Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 109 The New Plan

At the Independent Regiment's camp, Li Yunfei was sitting on the kang (a heated brick bed) with Political Commissar Zhao, who was sitting cross-legged.

"Political Commissar, this Japanese beef canned food smells so good!" Li Yunfei scooped up a mouthful with his chopsticks and stuffed it into his mouth.

"Thank you for the Japanese's generosity. The grain transported by the Japanese transport team that we ambushed the day before yesterday is enough for our Independent Regiment to have a good New Year," Political Commissar Zhao said.

"The only regret is the lack of weapons. If there were a hundred or so Type 38 rifles inside, that would be wonderful," Li Yunfei said with a smile.

"Hey Lao Li, you're like someone who's eating what's in their bowl while eyeing what's in the pot. It's already pretty good that you've captured so many supplies. These days, the Japanese are very cautious," Political Commissar Zhao continued.

"No, we still need to figure out a way to take down those Japanese devils before the New Year." Li Yunfei was still thinking about where to get rid of the Japanese.

"Regiment Commander Tang and his men haven't made any moves lately. If they were up to something, we'd be happy to cooperate with them. Those militia guys are terrifyingly strong in battle. I wonder how Commander Tang managed to build such a force."

Since the last joint operation, Li Yunfei had tasted success and was always looking forward to another joint operation with the local militia to beat the Japanese again.

"The problem is that they've joined the Jin-Sui Army now, so we can't cooperate openly like before," Li Yunfei sighed.

"Opportunities will come in the future, after all, we've already formed a defensive alliance in private," Political Commissar Zhao said.

"However, on the other hand, the wounded soldiers we brought back from the militia will be almost fully recovered after a period of rest. The militia's food is really good; they've fattened up our Independent Regiment's wounded soldiers quite a bit these past few days," Political Commissar Zhao said with a smile.

"Old Li, after the New Year, once our wounded soldiers have recovered, let these veterans mentor the new recruits. Their experience of crawling out of piles of dead bodies is something that must be passed down."

"Yes, Political Commissar, these veterans are our regiment's most valuable asset."

"Our unit has expanded too quickly recently, from more than 500 people to more than 2000 people now. The proportion of veterans is too low, and we need to intensify training," Political Commissar Zhao said.

"Political Commissar, there's no need to worry too much about these new recruits. Most of them were drawn from district squads and village militias, so they have some combat experience, but they haven't been on the battlefield yet."

"Besides, our Independent Regiment's weapons are not weak now. When I first came to the Independent Regiment, we had nothing. We even treasured a light machine gun. Look at us now, we have several Type 92 heavy machine guns, and I've even established a mortar company."

"So don't be fooled by the fact that most of our Independent Regiment are new recruits now. When it comes to actual combat, we are much stronger than before. Besides, didn't all the veterans start as new recruits?" Li Yunfei said with some pride.

"However, I still maintain the same advice: we must not be careless. We must train more in peacetime so that we bleed less in wartime," Political Commissar Zhao instructed.

"Political Commissar, don't worry, I'll definitely train those little rascals well and make sure they're trained properly. Otherwise, they won't deserve such delicious canned beef. Come on, Political Commissar, have a few more bites and enjoy this fancy treat." As he spoke, Li Yunfei served Political Commissar Zhao a large chopstickful of meat.

Just as Li Yunfei and his companion were enjoying their hot meal, the communications soldier outside ran over to report.

"Reporting to the commander, an urgent telegram from the militia."

"Oh, it seems my mouth is blessed; speak of the devil and he appears," Li Yunfei said to Political Commissar Zhao with a smile.

"You can go now," Political Commissar Zhao said after taking the telegram.

"Yes, Political Commissar." The communications soldier turned and left the room.

"Political Commissar, what did Commander Tang say?" Li Yunfei asked with concern.

"Commander Tang said he hopes we can cooperate with their militia to attack the Japanese strongholds, and all the weapons and equipment at the strongholds will be handed over to us for distribution," Political Commissar Zhao read aloud.

"Finally, there's a war to fight. I've been so bored lately."

