Chapter 2: Cross Currents (10 Below)

That night. Fang Guoqiang was so excited that he almost stayed up all night. I have been recalling the bits and pieces of getting along with Zhang Songling back then. Let's be honest. He didn't see the confusion of the political views he had back then. There are some little fat people who are greedy for women. I can actually walk on the same path with myself. According to his previous conjectures. Even if Zhang Xiaofat was able to escape the massacre at Huluyu Railway Station. You should also join the decaying and declining Kuomintang. After all. The latter is more in line with Zhang Xiaopang's own birth class. It's also more suitable for his slimy personality.

However, the little fat man has now become a local cadre of the Eighth Route Army. And according to the Awakening Commander . It was a decisive renunciation of the rank of lieutenant colonel and the great future on the Kuomintang side. Those who threw themselves into the ranks of the revolution without hesitation. This was somewhat unexpected by Fang Guoqiang. What made him even more unbelievable was that. The little fat man is actually on both sides of the Kuomintang and the Communist Party. All of them have made great achievements. Whether it's a night attack in Beiping. Lady off the bloody battle. Or on the steppe horses ravage the Japanese slaves. Shooting white bandits. are full of legends. Compare the two. He Fang Guoqiang, the predecessor who "abducted" the little fat man on the road of resistance against Japan. But the days that followed were too dull. Although I have also fought a lot of battles with devils in the Jizhong area. But it was all a little bit of a fight. And each time they launched a sneak attack with at least five or even ten times the strength of the enemy. Battles are often over within twenty minutes. It is difficult to show the individual role of the participants. It can't be compared with the famous battle of Niangziguan.

But he should remember me. I remember when I took him to Beiping to join the 29th Route Army. Thinking that Zhang Songling would also call himself a senior. Fang Guoqiang is more and more confident about the future work. Do the math. Since the beating was killed at the Huluyu Railway Station. The two sides have been separated for almost three years. Zhang Xiaochubby, who was only sixteen or seventeen years old at the time. These three years are the time to grow your body. Experienced so many times on the battlefield of smoke and fire. His physiognomy can change very much. You may be much taller than you are. But his character. But it's not necessarily that easy to change. As long as the little fat man's personality doesn't change too much. It wouldn't be too difficult to work with him.

Thinking about it. Unconsciously. Sunlight penetrated into the room through the leather window paper. Fang Guoqiang got up with a bone. Walk quickly to the tub that had been prepared last night. I picked up the cold water inside and washed my face. Then throw towels, tooth jars, toothbrushes and other personal belongings into your luggage. Take it in stride. Rushing to the playground in a hurry.

on the playground. It was also full of soldiers who were so excited that they couldn't sleep because they were about to go to the front line of the Anti-Japanese War. I saw that the political commissar Fang was coming. Hurry up and scramble to surround it. Inquire when the team will start. Under the eager gaze of more than forty pairs of eyes. Fang Guoqiang's mind regained his composure. Raised his arm and looked at the Japanese-made Seiko military watch that had just been issued to him last night. smiled and persuaded: "Don't worry, big guy. I'm in a hurry to fight devils again. You also have to eat your belly first. Walk. Come with me to breakfast. Yesterday, Commander Su had already greeted the gang in advance. Specially make a good meal for us. Wait until you're done eating. The rest of the people are here. Let's set off as a team." (Note 1)

"Eat. Fast rice. After eating, hurry up and pull out. The superior said it. There are more guns than men on the Blackstone partisans. When everyone arrives. Almost everyone can get a three-eight big gayer." Two platoon commanders who are about the same age as Fang Guoqiang. Also waving his arms. Loudly soothe the restless hearts of the warriors.

I heard that the Blackstone guerrillas would have guns to pick up. The warriors are getting more and more enthusiastic. More than three months of brief military and political training. has given them a look at the Japanese devils. From fear to even-eyed and even contemptuous. Specific understanding of the War of Resistance Against Japan. Also from protecting their own families. Rise to the height of defending the entire Chinese nation.

Such an exciting atmosphere. Dumplings prepared by a cooking row staying up late. Of course, I didn't even eat the taste and poured it into my stomach. Almost twenty minutes later. One of the last fighters had also had breakfast. The two commanders, Su Xing and Zhang Jiyun, came together. Each spoke for two minutes. See everyone off. On behalf of all the cadres and soldiers, Fang Guoqiang thanked the leaders for their concern. Then wave your hand vigorously. More than 60 people lined up in four columns. Singing "On the Taihang Mountain". Hurried to the battlefield.

