Chapter 216 features a memorable scene that shocks the entire army!

Leaving the cultural troupe's residence, the brigade commander stood with his hands behind his back, watching Chen Ming stride away. In the end, he could only shake his head helplessly, a wry smile appearing on his lips.

The original plan was to bring Chen Ming to this vibrant place, hoping to create a relaxed atmosphere for the performance.

Let's see if we can spark some romance between him and those vibrant, talented, and beautiful female members of the performing arts troupe.

The brigade commander even privately spoke with the leaders of the cultural troupe, hinting that they should create more opportunities for them.

But to everyone's surprise, Comrade Chen Ming was completely unyielding!
When faced with those outstanding female comrades who deliberately gathered around him, their smiles bright and their eyes sparkling, he acted as if he were dealing with a battle report that urgently needed his approval—polite and thorough, but completely businesslike.

In those deep, sharp eyes, apart from the routine affirmation of the cultural troupe's work, there was no other ripple of emotion.

It seemed that these flower-like girls in front of me were no different in essence from any soldier in the Eighth Route Army who charged into battle with a gun, or any villager who spun thread and wove cloth in the rear.

"Sigh, it seems this trip was a waste of time."

The brigade commander sighed silently to himself, thinking to himself.

He knew Chen Ming's character well.

Like his teacher, Chen Ming had the hearts of all the soldiers and civilians in the base area in mind.

A man who carried the safety and well-being of all the soldiers and civilians in the base area on his shoulders.

As a key cadre capable of handling matters independently, Chen Ming bore an immense burden. With frequent battles and countless tasks involved in building the base area, his energy was ultimately limited.

Under such pressure, how could he possibly have the mind to think about his personal life?
The brigade commander fully understood, and even felt sorry for him.

Of course, the brigade commander did consider taking a "tougher" approach.

For the sake of political tasks, or rather for Chen Ming's own good, were they forcibly "paired up" with someone?
But as soon as the thought popped into his head, he resolutely suppressed it.

He knew Chen Ming; doing things this way would only backfire and make things worse.

"Forget it."

The brigade commander gazed in the direction where Chen Ming's figure disappeared and made a decision in his heart.

"It seems we can only wait until he is rotated off the front lines this time, returns to the rear to rest and recuperate, temporarily relieved of the heavy burden on the front lines, and when the work is not so critical, before we can find an opportunity to slowly 'plot' him."

Thinking of this, a glimmer of defiance rekindled in the brigade commander's eyes.

"I refuse to believe that with my old face and all those good girls in the base, I can't handle Chen Ming's personal life? Just you wait and see!"

As night deepened, the makeshift drill ground was brightly lit and bustling with activity.

Soldiers surged in from all directions, like converging streams, densely packed the entire area, a bustling crowd, the air filled with the restless energy of excitement and anticipation.

They had already heard from various rumors that the highlight of the cultural troupe's performance tonight was...

This is a stage play adapted from the Independent Detachment's breathtaking and miraculous battle—the surprise attack on Datong!
This was the first time the entire army had captured a major city heavily guarded by the Japanese army!

Its strategic significance and legendary status stirred the hearts of every soldier who heard the news; how could they not eagerly await its arrival?
For the soldiers of the independent detachment, although they personally participated in that fierce battle, their individual perspective was ultimately limited to a small part of the whole picture.

They remembered their route of attack, the places where their comrades fell, the blown-up bunkers, the captured Type 38 rifles and canned goods...

These are scattered, intense fragments of memory.

The play will piece together the complete puzzle of that grand battle for them.

For other troops, especially those in central Hebei who were struggling under the Japanese "mopping-up" campaign, the news of the Battle of Datong was like a divine intervention.

The day before they were overwhelmed by the brutal counter-offensive, the next day they suddenly heard:

The Japanese invaders' backyard is on fire, and Datong has been captured by us!
The sweep ended hastily and inexplicably, leaving them filled with immense doubt and intense curiosity:

In the end what happened?
How did the independent detachment manage to do that?
What strategic planning and heroic sacrifices led to this miraculous victory?

Just as everyone held their breath and waited expectantly, the gas lights suddenly focused on the center of the stage.

The large-scale drama "Bao Da Da Tong," meticulously choreographed and repeatedly polished by the cultural troupe, officially opened amidst thunderous applause and cheers!
On stage, the condensed scenes, symbolic props, and the actors' passionate performances brought that thrilling historical period to life.

The soldiers below the stage seemed to be drawn up to the clouds by the performance of the cultural troupe, and were able to overlook the entire picture of the "impossible" Battle of Datong from God's perspective.

