newbobooks Chapter 101 Militia Split into Force
Chapter 101 Militia Split into Force
In the evening, Zhang Haoshan finished his day's patrol and returned to his residence. He carried out the important task entrusted to him by Tang Weiguo without any compromise.
During the day, he spent almost all of his time at the construction site, inspecting the construction of the traffic lines and discussing changes to the construction design with Professor Zhao based on the actual situation on site.
Just as he was about to rest, he heard a knock on the door, followed by a sentence:
"Is Brother Zhang there?"
Hearing the thick Sichuan accent, Zhang Haoshan knew that the person who came was Zhou Liansheng.
After arriving at Wolong Mountain, Tang Weiguo took the initiative to introduce Zhou Liansheng to Zhang Haoshan. It was a very happy thing for Zhang Haoshan to meet a fellow villager behind enemy lines.
On the day they met, they talked for a long time, from the Sichuan cuisine in their hometown to the current war situation. The only regret was that they couldn't drink alcohol.
The rule against drinking alcohol is a special regulation by the group leader, to prevent people from making mistakes due to drinking. Except in special circumstances, no one in the group is allowed to drink alcohol.
After that, Zhang Haoshan and Zhou Liansheng deliberately kept a certain distance from each other. After all, they were both in the militia. Although they were from the same hometown, they wanted to avoid suspicion and prevent others from thinking that he, as a deputy commander, had started to form factions as soon as he arrived.
Zhou Liansheng, out of their shared hometown, repeatedly reminded Zhang Haoshan of this point: just be a deputy leader in the militia and follow the leader's orders; don't have any other ideas.
Zhang Haoshan couldn't help but feel grateful for Zhou Liansheng's kind reminder.
"What brings Company Commander Zhou to see me tonight?" Zhang Haoshan wondered.
But he didn't hesitate and went straight over to open the door.
"Company Commander Zhou, please come in." Zhang Haoshan hurriedly invited Zhou Liansheng into the room.
"Brother Zhang, I'm sorry to bother you so late. I couldn't find you during the day, so I had to come over at night," Zhou Liansheng said.
"Brother Zhou, don't be so intrusive, please have a seat." Zhang Haoshan quickly invited Zhou Liansheng to sit down.
"Brother Zhang, I need your help with something this time," Zhou Liansheng said directly to Zhang Haoshan without holding back.
“Brother Zhou, that’s fine. As long as I can help, I definitely will. May I ask what kind of help you need?” Zhang Haoshan asked.
"Brother Zhang, please take a look." Zhou Liansheng took out a map from his pocket and placed it in front of Zhang Haoshan.
"Brother Zhang, last time the regimental commander ordered our 2nd to 4th battalions to go to the area around Wolong Mountain to develop, and to choose our own battalion headquarters location."
“My fourth battalion was assigned to the area north of Wolong Mountain. After some reconnaissance, I’ve chosen Xiaowang Village, which is close to Wolong Mountain, as our base. I’d like to ask you for your advice, brother. What do you think of this location?” Zhou Liansheng continued.
"Oh, let me see." Zhang Haoshan picked up the map and examined it carefully.
"This location is good. It is backed by the Taihang Mountains and is connected to the base of the Eighth Route Army's Independent Regiment. You don't have to worry about the Japanese threatening your flanks. Moreover, it is a certain distance from a highway in the defensive range. This way, you can maintain the timeliness of the ambush on the Japanese transport team and prevent the Japanese from discovering your position too early."
"However, the only drawback is that Xiaowangzhuang has no natural defenses; it's surrounded by flat land. If the Japanese attack, we'll have no choice but to retreat into the Taihang Mountains," Zhang Haoshan analyzed methodically.
"Brother Zhang's military skills are indeed outstanding. He analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of this place in such a short time. I admire him," Zhou Liansheng said admiringly.
"Brother Zhou is too kind."
