"That's it for today! Mr. Goning, tomorrow we will draw up a contract under the supervision of representatives of the National Government, and then we can start trading. "After a tug-of-war in the middle of the night, the plan of exchanging oil field data for weapons and equipment has finally been reached, and the rest is a matter of how to operate. After discussing for most of the night, a result was finally reached, and Zheng Weiguo felt both tired and excited.

Feng. Gonin and Marcel were also very satisfied, looked at each other and smiled, stretched out their hands and said in the Chinese they had just learned: "General Zheng, the pigs' nests drink and stale!" ”

Zheng Weiguo nodded slightly, shook hands with the two and said, "Well, happy cooperation!" Two, this way, please! ”

The group got up and walked outside the house as they spoke. In order to show respect, Zheng Weiguo and Chief of Staff Zhou also specially sent them outside the courtyard in person, and ordered: "Pillar, send the two gentlemen back to rest." ”

The pillar stood upright and saluted, "Yes, Chief!" Mr. Gonin, Mr. Marcel, please! ”

Feng. Gonin was in a good mood and complimented: "The lieutenant colonel has the demeanor of a Prussian soldier!" "It's a pity that the pillar doesn't know much about what Prussia means, and even if he knows a little about it, he doesn't think it's very glorious. Feng. Goning's sycophant is a useless effort.

Looking at their disappearing backs, Chief of Staff Zhou smiled slightly, and said to Zheng Weiguo excitedly: "Boss, I didn't expect things to be so easy. When these weapons arrive, we will finally have the capital to gain a foothold in North China! ”

Zheng Weiguo nodded with a smile and was about to speak, when a familiar voice suddenly came from next to him, "Commander, chief of staff." Have the foreign devils agreed to our conditions? ”

The two looked back and saw Political Commissar Cheng coming out from behind the old locust tree, his hands kept rubbing, but his face was red and full of hope and excitement.

"Old Cheng? What are you doing hiding here? Seeing that he was shivering from the cold, Zheng Weiguo smiled and said, "Ha Luha, it's frozen!" Let's go, get warm up in the house. ”

Seeing this, Chief of Staff Zhou knew that they had something to discuss, so he said, "General Seat, Lao Cheng, then you go into the house quickly." I'm going to go back and put together the list of supplies. I'll go back first. ”

Zheng Weiguo nodded and said, "Well, okay, if you can't get busy, you can find a few more staff officers to help." "Originally, there was no need to sign a deal with the Germans, because there were no mandatory guarantees for the deal. All you need is a memo. But the involvement of the Nationalist Government complicates the problem. Had to do some superficial work.

The greenhouse effect is not yet evident in this era. In autumn, the temperature drops particularly sharply, so there is a saying that "one layer of autumn rain and one layer of coolness". In late autumn, it was even more suffocating, and as soon as Commissar Cheng entered the house, he stomped his feet and shouted, "Oops." It's cold, it's cold! ”

Zheng Weiguo hurriedly poured him a cup of hot water, and scolded with a smile: "You deserve it!" Why don't you come in when you come, don't you stay outside to find sin? ”

Political Commissar Cheng put his hands on the porcelain jar and said with a depressed face: "Aren't I afraid of disturbing your negotiations, who would have thought that you would talk about it in the middle of the night, and almost didn't freeze me to death!" ”

Zheng Weiguo smiled, thinking that you haven't seen a real "marathon" negotiation yet, what is it in the middle of the night, and there are years or even decades of talking.

Political Commissar Cheng asked again: "Commander, have the Germans agreed to our conditions?" ”

Zheng Weiguo said: "Well, it's similar to what we predicted before, the first plan was rejected by them, and the materials exchanged were mainly old weapons and light weapons. This is the first batch of supplies to be exchanged next, see for yourself. ”

Political Commissar Cheng said happily: "Great, the freezing in the middle of the night has not been in vain!" As he spoke, he eagerly took the form and read it carefully.

Zheng Weiguo couldn't help but laugh and said, "You won't wait for the middle of the night for this result, right?" ”

Political Commissar Cheng smiled: "Go, isn't it the first time I've seen you trading with the Germans, so you can be in a hurry?" Another mysterious face explained: "Commander, I also bring good news!" Do you want to listen? ”

Zheng Weiguo said angrily: "Isn't this nonsense? Sell less, say it quickly! ”

Political Commissar Cheng smiled, and only when he saw that he had enough appetite did he confide in the truth. It turned out that after many efforts in Yan'an, the value of penicillin was finally recognized by the Soviet Union. The Soviet side said that it agreed to negotiate on this matter, and the negotiators were already on their way and would be able to arrive in Jizhong in a few days.