The tense atmosphere, the ingenious deployment, the swiftness of the attack, the brutality of the street fighting, and the ecstatic joy of the final victory...

All of these were vividly portrayed by the actors using their superb skills.

Of course, a stage play is not a war history documentary; it inevitably involves selection and artistic processing, using small scenes, typical characters, and key moments to reflect the grandeur of the entire battle.

But this did not diminish the soldiers' rapt attention and adrenaline-pumping excitement!
"My God! So that's how Datong was captured in eight hours! One step after another, fraught with danger yet intricately linked, it was absolutely brilliant!"

An old company commander slapped his thigh, spitting as he spoke with excitement.

"This battle was fought like a god farting—it was extraordinary!"

A young cadre nearby chimed in, eliciting a burst of good-natured laughter.

"That was awesome! That was fucking awesome!"

"Especially when the assault team stormed into Datong City, they wiped out the Japanese factories and warehouses one by one like a steel knife cutting tofu. It made my palms sweat!"

Another soldier stared wide-eyed, as if he too were in the midst of that fierce street battle.

"Hey! Were you guys too busy watching the show? What's the important part? What did that comrade on stage who was reading the battle report say?"

"In this battle, a total of fifty tons of shells were fired! Fifty tons! My goodness!"

An officer who looked like he came from an artillery background gestured excitedly.

"How much is fifty tons?"

An official standing nearby clearly had no concept of this number.

"Tsk! Are you stuffing your ears with donkey hair? Didn't they just say on stage, over eight thousand rounds! A full eight thousand shells were dropped!"

The artillery officer exclaimed in exasperation.

"Our entire regiment, all its assets combined, amount to only about a hundred decent shells!"

"The number of shells that the independent detachment fired in this battle is enough for a regiment like ours to fight more than eighty major battles! More than eighty regiments!"

"My God...this...this is simply..."

The surrounding officials were completely shocked, their mouths agape.

"That's why they're a 'heroic unit'! They're well-equipped, have plenty of ammunition, and can fight tough battles and win them!"

"Which soldier wouldn't want to join a unit like that?"

"I can't believe it," a veteran remarked, his eyes filled with undisguised longing.

"That's right! That was exhilarating, so exhilarating!"

A chorus of agreement rippled through the crowd, their envy and longing palpable.

Chen Ming sat upright on one side of the platform, observing the excited, eager, and longing expressions of the soldiers below and the fervent discussions that rose and fell, with a slight, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips.

"It seems my plan to get people out of trouble will go much more smoothly."

The performance by the cultural troupe gradually reached its climax, with one highlight after another.

When the stage set was changed to a sand table map symbolizing the command post, the actor playing "Chen Ming" strode to the front of the stage.

He stood with one hand on his hip and the other pointing at the sand table like a sharp sword.

With a dramatic yet still resolute and unquestionable booming voice, he issued orders to the actor playing the "chief of staff":

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

"The First Battalion of the First Brigade... will take over Datong!... As the general reserve, do not move! Okay, repeat it again!"

When this iconic scene, full of stage presence and commanding presence, appeared, the entire training ground erupted as if a bomb had been dropped on it, causing it to boil over with a deafening roar!

For the vast majority of ordinary soldiers in the audience, and even the lower-level officers at the battalion and company levels, the highest-level commanders they usually encountered were nothing more than:

"Second Battalion Commander! See that smoking Japanese bunker up ahead? Smash it for me!"

"Company Commander! Take your machine gun and suppress that Type 96 light machine gun on the flank!"

"One rank! Follow me! Take that embankment ahead!"

I have never seen such a high-level, complex, multi-service coordinated, and large-scale troop deployment involving the mobilization of dozens of units.

This is like playing a magnificent and ingenious game of chess!

Every place name, every unit number, every command of "main attack," "assist," and "reserve" exudes a powerful aura of strategic planning and decisive victory.

The soldiers and grassroots cadres, who were used to charging into battle, were stunned and their hearts were filled with a tremendous wave of emotion!
"My God! This... this is how commanders direct battles? How fast do their brains work? How much information do they have?"

A company commander rubbed his eyes hard, as if he were seeing the word "command" for the first time.

"Amazing! Absolutely amazing! No wonder we were able to capture Datong and then conquer six other cities in a row! Commander Chen's command is like that of Zhuge Liang reborn!" Another soldier exclaimed sincerely, his eyes filled with admiration.

"Good heavens... this is how the battle is fought..."

Many more were awestruck by the grand artistry of the conductor, unable to find the right words to express their heartfelt amazement.

This scene of "Chen Ming's Deployment" was artistically rendered by the cultural troupe and is full of dramatic tension.

