Fan Zhuxian was the first to speak: "Now, Chairman Han ordered us to withdraw to the south of the Yellow River, and Liaocheng, which is not occupied by the Japanese army now, has become an empty city, and yesterday it was sacked by a group of routed soldiers Qi Zixiu, let's talk about it, what should we do?" ”

Su Bantian, commander of the first security battalion, said: "The hundreds of thousands of Kuomintang troops could not resist and retreated to the south. It is better to cross the Yellow River immediately and go south with the army. ”

Wang Jinxiang, commander and chief of staff of the 2nd Security Battalion, thought for a while and said: "The Japanese army did not move south when they occupied Gaotang, Liaocheng is an empty city, and it is indeed too early to cross the Yellow River now. If the Japanese army occupies Liaocheng, we will not be late to cross the river, and if the Japanese army no longer goes south, we will return to Liaocheng. ”

Zhang Weihan said: "We have a legitimate political power, two security battalions of arms, and more than 200 political workers of anti-Japanese patriotic youths. If they flee south, what will happen to the people of these more than 20 counties, haven't we abandoned them? There are not a few routs like Qi Zixiu, they rush from here to there, and from there to here, who leads the people to fight them? Besides, there are other bandits, robbers, murderers, who cares about these? We can't ignore 10 million people! ”

Yao Dihong continued: "Take a step back and say, if we flee south and have no backers in the Kuomintang government, where will we have our position? We are the government of the Sixth Prefecture of Shandong, and if we leave the Sixth Prefecture to be the government-in-exile, let alone accommodation, we will not even be able to find anyone who can take care of food. As long as we go back to the War of Resistance, the common people will support it, and if we become shameful deserters, the common people can clean up us wherever we go. Therefore, I resolutely advocate returning to Liaocheng and launching the War of Resistance in Northwest Shandong. ”

Zhang Weihan continued: "Although Japan is a military power, they have few people and weak troops, and although we are a weak country, we have a large population and vast land. When they occupied Liaocheng, we retreated to the countryside to fight guerrillas, and when we could not stand near Liaocheng, we retreated to Guanxian, Guantao and the banks of the Wei River to fight the enemy. The devils have a limited army, so they won't occupy every village! We can fight guerrilla warfare with them everywhere, and the Japanese devils will definitely be defeated by us. ”

Fan Zhuxian listened to Zhang Weihan and Yao Dihong's words and nodded frequently.

But Zhao Yupo still couldn't figure it out, and said: "Our sixth prefecture belongs to Chairman Han, and Chairman Han ordered us to cross the Yellow River, and we can't disobey the order." The child cried and hugged his mother, and only by relying on Chairman Han can we have a way out. ”

Han Xing also continued: "We are the sixth special area of President Han, and we must be consistent with President Han at any time, and Chairman Han ordered us to withdraw to Henan, and we have our own reasons for withdrawing to Henan." If we just rely on the strength of our two battalions and want to fight with the Japanese in northwest Shandong, it will be too self-sufficient! ”

At the meeting, two opinions were formed to return to Liaocheng and not to return to Liaocheng, there were thousands of people in charge of the family, and everyone's eyes were looking at Fan Zhuxian.

Fan Zhuxian saw that the discussion was almost over, and summarized and expressed his opinion: "First of all, we are officials appointed by the state, what do local officials do? At the very least, it is the responsibility to defend the territory. It was a mistake to abandon the common people without resistance, and now I am determined to stay in the north of the Yellow River to defend the land and resist the war. Those who are willing to go back with me will stay, and those who are not willing to go back will cross the river to the south, and I will not force it. ”

Hearing that Fan Zhuxian made a decision, those who advocated fleeing south were silent, and they were all silently thinking, if they left the special office, they would become lost dogs, not to mention food and accommodation, even bandits, and they couldn't greet them! That's not a dead end. As long as you follow Commissioner Fan, maybe there is still a way to live, and if you don't get it right, you can still have a good reputation as a responsible defender.

