Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 92 Tang Ming's Night Talk

Just as Li Yunfei was discussing matters with the brigade commander, Tang Weiguo came to Tang Ming's room again. This time, Tang Weiguo did not come empty-handed, but brought a small box containing five golden yellow croakers.

"Uncle Tang, we didn't have a very enjoyable chat this afternoon, so I'm making a point of talking to you again tonight," Tang Weiguo said as he knocked on Tang Ming's door.

"Please come in. Uncle Tang is bored tonight, so your arrival is perfect for keeping him entertained. The old butler had too much to drink at noon and is fast asleep right now, so we can't chat with him. If you hadn't come, I was going to come looking for you," Tang Ming replied.

"Uncle Tang, you're leaving tomorrow. We're from a poor, remote place, so we don't have anything nice to give you. This is just a small token of our appreciation." With that, Tang Weiguo placed the small box he was carrying on the table.

"Nephew, you're too kind." Tang Ming slowly opened the box and smiled knowingly when he saw five small, golden yellow croakers inside.

“Nephew, this is no small token of your appreciation,” Tang Ming said.

"Uncle Tang, you should do it. You even came all the way from behind enemy lines to see me. It must have been a very arduous journey."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony with you, nephew. Uncle Tang will accept it," Tang Ming said with a smile.

"Uncle Tang, besides that, I'd like to ask you privately about the background of Zhang Haoshan and his group. After all, they're outsiders, and I'm still a little worried about them." Tang Weiguo asked the question that was on his mind.

“Nephew, you can use these men without worry. They are from the Sichuan Army, which is not well-regarded in our Jin-Sui Army. They were forced to come here because of this. Now, these men are not going back to the Sichuan Army, and no other unit wants them. Only your militia has accepted them,” Tang Ming said after thinking for a moment.

"With Uncle Tang's words, I feel relieved." Tang Weiguo felt much more at ease.

"Furthermore, these people are genuinely committed to fighting the Japanese. They've been clamoring to go to the front lines to resist the Japanese. Their coming to your militia this time is in accordance with their wishes. As long as you show them a little kindness, these people will definitely follow you wholeheartedly."

"Uncle Tang, I understand what to do."

"Besides, I've also heard of this Zhang Haoshan. He's said to have very strong command abilities, but he offended someone and has only ever been a lowly deputy regimental commander. In terms of ability, he could easily be a brigade commander. You've really gotten lucky this time," Tang Ming suddenly said to Tang Weiguo.

"Oh, is that so? If that's true, then I've really hit the jackpot. People skilled in commanding battles are rare talents." Tang Weiguo said with slight surprise.

"So, Uncle Tang, to be honest, you should still give him important responsibilities if you can," Tang Ming said, showing some appreciation for his talent.

"Uncle Tang, don't worry, as long as someone is capable, I will definitely give them an important position."

"I trust you. I don't know if bringing you into the regular army this time is a good thing or a bad thing. Uncle Tang wants to remind you privately that you must be careful in carrying out the orders of the war zone command. As far as I know, the intelligence department of the Ghost Division has infiltrated the war zone command very deeply." Tang Ming instructed Tang Weiguo.

"Uncle Tang, I know that. A general in the field may not always obey orders. I will have my own way of dealing with them when the time comes."

"Oh, right, there's one more thing. Uncle Tang wants to remind you especially: you must keep your distance from the Eighth Route Army, at least not openly. Before I came, Staff Officer Chu from the war zone command specifically instructed me to tell you this," Tang Ming said earnestly.

"Uncle Tang, we are fighting a joint war now, and behind enemy lines there is only the local militia, which is no match for us," Tang Weiguo explained.

"I know that makes sense. Actually, I really admire the Eighth Route Army for being able to survive behind enemy lines. Before, the war zone command sent several units to operate behind enemy lines, and they were all wiped out by the Japanese in a very short time."

"The reason why the war zone command insisted on bringing you under the command of the Jin-Sui Army this time was to ensure the presence of the Jin-Sui Army in the Japanese-occupied areas."

"The officers above can't stand the Eighth Route Army's dominance behind enemy lines. They brought you into the regular army so they could make you compete with the Eighth Route Army for territory."

"As the saying goes, the military is an extension of politics. Although we don't understand politics, as soldiers, our duty is to obey orders," Tang Ming sighed.

