The War of Resistance: From Overseas Chinese Mechanics to King of Nanyang

"General, what do you think is wrong with this unit?" the intelligence officer asked, looking puzzled.

Stilwell slowly turned around, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, yet carrying a hint of barely concealed excitement.

"It's not a problem, it's an opportunity," Stilwell's voice was deep and powerful. "This unit is incredibly powerful, far exceeding my expectations. Their commander is very intelligent, and their tactics are flexible and adaptable. If we can incorporate them, it will be a huge help to our strategy in the Burma theater."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Furthermore, the telegram mentioned 'domesticated artillery.' It seems that this domestically produced artillery has inflicted significant damage on the Japanese army. Therefore, we must understand this clearly; it is extremely important to us."

The intelligence officer nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "The general is right. If we can really incorporate this unit, our influence on the Burmese battlefield will greatly increase. After all, the British are only running away now, and the troops in the mountain city... well, to be honest, their performance hasn't been ideal."

Stilwell's lips curled into a cold smile: "Yes, the performance was certainly not ideal."

He turned around, his gaze returning to the map: "This unit was able to hold off the Japanese army not only because of their fighting strength, but also because of their location—Lashio, the gateway to the Burma Road. Once the Japanese lose this place, it will be our opportunity to counterattack."

Upon hearing this, Stilwell's interest grew even stronger, especially as he gained a deeper understanding of the intelligence, which made him feel that such combat power was rare even on the entire Burmese battlefield.

The Japanese 18th Division, a main force division of the Japanese army, well-equipped and well-trained, was blocked outside Lashio by a security regiment. This is an unbelievable thing.

He was engaged in a fierce internal struggle: the addition of such a powerful force to the Allied ranks would greatly enhance his prestige on the Burmese battlefield.

This would not only prove his strategic vision, but also allow him to acquire a core force that he could mobilize directly without going through the mountain city.

It should be noted that his conflict with the mountain town forces in the Burma battlefield had a long history. The bald man had an extremely strong desire to control the army, which made Stilwell, the Allied Chief of Staff, feel constrained at every turn.

But if he had his own loyal troops, the situation would be completely different.

Stilwell suddenly turned around, his eyes resolute. "Send a telegram to Huang Zurong."

The adjutant hesitated for a moment: "General, what message do you want to send?"

"Tell him that if he needs support, he can contact me anytime. The Allies will provide air cover and supplies," Stilwell thought for a moment, then added, "Also, I can provide a regular brigade designation to legitimize his unit."

"A formal designation?" The adjutant's eyes widened. "General, you're going to give a security regiment a formal designation? This is no small matter, especially since this unit is from the mountain city."

"Of course." Stilwell turned around, his tone leaving no room for argument. "A powerful fighting force can't do many things if it can't be legitimized. Right now, they're just a security regiment, lacking official status. It's difficult for them to obtain supplies and personnel. Giving them a formal designation will not only strengthen their sense of belonging but also make it easier for me to control them."

The adjutant nodded: "Understood, I'll arrange it right away."

The telegram was sent quickly and transmitted to Lashio via an encrypted channel.

On the same day, the Lashio temporary command post

Huang Zurong sat at a simple wooden table, holding the telegram he had just received, his brow furrowed.

"A legitimate unit number?" Huang Zurong looked at the telegram, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Stilwell wants to recruit us."

Lin Yi, sitting to the side, also looked surprised: "He's actually willing to provide an official unit number? This is a big deal! Do you know what that means? With an official unit number, we'll no longer be a security regiment, but a regular army, enjoying the same treatment and supplies as regular troops."

"He's not a philanthropist." Huang Zurong placed the telegram on the table, his eyes sharp. "He wants to use us to increase his influence on the Burma battlefield. Do you know about the conflict between Stilwell and Shancheng? He wants a force he can directly command, a core force that can be mobilized without going through Shancheng."

Lin Yi pondered for a moment: "So what are your plans?"

Huang Zurong stood up, walked to the map, and drew a circle around Lashio with his finger: "Ayi, think about it, why is Stilwell suddenly so interested in us? It's because we held off the Japanese 18th Division in Lashio, buying the British forces in Imphal a respite. He needs us to prove his strategic value, to demonstrate our capabilities on the Burmese battlefield."