Zheng Weiguo was overjoyed when he heard this, and hurriedly asked: "Old Maozi, oh, no, what price does the Soviet representative plan to offer?" ”

Political Commissar Cheng frowned slightly, and said: "I haven't had time to inquire about this yet, I think it shouldn't be lower than the Germans' bid, right?" ”

Zheng Weiguo shook his head and said, "This is not necessarily, we have to plan it well, but we can't sell it cheaply." Suddenly remembering something, he hurriedly asked: "Has the identity of my party member been exposed?" ”

Political Commissar Cheng was stunned for a moment and said, "There shouldn't be any!" ”

Zheng Weiguo breathed a sigh of relief and said: "That's good, this point must also be emphasized to Yan'an and the headquarters of the Eighth Route Army, and under no circumstances can you tell the Soviets, not even the representatives of the Comintern." ”

In 38 years, the Comintern had not yet been abolished, and the GC parties in all countries were subordinate sections of the Comintern. Theoretically, every party member must obey the orders of the International. Therefore, once Zheng Huzi's identity is revealed, don't expect to rely on this equipment for changing hair.

Political Commissar Cheng quickly understood the reasoning and nodded solemnly.

The next day, under the supervision of representatives of the Nationalist Government, Zheng Weiguo, on behalf of the 41st Group Army, signed a contract with a Swiss company. Nominally, it was to exchange medical technology for supplies, and the transportation channel was to Xinjiang through the Soviet Union. The import formalities are handled by the Nationalist Government, and according to the previous "rules," the Military Commission of the Nationalist Government will receive a 50 percent commission from it.

In fact, this contract is just a façade, because both parties have interests and needs, and they jointly create a false image. The Germans did not want the oil field to be exposed, and Zheng Weiguo did not want to continue to be "exploited" by the Nationalist government. As for the transaction of the Xinjiang channel, it is just a cover-up, and Inner Mongolia is the core trading location.

In addition to the deal with Zheng Weiguo, the German government has also decided to purchase some strategic resources such as tungsten sand, white medicine, tung oil and pig hair. Anyway, he has been dragged into the water by Zheng Weiguo, so he simply made the deal bigger. As for the Japanese, leave it to the diplomats a headache!

After the contract is signed. Marcel remained in Jizhong as a liaison officer. Feng. Goering went directly from Xinjiang to the Soviet Union, which shows that he had planned and planned to plan for the Soviet Union in the first place.

A few days later, the representative of the Soviet Union, Major General Ivanovnov, also arrived in Jizhong, and was personally accompanied by Commander Nie. Of course, Commander Nie is not just to accompany this Ivanov, the main purpose is to "share the spoils". Some time ago, Jizhong and Jinchaji Eighth Road laid a long railway line, and the results were amazing. Originally, it was good to divide it equally, but the transportation in Jinchaji was inconvenient, and most of the materials were transported to Jizhong. So Commander Nie is actually asking for an account.

Zheng Weiguo also knew this, and quipped: "Mr. Nie." You're in too much of a hurry. It's a fight with Huang Shiren! ”

Commander Nie Ha Luha smiled and said, "I, you are Huang Shiren!" Good guy, you have saved such a big fortune quietly, and you are the fattest local tyrant in the whole of North China. ”

Zheng Weiguo joked: "I know that you didn't have any good intentions when you came back." However, this is the time of the united front of all strata. Fighting local tyrants has been banned. Mr. Nie. You can't break the policy! ”

Commander Nie patted Zheng Weiguo on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Don't worry, the matter of materials is easy to discuss." I'm not here for the main reason. ”

Zheng Weiguo smiled: "No." If you don't want small profits, you must have big plans. What is more important than the distribution of supplies? Is it a negotiation with Maozi? Don't worry, I'll find a way to change my gear. "At the beginning, it was said that the deal with the Soviet Union would be divided into half of the eight routes, so everyone was very concerned.

Commander Nie waved his hand and said, "It has nothing to do with the Soviet representatives, I want to ask you to help train a regular brigade on my behalf!" ”

Zheng Weiguo was stunned for a moment, and said suspiciously: "Why do you want to ask me for help?" ”

Commander Nie smiled: "What else can there be, you fought well!" ”

The counterattack on the Jinpu Road and the Pinghan Line not only shocked the Japanese army and the Nationalist Government, but also greatly touched the Eighth Route Army. When he was in Ping'an County, although Zheng Weiguo's headquarters was well equipped, its combat effectiveness was still far from catching up with the old Eighth Road, which was reorganized by the Red Army. However, in the subsequent battle of Changle Village, Zhengbu's combat effectiveness has improved significantly, and it has reached the same level as the Eighth Route Army. In the last two counterattacks, the various departments of Jizhong have shown superhuman combat effectiveness.

