Bright Sword: Iron Will 81

Chapter 81: A True Professional Soldier【10,000-word update, double monthly tickets, let’s go, brothers!】

2025-01-21

Chapter 81: A True Professional Soldier【10,000-word update, double monthly tickets, let’s go, brothers!】

The moon was bright, the stars sparse.

Under the guidance of a guard, Chu Yunfei walked straight into the North China Combat Group’s headquarters.

Arriving before a room, its lights blazing brightly, the guard softly said, “The Commander is inside.”

Chu Yunfei took a deep breath, stepped forward, and gently knocked on the door.

Knock, knock, knock!

“Commander Wang, Chu is here to pay a visit!”

“Come in.”

Creak!

Chu Yunfei pushed open the door. Wang Feng sat behind his desk, fiddling with a fountain pen, a large stack of scrap paper before him.

“Don’t be restrained, have a seat.”

He pointed to a wooden chair prepared beforehand in front of the desk.

Chu Yunfei looked around cautiously, carefully closing the door.

“Commander Wang, to be frank, Chu has encountered some difficulties recently…”

Wang Feng raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.

“What happened?”

Chu Yunfei sat down, a troubled expression on his face: “This…”

The words were on the tip of his tongue, yet he couldn’t bring himself to speak them.

Wang Feng sensed something was amiss. What kind of trouble could Chu Yunfei have that he needed to confide in him?

Could it be related to me?

“This is my unit’s headquarters, there’s no need for restraint, speak freely.”

Chu Yunfei sighed: “Alas, with the current grave situation, the Japanese invaders are running rampant across our Chinese land, slaughtering our people. Those in power are not focused on repelling the invaders, but instead preoccupied with internal affairs.”

“I, Chu Yunfei, consider myself a true professional soldier. Unlike my colleagues in the Nationalist government, I refuse to get involved in the squabbles between warlords and factions, which weakens our ability to fight the war. But some people are forcing me to take sides.”

Although the two had not met many times, they always hit it off whenever they talked. Chu Yunfei genuinely considered Wang Feng a friend, and spoke with considerable frankness.

Wang Feng was taken aback.

Chu Yunfei and Yan Laosi were both from Wutai County in Shanxi province—a relationship similar to that between Chiang Kai-shek and officers from Zhejiang province (referring to regional cliques within the Nationalist army).

A staunch member of the core group! Why would he bring this up?

Seeing Wang Feng’s puzzled expression, Chu Yunfei continued: “Commander Wang, let’s be open and honest, no more beating around the bush.”

“Right now, Commander Yan is purging his opponents, suppressing officers who graduated from the Whampoa Military Academy. Currently, there are very few high-ranking officers from Whampoa in the Shanxi Defense Army; you and I are among them.”

Wang Feng frowned, still puzzled.

Yan Laosi’s suppression of Whampoa officers had been going on for some time. Previously, Chu Yunfei had been fine, so why had he suddenly found himself in this predicament?

Could it be…?

Wang Feng suddenly realized something.

Although Chu Yunfei only just realized he was entangled in factional struggles, Yan Laosi’s substantive suppression had already been evident during their meeting in Jincheng.

At that time, he had been puzzled as to why Yan Laosi would dispatch the elite troops of the Shanxi Defense Army to the front lines of the Niangziguan Pass—it was practically a suicide mission.

Today’s events provided the answer to his previous doubts.

Chu Yunfei and his 358th Regiment were already under Yan Laosi’s suspicion.

Recalling Huang Shaohong’s words to him, Chu Yunfei must have experienced something similar.

Just as he was about to speak, Wang Feng realized another problem.

Why would Yan Laosi suppress Whampoa officers at this critical moment?

The saying goes, “Once the birds are caught, the bow is discarded; once the river is crossed, the bridge is destroyed.”

But Xiangyue Qingsi’s First Army was still entrenched in the XinKou frontline, and the 20th Division was about to break through Niangziguan Pass.

This was a moment of extreme crisis. Why…?

Wang Feng’s eyes widened.

Could it really be related to me…?

In terms of rank among the Whampoa officers of the Shanxi Defense Army, none held a higher rank than himself.

Chu Yunfei, relying on their shared hometown, had only managed to reach the position of Colonel and regimental commander.

Moreover, during that time in Jincheng, the North China Combat Group was undergoing reorganization.

Could it be because of my intention to join the Central Army that Yan Laosi became suspicious, subsequently affecting everyone else, and harming all the Whampoa officers?

Among the many Whampoa officers in the Shanxi Defense Army, Chu Yunfei had the closest relationship with him; in political terms, they were of the same party.

Yan Laosi could not tolerate dissent; their shared hometown in Wutai Mountain meant nothing in the face of self-interest.