Han Xing still insisted on his opinion and reminded Fan Zhuxian and said: "Commissioner Fan, don't forget that our sixth special district is Chairman Han's sixth special district, and if you don't obey Chairman Han's orders, Chairman Han will be unhappy." In the future, if we are paid, what will we do if Chairman Han picks up candy? ”

Fan Zhuxian said: "Didn't I say it, those who are willing to follow me back to Liaocheng, I welcome it." If you don't want to follow me back to Liaocheng, I won't be reluctant. ”

You look at me, I look at you, indeed, it is superfluous to raise any objections.

So, everyone changed their faces one after another, and Wang Jinxiang first said: "Commissioner Fan, where did you go?" You old people are not afraid of death, we are all your soldiers, and we can still be afraid of death. Whether you are dead or alive, follow your old man's home. ”

Su Bantian said: "I am willing to follow your old man before and after the saddle, and never give up!" Zhao Yupo also said: "We are just some errand boys, resolutely obey your old man's orders, what I said just now, I didn't say it." ”

Han Xing had no choice but to say: "Say yes, do it, and resolutely follow your old man." ”

None of the people said that they were unwilling to follow Fan Zhuxian, they all wanted to leave, and if they left Fan Zhuxian's big tree, could they still have any good fruits to eat, not to mention the chaotic soldiers, they would starve to death if they were hungry.

Fan Zhuxian saw that everyone's opinions had been unanimous, so he said: "Colleagues, comrades, since everyone is willing to follow me back to Liaocheng, then I thank you." From now on, we will be people on the same boat, sharing blessings and difficulties, fighting Japan together, and sharing responsibilities. As he spoke, he stood up, bowed his hand to everyone, and bowed three times, which was regarded as a thank you to your colleagues.

Everyone also burst into warm applause, which was a reward for Commissioner Fan.

Since everyone's opinion has been unanimous, Fan Zhuxian immediately issued an order: "Director Zhang, you immediately lead the main force of the first battalion to encircle and suppress Qi Zixiu and rescue the waiters!" ”

Zhang Weihan and Su Bantian saluted Commissioner Fan and shouted: "Yes!" ”

Fan Zhuxian said to Wang Jinxiang and Yao Dihong: "The two of you who will lead the security headquarters and the political training attendants tomorrow will immediately return to Liaocheng to calm the people's hearts. ”

Wang Jinxiang and Yao Dihong saluted Fan Zhuxian and said, "Yes!" ”

Fan Zhuxian dialed the special line between Guanzhuang and Han Fuyu, and said to Han Fuyu: "Chairman Han, I am no longer in the Yellow River, and I ask the chairman to allow me to stay in Liaocheng north of the Yellow River and continue to lead the people's war of resistance in northwest Shandong." Now the anti-Japanese sentiment of the people in northwest Shandong is very high, and I hope that the government will lead them to resist the war, and I hope that the chairman will continue to receive ammunition and ......"

On the phone, Han Fuyu was silent for a while before he said, "General Fan, you have to think about it, my troops have been withdrawn to the south of the Yellow River, and it is a little difficult to go back." ”

Fan Zhuxian continued to say firmly: "Please rest assured Chairman Han, at least the Sixth Special Region cannot embarrass you, and all the personnel of our Sixth Special Region are determined to work with the people of Northwest Shandong to defend the land and resist the war and fight the Japanese devils to the end." ”

Han Fuyu thought for a while and said: "That's okay, the current Japanese offensive in northwest Lu has eased somewhat, and Song Zheyuan's First Army was ordered to flank the Pinghan Line to support the national army in Shanxi. In the future, you can't support it, and then retreat with the 29th Army. ”

After Fan Zhuxian received Han Fuyu's support, he was overjoyed and immediately mobilized all the people who returned to chat. When all the personnel heard that they could return to Liaocheng again, especially the locals in Liaocheng heard that they could return to their hometowns again, they were all very excited, and they all rejoiced, and sang anti-Japanese songs.

In addition, Zhang Weihan and Su Bantian's first security battalion returned to Liaocheng on October 21, 1937, and according to the scouts' report, Qi Zixiu's troops had wandered to Shazhen, 40 miles southwest of Liaocheng. Zhang Weihan immediately led the security battalion to set off and set up the headquarters in Xujiaying, five miles north of Shazhen.