He turned to Lin Yi and said, "So, my assessment is that we shouldn't refuse or agree for now. We should maintain contact with Stilwell and see what he really wants. If he can actually offer help, then cooperation isn't out of the question; but if he just wants to use us, then forget it."

Lin Yi nodded: "Yes, but my concern is that if we drag this out too long, Stilwell might lose patience."

"He won't," Huang Zurong smiled confidently. "Right now, he's begging us. The Japanese 18th Division is bogged down in Lashio, allowing the British forces at Imphal a much-needed respite. Stilwell needs us. This is a gamble; whoever can hold their temper will reap the greater benefits."

Lin Yi smiled wryly: "That was a risky move of yours."

"Fortune favors the bold." Huang Zuhua patted Lin Yi on the shoulder. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Imphal Allied Command

Stilwell paced back and forth in his office, his brow furrowed.

The adjutant stood aside, not daring to utter a sound.

"Send another telegram. This time, we must show him our sincerity and make him understand that cooperating with us is the only right choice."

"General, what conditions are you planning to offer?"

史迪威转身，眼神坚定：「每月提供1000支美式步枪、100挺白朗宁重机枪、20门迫击炮及配套弹药；每周3次C-47运输机空投物资，包括牛肉罐头、盘尼西林、野战通讯设备；授予他美军上校临时军衔。「

The adjutant's eyes widened: "General, this..."

"Most importantly," Stilwell interrupted him, "I need to file this designation with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gain international recognition, and let them know that this is not my personal commitment, but an official Allied decision."

The adjutant took a deep breath: "Understood, I'll arrange it right away."

When the telegram reached Lashio via an encrypted channel, Huang Zurong was inspecting the defense line.

"Commander, General Stilwell has sent a telegram." Lin Yi rushed over.

Huang Zurong took the telegram and read it carefully.

"These conditions..." Huang Zurong muttered to himself.

"Commander, what's the content?" Lin Yi asked curiously.

Huang Zurong handed him the telegram: "Read it yourself."

Lin Yi took the telegram, and as he read, his eyes grew brighter and brighter: "These conditions are too generous! 1000 American rifles, 100 Browning heavy machine guns, and mortars every month... These are the weapons and equipment we desperately need."

"Not only that," Huang Zurong took the telegram back from Lin Yi, pointing to the last line, "If you're still not satisfied, we can provide an additional 100 Browning machine guns and 20 mortars, on the condition that we accept the deployment of a US military advisory group."

"The U.S. military advisory group?" Lin Yi paused for a moment, then frowned. "What does that mean?"

Huang Zurong sneered, placing the calipers on the table with a crisp sound: "Advisory group? They're probably here to act as overseers."

"A military supervisor?" Lin Yi asked, puzzled. "Why would the US military send a military supervisor?"

"Lin Yi, think about it." Huang Zurong stood up and walked to the map. "Why did Stilwell offer us such favorable terms? It wasn't just because of our combat capabilities, but also because he needed a force he could directly command. If we accepted the presence of the US military advisory group, it would mean that the US military could monitor our movements at any time and might even directly interfere with our command."

Lin Yi suddenly realized: "I see. But, Commander, if we don't accept the advisory group, will Stilwell take back these promises?"

"He won't," Huang Zurong said confidently. "Because he's the one begging us now. What we need to do is make them all feel that we're useful, but not completely control us."

"By accepting the US military's organization, we can obtain more equipment."

"Although we don't lack equipment for the time being and have a considerable amount of stock, the unit designation is indeed crucial. However, Stilwell wants a unit he can directly command. If I accept his conditions and lose command, what value do we have?"

"Tell Stilwell we want the unit number, but we must retain the power to appoint and dismiss personnel."

"Will they agree?" Lin Yi asked worriedly.

……

"Personnel appointment and dismissal power?" Stilwell slammed the telegram on the table.

"He's trying to bargain with me. Doesn't he know this is his only chance?"

"John, send another telegram. This time, I want him to understand that I won't concede command, but at the same time, I'll offer him an even greater incentive."

"General, what do you intend to give?"

"A regular division designation," Stilwell said firmly. "Tell him that if he's willing to accept full Allied command, I can give him a division designation—something unprecedented."

