Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 294 Asking the Instructor

Li Yunfei quickly arrived at the main gate, taking three steps at a time.

At this moment, Zhang Haoshan and a guard squad were waiting at the entrance of the Independent Regiment's headquarters.

As soon as Li Yunfei saw Zhang Haotian, he rushed over enthusiastically.

He grasped Zhang Haoshan's hands and said.

"Zhang the Rich Man, oh no, Zhang the Brigade Commander, look how happy I am I've gotten the name wrong!" Li Yunfei said with a loud laugh.

"We were so excited that Brigade Commander Zhang came to inspect our Independent Brigade. Our Independent Regiment was overjoyed."

“That’s called bringing honor to my humble abode,” Zhao Xiaogang, who had just walked over, added from behind.

"Brigade Commander Zhang, it's been a long time." Zhao Xiaogang greeted him warmly as well.

"Commander Li, Political Commissar Zhao, you're too kind. I wouldn't have come here without a reason, and I just happened to need your help this time," Zhang Haoshan said.

Li Yunfei and Zhao Xiaogang saw the joy in each other's eyes.

"Commander Zhao, why are you being so polite with our Independent Regiment? Your business is our business. Please come in, please come in." Li Yunfei hurriedly pulled Zhang Haotian toward the regimental headquarters.

"Xiao Shang, make sure the rest of Brigade Commander Zhang and his men are settled in." Political Commissar Zhao said to his bodyguard before leaving.

"Yes."

After handing over the task, Zhao Xiaogang returned to the house.

"Come, come, Brigade Commander Zhang, please have a seat. Have you not eaten yet? The political commissar has asked the kitchen to cook some meat dishes. I must properly entertain Brigade Commander Zhang," Li Yunfei said to Political Commissar Zhao, who had just entered.

"Alright, I'll make the arrangements right away. Commander Zhang, please wait a moment."

"Commander Li, you're too kind. We ate on the way," Zhang Haotian politely declined.

“Brigade Commander Zhang, what are you saying? Coming to the Independent Regiment is like coming home. It’s like coming home for a meal or something.”

"Then I will respectfully refrain from being clever."

“That’s right. I just got two bottles of aged Fenjiu from our brigade commander.”

“Perfect timing, we haven’t seen each other in so long, we should have a good drink together,” Li Yunfei said.

"Commander Li, please refrain from drinking. Our brigade commander has ordered that drinking is prohibited during working hours. This is an ironclad rule of our Independent Brigade, and as the deputy brigade commander, I must set an example," Zhang Haoshan firmly refused.

"Oh, that's a pity for my good wine. But when you leave, Brigade Commander Zhang, you must take some back with you and let your Brigade Commander Tang have a taste."

“That’s our brigade commander’s prized wine.”

"Commander Li, I won't bring the wine. As the saying goes, a gentleman doesn't take what others love," Zhang Haoshan politely declined.

Not long after, the dishes were served.

"Come on, Commander Zhang, let's eat and chat."

As he spoke, Political Commissar Zhao sat down at the table.

"Then I won't stand on ceremony." With that, Zhang Haoshan started eating.

"Brigade Commander Zhang, is this some kind of operation that requires our Independent Regiment to cooperate with?"

"Brigade Commander Zhang, rest assured, as long as there is a need for our Independent Brigade, I, Li Yunfei, will not hesitate to help."

"Commander Li, our Independent Brigade is currently not in combat."

"Then what brings Commander Zhang here this time?" Zhao Xiaogang asked, puzzled.

Their independent regiment was not without its strengths in the face of Tang Weiguo's independent brigade.

"Commander Li, Political Commissar Zhao, I'll get straight to the point."

“Our brigade commander is currently preparing to organize an officer training course, and we would like to ask your Eighth Route Army for help. We would like to hire an officer with combat experience as an instructor for our training course.”

