Chapter 3: The Morning Star (Part 2)

Zhang Songling was originally a little anxious in his heart. Listen to Redbeard speak so easily. The nerves that had been tense immediately relaxed. Thought about it. smiled and said, "yes. The little devil wouldn't have let us develop under our noses. Come early. Come late. It's going to come eventually. But ....."

There was a pause. He cautioned again. I heard Takaaki Sakai say. This time, the devil troops sent over. I'm afraid the scale is much larger than before. Battle effectiveness. It is estimated that it will be much higher. According to what he revealed. These are devils who are more familiar with the local situation. Nor will it be transferred. It's about adding to the new team nearby."

"It's a big deal, Lao Tzu threw the camp to him. I don't believe he can still keep biting Lao Tzu and not letting go." Redbeard still has a nonchalant look on his face. Keep smiling and reassuring everyone." Anyway, our workshop. It's all as you say. Each family is only kept in the size of a dozen or so people. I heard that the devil killed him. Put the material on the horse's back. You can move right away."

"That's right." Zhang Songling and Zhao Tianlong and others were infected by Redbeard's optimism. Laughing and agreeing." It's a big deal that the raw materials are also thrown to him. I don't believe that the little devil can take away the worthless wool and rotten bones as trophies."

"Eat first. Dine. After eating, the three of you go take a shower. Get some sleep. and so on to nourish the spirit. Let's have another meeting to discuss how to deal with the little devils." Redbeard waved his arm. Tell the three of them to rest in peace.

"Hmm." Zhang Songling, Zhao Tianlong and Zhao Xiaoxuan wiped the sweat on their faces. Laughing and going down to eat. After eating, I took a nap steadily. It was ten o'clock in the evening. was woken up by the red-bearded guard Xiao Zou again. Energetically went to the brigade headquarters for a meeting.

Inside the conference room of the Brigade Headquarters. Other middle-level cadres have been waiting for a long time. I saw Zhang Songling and others coming in. Redbeard throats softly. Announce it loudly." Now that everyone is together. Let's meet now. Captain Zhang and Captain Zhao brought back the news. In the afternoon I have sent a telegram to the higher unit for verification. According to the preliminary feedback results. Recently, there has indeed been a devil army moving westward from Shenyang and Yixian. But the specific size, current location and their final destination. It is still to be determined. It is possible that the little devil will divide his troops to Chifeng and Duolun in the middle of the way. It's also possible. They're all sent to Blackstone."

"All come. All the words. How many people will there be .." Although some news has been heard beforehand. The cadres in the second seat still let out a shocked discussion. Due to the influence of many factors such as weaponry, morale and training. The strength of the Japanese front-line regular army. Far more than ordinary left-behind troops. I also threw out the puppet Manchukuo troops I don't know how many streets. Follow their previous combat experience . A full-fledged regular squadron of devils. Enough to defeat three or four ordinary left-behind squadrons. And met the puppet army and the private soldiers of the Mongolian prince. It's even more like one when ten.

"It's like a standard infantry brigade. But it may not all be sent to Blackstone Village. Otherwise. The little devil looks down on us too much." Redbeard smiled. Tell you the truth. As if it hadn't been thought about at all. A whole brigade of Japanese devils. What a catastrophe it will bring to the area around Blackstone Village.

"Shhh Including Zhang Songling. Everyone immediately gasped. A standard Japanese infantry brigade. Even if it's less. Also the formation of three squadrons. It was also usually equipped with a dozen crooked heavy machine guns and several infantry guns. A Kwantung Army of this size drove over . It is enough to sweep away all the forces around the Black Stone Village. These include Zhou Heicarbon's independent battalion of the Jin Sui Army and the Blackstone guerrilla detachment of the Redbeard's Eighth Route Army.

"How. Guys are scared.!" Redbeard taps his fingers on the table a few times. He asked with a sneer.

"I'm afraid. Not necessarily. It's just that. It's just a little bit of a hassle to deal with." The crowd laughed. Respond in a low voice. No one will admit that they are cowardly before they fight.