"The red sun shines all over the east. The god of liberty is singing to his heart's content. Look. Thousands of mountains. Copper wall and iron wall. The anti-Japanese beacon fire burned on the Taihang Mountain....... "When people are full of vitality. Basically, I don't feel tired. While walking. While singing. At a marching speed of close to forty kilometers per day. It's only been a few days. The team officially entered the Modong grassland area. And the more you walk, the more determined your steps become. Each face is sprinkled with sunlight (Note 2)

For many cadres and soldiers who grew up in agricultural areas. Before I saw the prairie. I can't really realize how empty it is. The sky overhead turned into a huge circle before you knew it. The earth beneath your feet is also endless. Heaven and earth except oneself and one's companions. I can't see a living person. Animals are also rarely seen. Only the remnants of snow from early spring are scattered like shells in the withered yellow wilderness. Shine in the sun. Reflecting the purple and red of ten thousand ways.

The wind was strong. But the air that blows in the nostrils is sweet. The temperature is very low. But the sunlight on my body is as warm as a hot spring bubbling underground. Walking in the colorful world. It makes people want to sing louder before they know it. However, Fang Guoqiang and the two platoon commanders had to order everyone to restrain their respective voices. It's really empty nearby. It's so empty that there's almost no shelter. It's easy to get out of sight. In case of alarming some hostile forces. At the moment, the fighters of the two platoons are almost bare-handed. There is no self-protection at all.

The more cautious you are. The more trouble comes with you. It's almost evening. More than a dozen on horseback. A man in sheep's clothing. Suddenly, the sun jumped out of the horizon. saw Fang Guoqiang and others marching in line. They were slightly stunned at first. Forthwith. The legs clamped the horse's belly hard. The wolves rushed towards the crowd.

"Don't panic. The whole team is in place. Comrades with guns in their hands stand at the front. Comrades without guns prepared tripping horses with backpack straps." Fang Guoqiang is no longer the rookie he was three years ago. Immediately took out a wooden-handled box cannon from his waist that was imitated by an underground workshop. Swing away firing pin. Aimed firmly at the man who was at the front of the team.

Two platoon leaders and six squad leaders were out at the same time. lined up on Fang Guoqiang's side. Each picked up a handful of Hanyang-made with only five bullets. Aim at the uninvited guests who are getting closer and closer. Shouted sharply: "What people. Hold it. Closer again. We opened fire."

"Yell. It's quite bold." I didn't expect the other party to be a hard stubble. The leader of the uninvited guest who led the team was stunned. Slowly pull the mount." Which are you? I don't even recognize the banner of 'Sairengui'. I dare to go to the grassland to spread wild."

"Boy. Hurry up and put the gun down. Leave it to our masters. Otherwise. Hugh blames Grandpa's men for being ruthless." He was followed by a guy with a battle flag in both hands. Quite strong. No matter how strong the wind is in mid-air. None of them could blow the flagpole in his hand crookedly.

Fang Guoqiang took a closer look. Sure enough, on the battle flag held by the other party. I saw a big bowl with the word "Xue". Presumably, this is where the name of Sai Rengui comes from. It's a pity that the face of the big boss at the front is too dark. There is a difference of more than 108,000 miles from the jade-faced white robe Xue Rengui in folklore.

is hesitating whether to show the banner of the Eighth Route Army. Suppress the arrogance of the other party. Suddenly. The voice of the traffic officer Lao He came from behind him." Xue coat on a dog day. If you haven't been fucked for a few days, you'll have an itchy ass, right? Lao Tzu is a member of the Blackstone Guerrilla Brigade. You've got a kind of horse to try."

"How fucking dare you ......." Sai Rengui was scolded so that his eyes turned black. Bow your head and prepare to ride your horse to attack. Suddenly, I saw Lao He's familiar face. Stunned. and quickly pulled the reins of the war horse to death." What. HE Ye. What's wrong with you, old man? This. This is really a big flood that washed the Dragon King Temple. The family doesn't recognize the family."

"Who's in the family with you.." Lao He, who was polite to everyone along the way, seemed to have suddenly eaten gunpowder. I don't even give each other a good look." Lao Tzu can't control his lower body anymore. I can't fuck you little girl. Go ahead. What the hell do you want to do. Don't you think the red master is gone? Our lama ditch is easy to bully, isn't it.."

"No. No. No! Misunderstand. It's really a misunderstanding." Sai Rengui didn't dare to fight back at all. Swing your hands like windmills. Lian Sheng explained. Don't get me wrong. I really didn't see you in the queue just now. I'm leaving. That's what it is. You have seen Long Ye and Zhang Ye for a long time. Don't ......."

