Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 87 Tang Ming's Visit

A few days after the militia's operation to seize the Japanese soldiers' medicine, Tang Ming, along with several Sichuan Army officers and a guard of more than 10 men, stealthily made his way to Tangjia Town.

"Tangjia Town really hasn't changed at all over the years." Tang Ming looked at Tangjia Town in front of him and couldn't help but recall the days when he came here to play as a child.

Time flies, and it has been a very long time since I last came to Tangjia Town.

"Oh, Director Tang seems to know this place very well?" Zhang Haoshan asked with a hint of curiosity.

"I lived here for a while when I was a child, but I haven't been here for a long time and I have no memory of it. The only thing I remember is the little yellow dog that always came to me for food," Tang Ming said to Zhang Haoshan, who was about to take office as the deputy leader of the Anti-Japanese Independent Militia.

"But so many years have passed, and I've gone from a kid with graying temples to a middle-aged man. Returning to this place brings a unique feeling," Tang Ming said with a smile.

"After Director Tang said that, I'm starting to miss the chili peppers from my hometown," Zhang Haoshan said with emotion.

"Why doesn't Deputy Commander Zhang take this opportunity to go back to his hometown in Sichuan before coming back?"

"Director Tang is joking. From the moment I left my hometown, I made a promise to the people of Sichuan: if we do not eliminate the Japanese pirates, we will not have the face to go back and face our people."

When Zhang Haoshan thought of the people in Sichuan who had sacrificed their own money to support the war effort, he felt a pang of sorrow.

"Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang has guts. If all our soldiers were like Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang, how could we not drive the Japanese devils out of China?" Tang Ming said with emotion.

"Let's not talk about this, Director Tang. It's more important to complete our mission first," Zhang Haoshan said.

"Haha, it seems Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang is eager to get into battle as soon as possible. Alright, let's go then," Tang Ming said.

"The Tang residence is just along this main road, and you'll reach it at the end." Tang Ming led the group toward Tang Weiguo's hometown.

When this group of strangers appeared in Tangjia Town, they were already spotted by the intelligence agents, who immediately ran to the Tang residence to report to their former employer.

"Old steward, a group of out-of-towners are heading towards the Tang family's house."

"Alright, I understand," the old butler said calmly.

Before long, Tang Ming led his men to the entrance of the Tang residence.

"Excuse me, is the housekeeper at the Tang residence here?" Tang Ming asked.

"Guest, please wait a moment, I'll inform them right away." The guard at the door hurriedly ran into the Tang residence.

The young guard had only run a short distance when he saw the old steward approaching.

"Who is it? What brings you to my Tang residence today?" the old butler asked.

Although the old butler looked a bit old, Tang Ming could still vaguely make out what the old butler looked like in his youth. He quickly said, "Brother Tang, it's me, Tang Ming." Tang Ming said excitedly.

"Tang Ming?" Upon hearing Tang Ming's words, the old butler looked at the person in front of him more carefully, and a young face appeared in his mind.

"Tang Ming, is it really you? We haven't seen each other for so many years, I almost didn't recognize you!" the old butler said with surprise.

"The last time I contacted you, it was to ask you to help me with the militia matters for my young master. Luckily, you're in the military, otherwise I wouldn't know who to turn to," the old butler said.

"Brother Tang, look how polite you are to me. How could I not help you with your brother's matter?" Tang Ming said.

"Come, come, please come in quickly." The old butler beckoned Tang Ming inside.

"Tang Ming, who are these people behind you?" the old butler asked.

“One squad of soldiers protected me, and the others were officers assigned to the militia.”

"Speaking of which, I have some good news to tell you. Tang Weiguo, the young master of the Tang family, has made something of himself. The higher-ups were very pleased to learn that he had wiped out a Japanese army train. After learning about my connection with him, the higher-ups asked me to spread the good news to him."

"What good news?" the old butler asked with concern for Tang Weiguo.

"From now on, our militia will be officially organized. The higher-ups will change the Tang Family Militia to the Anti-Japanese Independent Militia, officially making it a regular army unit, with Tang Weiguo as the colonel commander," Tang Ming said with a grin.

"What's that colonel?" the old butler asked.

"One more promotion and you'll be a general," Tang Ming said with a smile.

"Haha, I never expected the Tang family to produce a general. It's truly thanks to the old master's blessing." The old steward bowed in the direction of the ancestral hall.

"Quickly tell Tang Weiguo to come home. We have important guests." The old butler hurriedly urged the young guard at the door.

"Yes, old butler."

"Haha, I'm getting old, I've forgotten the most important things. Please, everyone, have a seat." The old butler greeted them.

"However, Aunt Tang thoughtfully offered everyone a cup of tea."

Tang Ming then chatted with the old housekeeper about everyday matters.

Meanwhile, Tang Weiguo received a message from home saying that a distinguished guest had arrived, which made him quite curious.

However, since it was the old butler who spoke, Tang Weiguo stopped thinking about it and returned to the Tang residence with Tang Xiaohu.

As soon as Tang Weiguo returned to the Tang residence, he heard the old butler laughing heartily in the lobby, and knew that this person must be an old acquaintance of the old butler.

When Tang Weiguo entered the lobby, he was surprised to find Tang Ming had come to the Tang residence. Considering Tang Ming's relationship with the old butler, Tang Weiguo wasn't surprised. He just wondered what else Tang Ming wanted to see the old butler about.

"Weiguo, you're here! I have some good news, quickly tell your Uncle Tang to tell you." As soon as the old butler saw Tang Weiguo arrive, he hurriedly spoke to him.

This time, Tang Weiguo was a little puzzled. What good news was there?

"Nephew Tang, congratulations in advance!" Tang Ming said with a smile as he stood up.

"Uncle Tang, welcome to my Tang family. Please forgive me for not welcoming you properly."

"I wonder what kind of happy event Uncle Tang is referring to? I'm very curious to know," Tang Weiguo asked.

"Congratulations, Nephew Tang, on becoming a regular soldier. The higher-ups have learned that you attacked the Japanese military train and made the Japanese suffer a great loss. This has brought honor to the Chinese people."

"Therefore, in order to better support you in fighting the Japanese, the higher command has specially incorporated you into the regular army system. Your official designation is the Anti-Japanese Independent Militia, and you are directly under the command of the Second War Zone Headquarters."

“Nephew, you can be promoted to colonel and regimental commander because of your military achievements,” Tang Ming introduced.

"???? Rising from my deathbed, I found myself in the Nationalist army." Tang Weiguo never imagined that he would one day become a member of the Nationalist army after hearing Tang Ming's words.

"Uncle Tang, what merit do I have to become a brave soldier of our National Army? I just want to lead my militia to protect the peace of this area."

"Haha, Nephew Tang, you're too modest. Since it was Commander Yan of the Theater Command who personally gave you the appointment, it shows how much Commander Yan values ​​you."

"Hehehe, valuing me, using me is more like it." Tang Weiguo's mind raced for a moment.