Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 83 Prepare for Action

A short while later, Tang Ming heard a knock on the door. He hurriedly got up to open it and knew without a doubt that Staff Officer Chu had come over.

Tang Ming opened the door and, sure enough, it was Staff Officer Chu. He greeted him warmly:

"Officer Chu, it's been a long time. What brings you here? It's an honor to have you here."

"Director Tang, I don't come here unless I have a reason. I've called you here today to discuss something," Staff Officer Chu said.

"Oh, please come in, please come in, let's sit down and chat."

After speaking, Tang Ming invited Staff Officer Chu into his room. Once Staff Officer Chu was seated, Tang Ming poured him a cup of tea that had already been brewed.

"Officer Chu, please try this. It's top-quality Biluochun tea. I usually can't bear to drink it," Tang Ming said, feigning concern.

"Then I'll have something to eat today." After saying that, Staff Officer Chu picked up his teacup, took a sip, and tasted it.

"Yes, it's excellent tea. Director Tang is very thoughtful."

"I'm glad that Staff Officer Chu is satisfied. I just don't know why Staff Officer Chu wanted to see me?"

"Nothing special, I just need you to run an errand for me." Tang Ming was even more confused after hearing what Staff Officer Chu said. From the moment Staff Officer Chu asked him for help, he had been trying to figure out what Staff Officer Chu wanted from him.

"Please explain further, Staff Officer Chu. I am filled with doubts," Tang Ming asked.

"You still remember that militia in Tangjia Town, right?" Staff Officer Chu said with a smile, staring at Tang Ming.

"Yes, I know. I personally helped with the procedures."

"This militia has recently caused quite a stir, attacking a Japanese military train and inflicting considerable losses on the Japanese."

"??? Really?" This time it was Tang Ming's turn to be shocked. He hadn't expected that young man to be so fierce.

"Really, Commander Yan is very pleased and has decided to appoint the Tangjia Town militia as an independent anti-Japanese militia. The commander is a colonel. Oh, what's their commander's name?"

"Tang Weiguo".

"So this time, I'll have to trouble Brother Tang to make a trip and announce the appointment to Tang Weiguo—a colonel and regimental commander. That's a very promising position. I'm sure with Brother Tang's connections, Tang Weiguo will be very happy to join the regular army." Staff Officer Chu couldn't help but try to get closer to Tang Ming.

"So that's what happened. I'll take care of this. I never thought that my simple act of helping back then would lead to the formation of such a team that dares to fight the Japanese. I, Tang Ming, am truly proud."

"Relax and entrust this task to me, Staff Officer Chu. I guarantee I will complete it." Tang Ming agreed on the spot.

In fact, Tang Ming had his own reasons for agreeing. He had originally planned to contact Tang Weiguo and introduce him to Staff Officer Wang's arms business. He just wanted to take this opportunity to finalize the deal.

He could work and earn money at the same time—perfect. Tang Ming thought to himself with secret pride.

However, to his surprise, his nephew Tang Weiguo was so fierce that he dared to lead the militia to fight the Japanese. This was completely unexpected for Tang Ming, who had thought that Tang Ming had formed the militia only to protect his family property.

Although joining the official organization was a good thing, Tang Ming, a seasoned veteran, saw through Commander Yan's intentions immediately. He simply wanted to bring their militia under his control and use them as a spies in the enemy-occupied territory to complete his superiors' orders.

A few days ago, Tang Ming learned that their 30th Army had sent a team to enemy-occupied territory, but within a week they were surrounded and wiped out by the Japanese. Their army commander was scolded by Commander Yan.

Thinking of this, Tang Ming decided he must remind Tang Weiguo not to be fooled by his superiors and end up counting money for them. In that instant, Tang Ming's mind raced with thoughts, unknown to Staff Officer Chu. Then, Tang Ming heard Staff Officer Chu say:

"With Brother Tang's words, I can rest assured. However, there is one thing I need to remind Brother Tang of."

"Oh, what is it? Staff Officer Chu, please speak."

"We must make sure they don't have any contact with the Eighth Route Army. Even though it's a period of cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party now, the higher-ups are still very vigilant," Staff Officer Chu explained.

"I'll remind him of that." Tang Ming sighed inwardly. Although the Kuomintang and the Communist Party cooperated in the war against Japan, their ulterior motives had never ceased. Putting aside past grievances and fighting together... Tang Ming couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.

"Very good." Staff Officer Chu nodded in satisfaction.

"When should I leave? I need to arrange my work in advance," Tang Ming asked.

"The day after tomorrow. There are still some things to prepare in the next two days. By the way, a few Sichuan Army officers will be going with you this time. They will belong to the Anti-Japanese Independent Militia from now on."

"Then I'll wait for Staff Officer Chu's message," Tang Ming said.

"Okay." Staff Officer Chu drank some more tea with Tang Ming before leaving. He still had many things to prepare in the next couple of days.

Tang Weiguo, who had been appointed as the colonel in charge of the Independent Anti-Japanese Militia, was fully aware of everything that had happened, and at that moment he was busy in his office handling various affairs of the militia.

At this moment, Li Qin walked over and said.

"Report, Commander, Director Li has sent a telegram."

"read."

"We have ascertained the detailed defenses of the enemy hospital and are preparing to take action tonight."

“Okay, send them a reply, agree to the operation, but tell them to be careful in everything they do, and to retreat immediately in case of any accidents, with the principle of preserving their own strength as the guiding principle,” Tang Weiguo dictated.

"Yes, Commander." Li Qin noted down Tang Weiguo's words and then turned back to the communications office.

"Director Li, we've received orders from the regimental commander to approve our operation tonight, but he warned us to proceed with caution." With that, the intelligence officer sent the full telegram to Li Qukou. Li Qukou picked up the telegram, glanced at it, and then lit it, displaying unwavering professionalism.

"Everyone, come and take a look at the map for this operation."

“Our target this time is the Japanese hospital, located near the Japanese military police headquarters. Because the Japanese suffered a great loss last time, there aren’t many troops deployed to defend this hospital.” Li Qukou pointed to the simple terrain map in front of him.

"There's a two-story building in the northeast corner of the hospital, which is the highest point in the area. The Japanese have deployed a heavy machine gun on it. Battalion Commander Niu, I'll trouble you to take care of that when the time comes."

"Battalion Commander Niu, after you deal with the Japanese, immediately set up defenses. You can use this high ground to suppress the Japanese troops supporting the hospital."

"Yes, Director Li, I guarantee I will complete the task."

"To ensure our safe retreat from the county town, Battalion Commander Niu will still be in charge of controlling the east gate of the county town."

"Alright, you can rest assured that we, the reconnaissance battalion, will handle it. I guarantee we'll make a safe retreat," Niu Dali assured, patting his chest.

"I feel relieved with Battalion Commander Niu around."

"Regarding the hospital, I will personally lead the team there," Li Qukou said.

"The focus of this mission is not killing Japanese soldiers, but on medicine. Currently, the Japanese still have a force of three companies in the county, so everyone must be extremely careful during the operation and not be discovered by the Japanese."

"Yes, Director Li."

"Okay, everyone, get ready as soon as possible. We'll start the operation at 12 noon today."

"Yes."