Coupled with the actors' incredibly lifelike, even more forceful, imitations of the characters' postures and tones, the impact on the soldiers and officers was revolutionary and enormous.

At this moment, the representatives from other units, seated outside the Independent Detachment's formation, watched the performance of "Bao Da Tong" on stage.

Especially the breathtaking command scene, which suddenly made everything clear in my mind, and finally answered a huge question that had been lingering for a long time.

They finally understood why the Independent Detachment, a formidable force that had grown from a mere small squad, could win battle after battle and create one battlefield legend after another!
With such a commander who can strategize and win battles from afar, and with such exquisite command art as the soul, even a group of greenhorns can be forged into an invincible iron army!
Chen Ming's image instantly became incredibly tall and radiant in their hearts.

Meanwhile, the veteran officers of the independent detachment who knew the real situation watched the highly theatrical "Deployment Commander Chen Ming" on stage.

His reaction was exactly the same as the brigade commander's in the afternoon; both had a strange smile on their faces.

"Hey, Lao Li, I remember when we fought Datong, the commander... didn't say that, did he? He wasn't that... um... impressive?"

A newly reorganized battalion commander whispered to his old comrade-in-arms next to him.

"Hehe, you're new here, you don't know."

The cadre known as Old Li grinned and lowered his voice:

"This is a classic scene from when our commander was directing the attack on Shouyang, which has been moved into the 'Battle of Datong'!"

"The comrades in the cultural troupe just want something exciting and entertaining!"

"Oh! I see!" The new battalion commander suddenly realized, and then couldn't help but chuckle.

"But...you have to admit, this kind of performance is fucking awesome! It got my blood pumping!"

He looked at the imposing "Chen Ming" on the stage, his eyes shining with pride.

"That's right, don't you even know who our leader is?"

The delegates who came from the rear to observe were also amazed.

"No wonder Comrade Chen Ming's name is so famous, making the Japanese tremble with fear."

"I think so too. We rarely have the opportunity to fight in the rear. I really want to come to the front and fight the Japanese with real swords and spears with the troops."

"Hey, if you want to come, there will be more opportunities to get in touch after Comrade Chen Ming returns to the rear. You can try to find him then."

"."

When the cultural troupe's final performance concluded, a flag was planted on the roof symbolizing the Datong Garrison Command, marking the official end of the play "Bao Datong".

Even after the curtain fell, the crowd in front of the stage was still filled with lingering excitement, their minds still replaying the breathtaking scene they had just witnessed.

Looks like someone's going to have trouble sleeping tonight.

After the cultural troupe's performance, Chen Ming and the brigade commander, as is customary, went on stage to give speeches.

When Chen Ming took the stage, he received enthusiastic applause from the audience for almost every sentence he spoke.

During this period, Chen Ming's achievements were so impressive that calling him a war god wouldn't be an exaggeration.

The military respects the strong the most, and Chen Ming rightfully earned everyone's respect.

Representatives from government agencies, hospitals, schools, and other units who came to observe were captivated by the sight, whispering among themselves and marveling at it.

"Good heavens! No wonder Comrade Chen Ming's name is so famous among the Japanese; just hearing about him makes their legs tremble!"

A bespectacled cadre from a rear-area organization pushed up his glasses, his voice filled with heartfelt admiration.

"Before, I only heard cold, hard numbers from battle reports. But after watching this vivid performance today, I realize how thrilling the battle was and how brilliant the command was!"

A representative from the logistics department next to her, a usually quick-witted and cheerful woman, was also blushing with excitement at this moment:

"Who can argue with that! We're in the rear, spending our days mending clothes, gathering food and transporting fodder. The sound of artillery fire from the front makes us itch to join in!"

"After watching 'Battle of Datong' today, I really wish I could pick up a gun and join Comrade Chen Ming's troops to fight the Japanese devils with real swords and spears!"

As she spoke, she unconsciously clenched her fist.

A young officer next to her, also from the rear, nudged her mischievously with his elbow and chuckled in a low voice:

"Big sister, you're so impatient! Going to the front lines with real weapons is another story; whether the commander will even approve it is still uncertain. But..."

She gestured towards the stage with her lips, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

"When Comrade Chen Ming completes this mission and is rotated back to the rear for rest, there will be more opportunities to contact him."
"When the time comes, you, as a 'model of supporting the military,' should try to get closer to the commander and see if you can find a way to get transferred to his command!"

"Get lost! You're so unserious!" The eldest sister made a move to hit her, but couldn't help but smile longingly, her eyes unconsciously drifting towards the podium. (Not the female lead, don't overthink it.)