"It's late. Scared Lao Tzu. I still want to slip away. It's not that cheap!" The traffic officer Lao He walked a few steps quickly. Grin to the front of Sai Rengui's horse. Pouting his lips, he said, "How to compensate. You know it yourself. Don't let me spit on the stars again."

"Know. Know. Don't be angry. Don't be angry." Sai Rengui flew off the horse. Nodding like a third grandson who owes a lot of debt. Raising his hand, he untied the two box cannons hanging diagonally on his body and the bullet belt tied to his waist. Respectfully handed it over to Lao He." These. I bought it on the black market in Shenyang just a few years ago. Authentic German goods. I've long wanted to send it to Lord Long. See you today, old. Just ask you to take it with you. It saves me one more trip. Let Long Ye be an eyesore. Come on. Come on. Please."

"That's all." The traffic officer Lao He pouted. Respond very dissatisfied.

"Brethren. Those guys in the hands of the brethren. It's all old water. Long Ye. Long Ye and Zhang Ye can't look down on it at all." Sai Rengui was obviously distressed to death. But he still swallowed his anger and explained.

Seeing that Lao He's face was about to start darkening again. He took half a step back. Hurry up and add loudly." Or else. You always think that those things on us won't stain Long Ye's eyes. Just take it. Count us in. Count us as the New Year's greetings to Lord Long."

"Count you as acquaintances." Traffic officer Lao He shrugged his shoulders. A reins of a horse that is a precious horse." I'll keep all the water for you. But you have to remember the rules that Master Hong set before his death. First. It is forbidden to trade within 200 miles of Crescent Lake. Second. The protection fee shall not exceed 20% of the goods. Otherwise. You just wait for Master Long to come and talk to you."

"Yes. Be. The rules of the red master. We will definitely not disobey. You can rest assured though. Anyway, we are also begging for a living on the grassland. I will never do anything that is dry and fishing." He nodded in agreement. Sai Rengui hung the box cannon behind the saddle with his own hands. along with their own mounts. A "donation" was given to the Blackstone guerrillas. Forthwith. Don't wait for the traffic officer Lao He to order. Trot a few steps. Jump behind your own minions. Reach out and slap the horse's butt hard." Don't go yet. Wait for Master He to send us?"

The little minion who had already been scared of the six gods and no master shivered. Quickly turn the horse's head vigorously. With Sai Rengui and his companions. Twice as fast as it came. Vanishing into the distant horizon at a gallop.

Witnessed a farce of the former and the latter. Including Fang Guoqiang. All the cadres and fighters were stunned. Until Sai Rengui and other bandits disappeared. Only then did he slowly ease his mind. Set your eyes on Lao He, the traffic officer leading the tall horse." HE Shu. ...... just now"

"A group of thieves who make a living by robbing the road to collect protection money." The traffic officer, Lao He, seemed to have just driven away a swarm of flies. Respond nonchalantly." I was subdued by our guerrillas. Recently, I know that our guerrillas have no strength to clean them up for the time being. I want to take the opportunity to get a vote."

"Then how are they ......" everyone pointed to the tall horse in Lao He's hand. I don't know where to start. Now that the bandits know that the guerrillas are badly damaged. You should be bolder. How did I meet Lao He. Still panicking like a mouse seeing a cat.

"Let them go." The traffic officer Lao He obviously misunderstood what everyone meant. Smiled. Patient explanation." This kind of person. There's nothing we can do to wipe it out for the time being. As long as they don't do murderous things. We're going to have to let them get away for a few more days now. Later, I beat the little devil away. All sides settled down. Naturally, they will slowly clean them up."

Everyone was slightly stunned when they heard this. Immediately. A sense of pride rose in my heart." HE Shu. Is this far from the lama ditch? Walk like this. We'll have to walk a few days to get there."

"And ....." the traffic officer Lao He looked around. Laugh in response." It's about 400 miles. It's almost there. It's a walk like this for another four or five days. A few of you who will ride a horse. Hurry up and get used to it. From tomorrow onwards. Let's find a few brothers who can ride horses. Take turns riding it as a scout. The name of our guerrillas is loud though. But you can't just be killed by others until you find them."

Note 1: Seiko watch. The most common military watch used by the Japanese army during World War II. Cheap materials. But sturdy and durable. As loot. It is very popular with the grassroots cadres of the Eighth Route Army. And the middle and upper rank officers of the Japanese side. They prefer to buy Swiss watches out of their own pockets to show their status.

Note 2: On Taihang Mountain. Created in 1939, the original word is the god of freedom in which it refers to Prometheus, the fire thief in ancient Greek mythology.