"So, this time I'd like to ask Brother Zhang to help me modify the defensive deployment of Xiaowangzhuang."
After Zhou Liansheng finished speaking, he took out a piece of paper from his pocket, on which was written a map of the Xiaowangzhuang tunnel.
"Company Commander Zhou, your idea of conducting underground operations is excellent," Zhang Haoshan praised.
"I dare not take credit for it. The idea of tunnel warfare was proposed by the regimental commander. I am just borrowing the regimental commander's idea here. We can't deal with the Japanese on the ground, so why not move underground and catch them off guard?" Zhou Liansheng said.
"However, I'll need your help with the tunnel design," Zhou Liansheng requested.
“Since it’s about fighting the Japanese, I’m even more concerned about it. You can rest assured that you’ll leave it to me,” Zhang Haoshan assured Zhou Liansheng.
In the past, Zhang Haoshan might have been unsure, but recently, he has been working with Professor Zhao to oversee the construction of the Wolong Mountain fortress, and he has gained a lot from it. Now he is able to help Zhou Liansheng improve the Xiaowang Village tunnel defense system.
"Thank you very much, Brother Zhang," Zhou Liansheng said gratefully.
"Why are you being so polite with me, brother? We're from the same hometown. If you ever need anything, just ask me for help." Zhang Haoshan quickly waved his hand, indicating that there was no need to be so polite.
"Brother Zhou, now that the location has been chosen, are you going to the base soon?" Zhang Haoshan asked, puzzled.
"Well, it's not exactly a secret. Let me tell Brother Zhang first. Our three battalions will be heading to their respective posts soon. Currently, one platoon from each of our units is already at their chosen posts, handling the preliminary preparations. The rest of the troops are organizing supplies and will be setting off in a few days."
"So early? Shouldn't we wait until after the New Year?"
"The team leader said that time is life. We should get there as soon as possible, get familiar with the local customs and conditions, and develop in the area as quickly as possible."
"Alright, I completed this tunnel map before you left Wolong Mountain."
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Zhang."
"Brother, let me give you a heads-up. After all, we're all from Sichuan, but in the eyes of the locals, we're all outsiders. So you'll have to ask the team leader to assign you more local people," Zhang Haoshan reminded him.
"Thank you, brother. The regimental commander had already thought this through and assigned me a deputy battalion commander to be in charge of the battalion's daily work. I am mainly responsible for military command," Zhou Liansheng said with a smile.
"The longer I stay in Wolong Mountain, the more I realize how capable the regimental commander is," Zhang Haoshan exclaimed.
"Who says otherwise? It's amazing that someone so young has single-handedly built up such a strong army. I feel like I've wasted my life."
"I hope there are more talented people like our regimental commander, so that we can drive the Japanese out as soon as possible," Zhang Haoshan said with emotion.
“Yes,” Zhou Liansheng echoed the same sentiment.
"Brother Zhang, it's getting late, I'll take my leave now."
"Okay, I'll send the group to you then."
"Thank you again." Zhou Liansheng said and left.
At this moment, Zhang Haoshan did not rest, but sat down at the table to revise Zhou Liansheng's tunnel regiment.
Sure enough, a few days later, Tang Weiguo announced that Tang Dazhuang, Li Debao, and Zhou Liansheng would each lead their own teams to develop the area around Wolong Mountain. On the night before their departure, Tang Weiguo specially invited a few people for drinks, and Zhang Haoshan also attended.
"Tang Dazhuang, Li Debao, Zhou Liansheng, on behalf of our entire regiment, I would like to toast the three of you and wish you all the best on your trip."
"Thank you, Commander." The group drank together.
After the event, Zhang Haoshan made a special trip to Zhou Liansheng's house, handed over the revised tunnel defense map to Zhou Liansheng, and then left.
The next day at noon, Tang Weiguo personally saw the three off. After watching them leave, Tang Weiguo suddenly felt an emptiness in his heart.