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

Chapter 277 Li Yunlong's Excitement, the Independent Detachment's Luxurious Configuration!

These two high-level badges related to medicine are Chen Ming's current solution.

As for other lower-level badges, they are not discussed here because they provide less bonus and are less effective against dark damage.

Chen Ming himself is also concerned about the recurrence of his old injury.

Besides the injuries he sustained in Cangyun Ridge, Chen Ming had also suffered numerous other injuries before returning to this world.

Chen Mingke joined the revolution in 1927, the sixteenth year of the Republic of China.

From 1927 to the 39 years that followed, it was a full twelve years of war.

During the twelve years of war, Chen Ming suffered countless injuries and spent a considerable period of time fighting and marching while wounded.

Conditions were poor back then, and although many injuries healed, they left behind many unseen hidden wounds.

When the weather gets cold, these hidden injuries may recur, affecting Chen Ming's health.

This is one of the reasons why Chen Ming was a squad leader during the Autumn Harvest Uprising, and was still a battalion-level cadre in 39.

Chen Ming was well aware of his health problems and paid attention to taking care of them in his daily life.

For Chen Ming's health and to ensure he wouldn't be affected in next year's big battle, ZY also provided him with a professional medical team to monitor his health at all times.

For officials like Chen Ming, health has been regarded as a strategic resource.

His personal health condition is not only related to himself, but also to the army and hundreds of thousands or even millions of people in the base area.

This is a medical priority determined by strategic value.

The brigade commander received similar treatment. Next year, due to health reasons, the brigade commander was transferred away from the front line to take charge of other important work in the rear.

However, the brigade commander is no match for Chen Ming. Because of his badge group, Chen Ming's medical team is significantly stronger and his recovery speed is faster.

The bonuses from the badge set are not available to organizations or individuals not under Chen Ming's command.

"How can we ensure that the brigade commander also benefits from the badge set bonus?"

Chen Ming thought to himself.

The most direct solution is to bring the brigade commander into Chen Ming's system.

This is clearly impossible, both militarily and politically.

Because as of now, before the official documents are issued, Chen Ming is still in the Fourth Division, not in the Jin-Sui-Re-Cha region.

Judging from this line, he is still under the command of the brigade commander.

Making the brigade commander Chen Ming's subordinate or partner would be like reversing the natural order of things.

However, as long as a problem is raised, there is always a solution.

Right now, we need to get the important business done first.

"What brings you here, kid? You don't come here unless you need something."

"Say what you have to say, and then get out of here."

The brigade commander interrupted Chen Ming's train of thought.

Chen Ming listened to the brigade commander's words, which sounded impolite, but there was no other special meaning behind them.

This is a wounded tiger, finding a secluded place to lick its wounds, unwilling to let its comrades see its vulnerability and worry.

Since the brigade commander had said so, Chen Ming didn't say anything else and, to avoid upsetting the brigade commander, got straight to the point.

"Brigade Commander, I've come here this time because I really have something to discuss with you," Chen Ming said.

"Hey, I knew it. I'm usually the one who comes to you. I bet you came for something this time. It can't just be to congratulate me, can it?"

"Tell me what you need help with, and I'll definitely help you solve it if I can."

The brigade commander said with a smile.

"Brigade Commander, I plan to transfer Li Yunlong's Independent Regiment from Shanxi to Baotou, along with other troops, to free up the main force of my unit in Baotou."

"The Japanese troops in Baotou have suffered heavy losses and their combat effectiveness has been severely damaged. It would be a waste to continue to surround them with three of my battalions."

"If we send an elite force to liberate those three battalions, I will have more options to deal with the Japanese offensive next year."

"."

Based on the situation in Baotou and the Japanese offensive next year, Chen Ming analyzed the necessity of the transfer for the brigade commander.

After listening to Chen Ming's analysis, the brigade commander did not agree immediately, but tapped his fingers on the stove plate as he pondered.

To be honest, when Chen Ming came to mobilize troops, he felt a conditioned reflex of fear.

Ding Wei, Kong Jie, and Li Yunlong were all fierce generals under the brigade commander.

After collaborating with Chen Ming a few times, Kong Jie was taken away, and Ding Wei, along with the entire New First Regiment, was also taken away.

Now that Chen Ming wants to move the Independent Regiment, the brigade commander wondered to himself, "Does Chen Ming want to take over the Independent Regiment too?"
"I only took a whole platoon of sharpshooters from Chen Ming back then. Why should I take a few of my own officers?"

However, the idea only existed in the brigade commander's mind for a moment before disappearing immediately.