In the past, each fought its own fight, and even if there was a slight gap, it was still not visible. Even if someone sees something, it will be pushed to the equipment as a matter of course. Say, if we have such good equipment, how can we? But this time, the troops of Jizhong fought jointly with the Jin-Cha-Ji and the 129th Division, and the two sides were placed on the same battlefield, and many things were clear at a glance. The Jizhong troops are no longer only well-equipped, but also have begun to widen the gap with the Eighth Route Army in terms of military quality and tactical level. This point is felt most deeply by the front-line commanders and fighters.

To be honest, this made the leaders of the Eighth Route Army feel a little uncomfortable. But the military is the most practical, and if there is a gap, we must find a way to make up for it. In the past, there was a shortage of equipment, but now that the equipment is available, training and tactics are the most urgent issues.

Historically, although the guerrilla tactics of the Eighth Route Army achieved tremendous success, the problem was also very conspicuous, that is, the sharp decline in combat effectiveness. Taking the 129th Division as an example, from 37 to 38 years, the combat effectiveness of the troops increased rapidly, especially in the battle of Changle Village, and the Eighth Route Army could even hold on to the same number of Japanese troops. However, then the Eighth Route Army continued to expand, the number of veterans was decreasing day by day, and the training of recruits could not keep up, and the combat effectiveness dropped sharply.

By the 40th year, a main brigade of the Eighth Route Army could not even eat a brigade of the Japanese army when it occupied a favorable geographical position. After the battle of Guanjiayuan, the Eighth Route Army's will to fight was also severely damaged. A brigade of the Japanese army broke into Qinyuan, the capital of the Taiyue Military Region, and the Taiyue Military Region, which had the 386th Brigade, was unable to expel it.

Of course, this has something to do with the destruction of the base areas, because after all, the formation and training of regular troops is a very logistical test. In fact, the guerrilla of the Eighth Route Army was also forced to do so. However, without fist troops capable of fighting and daring to fight, it is difficult to protect the base areas by guerrilla warfare alone, which will only make the enemy more unscrupulous to sabotage the base areas, further undermine the combat potential of the Eighth Route, and thus fall into a vicious circle.

That is, the base areas are poor -- they cannot feed the main forces -- the main forces are localized -- their combat effectiveness is declining -- they cannot protect the base areas -- the base areas are destroyed and they are even poorer.

Fortunately, the conditions behind enemy lines are much higher now than in the same period in history, if each base area of the Eighth Route Army can have some field troops and have the ability to attack. It is also a huge support.

Zheng Weiguo quickly figured out the joints, patted his chest and smiled: "Okay, this is on me." In fact, he had this idea before, but he never had the right opportunity to bring it up.

Seeing that he promised happily, Commander Nie was overjoyed, and hurriedly said gratefully: "Lao Zheng, I don't thank you for your kindness, I won't say much about thanks." He lowered his voice and said, "That Ivanov is not easy to deal with, you have to be careful!" ”

Zheng Weiguo nodded slightly and said, "Hmm." Feel relieved! Even if he is a tsar. When you come to me, you have to be slaughtered! ”

After a banquet for Ivanov and his entourage, negotiations with the Russians soon began. Commander Nie is right, this Ivanov is indeed very difficult. Zheng Weiguo even regretted asking Yan'an to help contact the Soviet Union, because these woolly bears were simply insatiable Siberian wolves. I want the full manufacturing method of penicillin without pulling it out.

Due to the fact that there is a matchmaking in G. The meeting was supposed to take place in a very friendly and harmonious atmosphere. Zheng Weiguo first put forward his own conditions. expressed the hope that this medicine could be exchanged with Russia for a batch of much-needed weapons. Including some advanced artillery and light weapons.

Unexpectedly, Ivanovov said very arrogantly that because the Chinese government owed the Soviet Union a large amount of money, it asked for this special drug (Ivanov did not know the name and origin of penicillin) to pay off the debt. As for what the 41st Army wants. It is possible to apply to the Nationalist Government yourself, since the Soviet "aid" has already been delivered to China. The rest is China's internal affairs, and they can't interfere.