At 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the head of the Shazhen militia first came to report on Qi Zixiu's situation, and then the militia groups from various townships also came to ask for a task. At one time, there were more than 2,000 people in the militia and security battalion gathered in Xujiaying, and the strength was greatly stronger than Qi Zixiu's troops.

Zhang Weihan convened a meeting of the heads of the militia groups, and asked the militia groups to cooperate with the security battalion to surround the Shazhen regiments, and launch a general attack at dawn the next day to annihilate the Qi Zixiu troops.

At dawn the next day, the troops launched an attack, which was really a shout and a roar of guns, and the fortifications around Shazhen were really full of smoke and dust, but the troops attacked in front of them, but found that Shazhen did not return fire, and then attacked the village, and found that there was no one left.

It turned out that Qi Zixiu's department sensed that a large army was coming, so they didn't dare to fight at all, but fled north before the encirclement of the large army of the special agency was completed at night. Although Qi Zixiu was not hit, but he drove away this scourge, which was also very happy, and fully demonstrated the strength of the armed forces in Northwest Lu.

Local people also slaughtered pigs and sheep to comfort the security camps and militia groups to celebrate the victory. Zhang Weihan also comforted the local people and chatted triumphantly.

Fan Zhuxian was also paying attention to Qi Zixiu's battle, and after hearing that Qi Zixiu had fled, he had already sent scouts to follow him all the way. Knowing that Qi Zixiu had fled to Wucheng, Texas, he immediately took the two companies of the security battalion directly into Xia Jin. Xia Jin is only a few dozen miles away from Wucheng, and Fan Zhu first wants to use the method of "Guo Ziyi riding alone to see Hui Hui" to outwit Qi Zixiu.

Yao Dihong first objected and said: "Commissioner Fan, you are now the head of our Liaocheng, you can't go, if you go, Qi Zixiu is a bandit, extremely cruel, what if he kills you?" ”

Wang Jinxiang also said: "The matter of Qi Zixiu should be handled by the security battalion, and your commander will do it himself." ”

Fan Zhuxian smiled and said, "Now that Qi Zixiu has become a frightened bird, where is it worth using soldiers." We are a national war of resistance, and all Chinese with conscience and flesh do not want to be slaves of the country, and should unite together to resist the war. We must use the anti-Japanese doctrine to persuade him, introduce him into the right path, and make him an anti-Japanese force. ”

Yao Dihong shook his head and said: "Although you can say this, but you can't do it like this, you go deep into the enemy camp single-handedly, and always hold the knife in the hands of the Qi bandits, so how can we rest assured." ”

Wang Jinxiang also said: "Then you can bring a few more people, and you can be angry if something happens." ”

Fan Zhuxian said stubbornly: "There are too many people, and Qi Zi has become suspicious, but it is even worse." I don't believe it, Qi Zixiu can pee out one zhang and two urine, he doesn't look at the current shape. ”

Fan Zhuxian ignored everyone's dissuasion and was determined to subdue Qi Zixiu. He first asked someone to send a letter to Qi Zixiu, saying that he was going to visit him in person, not to beat him. Although Qi Zixiu was a little moved, he was still not at ease, as if facing a great enemy, he set up a machine gun, and all the people entered the position, setting up a decisive battle formation.

Fan Zhu first rode a broken bicycle and slowly entered Wucheng County. Qi Zixiu had been waiting for a long time, and when he saw that Fan Zhuxian was alone, he put his mind at ease, hurriedly came up, arched his hand to Fan Zhuxian, and said enthusiastically: "Commissioner Fan, Qi Zixiu is here to welcome Commissioner Fan." ”

Commissioner Fan slowly got off the bicycle and said to Qi Zixiu without humility or arrogance: "I'm here to save you, not to beat you, just a little bit of you, still running around, don't you want the people in Northwest Lu to eat you?" Come with me to the war of resistance! ”

Qi Zixiu's brain is also very good, and he immediately said: "I want to resist the war, but I have already offended the people of Liaocheng, and I don't know if they can tolerate me." ”

Fan Zhuxian said: "Our country and our nation have reached the critical point of life and death, and what is more important than the life and death of the country and the nation. I know what you have done, as long as you change your ways, I will do those things. You are still young, it is time to serve the country, don't run around, this is a good opportunity to resist Japan and save the country, if you miss this opportunity, the gods will not be able to save you......"

