Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 82 War Zone Strategy

"Speak, Xiao Chu, what is it?" Facing his trusted confidant, Old Man Yan calmed his anger.

"Commander, I have an idea regarding sending troops to enemy-occupied territory," Staff Officer Chu reported.

"Oh, tell me quickly," Yan Laoxi said, his anger turning to joy.

He's been so worried about this lately that his already bald head is now even balder.

"Commander, I have received intelligence that a Japanese military train was attacked by a local militia in the occupied area. According to the intelligence, the Japanese suffered a considerable loss."

Is the intelligence reliable?

"It's reliable. The intelligence came from an informant within the Japanese army, so it's highly credible."

"Oh, is that so?" Old Yan immediately became interested upon hearing this.

His Jin-Sui Army was retreating again and again in front of the Japanese, and the loss of Taiyuan was a great pain in his heart.

He was quite surprised when someone suddenly told him that a local militia had actually caused the Japanese to suffer a considerable loss.

“Commander, it just so happens that I know this militia group; it's under the jurisdiction of our war zone. So I think since this militia group is under our war zone, why don't we incorporate them into our regular army system, give them the name of a regular army, and let them develop independently behind enemy lines?”

"This will not only expand our sphere of influence, but also give us an explanation to the old man in the southwest, and it will also allow us to compete with the Eighth Route Army for control of enemy-occupied territories," said Staff Officer Chu.

"Good, good, good idea! It's a three-birds-with-one-stone plan. Let's do it your way."

"The Eighth Route Army is now operating extensively in enemy-occupied areas, and sooner or later it will become a major threat to us," Yan Laoxi warned.

"Commander, what do you think about giving this militia the position of lieutenant colonel commander?" Staff Officer Chu asked.

"The rank of lieutenant colonel is too low. He should at least be given the position of colonel and regimental commander. I understand the principle of spending a fortune to buy a horse's bones."

"Commander's vision is truly admirable," Staff Officer Chu subtly flattered.

“Since they are behind enemy lines, let’s give them the title of Independent Anti-Japanese Militia,” Yan Laoxi added.

"Commander, how should we equip them with weapons and equipment?" Staff Officer Chu asked.

"No need to prepare anything for them. They just attacked a Japanese military train, so they're probably rich. But we'll still give them 1 silver dollars as a token of encouragement."

"Yes, Commander."

"Commander, should we send some of our men to slowly infiltrate this unit?" Staff Officer Chu asked.

Yan Laoxi did not respond immediately, but instead pondered for a moment before saying:

“The local militias are very united. If we try to get involved, we might just drive them to the Eighth Route Army. Their methods of bewitching people are very effective.”

"To put it simply, we sent several troops into enemy-occupied territory before, but they didn't even make a ripple; they were all wiped out by the Japanese. Learning from that experience, not many dare to go again," Yan Laoxi sighed slightly.

"The rise and fall of a nation is the responsibility of every citizen" is just a slogan that some people shout in their eyes.

"Commander, if we don't send someone to keep an eye on them, what if they secretly defect to the Eighth Route Army? We have to be wary of the Eighth Route Army's methods," Staff Officer Chu suggested.

"Well, since that's the case, we have a few Sichuan Army officers who have been clamoring to go to the front lines. This time, I'll grant their wish and send them to the militia. I'll give them positions like deputy regimental commander or staff officer, so they can make the most of their abilities."

"Commander, you've made a brilliant move. Now both problems are solved," Staff Officer Chu praised.

"Chief of Staff Chu, you handle this matter personally," Yan Laoxi instructed.

"Yes, Commander, I'll take care of it right away."

"Okay, let's go."

After leaving the office, Staff Officer Chu walked directly through the door. He called for a military vehicle, which drove out of the headquarters gate toward the 30th Army's garrison, intending to find Tang Ming from the Quartermaster Department and arrange for him to personally deliver the appointment.

At this moment, Tang Ming is receiving an important guest in his office.

"Director Tang, since we've already come this far, I'll be frank with you," Chief of Staff Wang of the 68th Brigade said to Tang Ming.

Since the 68th Brigade received commendation from the old man in the Southwest, they have been living a very comfortable life. They have plenty of military supplies, and Brigade Commander Zhang of the 68th Brigade is very comfortable. This time, he specially sent Staff Officer Zhang to talk business with Tang Ming.

"Chief of Staff Wang, please just say the word. I'll do whatever it takes to help," Tang Ming said politely.

Tell people how many there are, and tell ghosts what they're talking about—this is child's play for Tang Ming, something he can easily master.

"I'd like to do business with Director Tang."

"Oh, what business?"

"I heard that Director Tang has connections in the arms trade."

"Chief of Staff Wang is joking. I don't have that kind of ability. It's all a frame-up."

"Besides, weapons are hot commodities, and there's always a price but no market for them. Why is Chief of Staff Wang coming to me to talk business? I can't afford them." Tang Ming waved his hands repeatedly.

"Some weapons can't be sold just like that, so I can only ask Director Tang for help. Don't worry, you won't lose out. How about giving Director Tang half a percent of the profit?"

"Oh, I'd like to know what kind of weapons can't be sold so easily?"

"There is a batch of German equipment, including 500 German rifles, 50 German-made submachine guns, 100 German-made Mauser pistols, as well as a large amount of ammunition and 500 sets of military uniforms," ​​Staff Officer Wang said calmly.

"What! You have this equipment? You actually dare to sell this?" Tang Ming suddenly exclaimed in shock.

"Director Tang, don't panic. This entire battalion's worth of equipment was procured by our brigade commander. Rest assured, the accounts are clean, and no one can find out about this arms shipment."

"The only problem is that the German weapons are too sensitive to sell. We need to find a suitable buyer. I heard that Director Tang has many friends and connections, so I specifically asked him for help," Staff Officer Wang said slowly.

Tang Ming didn't reply. Instead, he thought about whether he had a suitable candidate. Suddenly, he thought of his distant relative, Tang Weiguo, and so Tang Ming spoke up:

"I do have a suitable buyer, but I need to contact them and they'll need some time."

"As expected, I made the right choice in contacting Director Tang. I'll wait for his good news then." Staff Officer Wang was overjoyed.

"How about this price, Chief of Staff Wang?"

"500 little goldfish, but the price is negotiable."

"Okay, I understand. Wait for my message."

"Alright, thank you, Director Tang. Now that we've finished discussing this, I won't bother you any longer. I'll take my leave now."

"Chief of Staff Wang, then I will not see you off any further."

"Director Tang, you're busy." After saying that, Staff Officer Wang left.

As soon as Chief of Staff Wang left, the phone rang again in Tang Ming's office.

"Director Tang, Staff Officer Chu from the Theater Command is looking for you."

"Please invite him in quickly, I'm waiting for him in my office."

"Yes, Director Tang."

After hanging up the phone, Director Tang rubbed his head and said:

"What day is it today? There are so many people!"