"Bragging. It's clearly scared. I'm afraid it doesn't matter. Know to be afraid. Explain the most recent period of dissipation. I haven't fooled everyone up. And it's not just you who are afraid. I'm scared too." Redbeard smiled again. Pointing to his own head, which no longer has many black hair, laughing at himself." Let's be honest. When I first saw the telegram this afternoon. I'm really dizzy. But then I thought about it again. Light is afraid. It's useless. The little devil won't be afraid of him because of Lao Tzu. You won't be able to hit us. If we don't shoot a shot. Just scared yourself to death. Didn't you let the little devils take advantage of it?"

"Hey, hey, hey, hey......." The cadres all laughed awkwardly. I'm ashamed of my performance. That's it. I'm afraid it will be of any use. It's a mule and a horse. Pull it out for a walk to count. If it's a big deal, you will die on the battlefield. Anyway, when I was alive in this life, I didn't become a slave. After death, you can walk sideways under the Nine Springs.

"It doesn't matter if you're afraid. Since the enemy is menacing. Let's prepare for the worst." Redbeard pressed his hand down. Go on." And what's the worst-case scenario. Let's put the old nest. Put camps around these villages and pastures. It's all thrown to the little devils. We're going to get into the sand ourselves. But what can the little devil catch? Mine. Nope. Factory. Nor did it. Food, cloth, guns and ammunition. We don't have it yet. We don't have enough of it ourselves. It is simply impossible to throw it at them. If he has the ability, he has been blocking the entrance to the desert and not letting us out. I'm afraid their own soldiers won't say yes. I can't bear that sin. The logistical supply is not available."

"Hahahaha.." Influenced by a red beard. All the cadres burst out laughing. As the so-called barefoot are not afraid of wearing shoes. Compared with the Kwantung Army, which is armed to the teeth. A guerrilla is a barefoot poor man. There is nothing to give up. There's nothing I can't put down. It's a big deal to take the devils on a long trip to the desert. See who ends up withdrawing who to death.

"But we can't let the enemy army be too strong. I don't want to find a way to cut some flesh off him!" The expressions on everyone's faces became more and more relaxed. Redbeard began to turn his conversation back to the main topic of the night." Lao Lu introduced me back then. The guerrillas' method of dealing with the encirclement and suppression of Chairman Chiang's hundreds of thousands of troops. Of course. Now Chairman Chiang has made peace with us. We can't continue to use this method against him. It's used to deal with little devils."

Speaking of which. He quietly looked at Zhang Songling from the corner of his eye. Seeing that the latter did not have an obvious expression of disgust on his face. There was a burst of relief in my heart. Thought about it. And he continued: "Specifically, it is sixteen words." The enemy advances and I retreat. The enemy is stationed in our harassment. The enemy is tired and I fight. When the enemy retreats, I will chase after me.'"

The environment in the conference room immediately fell silent. The cadres are either immersed in the speculation of the sixteen-character experience. Or I thought of the deputy captain Lu Feng who had already died. His face became very solemn. Silently waited by the side for a moment. I saw that everyone was thinking about it. Redbeard knocked off the table. continued: "Even this is a big group of devils. It's not all for the Black Rock Village. Something to fight hard with the little devils. Let's try not to do it. Let's be honest. With our current strength. Hard fight will definitely not be able to fight the devil. I can't afford to spell it. The only way we can do that is to exercise. Non-stop exercise with little devils. Then the cooler turned around. Bite him hard. And then go on and sprinkle the girl. The grassland is so big. Let's see how long the little devil chases."

"yes. Guerrillas. Naturally, you can't use the tactics of the regular army."

"I don't know if the little devils are cavalry or infantry. How many cars are there. If there were fewer cars. When do we want to fight. Basically, you can guarantee when to fight."

The enthusiasm of the cadres was soon aroused again. According to the current reality of the partisans . Began to actively contribute to Redbeard.