The adjutant gasped, "General, the division's designation? This... isn't this too risky?"

"Adventure?" Stilwell turned to look at him.

"I believe this will be the right decision."

"Moreover, a division designation means we can directly provide him with division-level material support, which is a huge temptation for him."

"Understood, I'll arrange it right away."

The telegram was sent quickly, and Huang Zurong received it again shortly afterward. He fell into deep thought as he read the contents of the telegram.

"A regular division number?" Huang Zurong looked at the telegram. "Stilwell is really going all out."

Lin Yi, sitting to the side, also looked surprised: "He's actually willing to give us a division designation? Regimental Commander, think about it. This is indeed a good offer; it means we're a regular main force."

Huang Zurong pondered for a moment: "Don't rush to agree, Yi. Stilwell won't give us such a big benefit for nothing; he definitely has something in mind."

"What's in it for him?"

"The power of discourse." Huang Zurong sneered. "His position on the Burma battlefield is awkward. Although nominally the Allied Chief of Staff, his actual power is limited. The British are reserved with him, and the forces in Shancheng are constantly hindering him. If we join his ranks, he will have his own elite troops and will be able to call the shots on the Burma battlefield."

"Wasn't there a troop going with them?" Lin Yi asked in surprise. "Wasn't Stilwell commanding the expeditionary force?"

"Do you think Shancheng can be incorporated into his forces so easily?" Huang Zurong sneered. "Do you think Baldy will let Stilwell completely control the expeditionary force? Every troop movement, every major decision, must be approved by Shancheng. Stilwell, as chief of staff, is a figurehead."

"Even those who followed the expeditionary force in the past, just wait, they will definitely send someone to take over."

"Stilwell could only ever be a puppet."

Lin Yi nodded: "So what are your plans?"

"Keep dragging it out," Huang Zurong thought for a moment.

The atmosphere in the war room of the mountain city was heavy.

He Jingzhi was holding a report, his face full of shock.

"The 18th Division's attack on Lashio has been blocked again?"

"How is this possible?"

The young Zhuge sitting opposite him also looked surprised.

"Dai Anlan's 200th Division suffered heavy losses, and the remaining defeated soldiers, plus a local militia, were actually able to hold off an attack by a Japanese division?" Little Zhuge shook his head. "This doesn't make sense."

He Jingzhi smiled wryly: "I also think it's impossible; the intelligence must be wrong."

"Should we verify this?" Little Zhuge suggested.

He Jingzhi thought for a moment: "Have the intelligence department verify this. If it's true, this unit needs to be monitored."

Soon, detailed intelligence was sent to the operations department. The combat performance of the Lashio garrison was described in detail: they destroyed many Japanese tanks and artillery positions using their homemade "gas cylinder cannons" and inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese army through night raids. These descriptions surprised the military and political leaders.

"Homemade artillery?" The bald man looked at the report, his brow furrowed. "Where did this equipment come from?"

He Jingzhi smiled wryly: "Chairman, according to intelligence, the commander of this security regiment is named Huang Zurong, a former overseas Chinese mechanic. His troops have many technically skilled personnel, and they may even manufacture their own weapons."

"Nanyang Overseas Chinese mechanics? Caravan drivers?" the bald man sneered. "Do these people even know how to fight?"

"Chairman," He Jingzhi continued his report, "this security regiment is indeed very strong. They not only held off an attack by a Japanese division, but also launched a night raid, inflicting heavy losses on the Japanese. According to our intelligence, the Japanese 18th Division has lost more than two thousand men, which is rare on the Burma battlefield."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "What's even more noteworthy is that General Stilwell is very interested in this unit and is trying to incorporate them."

The bald man's eyes lit up: "Stilwell wants to recruit them?"

"Yes." He Jingzhi nodded. "According to our intelligence, Stilwell has made multiple contacts with Huang Zurong, promising to provide regular brigade or even division-level units, as well as better equipment and supplies."

The bald man's expression changed.

He stood up and paced back and forth, his brow furrowed.

Stilwell's desire to incorporate this unit made him very uneasy.

If a powerful fighting force fell into Stilwell's hands, it would give him more influence on the Burma battlefield, which would definitely not be a good thing for him.

"No way!" the bald man slammed his fist on the table. "We can't let Stilwell get away with it."

