The War of Resistance Against Japan: Starting with a Calm View of Life and Death

As Lü Chuankui spoke, his eyes flickered.

Wang Quan stepped forward and said sternly, "What else? Explain yourself!"

Lu Chuankui shuddered in fright and quickly said, "Also... yesterday morning before we set off, Feng Laoliu got drunk and bragged to us, saying... that the Japanese in Shuoxian County were making a big move and were going to transfer an elite squadron from the county town to Yuanping."

It seems something is going to pass through Yuanping, so they need to strengthen the security along the railway line to prevent... us from sabotaging it.

His exact words were, "The Imperial Army can't even attend to their main duties; they've dumped all the miscellaneous tasks on our security regiment." "Shuoxian County now has very few mobile troops besides the necessary garrison..."

"Going to Yuanping? What goes through Yuanping?" Zhou Jindong immediately grasped the key information and leaned forward slightly.

Lu Chuankui shook his head: "Feng Laoliu didn't say what exactly it was, and it seems he wasn't very clear either."

They just said... that the items were transported from the south, and they were quite important. They were equipment from the former arsenal in Taiyuan, originally intended for repairing the Taiyuan factory, but it seems they changed their minds and decided to move them north.

The Japanese are taking this very seriously. Not only are people being sent from Shuoxian County, but I've heard that people are being drawn from all the counties along the route...

Zhou Jindong and Wang Quan exchanged a glance, both seeing the light in each other's eyes.

Equipment from the Taiyuan Arsenal? This is strategic material! The Japanese want to take it away?

"Are you sure it's equipment from the Taiyuan Arsenal? Where is it going to be transported?" Zhou Jindong pressed.

Lu Chuankui tried hard to recall: "Feng Laoliu had drunk quite a bit at the time, and his words were incoherent. It seemed that... the machine tools of the arsenal in Taiyuan were lost, and the Japanese wanted to transport them out of Shanxi, via the Ping-Sui Railway to the area outside the Great Wall, or directly back to their country."

Yuanping was one of the essential railway transfer stations. He didn't know exactly when the supplies would be transported, but the Japanese troops in Shuoxian had received orders to send a company to Yuanping station to strengthen security within the next few days. They told our security regiment to hurry up and "procure the grain," or they would be in trouble.

They also said... they also said this was our chance to prove ourselves, and if we did a good job, the Imperial Army would give their security regiment a new batch of better guns...

The officer beside him, listening to Lü Chuankui's increasingly lengthy rant, grew increasingly grim and growled, "You spineless coward, Lü! How can you face your regimental commander, how can you face the Imperial Army?!"

"Shut up!" Wang Quan walked over and kicked him in the shoulder, sending him sprawling to the ground. "Your damn regimental commander is dead now, and you still call yourself the Imperial Army? Let me tell you, your Lieutenant Colonel Aota will be dealt with by us sooner or later!"

Zhou Jindong stood up, ignoring the officer who was still cursing.

The information provided by Lü Chuankui is of extraordinary value!

The equipment from the arsenal! This is a strategic resource!

The Japanese want to transport it away to undermine our war potential, and what our troops need most right now is machinery, equipment, and steel military industry!

He quickly calculated in his mind: the Japanese in Shuoxian were going to send a company to Yuanping... the Japanese forces in Yuanping would also be strengthened... but the transport train would inevitably pass through Yuanping County.

If we can find a suitable location, we can ambush them... disrupt their transport, or even steal the machines!

This idea is bold, but worth doing!

Having just won a major battle, their morale is high, and they have captured a large amount of ammunition, making them fully capable of carrying out a large-scale operation.

Moreover, the superior's order was "to handle the situation as it arises," which implies taking the initiative based on the circumstances.

"Communications officer!" Zhou Jindong shouted towards the outside of the courtyard.

The communications officer, who hadn't gone far, ran back upon hearing the noise: "Captain, what's wrong?"

"Has the person who went to report to the district committee departed?"

"They just left not long ago."

Zhou Jindong quickened his pace: "Immediately send another person on horseback to catch up with him! Tell them that this is an urgent military intelligence report. In addition to the original report, we have added one more thing: We have obtained important intelligence from the prisoners. The Japanese plan to transport some important machinery and equipment from the former Taiyuan Arsenal by rail. It may pass through Yuanping County in the near future. A company of Japanese troops from Shuoxian County will go to Yuanping to strengthen the guard."

Request instructions from higher authorities on whether to seek an opportunity to sabotage or seize the enemy's transport train.

Additionally, inquire with higher authorities whether any fraternal units from Wutai County or the Jin-Cha-Ji Military Region are operating near Yuanping, and whether there is any possibility of coordinated operations.

After saying that, he whispered to Wang Quan beside him, "Find a way to apply to the district committee or the main force to get us a radio station as soon as possible. Sending messages on horseback is too slow, and it would be troublesome if it caused a delay."

Wang Quan nodded: "Yes, I'll think of something. I asked the district committee last time, and they were also trying to find a way, but we're just a county brigade after all, so we're not on the waiting list. Now that we've won the battle and captured a lot of things, if we apply again, maybe there'll be hope."