"Hit. Fight while running. Let's ride horses. Here's a bite today. Tomorrow there to take a bite. Sooner or later, bite the little devil down!"

"I made an appointment with Zhou Hei Carbon. The job of taking the little devil for a walk. I'll leave it to us. He's in charge of taking advantage of the back. Look at the opportunity. I'll bring the Black Stone Village down again. Let's see if the little devil is uncomfortable." Someone draws on previous experience. The strategy of joining forces with the independent battalion of the Jin Sui Army was proposed.

"You can't just count on Zhou Black Carbon. It is best to get reinforcements from the military division. If it's over there. If you can send us some reinforcements, too. Not too much. Two squadrons. It will make it easier for us to arrange our troops." There are also people who are whimsical. The hope of the final victory was pinned on the higher authorities." Let's drag the little devil in front of us. Reinforcements are hiding somewhere to get their hands dirty. Wait for the little devils to be dragged to the first place and can't take care of each other. Just pounce on it. Bite off his tail in one bite."

"Think beautifully." Immediately someone shouted a rebuttal." Our closest brother troops. Six hundred miles away. It's so easy to get over."

"Not necessarily. It depends on how the superiors arrange it." The refuted are not reconciled. Keep sticking to your ideas out loud.

Seeing that the people are talking more and more out of touch with reality. Redbeard shook his head. Had to interrupt again." Reinforcements thing. Don't count on it, guys. The little devil has learned the lesson of rushing to achieve something some time ago. After the beginning of spring. Troops were drawn from the front and from the mainland. A large-scale counterattack began in all areas of partisan activity. At present, the Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei Military Region and the Chabei Military Division. It's also under a lot of pressure."

Although I understand that said. It will inevitably disappoint many people. Redbeard thought for a moment. I decided to tell you the truth about the battlefield across the country." The devils launched a new round of sweeps in the Jinchaji region. The scale of the investment of troops is higher than ours. Many guerrillas were ill-prepared. suffered the worst loss since its founding. So at this juncture, you want me to make a report and ask the higher unit to reinforce the Blackstone guerrilla detachment. That's absolutely non-negotiable. And from the experience of other battlefields. Our allies from all walks of life. In the case of the army of devils pressing the border. I'm afraid it's hard to count on it. Especially the little prince Baiyin. It's very rare not to take the opportunity to stab the guerrillas in the back. Don't think we're having a deal with him. will show mercy to our men."

"This ........," the crowd laughed again and shook their heads. A slightly hot head. Quickly doused with cold water from Redbeard.

"If we don't fight ourselves. Leaning against the wall wall down. Leaning against the tree, the tree is falling. It is to give you a mountain to rely on. It's still a mess." Picked up the tea bowl and took a sip of water. Redbeard continued to laugh. So to get out of the crisis. We're on our own. Get some real skills. Let the little devil suffer a little first. Understand that we are not easy to mess with. Then you can suppress the rotten people of Baiyin and Baolige. Don't dare to stab us in the back at the critical moment."

"Yes. It's not a matter of just hiding. The bright guys. You've got to shine a little bit of light." Zhao Tianlong likes to listen to this sentence the most. Stand up immediately. Echo loudly." Even if you don't have a hard time with the little devils. Can't get used to them too much. See the opportunity. Just give it to him. As long as we play beautifully. Bai Yin and the others were naturally frightened. Don't dare to act rashly."

"The key is how to find the opportunity." The leader of the first squadron, Elder Zheng, also agreed with Zhao Tianlong's idea. Nodding. whispered. All the forces that our guerrillas can muster. Plus international camps included. There were only about 200 people. If you want a quick fix. The strength of the enemy's forces. It can't be more than half a squadron. More than half a squadron. I'm afraid it's going to be hard to nibble on them in a short period of time. And then you get out of the way."