Commissioner Fan's words are speaking to Qi Zixiu's heart, and now, his little people are being chased and killed by the security battalion and the militia from all sides, and they have escaped the first day of the new year but can't escape the fifteenth, and it is only a matter of time before they perish. If you lean on the big tree of Fan Zhuxian, you have to eat and drink, and you can just develop your own strength.

So, Qi Zixiu arched his hand to Fan Zhuxian and said, "If Commander Fan doesn't dislike me, it will be a rebirth grace for me, and I, Qi Zixiu, will be your person in the future." Wherever Commander Fan pointed out, I hit wherever I went, even if I went to the soup and fire, I didn't hesitate. ”

Fan Zhu nodded first, and then asked: "Our waiter in Liaocheng, where did you go, is it here with you?" ”

Qi Zixiu hurriedly said: "If you want to talk about this waiter, you really wronged me, we were just afraid that they would make trouble and locked them in the house, in fact, the door chain is not locked." We're gone, and I don't know where they've gone. ”

"Really?" Fan Zhuxian looked into his eyes and asked.

"I'm all your people now, in front of you, if I have half a nonsense, then there will be five thunderstorms in the sky."

Fan Zhuxian confirmed that Qi Zixiu did not coerce the waiter, so he no longer asked about this matter, so the two shook hands and made peace. Qi Zixiu's department was included in the security battalion of the sixth prefecture, and Fan Zhuxian gave him a number, that is, the third battalion. Fan Zhuxian appointed Qi Zixiu as the commander of the third battalion on the spot, and his three platoon commanders, Bo Guangsan, Shao Jisheng, and Qi Runze, were all promoted to company commanders, and the personnel still maintained relative independence.

This is what Qi Zixiu is most happy about, he is really afraid that his troops will be broken up and his power will be taken away.

Qi Zixiu followed Fan Zhu to Xiajin first, and the Liaocheng Political Training Office sent Yu Xiaohong and others into the third battalion to do the political work of the battalion.

After Fan Zhuxian returned to Liaocheng, under the leadership and assistance of ***, he sorted out the interior, incorporated the troops, stabilized the social order, and established the anti-Japanese war base area.

Besides, the waiters who disappeared in Liaocheng on the 18th, where did they go? It turned out that they saw Qi Zixiu's people running away, and they couldn't get in touch with the organization, so they had to retreat to Jinan. After being exiled to Dong'e on the 20th, they heard that Liaocheng had never been occupied by the Japanese army, and they decided to return to Liaocheng again. Except for a dozen classmates who were reluctant to go back, they returned on the 24th to join up with the classmates who had retreated to Qihe more than a week earlier.

At this time, in order to strengthen the leadership of the Anti-Japanese War in Northwest Shandong, the Shandong Provincial Party Committee sent Zhang Linzhi, the Organization Minister of the Provincial Party Committee, to Liaocheng to support the Anti-Japanese War in western Shandong to the greatest extent, and also sent more than 20 backbone forces such as Hong Tao, Wang Youping, and Jin Weiguo to Liaocheng. After Zhang Linzhi arrived, he merged the party members in Jinan with the Northwest Lu Special Committee to establish a new CPC Northwest Lu Special Committee, which made the leadership of the political training office controlled by the Communist Party of China more sound.

With the direct support of the Special Commission, Fan Zhuxian quickly reversed the chaotic situation in the Sixth Prefecture and quickly restored the power of the counties. In addition to incorporating one battalion of Qi Zixiu, the anti-Japanese armed forces also incorporated the two divisions of the Chi Civilian Regiment Wang Zifan and the Qing Civilian Regiment Wang Shantang into two battalions. In particular, after the attendants of the Political Training Office went down to the counties, they immediately combined with the underground organizations of the first country and began to establish mass anti-Japanese and salvation organizations in each county, and the people were initially mobilized.

The flame of resistance against Japan had just developed in full swing, but less than a month later, the shape suddenly became tense again.