Chapter 33: Enraged Shinozuka Yoshio
"Commander, this matter needs to be reported, but you are specifically asking for credit for Yang Lin. Aren't you being too kind to him?" Fang Ligong somewhat disagreed with Chu Yunfei's approach.
"Wanjia Town was conquered by Yang Lin, and Qinghe Town Railway Station was also conquered by Yang Lin. If I don't take credit for him, do you want to attribute these achievements to me, Chu?" Chu Yunfei had a calm mind and naturally disdained to do anything that was jealous of others' talents.
Besides, he has his own intentions.
"Commander, if Yang Lin is devoted to following our 358th Regiment, it is only natural to recommend him for merit."
"It's just that this person is too ambitious. I'm worried that he will fly away once he's grown strong, and in the end all your efforts will be wasted..."
Fang Ligong's words were not intended to target Yang Lin. As the chief of staff, it was natural for him to consider the long-term interests of the 358th Regiment.
Chu Yunfei and Fang Ligong have different perspectives. Chu Yunfei has been educated in the Whampoa spirit and is a professional soldier with a broad mind and a heart for the country.
Chu Yunfei had long seen Yang Lin's military talent. It wouldn't be long before he would become a headache for the Japanese and the puppet army.
“Brother Ligong, I believe you can see that Yang Lin is a man of extraordinary strategy and can be called a rare military genius in a century. The most important thing is that he has a patriotic heart.
Helping Yang Lin to achieve success soon and making a difference is a blessing for the nation and the country, what do you think? "
"Yang Lin is so lucky to have met such an extraordinary nobleman like the commander..."
After saying that, Fang Ligong drafted the telegram according to Chu Yunfei's instructions.
…
The other side.
Taiyuan.
Japanese 1st Army Headquarters.
Yoshio Shinozuka and Toshi Miyano were having breakfast in the restaurant when a communications staff officer suddenly walked in hurriedly.
"Your Excellency the Commander and the Chief of Staff, please forgive me for disturbing you. There has been a huge change in Wanjia Town."
Yoshio Shinozuka frowned slightly. He received the news that Wanjia Town was attacked in the early morning.
However, in his opinion, with Kato's squadron and the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Regiment of the 8th Independent Mixed Brigade of the Imperial Army rushing to support, there should be no accidents.
I couldn't help but ask in confusion: "What on earth is going on? Tell me quickly!"
"Hi!"
The communications staff officer bowed his head heavily and then reported the events of Wanjia Town and Qinghe Town in detail.
"Baga! Yang Lin, it's that damn Yang Lin again!"
After hearing this, Yoshio Shinozuka's face suddenly changed color, especially when he heard that it was Yang Lin who attacked Wanjia Town. His face became extremely gloomy, and water almost seemed to drip out of it.
Although the Kato Squadron was nothing to the huge Japanese army in Shanxi, the key issue was that they were annihilated by a force that did not even have a number and was not even a regular army.
This was a huge blow to the morale of the always arrogant Japanese army.
What's more, Qinghe Town has a very important strategic position, and there is a battalion of equipment and supplies of the Sakata Regiment there.
That’s right, the rice and equipment stored in the military supply warehouse at the train station were prepared by Yoshio Shinozuka for the Sakata Regiment.
The Sakata Regiment suffered heavy losses in the battle of Cangyun Ridge, so Yoshio Shinozuka naturally had to reinforce it.
We were just waiting for the reserve troops to arrive in Qinghe Town so that the reinforcements could proceed smoothly. Now the whole plan has gone down the drain.
Shinozuka Yoshio became angrier and slapped the table in front of him. "It's only been a few days, and Yang Lin dared to attack Wanjia Town. If we allow the independent brigade to continue to develop, it won't be long before Yang Lin dares to attack Taiyuan!"
"Pass on my order, and command all frontline troops to eliminate this damned Yang Lin at all costs!"
Miyano Shun beside him hurriedly advised: "Your Excellency the Commander, calm down. This Yang Lin has caused such a great loss to the Imperial Army. We must eliminate him to defend the dignity of the Imperial Army.
However, in my humble opinion, Yang Lin is not a cause for concern at the moment.
On the contrary, the Imperial Army should be reorganized. These Chinese people without faith cannot be trusted at all."
Shinozuka Yoshio nodded and said, "Miyano-kun, you are right. The Imperial Army is a mixed bag. As the Empire expands its territory, many problems have emerged. It is indeed time to rectify the situation.
I'll leave this matter to you."
"Hi!"
Miyano Shun bowed his head heavily.
…
The scene returns to Wanjia Town.
The incorporation of the Imperial Army has been basically completed.
Yang Lin occupied the cavalry battalion’s base and turned it into a temporary base for the independent battalion.
At this time, he was standing on a high platform in front of the parade ground, giving a speech to the soldiers of the independent battalion below the stage.
"I believe you all know who I am, so there's no need to introduce myself."
"I know that many of you joined the army just to make a living."
"But from now on, from the moment you choose to stay, I hope you will give up this idea. My independent battalion can give you the best treatment and the highest salary, but you don't have to eat for free!"
Yang Lin glanced around sharply and continued, "Now the country is in crisis and the nation is in danger.
As a soldier, we must defend every inch of our land, our country, and our national dignity to the death! "
“Of course, since you have chosen to join my independent brigade, from now on you are my brothers in life and death.
I can't guarantee promotion or wealth, but once we are on the battlefield, no matter what happens, I promise that I will never abandon you. Even if we face mountains of swords and seas of fire, Yang will live and die with you brothers, and advance and retreat together!
If anyone breaks his promise, he will be punished by both humans and gods!"
Zhao Dejiu was very good at handling things. He immediately took the lead and responded: "We swear to live and die with you, sir!"
"We swear to live and die together with you, sir!"
Some soldiers followed suit and shouted in unison.
Although some people were hesitant and worried whether their choice was correct, under the influence of this atmosphere, they soon started to roar unconsciously.
"We swear to live and die together with you, sir!"
"We swear to live and die together with you, sir!"
"We swear to live and die together with you, sir!"
…
The tremendous sound waves gathered into a wave, soaring straight into the sky, inspiring everyone.
Invisibly, Yang Lin, the anti-Japanese hero famous in northwestern Shanxi, has won the initial favor and good impression of the entire independent battalion.
At the very least, the three months' military pay was real, and this alone was something that previous superiors lacked.
After incorporating the cavalry battalion and Zhao Dejiu's three battalions, the total strength of the independent battalion has exceeded 600 people.
The size of the troops is nearly 10 times the original size, reaching the battalion level.
In addition to personnel, weapons and equipment also meet the standards of the Central Army.
There are light and heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, mortars, etc.
The only difference is that since the equipment seized in Qinghe Town was Japanese, many soldiers can only use Type 38 rifles for the time being.
As for the 3rd Battalion's original Hanyang-made rifles, which were relatively old, Yang Lin did him a favor and gave them to Ding Wei.
