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

Chapter 218 Brigade Commander: More money is needed!

After the awards ceremony for the grand martial arts exercise, Chen Ming stood on a makeshift earthen platform and personally hung medals on each of the winning soldiers and group representatives.

Sunlight shone on the roughly crafted brass medals, reflecting a dazzling light that illuminated the soldiers' dark, proud faces.

Below the stage, the soldiers who did not win applauded vigorously, their eyes filled with envy and a spirit of not giving up—if there is a next time, they must have a medal of their own!
As soon as the ceremony ended, Chen Ming immediately began his "rescue plan".

He first approached Commander Zhang, with whom he had previously collaborated, and put his arm around Zhang's shoulder, appearing exceptionally affectionate.

"Old Zhang, congratulations! Your unit's soldiers won first place in the individual armed cross-country race this time."

"How have you been lately? Is that right? Then I have to lend a hand. Here's what I'll do: I'll transfer a few heavy machine guns to support your regiment. You must wipe out those damn Japanese devils."

"I'll send the weapons to you tomorrow! But I also have a small matter to attend to... Your top armed cross-country soldier, is his name Wang Gensheng?"

"He's a promising talent! Let me take him back to my reconnaissance battalion for a few days of exchange and learning, so my soldiers can see what real iron feet are like!"

"Oh, no problem, no problem. We'll just stay here for a few days. I'll definitely send it back to you after a while."

Armed off-road elite soldier +1!

Immediately afterwards, Chen Ming set his sights on Political Commissar Li's troops.

"Old Li, it's been a long time since we last met. I heard you suffered heavy weapon losses during the counter-sweep operation. Do you need me to send some supplies to support you?"

"This won't do! Without artillery, we can't stand tall!"

"In that case, Lao Li, our Eighth Route Army troops are like brothers born from the same mother's womb. Your difficulties are my difficulties!"

"I'll provide you with two 82mm mortars and ten boxes—no, fifteen boxes—of ammunition! You must accept them! Quickly restore our assault capabilities!"

"Look at you, you're being too polite. Weapons are for fighting the Japanese devils, so it doesn't matter who has them or not."

"But Lao Li, I have a small request... That young man from your regiment who won first place in the reconnaissance competition has excellent eyesight and a quick mind. Could I take him back for a few days to exchange ideas and learn from your reconnaissance experience?"

Scout/Elite Soldier +1!
"."

+1! +1! +1!
Chen Ming followed suit, moving among the leaders of various units, using heavy machine guns, mortars, grenade launchers, and even scarce medicines and batteries.

This brought back one elite soldier after another who excelled in the grand military exercises—sharpshooters, bayonet masters, demolition experts, and engineering prodigies…

The deal was a win-win situation for all three parties.

Chen Ming was overjoyed to have acquired such a valuable talent; his smile stretched almost to his ears.

The scouts who were being transferred were not only not opposed to going to the well-equipped and highly decorated Independent Detachment, but were also very excited, thinking that they were going to a better place to fight the Japanese.

The unit leaders who sent out the vanguard were all smiles as they looked at the powerful firepower support they had gained, feeling that this deal was incredibly profitable!
Some might think that since the independent detachment could easily capture tanks and artillery, exchanging a few heavy machine guns for a scout, other units were at a disadvantage.

This is actually completely wrong.

For most Eighth Route Army units at that time, the value of a soldier, even a top soldier, was far less than that of a heavy machine gun that could reliably provide suppressive fire.

The Eighth Route Army's firepower structure is extremely distorted, and its expansion is rapid. An ordinary regiment is considered to have a rich arsenal if it has one or two heavy machine guns, and many regiments don't even have one.

Without heavy machine guns, it would be difficult to conduct road blocking warfare and plain defense warfare, and would result in huge casualties when attacking strongholds.

The veterans often say, "When the machine gun fires, the position is secure!"

The roar of heavy machine guns was a powerful boost to the morale of the troops.

According to battlefield records from Lu Xun Academy of Arts in Yan'an, soldiers would often spontaneously cheer when they heard their own heavy machine guns firing.

The importance of mortars is even greater, as they are one of the very few pieces of equipment in the Eighth Route Army capable of indirect fire strikes.

Referencing the ideal firepower configuration of a main force regiment of the Eighth Route Army in 1942:
迫击炮0-2门（理想4-6），火力占比高达60%；

0-1 heavy machine guns (ideally 4), accounting for 25% of firepower;

The regiment has nearly 900 rifles and a small number of light machine guns, accounting for only 15% of its firepower.

The firepower output of a single mortar is roughly equivalent to the total firepower of a regiment's rifles firing salvo for five minutes!

Without mortars, it was extremely difficult to take down pillboxes, ambush Japanese convoys, and counter Japanese artillery.

Therefore, exchanging a sniper for heavy firepower can greatly enhance the team's overall combat effectiveness and survivability.

For all the troops that were exchanged, this was an incredibly welcome opportunity.

Chen Ming's move was actually a guise for exchanging personnel, but in reality, it was a way to provide equipment assistance and cleverly help the brother unit improve its strength.