"To be honest, Commander Tang is really damn generous. He just gave away supplies for an entire outpost without hesitation," Li Yunfei said excitedly upon hearing this.

"Hey, I do find it a bit strange. I vaguely remember the Hekou stronghold; it's almost 200 li away from us. Why is Commander Tang suddenly attacking this stronghold? Besides, it's just a small stronghold; it doesn't need our assistance, does it?"

"Dapeng, bring the map over here," Li Yunfei called out to the door.

"Monks, come over here and help pack your things," Political Commissar Zhao called out to the door.

"Yes."

"Yes."

The monk outside came in and skillfully tidied up the things on the table on the kang (a heated brick bed). There were only a few things: two empty bowls, an empty can of beef, and an empty plate for serving vegetables.

The monk went out, and Dapeng came in and said.

"Commander, here you go."

"Okay." Li Yunfei took the map and located the river mouth.

"Political Commissar, look, the Hekou outpost is here, and Wolong Mountain is here. This highway will take you directly from the Hekou outpost to here, with the Sanjiaji outpost in between."

"Old Li, it's strange. Why did the militia ignore the nearby Sanjiaji and instead attack a river mouth stronghold from afar?" Political Commissar Zhao asked, puzzled.

“Unless there are targets around the river mouth stronghold, forcing them to eliminate it,” Political Commissar Zhao added.

“There’s only Qingyun County near the Hekou outpost. They can’t possibly attack Qingyun County, that’s unrealistic,” Li Yunfei speculated.

"Qingyun County, Xiaoqingshan," Political Commissar Zhao murmured to himself, when suddenly an idea popped into his head.

"Commander, I understand. They're planning to take action at the Xiaoqingshan coal mine," Political Commissar Zhao shouted to Li Yunfei.

"Attack the mine? That's possible, but attacking a mine doesn't require going through the extra trouble of taking down the river mouth stronghold."

"Unless they've set their sights on the mine's equipment and need to transport it by vehicle instead of by mountain road," Political Commissar Zhao speculated.

"It seems to be just as Political Commissar Zhao said. But this Regiment Commander Tang is really not fair. He didn't even invite our Independent Regiment to join him in attacking the mine," Li Yunfei complained.

“Old Li, Commander Tang is thinking of us. In the last joint operation, our Independent Regiment suffered more casualties than their militia,” Political Commissar Zhao explained.

"It seems I misunderstood Commander Tang's good intentions. I doubt Commander Tang would have imagined that our Independent Regiment is quite large," Li Yunfei said apologetically.

“In that case, Political Commissar, look, the county town is only 30 li away from Xiaoqingshan. Once Commander Tang attacks the Xiaoqingshan mine, the Japanese in the county town will definitely come to our aid.”

"So, Political Commissar, how about this? Since we've been asked to assist them in attacking the Japanese stronghold at Hekou, how about we besiege the stronghold and attack the reinforcements?"

"Use the river mouth stronghold to draw the Japanese reinforcements from the county town. According to the Japanese's usual practice, the county town can only provide support for a maximum of two companies of Japanese soldiers. Our Independent Regiment is now strong enough to take down two companies of Japanese soldiers."

"In this way, we'll wear down the Japanese in the county town first. When Commander Tang and his men attack Xiaoqingshan Coal Mine again, the Japanese in the county town probably won't dare to make any big moves."

“This way, we can both expand the gains of our Independent Regiment and help the militia. Why not do it?” Li Yunfei said.

"Commander, isn't it too dangerous for our Independent Regiment to ambush two companies of Japanese soldiers right now?" Political Commissar Zhao asked cautiously.

"Don't worry, with the militia supporting us, we'll definitely be fine," Li Yunfei said confidently.

"In that case, let's first report our idea to Commander Tang and see if he and the others agree."

"Don't worry, Political Commissar, Commander Tang will definitely agree."

“Okay, then I’ll organize the battle plan and send it to Commander Tang,” Political Commissar Zhao said.

"Okay, send it over and we'll reply to Commander Tang."