Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 88 War Zone Appointment

"Nephew Tang, this is a letter of appointment personally applied for by Commander Yan, which shows that you are favored by the Emperor. If you become successful in the future, don't forget your Uncle Tang." Tang Ming said with a smile, and handed the letter of appointment he took out of his bag to Tang Weiguo.

"When you drink water, you must remember the well-digger. I will never forget Uncle Tang's help before."

"Since Commander Yan of the war zone appreciates me so much, I am truly flattered. Since Uncle Tang has said so, it would be a shame not to accept."

"Uncle Tang, I accept this letter of appointment. From now on, I am a member of the Jin-Sui Army. I will have to rely on Uncle Tang for help in the future. As the saying goes, it is good to have a big tree to lean on. Uncle Tang is the big tree that I can lean on."

Upon hearing Tang Ming's words, Tang Weiguo knew that he had no choice but to accept the appointment letter, since the National Government was still in power. Although Tang Weiguo was currently behind enemy lines and the Jin-Sui Army couldn't reach him for the time being, it was still easy for them to make things difficult for him.

After some thought, Tang Weiguo decided to accept the appointment. Firstly, he couldn't refuse, and secondly, he wanted to use this opportunity to leverage the resources of the Jin-Sui Army to develop and strengthen his own militia.

Only when the militia has more weapons and stronger personnel can Tang Weiguo stand tall and speak with authority.

For now, he'll just obediently remain a small fry and develop his strength stealthily.

"No problem, no problem. Let's work together from now on," Tang Ming said with a smile after seeing Tang Weiguo accept the letter of appointment.

Tang Ming was willing to help Tang Weiguo, and he knew that helping Tang Weiguo wouldn't be in vain.

“Come on, nephew Tang, since it’s just the two of us talking, let me introduce you to the men next to me. These are officers from the war zone who are supporting your militia,” Tang Ming continued.

"This is Zhang Haotian, who will be the deputy commander of the Independent Anti-Japanese Militia from now on." Tang Ming pointed to a middle-aged man standing next to him, who had a short beard and a standard square face.

"Commander Tang, hello. I'm Zhang Haotian, from Leshan, Sichuan. I'll be working with you from now on," Zhang Haotian said proactively. After all, his appointment letter stated that he was the deputy commander, a position slightly lower than Tang Weiguo.

"Welcome, Deputy Commander Zhang, to our Anti-Japanese Independent Militia. I hope you won't find my small militia inadequate," Tang Weiguo said modestly.

"I heard from Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang that he is from Sichuan. So, Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang was originally from the Sichuan Corps?" Tang Weiguo asked.

“That’s right. All of us officers are from the Sichuan Army. Since the last Battle of Taiyuan, our unit was scattered, and we’ve been temporarily waiting for orders in the Jin-Sui Army these past few days,” Zhang Haotian answered truthfully.

"Sichuan Army, what a coincidence! My militia happens to have more than 200 soldiers from Sichuan, who are fellow villagers of Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang."

"Really? That's wonderful!" Zhang Haotian exclaimed in delight.

"After Deputy Commander Zhang arrives at the militia's headquarters, I will introduce them to you all," Tang Weiguo said.

"That's great!" Zhang Haotian said with a smile.

"Speaking of the Sichuan Army, they were brave warriors in the War of Resistance against Japan. I, Tang Weiguo, admire them greatly." Tang Weiguo changed the subject and began to praise them.

"However, we were repeatedly defeated by the Japanese devils, which is a disgrace to our hometown and its people." Zhang Haotian lowered his head.

"Compared to our army, Commander Tang, I have heard a lot about the achievements of our militia. A team that we built ourselves dared to rob a Japanese military train. I, Zhang, am truly impressed."

"Moreover, I never expected that Commander Tang would be so young and have such a great career behind enemy lines. I am ashamed of myself. If you ask me, Commander Tang is truly a modern-day Huo Qubing."

When Tang Weiguo first entered, Zhang Haotian assumed he was the militia leader's bodyguard. However, upon hearing the steward greet him, Zhang Haotian realized the young man was actually the militia leader, and he was quite surprised. The leader of the Anti-Japanese Independent Militia was so young! Now a colonel, a major general was just around the corner!

"Vice Commander Zhang is too kind. We will need your guidance in the future development of the militia," Tang Weiguo replied with a smile.

"I dare not offer any guidance in front of the regimental commander. I will communicate with him more in the future."

"Haha, I'm telling you two, stop praising each other. It gives me goosebumps. You can start praising each other after I leave," Tang Ming interjected.

"Let me explain about the others first," Tang Ming continued.

"This is Sun Lianquan, who will be the militia's staff officer in the future."

"Hello, Commander Tang, this is Sun Lianquan reporting for duty."

"Alright, welcome to the militia."

"Wu Si'er, from now on, will be the militia's communications officer."

"Hello, Commander Tang, this is Wu Si'er reporting for duty."

"Alright, welcome to the militia."

"This is"

In no time, Tang Ming had finished introducing the officers who had come to join the militia; there were five of them in total.

"On behalf of all the soldiers of the militia, I welcome you all to join the militia. I believe that with everyone's efforts, the militia will definitely have a better future," Tang Weiguo said to everyone.

"Commander Tang, I, Zhang Haotian, along with the officers of the newly joined militia, declare that we will resolutely obey Commander Tang's orders," Zhang Haotian said loudly.

"Alright, I believe that under Commander Tang's leadership, everyone here will be able to take the militia to the next level. Let's give them a round of applause." After saying that, Tang Ming led the applause.

"Slap, slap, slap, slap, slap."

"Thank you all," Tang Weiguo said, cupping his hands in thanks.

"It's almost noon now, so let's prepare a welcome lunch for everyone."

"Uncle Tang, please ask everyone to prepare lunch."

"I already told the kitchen to cook a few extra dishes for lunch today," the old housekeeper said with a smile.

"Tang Ming, knowing you love fish, I specially asked the kitchen to buy some fresh fish."

"Brother Tang is still the one who takes good care of me. I have to have a couple of drinks with you at noon today," Tang Ming said happily.

Soon after, Aunt Tang brought up the food that had been prepared in the kitchen.

"Come, come, welcome everyone to the militia. I'd like to toast you all with this glass." Tang Weiguo raised his glass and toasted Zhang Haotian and his group, while Tang Ming had already pulled the old butler aside to drink in a corner, not participating in Zhang Haotian's affairs.

"Thank you, Commander Tang. On behalf of this newcomer, I'll drink this toast." Zhang Haotian picked up his glass and downed it in one gulp.

The reception luncheon quickly came to an end amidst clinking glasses and toasts. Since it was daytime, everyone refrained from drinking too much alcohol. After the meal, Tang Weiguo personally arranged rooms for Zhang Haotian and the others to rest.

After Tang Weiguo finished arranging these matters, he was called into the room by Tang Ming.