Li Yunlong's combat style and personal style were not suitable for Chen Ming's faction.

It can be said that if Li Yunlong had not continued to grow and become more formalized, then he would not have been suitable to be transferred to Chen Ming's command.

Therefore, the brigade commander did not believe that after Chen Ming transferred Li Yunlong, he would keep Li Yunlong behind.

If it were someone else, such as Cheng the Blind's unit, the brigade commander might have to think twice.

Thinking of this, the brigade commander spoke up:
“I don’t have a big problem here, but the independent regiment is quite large after all, and its jurisdiction is very large. If it is transferred, we will have to find other troops to fill the gap.”

"Moreover, can a force of several thousand men withstand marching more than 600 kilometers in winter?"

The brigade commander raised his concerns.

After all, it is now winter, and the weather is freezing cold, which is not suitable for large-scale marches.

If forced to relocate, non-combat casualties could be very high.

Moreover, the distance from the Independent Regiment's base to Baotou is over 600 kilometers, which will be a long march that lasts about a month.

It presents a huge challenge, both in terms of time and climate.

In response to the brigade commander's concerns, Chen Ming explained:

"Brigade Commander, I have thought about these issues, so in order to ensure a smooth transfer, I have made the following preparations."

"First, regarding the marching route, I planned that the Independent Regiment would arrive in Ningwu from its garrison and then take a train to Huairen."

"After bypassing Datong and arriving in Fengzhen, you can continue by train to Baotou."

"Regarding supplies, I plan to have the Independent Regiment carry only light weapons, while other heavy weapons, supplies, anti-tank weapons, clothing, medicines, etc. will be provided by my unit."

"This will reduce the marching burden on the Independent Regiment, decrease non-combat casualties and weapon losses, and allow them to be better engaged in combat."

"Regarding the defense of the Independent Regiment's area after its relocation, I plan to transfer three guerrilla brigades, supplement them with some heavy weapons, and then enter the Independent Regiment's area to assist in the defense."

"The Independent Regiment's defense zone is close to Kong Jie's defense zone, and the two sides have had many interactions. In the past, Northwest Shanxi was also an area where my Independent Detachment was active, so the rotation of defenses is not difficult."

Chen Ming explained his solution.

In summary, apart from some areas where they marched overland, most of the other routes were transported by railway troops controlled by independent detachments.

This can greatly reduce non-combat casualties and marching time.

The Independent Regiment did not need to carry heavy weapons; all heavy weapons, anti-tank weapons, food, supplies, and clothing were provided by Chen Ming.

The Independent Regiment only needs to bring light weapons; there's nothing else to worry about.

Upon hearing Chen Ming's words, the brigade commander gasped.
"You're really rolling in money now, kid. You can just pull out supplies for over five thousand people without even batting an eye."

"If that's the case, then I have no objection."

The brigade commander was also surprised by Chen Ming's boldness and ambition. That was an independent regiment of more than 5,000 men, and the amount of supplies and heavy weapons was considerable.

Chen Ming took it out without even blinking, which shows how wealthy he is.

The brigade commander thought that since the Independent Regiment didn't need to bring heavy weapons to Baotou, the heavy weapons and supplies would be provided by the Independent Detachment.

Does this mean that the heavy weapons in the Independent Regiment were left unused during this period?

Moreover, given Chen Ming's style and Li Yunlong's selfish nature, the Battle of Baotou ended.

Could the Independent Regiment retain a significant portion of the heavy weapons provided by the Independent Detachment?

Even more so, the Independent Regiment, as a participating unit, was able to receive some of the spoils captured after the Japanese tank division in Baotou was destroyed.

Thinking of all this, the brigade commander had an idea and said with a smile:

"Okay, I have no objection to this. I'll talk to Li Yunlong about it, and the rest can be reported to headquarters!"

Chen Ming was not surprised to receive the brigade commander's approval.

Whether considering the overall situation or personal relationships, this matter is not difficult to handle.

Next, Chen Ming and the brigade commander began discussing the details of the transfer, including the timing.

After discussing official business, the brigade commander asked Chen Ming to stay for dinner and told him to go back the next day.

It's a rare trip from Shuoxian, and it takes several days to get here.

In those days, travel was slow, and sometimes old comrades-in-arms would only see each other a few times a year.

In the future, once the family is completely separated, unless there is a major war or a meeting at headquarters, the two of them will have very few opportunities to meet again.

Chen Ming came to the brigade commander's place this time because he was worried about the brigade commander's situation; otherwise, Chen Ming would not have come under normal circumstances.