If he were to strike, he would undoubtedly target Chu Yunfei first.

The more Wang Feng thought about it, the more he felt that this was the case. Chu Yunfei’s earlier troubled expression was likely due to this very matter.

As the saying goes, “The speaker may have no intention, but the listener may have a heart.” Once these words were spoken, it could indeed be seen as grounds for accusation.

This concerned his own well-being, so Wang Feng couldn’t be careless: “Brother Yunfei, then what about the future…?”

Chu Yunfei shook his head: “This morning I rejected Commander Huang’s overtures, and this afternoon I received a telegram from the War Zone Headquarters ordering me to report back to Taiyuan immediately.”

“I’ll leave tomorrow morning.”

Wang Feng frowned: “Report back?”

“Brother Yunfei, I’m afraid this is a death trap?”

Chu Yunfei was resigned: “It’s a military order from the War Zone Headquarters; even if it is a death trap, I have to go!”

“I only regret that our anti-Japanese efforts may ultimately be destroyed by factional strife!”

He spoke frankly, seemingly having already guessed his future fate.

Yan Laosi wasn’t stupid, he simply misdirected his energy.

After abandoning Taiyuan, the Shanxi Defense Army’s strength would be severely reduced. His former favorite general, Fu Zuoyi, was secretly communicating with the Nanjing government, and other units were also showing signs of disintegration.

The top priority was not to consolidate the defense of Taiyuan, but to gather troops as much as possible; to accumulate capital for a comeback.

The 358th Regiment was an elite reinforced regiment. Although it suffered one-third casualties in the Battle of Niangziguan, its main force remained and was still a considerable force.

Yan Laosi couldn’t ignore it.

Upon returning to Taiyuan, he would most likely be stripped of his military power.

Looking at the spirited Chu Yunfei, Wang Feng felt a pang of sympathy.

He agreed with the sentiment that factional struggles inevitably result in losses for national defense.

After much deliberation, Wang Feng thought of a solution and said frankly: “Brother Yunfei, in my opinion… why not seek another path?”

Chu Yunfei was startled, showing some confusion: “What do you mean by ‘seek another path’?”

Wang Feng stood up, walked to him, and spoke in a low voice: “Brother Yunfei, there are countless heroes under the heavens, not just the Shanxi Defense Army; there are other anti-Japanese forces, aren’t there?”

Chu Yunfei graduated from the Whampoa Fifth Class. Perhaps his tactical command was somewhat lacking, but he had considerable strategic vision, and at his core was a true professional soldier.

Such a talented general, shelved because of factional struggles, was truly a pity.

If he could be brought under his command, it would be a win-win situation.

Faced with Wang Feng’s olive branch, Chu Yunfei was moved. He did not value empty fame; he simply wanted to fulfill his ambitions.

Compared to the Shanxi Defense Army, this recently formed North China Combat Group seemed more suitable for him.

“Commander Wang, this… I’m afraid it will be difficult to explain to my superiors?”

Wang Feng waved his hand, his expression calm: “I will personally report to Deputy Commander Huang. If everything goes well, you will soon receive an order from the Nanjing Military and Political Department.”

With the words already said to this point, Chu Yunfei couldn’t refuse any longer.

He suddenly stood up, straightened his officer’s uniform, stood tall, his heels together, and gave a crisp salute: “Commander!”

Wang Feng returned the salute: “United in spirit, we will overcome national difficulties!”

Chu Yunfei’s eyes shone brightly.

“United in spirit, we will overcome national difficulties!”

The two talked late into the night. Chu Yunfei was anxious to return to the 358th Regiment’s headquarters.

Having decided to leave the Shanxi Defense Army, he should try his best to bring along his old comrades.

Continuing to follow Yan Laosi would not lead to a brighter future.

Before leaving, Wang Feng was uneasy and summoned Zhao Fangyuan, taking a company of soldiers with him.

358th Regiment headquarters.

Chu Yunfei sat at the head.

Night shrouded everything. The sentinel could not see faces clearly. Hearing someone approaching, he shouted loudly: “Halt!”

“Who’s there?”

Chu Yunfei coldly snorted: “It’s me!”

“Open the gate quickly!”

Hearing the familiar voice, the sentinel immediately reacted: “Good evening, Colonel!”

“Quickly, move those things.”

Several soldiers emerged from the sentry box, moving with remarkable speed, working together to move the barricades blocking the entrance.

Chu Yunfei glanced back; Zhao Fangyuan waved his hand: “Go.”

At his command, the well-ordered troops behind him slowly entered the camp.

The sentinel rubbed his eyes, somewhat surprised.

“I remember Colonel didn’t bring so many men when he went out, did he?”