"You did a great job, kid!"

A loud, cheerful voice rang out behind Chen Ming.

"You've almost swept up all the promising talents and technical backbones who emerged in this grand martial arts exercise."

"Once this reputation spreads, I'd like to see who dares to bring troops to your territory, Chen Ming, to compete in martial arts!"

Chen Ming turned around and saw the brigade commander smiling as he lightly punched him in the chest with his fist.

The brigade commander was a man of great stature; he saw through Chen Ming's little scheme at a glance.

What they call exchanging elite troops is clearly a roundabout way of sending equipment to brother units.

With the current resources of the Independent Detachment and the ability of the Fourth Military Sub-district Military Academy to continuously cultivate talent, it really doesn't lack one or two elite soldiers.

Special operations battalion, sharpshooter battalion, reconnaissance battalion—aren't they all packed with top-notch experts?
Chen Ming's personal involvement in this matter is self-evident—directly sending weapons would have a negative impact, but "replacing" talent is something no one can object to.

"Brigade Commander, what are you saying?"

Chen Ming chuckled and rubbed his chest.

"This is a fair trade, an exchange of equal value."

"You didn't see how wide the officers from the other units were grinning when they were carrying their weapons; you could even see their back teeth. They were so happy!"

"Hmph, it's only because you're rich and powerful now that you're throwing away the equipment of two machine gun battalions without even blinking an eye. You're a real spendthrift!"

The brigade commander chuckled and teased, but his tone carried an air of admiration and a barely perceptible hint of envy.

"You say you have so many weapons you're overwhelmed, why don't you think about getting some for me too?"

Chen Ming's eyes lit up; he had been waiting for those words!

He immediately took a step closer and lowered his voice:

"Brigade Commander, look at what you're saying! Giving you some supplies is nothing! Just because of your prestigious title as Brigade Commander, I'll definitely get you something substantial!"

"How about... we go with the ideal plan for the machine gun regiment that we proposed at the meeting at the end of 1938, and I'll put together a rough outline for you?"

"really?!"

Upon hearing this, the brigade commander's pupils contracted sharply, and his voice unconsciously rose eight octaves before he quickly suppressed it.

He knew the plan Chen Ming mentioned all too well.

That was a dreamlike creation that could only exist on paper due to an extreme lack of equipment:
重机枪24到36挺，足以封锁千米宽的战线；82毫米迫击炮12到18门，能压得鬼子一个中队抬不起头；
There are even 4 to 8 20mm autocannons, which are powerful weapons for attacking armored vehicles and firing directly at bunkers!
If we really had this firepower, it would instantly boost the combat effectiveness of our troops by several levels, transforming them from "beggars" into "nouveau riche".

One regiment dared to take on an entire Japanese regiment head-on!
Without these, it often takes three main regiments to fight a hard battle to contend with them.

In the past, Chen Ming had handed over a lot of equipment, but most of it was light machine guns, with very little heavy firepower and artillery.

The fact that they immediately ordered a "machine gun regiment" left the brigade commander shocked.

"Of course it's true! Brigade Commander, when have I ever lied to you?"

Chen Ming patted his chest and assured him. After the initial shock, the brigade commander quickly calmed down, narrowing his eyes as he scrutinized Chen Ming:

"No, there's no such thing as a free lunch. You're suddenly spending so much money; you must have something to do with it."

"Make it clear first, what exactly do you want? Otherwise, this equipment of yours is too hot for me to handle."

"Haha, brigade commander, there's even equipment you wouldn't dare to take?" Chen Ming joked with a smile.

"Hmph, don't give me that!" The brigade commander wasn't buying it.

“If it were before, you would still be a regimental commander. Even if you were as troublesome as that kid Li Yunlong and formed eight battalions, I would dare to agree to whatever request you made. I can protect you.”

"But now that you, Chen Ming, are someone important, you've grown wings. I have to think twice before making any demands you make, lest you lead me astray!"

Chen Ming knew the brigade commander was half-joking and half-seriously, so he stopped beating around the bush and smiled:
"Brigade Commander, it's really nothing serious."

"Well... you brought a whole guard company with you to watch the competition, right? The soldiers look very energetic, their military skills are definitely top-notch."

"How about you leave this company with me temporarily, so we can exchange and learn from each other for a while?"

"I guarantee that after a while, I will send you back fully recovered, with even stronger fighting capabilities!"

Upon hearing this, the brigade commander's eyes widened instantly, and his voice rose in pitch:
"What? You bastard Chen Ming! I knew you were up to no good!"

"So this is where you were waiting for me! You've got your eye on my precious guard company?"
"This is the best soldier I've ever selected from the entire military region, equipped with the best gear, and raised with my own hands!"

"You just ask for it without even asking? How dare you!"

"Commander, you've misunderstood! It's not 'want,' it's 'exchange'! Exchange and learning!"

Chen Ming quickly offered an explanation.

"Don't you trust my character, Chen Ming? It's about letting the soldiers learn from each other, complementing each other's strengths and making up for each other's weaknesses..."