This sentence is also very much in line with things. With the current strength of the guerrillas. Far enough to compete with devils with the same strength. Only look for opportunities. Concentrate all its strength. Cut off one of its fingers. But the transport capacity of the little devils. And it's not to be small. With the help of a car. They can easily be within two hours. Throw an entire squadron into a stalemate battleground. Once the guerrillas could not withdraw in time. The identity of the prey and the hunter is completely reversed. Until then. Sensei said to take the meat from the devil. I don't want to be forced to break my wrist by a strong man. Already considered lucky.

Truth is often not very comfortable to hear. But the number of brigades within the guerrillas is middle-level cadres. They all grew up in battle. Be clear about the strength of the enemy army. I also understand where the shortcomings of my side are. Repeatedly considered the opinion of the leader of the first squadron, Zheng. I carefully considered the comparison of the strength of the enemy and us. They looked at each other. One after another, they began to come up with new solutions.

"It's impossible for all the devils to ride in a car. We can try to walk the lot by the river. Or take the devils into the desert. As long as the car and the follow-up troops are disjointed . A few first U-turns. Get rid of the car."

"It is also possible to set up an ambush at a predetermined location. The devil was caught off guard. Then get on your horse and quickly get out of the field."

"Contact Zhou Heizi's side. Let's do a tactical coordination between the two of us."

All of them did what they could. The speeches were very enthusiastic. After a while. I came up with a dozen of them. Not as illusory as before. This time everyone came up with the strategy. The feasibility is a lot stronger. But think about it carefully. And they all have a lot of flaws. It takes a lot of effort to continue to refine the supplement.

Redbeard listened sideways for a moment. Suddenly, I found that Zhang Songling had been lowering his head and studying the map placed in the center of the crime. He slammed the table hard. Asked aloud. Fatso. What do you think. Can you tell everyone about it first? We're here. But you're the only one who has fought with the little devils' front-line troops."

"Ahh Zhang Songling's thinking was interrupted. Looked up in amazement. I. My idea may not be very mature."

"Tell me. Our ideas are also immature. Didn't you say the same?" Redbeard looked at him with a smile. Face full of encouragement.

"yes. Let's talk about it. You have a lot of experience. The brain is also smart." The cadres turned their heads to Zhang Songling. There is no lack of envy in his eyes.

Everybody knows. The little black fat man in front of him is the most important person in the old captain. Sometimes it's so heavy that people are jealous. But the little black fat man's ability. It's true that people can't gossip. Whether it's marksmanship. Knowledge. Or the ability to command. It's all one in a hundred. What makes everyone have to admire is even more. In addition to fighting wars . I also know how to make money by doing business. Since the opening of bazaars, salt works and workshops in recent years. The food level in the whole camp has gone up several steps. It can't be said that there is meat in the ton. At least every three to five. Everyone will get a bowl of mutton soup to drink.

"The key right now is a serious lack of intelligence." Zhang Songling knew that Redbeard was deliberately creating opportunities for himself to perform. Grateful. Stood up with a bit of helplessness. Whisper in response." We do not know the approximate size of the enemy's forces. I don't know the command style of the devil officer. Lots of ideas. Inevitably, it's air-to-air. And the more discussed. The more empty my heart becomes."

"Hey, hey, hey......." everyone burst into laughter again. To say not to be nervous. He is a man of self-deception. That's why you guys said so much before. It's because I really don't know the bottom of my heart. At this moment, it was punctured by Zhang Songling's words. I can't help but feel hot on my face. Even the chair under the butt of the chair burned.

"Air-to-air doesn't matter. You're just talking about it. The strength of the devils. That's the maximum. A whole brigade . Plus the devils and puppet army in the black stone village. One brigade plus two squadrons. It's up to the sky." Redbeard waved his hand. Make a request with a smile.

"Then we have to take the initiative in grasping the intelligence. Predict in advance what the devil will do next." Reminiscing about the experience of fighting with little devils in the past. Combined with the actual situation at the moment. Zhang Songling continued. Now we have a telegram. You have to make the most of it. Let's go over there with military divisions and military districts. Try to provide us with some convenience. Avoid being caught off guard by little devils. It also avoids underestimating the strength of the Japanese invaders. Inflicting unnecessary losses on yourself."