Zheng Weiguo flatly refused: "This is impossible! General Ivanov, in order to get this miracle drug, we spent a lot of money. It's not feasible for you to empty the gloves of the white wolf, and we only sell the finished product, not the manufacturing method. ”

Ivanov slapped the table and shouted: "If you don't agree, we will suspend aid to your country!" Zheng, without our help, you won't be able to survive a day! ”

Zheng Weiguo snorted and said confrontedly: "You should tell the national government about this!" The medicine belongs to me personally, and the national government has no control over it. ”

Ivanov said coldly: "I remember this sentence, you just wait and see!" As he spoke, he slammed the door and directly terminated the negotiations.

Commander Nie and Political Commissar Cheng were so stunned that they didn't even have time to say a word of retention. A representative sent by the Yan'an side hurriedly chased after him and anxiously shouted: "Dawarisi, please wait, Comrade Ivanov!" Alas......"

Zheng Weiguo was so angry that he slapped the table, and scolded with a black face: "Damn, Maozi is too deceitful!" ”

Chief of Staff Zhou hurriedly persuaded: "General Seat, don't be like him!" He doesn't want to talk about it, so we can change someone! ”

Political Commissar Cheng said with some concern: "I'm afraid that this Ivanov will hold a grudge and sabotage it." ”

Commander Nie said dejectedly: "Alas, I know that this Ivanov is not easy to deal with, his background in the Soviet Union is very hard, and I am afraid it will not be easy to talk about changing people." ”

Chief of Staff Zhou hurriedly asked: "Aren't you able to contact Stalin directly?" ”

Commander Nie shook his head with a wry smile and said, "If we can get his help, will we still need to live the days of millet and rifles?" Alas, forget it, don't talk about this. ”

Not long ago, taking advantage of the fact that the Japanese army in Suiyuan was drawn to the Pinghan line, Li Jingquan's division of the Eighth Route Army in Suinan took the opportunity to attack northward, and once opened up the "international communication line." Unexpectedly, the international comrades only brought some Marxist-Leninist books, saying that they were asking the Chinese comrades to draw spiritual strength to fight the Japanese fascists, and they almost did not anger everyone to death.

Zheng Weiguo thought for a moment and said, "That's it, please help Yan'an to think of a way." It's really not okay, anyway, we are now on the line with Germany, and weapons and equipment are not in short supply. The Soviets, hmph, it's time to beg Lao Tzu! ”

As it turned out, Zheng Weiguo was still too optimistic or naïve. The greed and shamelessness of the woolly bear really have no bottom line. When Zheng Weiguo insisted on refusing, they even put pressure through the Nationalist Government in an attempt to force Zheng Weiguo to hand over the formula.

Now is not the time to turn the other cheek with the Nationalist Government, so the order can be perfunctory, but face has to be given. Zheng Weiguo had no choice but to take a step back and expressed his willingness to ask the Nationalist Government to come forward to make a deal, and when the time came, Jizhong would divide the way from it. In this way, there is no need to "interfere in China's internal affairs". In order to show his sincerity to the Soviet side, Zheng Weiguo also lowered the offer by 10%, which can be described as a hemorrhage. At this point, the national government had nothing to say, and once again sent representatives to help coordinate.

But that Ivanov had no intention of compromising at all, and he ate and drank well every day, but he was not willing to pay for any weapons. A bite can only serve as an old account.

Zheng Weiguo was angry and scolded angrily: "The dog sits in a sedan chair and doesn't know how to lift." Since it's shameless to give face, don't talk about it! So the negotiations were suspended and the Ivanov was unceremoniously expelled from the country. According to his thinking, as long as the deal with the Germans is smooth, the deal with the woolly bear is just the icing on the cake, at least it is not very important. As for the aid to the Chinese government, it was out of the interests of the Soviet Union, directly controlled by Stalin, and a single major general could not be shaken.

However, a few days later, Colonel Marcel suddenly hurried over and said anxiously: "General Zheng, there is a little trouble in the transfer of our supplies, and I am afraid that we will not be able to arrive at the place of transaction on time." ”

Zheng Weiguo said in a deep voice: "What's the matter? ”

Marcel said dejectedly: "I don't know what went wrong with the road, I had a good talk with the Soviet high-level, but there are always people below who make things difficult!" ”

Chief of Staff Zhou said angrily: "It must be Ivanov's shit that makes it bad!" ”

Zheng Weiguo also thinks so, it is difficult for this kind of Second Ancestor to expect them to accomplish anything, but it couldn't be easier to make trouble for you. (To be continued......)