Chen Ming's visit this time seemed very easy, taking only a few days.

But behind the scenes, countless efforts and countless comrades worked tirelessly through the night to secure this opportunity to meet.

This is not only a matter of risk, but also subject to other limitations.

Throughout the War of Resistance Against Japan, direct meetings between the leaders of various base areas were extremely rare, only occurring when the central government assigned major tasks or when the situation was extremely urgent.

The next morning, the brigade commander saw Chen Ming off in the wind and snow, with glistening tears in his eyes.

This parting may mean we never see each other again.

After several days of trekking, Chen Ming returned to the command post in Shuoxian County.

The reply from headquarters has arrived.

When Chen Ming was with the brigade commander, he and the brigade commander jointly submitted the transfer plan to headquarters.

After some discussion, headquarters approved the transfer plan.

Li Yunlong received the transfer order as scheduled. When he saw the contents of the order, he was not only not disgusted, but also very happy.

"Zhang Dabiao, notify all officers at the company level and above to attend a meeting!"

"Deputy Regiment Commander Xing, pack up all our belongings, we're going to Baotou for a big feast!"

Li Yunlong happily issued the order.

"Commander, what's the good news that makes you so happy?"

"Did our troops capture a few more artillery pieces? Did we make a fortune?"

Seeing Li Yunlong's happy expression, Zhang Dabiao also smiled.

The fact that Li Yunlong is so happy must be a great thing; it must be at least the level of two infantry guns.

"Hey, why are you so easily fooled?"

"A few cannons, can they make me this happy?"

"I've seen a lot of things."

Li Yunlong said loudly.

"You still say I'm short-sighted? A couple of days ago, we attacked a stronghold and captured two infantry guns, three mortars, and two heavy machine guns. Weren't you just as happy, Commander?"

Zhang Dabiao muttered.

"When have I ever been happy? Stop spouting nonsense."

"This is great news, see for yourself."

Li Yunlong handed the transfer order to Zhang Dabiao.

When Zhang Dabiao saw the contents of the transfer order, his eyes widened immediately.

"What? We've been transferred to Baotou, and we only need to bring light weapons. The independent detachment will provide all the heavy weapons and supplies?"

"Commander, am I dreaming?"

Zhang Dabiao could hardly believe it.

That's an independent detachment; its weaponry and equipment are the best in the entire army.

Take the three main forces of the independent detachment as an example.

In addition to standard rifles, light machine guns were issued to squads and heavy machine guns to companies.

Moreover, the weapons provided by different levels of troops are independent. For example, a company will be equipped with a heavy machine gun platoon, which is equipped with two heavy machine guns.

Each battalion is equipped with a heavy machine gun company, which has six heavy machine guns.

The same applies to artillery; a typical infantry platoon is equipped with a 60mm light mortar.

A company is equipped with three 82mm medium mortars, and a battalion is equipped with six 82mm mortars.

These weapons are all independently organized; even a level-one heavy machine gun platoon is not under the command of a battalion-level heavy machine gun company.

Of course, the quantity is not counted either.

This means that both companies and battalions have their own independent heavy weapons and indirect fire support.

The allocation of heavy firepower between higher and lower-level units neither overlaps nor affects each other.

This ensures that every platoon has sufficient fire support.

At the brigade level, there are also directly subordinate anti-tank companies and artillery battalions.

Needless to say, at the brigade level, the artillery units under the independent brigade have an even more extravagant array of artillery.

On the domestic battlefield, the heavy firepower of two Japanese divisions was no match for theirs.

This powerful configuration gave the independent detachment unparalleled support firepower, providing them with the confidence to truly fight large-scale battles.

Of course, this was after we obtained the Soviet weapons.

For industrialized nations like the Soviet Union and Germany, sending just a few divisions of weaponry to their own countries would be an incredibly impressive number.

Take Germany's Sixth Army as an example. If the Japanese were to support such a force, even if they mobilized the entire nation's resources, even if the Japanese sold themselves, they still couldn't afford it.

After receiving assistance with weapons and production lines, the independent detachment's equipment level also improved.

While not quite comparable to the elite forces of the Soviet Union and Germany, comparing them to second-line troops is no longer a problem.

With the added bonus from Chen Ming's badge set, the troops' elite status would be of considerable use on the European battlefield.

Such a well-equipped unit provided the Independent Regiment with weapons and equipment that could rival the main force of the Independent Detachment.

Even if it were more than half the size of an ordinary brigade, Zhang Dabiao would be overjoyed.

(End of this chapter)