On stage, the lights shone again.

Accompanied by rousing and majestic background music that almost lifts the roof off, the climax symbolizing the final victory arrives!

The actors playing commandos charged bravely through the billowing smoke, their movements agile and powerful.

They piled on top of each other, surrounding a soldier holding a red flag high, and struggled to firmly plant the bright red flag, which was fluttering in the wind, at the highest point on the roof of the building that symbolized the Japanese garrison headquarters in Datong!

Under the deliberately strong beam of light, the flag seemed to burst into flames, instantly igniting the entire arena!
"Victory!" the actors on stage shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the sky.

"Victory!" The thousands of soldiers and civilians below the stage were completely ignited by this highly symbolic scene, and their long-accumulated passion erupted like a volcano!

A thunderous roar of cheers, applause, and stomping filled the air, instantly engulfing the entire training ground and causing the ground to tremble slightly.

As the actors took their final bows, the lighting gradually softened, but the red flag planted on the "city wall" still stood proudly in the light and shadow.

The crowd in front of the stage, whether seasoned veterans, new recruits, or representatives from the rear, were all still eager for more.

Their faces were flushed with excitement, their eyes sparkling with elation, and the breathtaking scene they had just witnessed kept replaying in their minds:

Intense artillery barrage, swift assaults and infiltrations, fierce street fighting, and finally, that red flag flying high above the "enemy's lair"...

Every scene is like a red-hot branding iron, deeply imprinted in my memory.

"marvelous……"

"That felt so good!"

"Independent Detachment...remarkable..."

"Commander Chen...that's amazing..."

Even after the show ended, hushed whispers, exclamations of admiration, and imitations of lines from the play continued to rise and fall among the crowd.

It is foreseeable that tonight, many people in the barracks will be tossing and turning in excitement, savoring the impact of this audiovisual feast, and their dreams may be filled with the bugle call to charge and the red flag waving in the wind.

Looks like someone's going to have trouble sleeping tonight.

After the performance, as is customary, the brigade commander and Chen Ming were required to give speeches on stage.

The brigade commander took the stage first. In a loud voice, he summarized the success of the performance, praised the hard work and artistic achievements of the cultural troupe, and encouraged all officers and soldiers.

The applause from the audience was enthusiastic, but the most fervent anticipation was clearly reserved for the person behind them.

When Chen Ming's tall and steady figure appeared in the center of the stage, the atmosphere of the entire training ground was instantly pushed to another peak!
Almost as soon as he stood still, before he even spoke, thunderous applause swept in like a storm, lasting for a long time!
The soldiers clapped their hands vigorously, and those in the back even stood on tiptoe, as countless eager and respectful gazes were focused on him.

"Comrades!" Chen Ming's voice resounded throughout the venue through a simple megaphone. It was not loud, but it carried a calm and penetrating power.

"Wow—!" Another round of deafening applause interrupted him, and he had to pause with a smile.

"Tonight's performance by the cultural troupe was absolutely wonderful! It vividly portrayed the lives of our Eighth Route Army soldiers..."

"it is good--!"

"Whoosh whoosh-!"

The audience immediately erupted in even louder cheers and applause, as if every word he said had struck a chord in the hearts of the soldiers.

Chen Ming briefly affirmed the significance of the performance, mentioned the cruelty and sacrifice of the battle, and emphasized that victory belongs to all the soldiers who fought bloody battles and the selfless people.

Every time he finished speaking a paragraph, or even just a pause in his tone, a new wave of applause would erupt from the audience.

The applause was no longer just a formality, but a heartfelt, fervent expression of admiration and recognition!
In those difficult years of constant warfare and surrounded by powerful enemies, Chen Ming and his independent detachment achieved remarkable feats—a surprise attack on Datong and the capture of six cities in succession.

Time and again, they thwarted the enemy's sweeps and established a solid base behind enemy lines—this was not only a victory, but also a spiritual totem that boosted the morale of the entire base area's soldiers and civilians!
In the simple hearts of many soldiers, it is no exaggeration to say that Chen Ming, who was able to lead his troops to fight such a "divine battle", was a "god of war" descended!

The most respected people in the military are the strong leaders who can lead everyone to victory, hard-fought battles, and brilliant victories!
Chen Ming, with his undeniable achievements and the strategic brilliance and decisive spirit displayed by the performing arts troupe tonight, truly embodied the spirit of the commander-in-chief.

He won the heartfelt, overwhelming respect of everyone present!
The continuous, wave-like applause was the simplest yet most resounding crowning to his title of "God of War"!
(End of this chapter)