"I don't believe it!" The brigade commander shook his head vigorously.

"I don't believe you for a second! Your character? When it comes to talent and good soldiers, do you, Chen Ming, still have any integrity to speak of?"

Other things are fine, but when it comes to talent, technical backbone, and military personnel, the brigade commander knows all too well.

Didn't you see that Chen Ming's sharpshooter platoon is still under the brigade commander's command?
They're all cadres from the same lineage; who doesn't know who?
Chen Ming immediately put on a pained expression:

"Alas, Brigade Commander, I never imagined that I was seen this way in your eyes. It's so heartbreaking..."

The brigade commander wasn't buying it at all. He crossed his arms, glanced at him sideways, and said slowly:

"The soldiers in this company were handpicked by me, and I put in a lot of effort and resources to train them. You can't just take them whenever you want."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ming noticed the brigade commander's tone had changed and asked in a low voice, "Brigade commander, what do you mean?"

"You have to pay more!"

He knew perfectly well:
Trading an elite company for a coveted machine gun regiment—this deal is an absolute steal!

Besides, the company isn't gone; it's just going to the independent detachment for "exchange." They might even learn more and become more capable.

This is like a windfall!

But on the surface, we have to keep a straight face and not let this kid think it's too easy.

The brigade commander thought to himself that he couldn't stop this company from going to a place where it could play a more effective role.

With the independent detachment's weaponry and personnel training capabilities, this company will definitely grow better and play a greater role after going there.

Upon hearing the brigade commander's words, "We need to pay more," Chen Ming felt a weight lifted from his shoulders.

He was afraid that the brigade commander would be sentimental and refuse to budge, which would be a real problem for him.

Any problem that can be solved with weapons and equipment is no problem for the current independent detachment.

"Okay!" Chen Ming agreed readily, as if the brigade commander wanted not precious weapons, but a few pounds of millet.

“Since the brigade commander has spoken, I must respond appropriately.”

"In that case, in addition to the equipment for the machine gun regiment I just promised you, I'll give you an extra twenty tons of ammunition!"

"Rifle bullets, machine gun bullets, mortar shells, and hand grenades—we've got them all for you! Isn't that generous enough?"

The brigade commander, who had just been wearing an expression that said "I absolutely cannot give you my precious child," suddenly changed his expression from gloomy to sunny, his face changing as fast as turning the pages of a book.

He affectionately slapped Chen Ming on the back, the force so strong that Chen Ming winced.
"Oh! That's too formal! We're like brothers, aren't we? Talking about money... talking about ammunition is too much of a misunderstanding!"

"It's all for the revolution, fighting the Japanese invaders!"

He put his arm around Chen Ming's shoulder, appearing magnanimous and saying, "I'm doing this entirely to support your work."

"Look at you, why are you being so polite? Alright, alright, it's settled then!"

The guard company I brought with me will stay here with you today!

"Let them learn a thing or two from your elite troops. You can't hold back anything; they have to show me their true skills!"

"Haha, definitely, definitely!"

Chen Ming also laughed, but he knew perfectly well what was going on.

This deal, seemingly a huge loss for him—exchanging a massive amount of equipment for a company—was actually a calculated move by him.

His willingness to invest so heavily was certainly due to his appreciation of the value of this elite company itself.

These promising young talents, once they arrive at an independent detachment with better equipment, a more scientific training system, and more opportunities for real combat, will absolutely be transformed and grow into even sharper blades.

But the deeper reason is a feeling that is difficult to express.

Chen Ming was well aware that his next appointment was basically set: he would soon leave the Taiyue Military Region and the direct command of the division headquarters to create a larger situation on his own.

This means that he is no longer the capable and troublesome Xiao Chen under the brigade commander, who could occasionally "hand over" some benefits.

As he was about to "separate" and live independently, he felt a deep sense of gratitude and reluctance towards his old superior who had always trusted, supported, and occasionally given him a nudge.

Sending equipment directly? The brigade commander would definitely be embarrassed to accept it.

However, under the pretext of "exchanging" elite companies, it became perfectly reasonable to "sell" the equipment of an entire machine gun regiment and an astronomical amount of ammunition to the brigade commander.

This is hardly a transaction.

This was clearly a substantial legacy that Chen Ming had painstakingly left for his old commander and old unit before he left!

With this batch of formidable equipment, the overall strength of the brigade commander's forces will leap to a new level, giving them greater confidence in the face of even more brutal and complex struggles in the future.

He looked at the brigade commander's radiant face, beaming with joy at his unexpected good fortune, and thought to himself:

"Old commander, consider this my last 'public offering' before I leave. Please take good care of yourself in the future!"

The brigade commander seemed to have vaguely sensed something from Chen Ming's unusually generous, even somewhat "extravagant" behavior.

But he didn't say anything, he just patted Chen Ming's shoulder hard again, everything was understood without saying a word.

Under the sunlight, the two looked at each other and smiled, their laughter containing both the joy of reaching a deal and a complex emotion of impending separation.

P.S.: I got sick right after swimming yesterday, and only have 4,500 today.

(End of this chapter)