“Our brigade commander specifically said that it would be best if your brigade commander or division commander led the team, and it would be even better if your brigade commander or division commander came in person.”

"Of course, we're not asking you to give lectures for nothing."

"The equipment of a regular regiment of the Nationalist government."

At this point, Zhang Haoshan kept a secret and didn't reveal the equipment of the two regiments all at once.

"What a damn rich landlord, giving away an entire regiment's worth of equipment just like that." Li Yunfei and Zhao Xiaogang exchanged shocked glances.

Li Yunfei suppressed his excitement and said.

“Brigade Commander Zhang, it’s fine for other personnel, but our division commander and brigade commander are too busy with their own affairs, so I can’t make the decision.”

"Brigade Commander Zhang, wait a moment. I'll have the communications officer send a telegram to you to ask for instructions."

"Political Commissar, you stay and eat with Brigade Commander Zhang. I'll be right back."

With that, Li Yunfei walked outside.

Li Yunfei returned shortly afterward.

"Oh, I'm really sorry, our brigade commander simply doesn't have the time, but he said he can have the chief of staff personally lead the team here." Li Yunfei said with a regretful expression.

"Oh, I see." Zhang Haoshan couldn't help but ponder.

"Brigade Commander Zhang, don't worry, our Chief of Staff is also very capable. Getting him to be an instructor is absolutely no problem," Li Yunfei continued.

"Commander Li, the brigade commander instructed me before I left that I must invite the brigade commander."

"So, what's the equipment like for the two regiments?"

“Commander Li, my offer is not low,” Zhang Haoshan said to Li Yunfei after finishing his sentence.

"My goodness, the equipment of two regiments!" Li Yunfei exclaimed in shock.

He thought that all he had managed to capture was the equipment of one regiment, while the Independent Brigade was giving away the equipment of two regiments so easily.

"Brigade Commander Zhang, I'll also take care of the equipment for these two regiments for you." Li Yunfei looked like he was selling the brigade commander for money.

"Then I'll leave it to Commander Li."

"Wait for me, I'll go talk to the brigade commander right now." After saying that, Li Yunfei went to the communications office again.

This time, Li Yunfei actually went to the communications office. The last time, he had only wandered around outside before returning.

"Xiao Zhao, send a telegram to the brigade headquarters, it's urgent!"

"I said send it."

"Yes."

Then Li Yunfei briefly reported the matter to the brigade headquarters.

. . . . . .

"Reporting to the brigade commander. Urgent telegram from Li Yunfei's unit."

"Oh, what's Li Yunfei up to now? Let me see it."

"Yes."

The brigade commander took the telegram and began to read it.

"My goodness, I never thought I was worth so much," the brigade commander said with a laugh.

"Return the telegram to Li Yunfei. I agree to this matter. I'll figure out a way to deal with the division commander. Keep the equipment of these two regiments safe."

"Yes."

The chief of staff standing to the side asked in confusion.

"Brigade Commander, what's got you so happy? Did Li Yunfei get equipment for two regiments?"

“If he really has the ability to procure equipment for two regiments, I’ll make him a brigade commander.”

"What's going on?"

"Take a look at this telegram," the brigade commander said, handing the telegram to the chief of staff.

"My goodness, this Nationalist army unit at Wolong Mountain is really rich. They're offering two regiments' worth of equipment just to invite you to give a lecture to the division commander."

"However, brigade commander, you still need to be careful. After all, they are not our own people. Your safety and the division commander's safety are the most important."

"Chief of staff, I know this unit well. It's a unit that's purely dedicated to fighting the Japanese. They're trustworthy."

"Besides, this is equipment for two regiments, which can greatly alleviate the current equipment shortage in our brigade."

"Recently, the Japanese have been conducting more and more sweeping operations, and our situation will become even more difficult in the future."

"For the sake of the equipment for these two regiments, even if it's a den of dragons and tigers, I have to brave it."

"What about the division commander?"

"Let me tell you."

"Yes."