"Yes. This is true. I'll arrange a telecommunications team right away. It's just cheating. It is also necessary to let the military sub-district on the intelligence side. Let's think about it." Redbeard nodded. Whisper promises. Ask your superiors for reinforcements. Estimated a bit troublesome. But ask for intelligence support. It's much easier. After all, the Eighth Route Army had already established a relatively complete intelligence network in enemy-occupied areas. Ask them to help find out the general movements of a devil army. It shouldn't be a problem for the superiors.

"We can't just wait for information from our superiors. You can also think of some local solutions." Live up to Redbeard's expectations. Only a few words. Zhang Songling showed the difference between other cadres. Thinking is more logical. The sense of combat is also more proactive." The little devil came from the northeast. I don't know much about what the herders on the grasslands are like. We spent money to buy some sheep from the herdsmen around us. Divided into small groups of about 20 heads. Find a few brave and careful warriors to rush to the east of the Black Stone Village to graze. It shouldn't arouse the suspicion of the devil."

"What if the little devil robs the sheep.." Someone immediately raised their hand. Question loudly.

"Plunder, and leave the sheep to them; Our own men immediately jumped on their horses and ran away. Reluctant to have children. Can't catch a wolf." Zhao Tianlong glanced at the doubter. rushed to answer for Zhang Songling.

"If the little devil robs the sheep. What manifestations ordinary herders encounter in this situation. Our people are just about what they do. The first principle is not to arouse the suspicion of devils. As for property damage. I have to leave it aside for the time being." Zhang Songling smiled. Keep adding.

"Hey!" Everyone laughed and smacked their lips. The guerrillas are poor. Sheep are sold cheaper on the grasslands. Each one has a piece of the ocean. I haven't dealt with the little devil yet. Hundreds of dollars are now spent in the ocean. It hurts to think about it.

"It's better to make the warriors make senseless sacrifices. I think it's worth it." Redbeard waved his hand. The final word." That's it. Early tomorrow morning, I will send someone down the mountain to buy sheep. Captain Zhang continued. What about when you have accurate information. What are we going to do next?"

"If there is accurate intelligence to back it up. Next. What we should do. It is to take full advantage of the guerrillas' familiarity with the surrounding geographical environment. Make every battle happen on the battlefield of your choice. Either don't fight. If you want to fight, let the little devils fight according to their own plans. Even if it's to lose some jars and jars. I don't hesitate to do it." I glanced up at everyone. Zhang Songling continued.

"As for the third. That is, on a local scale. Create superiority in troops." Talking and talking. There is a relatively complete and clear line of thought. Slowly appeared in front of everyone's eyes. It's not perfect. But it's far stronger than the previous Dongyi hammer. West a stick of advice." In terms of troops. Except for the partisans themselves . The independent battalion of the Jin Sui army at the moment of necessity. It can also be used as a strong reinforcement. Although the strength of the two families is not as good as the little devil. But if they work well with each other. It doesn't have to be at a critical moment. You can't take care of the end of the little devil."

"But where to put the battlefield of the counterattack ... Point to the map on the table... Zhang Songling inch by inch in the above selection. Liuhua River in flood season. Desert in the middle of summer sun. A hilly section of the lower reaches of the north side of the Xilamulun River. Primeval jungle west of Lama ditch. Calculate it carefully. There are many places suitable for ambushing little devils. But the most suitable. It is none other than the area of Squirrel Mountain on the east side of Blackstone Village." If you can choose. I hope it's here. First. It's far from our camp. The devil probably didn't think we would suddenly appear. Second. It's only half a day's journey away from Zhou's black carbon. You can ask him to be there for advice. Third. If it's possible. I want to get ahead of the devils in the city and the devils who come to help. Fight this battle first. While the little devil's brigade still doesn't know what our strength is. Caught him off guard first."