He Jingzhi paused for a moment, then asked, "Chairman, what do you mean?"

"We'll incorporate this unit as well," the bald man said after a moment's thought, his eyes resolute. "We'll give them an army designation, better than Stilwell's terms."

He Jingzhi's eyes lit up: "Chairman, a military-level designation? That's quite a move."

"Of course." The bald man sneered. "If Stilwell can give us a divisional designation, we'll give us a corps-level designation. In any case, this unit must be under our control. We can't let Stilwell gain too much influence on the Burma front."

He Jingzhi nodded: "Understood, I'll make the arrangements right away."

The bald man then remembered something: "Also, have Du Yuming send a telegram to Dai Anlan, inquiring about the specific situation. If this unit truly has combat value, we should try to win them over."

"Understood." He Jingzhi responded and left.

……

"Commander, a telegram has also been sent from Shancheng." Huang Zurong had finally had a moment of peace, but then he received another telegram. This time, however, he was quite surprised, as he hadn't expected Shancheng to contact him on their own initiative.

"What? Mountain City?"

He took the telegram and read it carefully.

"A military unit designation?" Huang Zurong looked at the telegram. "Mountain City has really gone all out this time."

Lin Yi was even more dumbfounded: "Military-level designation?"

Huang Zurong pondered for a moment, his eyes deepening: "Interesting. Stilwell gave us a division-level designation, and Shancheng gave us a corps-level designation. Both sides want to incorporate us."

"So what are your plans?"

Huang Zurong sneered, "If I agree to either side now, it will displease the other. I won't rely on anyone but myself."

Lin Yi smiled wryly: "Your move is risky; you don't want to offend either side, but you also won't gain anything from either."

Huang Zurong turned around, his eyes resolute. "My goal is simple: win this battle. Everything else can wait until after it's over."

"Ayi, remember this: in this chaotic world, the only person you can rely on is yourself. Don't count on anyone, including Stilwell and Yamashiro. Only when you are strong enough will you have the right to choose."

"The reason they're trying to win us over now is precisely because we've demonstrated our value in united front work, isn't it?"

Lin Yi nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

"Commander, how should I reply to Stilwell and Yamashiro?" Lin Yi asked.

"Tell Stilwell," Huang Zurong thought for a moment, "I appreciate his kindness, but now is not the time to discuss unit designations. The most important thing is to hold Lashio. If the Allies have the resources, they can provide support, and I will thank him for that."

"What about the mountain town?"

"Tell Shancheng," Huang Zurong smiled, "I...but I'm just a security regiment commander, I don't dare to have a military-level designation."

……

Not long after, Huang Zurong's telegram appeared before Stilwell again. Looking at Huang Zurong's reply, Stilwell frowned.

He paced back and forth, then suddenly stopped: "John, arrange for C-47 transport planes to start airdropping supplies to Lashio tomorrow. Even if he hasn't accepted our designation yet, we should still provide him with support."

"General, this..." The adjutant hesitated for a moment, "Why should we provide him with support? He hasn't accepted our terms yet."

"This is the time to improve our image and show him our sincerity," Stilwell said after thinking for a moment.

"Moreover, if we provide him with support now, he will remember our goodwill, and perhaps after this war is over, he will be more likely to accept our terms."

The adjutant nodded: "Understood, I'll make the arrangements right away."

When Lin Yi appeared in front of Huang Zurong again.

"Is Stilwell going to send reinforcements?"

"Commander, you are truly remarkable. Everything was within your calculations," Lin Yi said, giving a thumbs up.

Huang Zurong nodded: "As expected. Stilwell isn't stupid. He naturally knows the importance of Lashio. There's a big difference between having it in our hands and having it in the hands of the Japanese."

"So, do we accept?"

"Of course we accept." Huang Zurong smiled. "Why wouldn't we? We need the supplies and ammunition, but remember, accepting support doesn't mean accepting his control. We accept the supplies, but not his command."

Lin Yi smiled wryly, "Commander, your move is truly brilliant. You've both taken advantage of him and avoided being controlled by him."

"That's called using someone else's strength against them," Huang Zurong patted Lin Yi on the shoulder. "In this chaotic world, you have to learn to utilize all available resources to survive."