"However, fortunately you are behind enemy lines, far from the emperor's reach, so some things are easier to handle. Uncle Tang won't go into too much detail, but be careful not to give anyone any leverage against you."

"There's a group of people in the theater command who aren't good at fighting, but they're experts at causing trouble," Tang Ming sneered.

"Uncle Tang, I understand. I know what to do from now on," Tang Weiguo said gratefully.

"The anti-aircraft gun you requested might not be something we could get with just goldfish, but with these spoils of war, I'll go back and pull some strings, and it'll be a sure thing," Tang Ming assured him.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Uncle Tang."

“We’re family, helping you is helping me. With these military achievements, I’ll be even more successful,” Tang Ming said with a smile.

"Uncle Tang, it's getting late. You should get some rest. I'll be going now," Tang Weiguo said, seeing that it was about time.

"Alright, I'm getting old and can't stay up all night anymore, so I'll go and rest now." Tang Ming didn't try to stop him.

"I'll take my leave now." Tang Weiguo left Tang Ming's room and carefully closed the door behind him.

After Tang Weiguo left, Tang Ming picked up the box that Tang Ming had placed on the table again and took out the small yellow croakers one by one to admire them.

"Hey, this trip was definitely worthwhile."

The next morning, Tang Ming prepared to return.

"Uncle Tang, have a safe journey," Tang Weiguo said.

"Okay, wait for my news regarding the matter you entrusted to me."

"Thank you, Uncle Tang."

"Alright, I'm off then." Tang Ming said, then led his guard team away.

Seeing that Tang Ming and his group had walked away, Zhang Haoshan couldn't wait to ask Tang Weiguo:

"Commander, where is our unit? When will they arrive?"

Tang Weiguo couldn't help but laugh when he saw Zhang Haoshan's anxious face.

"Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang, don't be impatient, take your time, we'll go to the regimental headquarters now."

"Commander, we can't afford to be in a hurry. I haven't led troops in a long time, and I'm rusty. I need to get familiar with the troops as soon as possible so I can fight those kids again sooner."

"Alright, let's set off now." Tang Weiguo did not dampen Zhang Haoshan's enthusiasm. After saying that, he led Zhang Haotian and his group toward the militia's camp.

After some time, the group arrived at the foot of Wolong Mountain.

"Commander, is our regiment stationed here?" Zhang Haoshan asked.

"Yes, this is our regimental headquarters."

"The commander has really chosen a good location. This mountain is steep and rugged, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. Moreover, the frontal contact area is relatively small. Even if the Japanese attack, they will be limited by the terrain and will not be able to deploy their forces effectively. Furthermore, the Japanese heavy weapons will not be easy to use here," Zhang Haoshan said, looking at the terrain of Wolong Mountain in front of him.

"Deputy Commander Zhang is quite capable; he analyzed it at a glance. Xiao Hu, you should learn more from Deputy Commander Zhang in the future," Tang Weiguo said to Tang Xiao Hu.

"Deputy Commander Zhang, I'll need your guidance in the future," Tang Xiaohu said to Zhang Haoshan.

"Commander Tang, you're too kind. Let's learn from each other," Zhang Haoshan said modestly.

"Let's keep going uphill." After saying that, Tang Weiguo walked up the mountain path.

"Commander, this defensive fortification is well-designed. The firepower is distributed in a cross pattern, and there are no blind spots. There are still some things I don't understand," Zhang Haotian said as he walked along the mountain road, looking at the fortifications on both sides.

“Deputy Commander Zhang has a good eye. I specially found an expert to design it. Does Deputy Commander Zhang also study defensive fortifications?” Wei Guo asked.

“Back in military school, I specifically chose a defense course, and I’m not bragging, but I graduated with a perfect score on it,” Zhang Haoshan said.

"Oh, that's great. We'll need you to check our militia's fortifications again to make sure there are no problems. We need to be extremely cautious behind enemy lines," Tang Weiguo said.

“No problem, you’re too kind, Commander. As the deputy commander of the militia, this is what I should do,” Zhang Haoshan replied.

"Is the commander planning to build a fortress?" Zhang Haoshan asked again.

“That’s right. We’re isolated behind enemy lines. Building a military fortress would at least give everyone a sense of security,” Tang Weiguo replied.

"Another thing is to use this fortress to strike the Japanese devils hard. If the Japanese dare to attack us, they should be prepared to die," Tang Weiguo said menacingly.

"Commander, what courage!" Zhang Haoshan praised.