"The sooner the better!" Zhou Jindong emphasized. "The intelligence we have now is more valuable than one or two machine guns."

After making these arrangements, Zhou Jindong took a deep breath to calm himself down.

Things had to be done one at a time. He instructed Wang Quan to continue interrogating the other puppet army officers, trying to extract every useful piece of information from their minds, while he left the courtyard to discuss matters with Wang Yuan.

Wang Yuan was still leading his team at the town entrance.

The hundreds of prisoners were temporarily held in an abandoned brick kiln outside Dongzhai Town, guarded by two companies that had just been replenished with new equipment.

The remains of the fallen soldiers have been properly laid to rest, and the wounded have received medical treatment.

The captured weapons and ammunition have been inventoried, sealed, and stored in the warehouse. Just that many firearms and bullets will keep the county brigade busy for a while.

Upon hearing the news from Zhou Jindong, Wang Yuan frowned: "The machinery and equipment in Taiyuan? This is a major issue! If the Japanese take even one piece, our arsenals will be short of something to make guns and bullets! We have to find a way!"

"That's the same idea of ​​mine." Zhou Jindong squatted down and roughly drew on the ground with a twig. "Go north from Taiyuan, pass Yuanping and continue north to Datong, then leave Shanxi. Yuanping is a necessary route."

Moreover, according to Lü Chuankui, the time when they need to strengthen vigilance is "in the next few days," which means that the transportation is likely to take place in the next day or two.

Our troops are now combat-ready, well-equipped with ammunition, and familiar with the terrain. If we receive support from higher command, we are confident we can launch an ambush!

Wang Yuan pondered for a moment and said, "We definitely have to fight. But Dongzi, have you thought about this? The Japanese are carrying out such an important transport operation, so their protection forces will definitely not be weak."

There will definitely be layers of security along the way, and it's possible that more than just Shuoxian County will be involved in the recruitment.

Our county brigade can only muster about seven or eight hundred men for actual combat. They might be able to handle a company of Japanese soldiers, but with the garrison in Yuanping itself and the escorting troops, we probably won't be able to take them down. The risk is too great.”

Zhou Jindong nodded: "That's why I immediately had someone report to our superiors. We really can't do it on our own, but if our superiors coordinate and we have the main force to cooperate, then it's a different story."

As far as I know, there are troops from our 129th Division operating near Wutai Mountain, not far from Yuanping. I remember their area of ​​operation was close to the border between Wutai and Yuanping.

"You want to fight alongside the main force?"

"Yes. We provide accurate intelligence and coordinate with the main force. We are familiar with the terrain and have..." Zhou Jindong's eyes lit up as he spoke, and an even bolder idea popped into his mind.

But he didn't say it aloud for the time being. "How exactly to fight depends on orders from our superiors and plans from our brother units. We'll prepare ourselves. Regardless of whether our superiors allow us to participate or not, we definitely have to go to Yuanping County! At least we need to get a clear picture of the situation."

As the two were talking, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from the town entrance.

The soldier who had just been sent to chase the first messenger galloped back on horseback. He rushed to Zhou Jindong and Wang Yuan, dismounted, and panted, "Reporting, Captain, Political Commissar! We've caught up! I've already delivered the urgent supplementary military intelligence report to the comrade who went to the district! He told me to come back first to let him know, and to stay put, strengthen reconnaissance, and await further instructions from higher command!"

"Okay! Go get some rest." Zhou Jindong waved his hand, feeling slightly relieved. The message had finally been sent; now it was just a matter of waiting.

However, the waiting time was much shorter than he had expected.

The following evening, the messenger sent to the district committee rode a fast horse back to Dongzhai Town, covered in dust.

He didn't come back alone; he brought someone with him, a special envoy sent by the district committee, who also rode a horse.

Upon arriving at the headquarters, the special envoy, without even taking a sip of water, pulled a document from his briefcase and handed it to Zhou Jindong and Wang Yuan, his expression grave: "Captain Zhou, Political Commissar Wang! This is an emergency order jointly signed by the district committee and the military sub-district!"

Zhou Jindong and Wang Yuan quickly stood at attention, took the documents, and unfolded them.

The handwriting on the letter was messy and unrestrained.

"To Comrades Zhou Jindong and Wang Yuan of Ningwu County Brigade: I have read your report regarding the Japanese invaders' plan to transport equipment from the former Taiyuan Arsenal out of Shanxi. The situation is urgent and of great importance."

After emergency communication and coordination with the Wutaishan Anti-Japanese Base Area and the 129th Division Headquarters, it has now been confirmed that this intelligence is basically true.

The Japanese planned to transport some of the key machine tools and power equipment dismantled from the Taiyuan Arsenal northward via the North Tongpu Railway, departing from Taiyuan Station on a special military train. The final destination was likely Northeast China or Korea.

The special train is scheduled to pass through the Dashahe Railway Bridge and nearby dangerous sections within Yuanping County two days later, either on the night of the 20th or the early morning of the 21st.

To ensure the safety of the special train, the Japanese army in Shuoxian County has dispatched a reinforced company to Yuanping Station to strengthen its defenses.

The Japanese garrison in Yuanping has also entered a state of highest alert. Following a decision from higher command: the Ningwu County Brigade, led by Comrade Zhou Jindong, will be a force of elite troops, carrying necessary equipment, to immediately depart and secretly infiltrate the Xiaowangzhuang area southeast of Yuanping County to join forces with the main force of the 771st Regiment of the 129th Division.

In coordination with the 771st Regiment, you will carry out the mission of ambushing a Japanese transport train. This operation will be primarily led by the 771st Regiment. Your unit must obey the command of the 771st Regiment and make full use of our familiarity with the local terrain to complete the harassment, blocking, and guard duties.

The core objective of the mission is to intercept and destroy the transport train at all costs, and to destroy or seize as much of the transported machinery and equipment as possible!

Under no circumstances should the enemy be allowed to transport this equipment out of Shanxi! The situation is urgent; act immediately upon receiving this order without delay!

The CPC Ningwu District Committee and the Jin-Northwest Military Sub-district, immediately.

After reading the order, Zhou Jindong and Wang Yuan exchanged a glance, both seeing the excitement and solemnity in each other's eyes.

The higher command not only fully supports the operation, but has also coordinated with the main force!

The order was issued faster than they had anticipated.

But this also means that action is imminent!

The special envoy wiped the sweat from his brow and continued, "The 771st Regiment has received orders, and their vanguard should already be moving towards Yuanping."

"Your superiors have ordered you to select key personnel, travel light, carry sufficient ammunition, especially explosives, and depart before midnight tonight, arriving at the Xiaowangzhuang rendezvous point before dawn tomorrow. Xiaowangzhuang is a guerrilla zone; our comrades will be there to meet you. Remember, you are under the command of Regiment Commander Wang Jianguo of the 771st Regiment."

Wang Yuan looked at Zhou Jindong.

Zhou Jindong decisively asked, "Do you have more detailed intelligence or operational plans from Commander Wang of the 771st Regiment? For example, where exactly will they ambush us, what tactics will they use, and what specific tasks will my unit undertake?"

The special envoy shook his head: "Time is too tight, and the order was given hastily. A detailed plan needs to be deployed by Commander Wang personally after you all meet up."

I only know the general objective: to sabotage the railway bridge or create disturbances on or under the bridge to force the train to stop before launching a full-scale assault.

Upon hearing the last sentence, Zhou Jindong's heart stirred.

Take a gamble, and your motorcycle could become a car!

His previous vague idea became clear at this moment.

After seeing off the special envoy, Zhou Jindong immediately called several squadron leaders from the county brigade to the brigade headquarters for a meeting, including Wang Quan, Zhang Fang, Liu Rengui, and Liu Heiqi.

Because the situation has been very good recently, the county brigade has begun to form the sixth squadron.

The position of company commander is temporarily vacant and is being filled by a senior platoon leader.

Zhou Jindong read the superior's order to everyone word by word, and then said, "That's the situation. The superiors have ordered us to go to Yuanping to cooperate with the 771st Regiment in attacking a Japanese transport train. The order is urgent; we have to leave tonight. Let's discuss how to get there, who should go, and how many people to take."

The company commanders immediately perked up, rubbing their hands together in anticipation. They had just won a great victory, capturing so much spoils—they hadn't had enough yet! And now another battle was about to begin!

"I'll lead the team!" Wang Quan was the first to stand up. "The Second Company is the fist of our county brigade; they're no slouch in battle!"

Zhang Fang chimed in, "Dongzi, bring my whole squadron! We didn't get enough of blocking the pass last time!"

Liu Rengui and Liu Heiqi also vied to lead the team.

Zhou Jindong gestured for them to be quiet: "You all want to go? But you need to have family members back home. This operation is quite large; the 771st Regiment is the main force. They have more men and better equipment than us. We must go all out and absolutely cannot let down the prestige our county brigade has worked so hard to achieve!"

His gaze swept over the several company commanders, and he continued, "This time, it's not an ambush against unprepared puppet troops; it's a battle against the regular Japanese army, and possibly a heavily guarded transport train. So, we're going to have to pull out all the stops and go all out!"

He pointed to the direction of Yuanping County on the map: "This time we are going to make a long-distance raid and go deep into the heart of the area controlled by the Japanese and their puppet troops. The mission is very risky."

I'm taking four companies with me. Companies one, two, three, and four, come with me. Company five, led by Political Commissar Wang Yuan, will stay behind in Dongzhai Town to ensure the safety of the base area.

The newly formed Sixth Company, led by Acting Platoon Leader Zhao Mantun, also stayed behind to assist the Political Commissar in defense work.

Does anyone have any objections to this arrangement?

Wang Yuan nodded: "Dongzi is right. However, now that we have a large and successful business, we can't put all our eggs in one basket. I have enough manpower here to hold the line. This time, you're going to fight tough and dangerous battles, so you must ensure the mobility and secrecy of your operations."

Seeing that the captain and political commissar had set the tone, the company commanders stopped arguing.

Liu Heiqi slapped his thigh: "Alright, Captain, you're in charge! When has my Fourth Company ever let us down? We'll keep up!"