In the meeting room, Chu Yunfei sent someone to summon his senior officers. They were all asleep, but upon hearing that an emergency military meeting was to be held, they immediately rushed over.

News of the departure to Taiyuan in the morning had already been conveyed.

This was a time of turmoil. Holding an emergency military meeting at this juncture led to various speculations among them.

Chu Yunfei sat at the head, surveying the officers below.

Chief of Staff Fang Ligong, Adjutant Sun Ming, Battalion Commander Qian Bojun, and Deputy Battalion Commander Zhang Fugui.

“Half an hour ago, I received an order from the War Zone Headquarters: The 358th will cease its journey to Taiyuan and will be reorganized in Yangquan under the North China Combat Group.”

Fang Ligong was shocked. He knew the inside story of the 358th Regiment’s return to Taiyuan.

Things had come to this point. How could Commander Yan change his orders so abruptly?

“Is this news true?”

Chu Yunfei looked at his chief of staff, having already anticipated his reaction.

The 358th Regiment was not a monolithic entity; everyone followed the regimental commander’s orders,

Internally, there were mainly three factions: one led by Fang Ligong, the clique faction. As the name suggests, these people liked to form factions within the army.

Chief of Staff Fang Ligong was specifically ordered by Commander Yan to monitor the entire 358th Regiment.

Although Chu Yunfei was from Wutai, the fact that he was a graduate of the Whampoa Fifth Class could not be erased.

Yan Laosi valued Chu Yunfei’s abilities and appointed him as the commander of the 358th Regiment.

Trust, but not complete trust.

The second faction was the fence-sitters, represented by Battalion Commander Qian Bojun; they followed whoever had the most power.

The third faction was Chu Yunfei’s faction.

Qian Bojun’s expression was complex: “The matter of returning to Taiyuan was personally written by Commander Yan, Colonel. In my opinion, we should still go back for a while.”

“We can organize after the dust settles!”

His excitement was hard to hide.

To maintain morale and prevent a mutiny after Chu Yunfei was dismissed, Fang Ligong focused on Qian Bojun, informing him of the inside story of reporting to Taiyuan.

Qian Bojun had a sleepless night and didn’t fall asleep until before the meeting.

If Chu Yunfei left, who would be the regimental commander?

Most likely Fang Ligong.

And who would be the new Chief of Staff?

In the three battalions under the 358th Regiment, the First Battalion had 2,000 soldiers, more than the combined number of the Second and Third Battalions.

Whether in terms of seniority or ability, the position of Chief of Staff should be his, Qian Bojun.

Moreover, Fang Ligong had already promised to speak well of him to Commander Yan.

If what Chu Yunfei said was true, and the 358th Regiment was to be incorporated into the North China Combat Group.

That would be a double blessing!

Soldiers seek promotion through military merit.

Following a victorious army, military merit would surely come easily.

Chu Yunfei stood up, surveying the people with their different intentions, and sneered inwardly.

With such an army, expecting to defeat the Japanese was simply laughable!

Fang Ligong frowned: “In that case, please show us the order from the War Zone Headquarters, Colonel Chu, so that our brothers can feel at ease.”

Chu Yunfei took a telegram from his pocket and threw it on the table: “The telegram is here, please have a look.”

The telegram was forged by Wang Feng beforehand, intended to silence dissent.

Special circumstances call for special measures!

At crucial moments, one could not spare any means.

Fang Ligong was the first to take it, glanced through it, then relaxed his brow: “Colonel Chu, this order comes from Deputy Commander Huang, but the order to go to Taiyuan is from Commander Yan. Logically, we should obey Commander Yan’s order.”

Fang Ligong had already understood that Chu Yunfei had accepted the Nanjing government’s offer and was about to leave the Shanxi Defense Army.

Qian Bojun did not have such a high level of political awareness, only caring about promotion, echoed, “The Chief of Staff makes a valid point, please reconsider, Colonel!”

Chu Yunfei coldly snorted, remaining calm: “Tomorrow morning, the formal order from the Central Military and Political Department will arrive. Does anyone have any further questions?”

In terms of nominal hierarchy, Yan Laosi outranked Huang Shaohong, but local authorities had to nominally obey Central command.

This was an immutable law.

Fang Ligong’s face stiffened.

Yangquan was Huang Shaohong’s territory. Currently, there were no direct troops from the Shanxi Defense Army on the entire Niangziguan front line; there was no one to back him up. If the Central order arrived, the entire 358th Regiment would be led by the nose by Chu Yunfei.

Thinking of this, Fang Ligong shook his head: “Colonel Chu, I suddenly feel unwell; I shall take my leave.”

He had to leave here as soon as possible to inform Commander Yan!

Without waiting for Chu Yunfei’s response, he directly walked out.

As soon as Fang Ligong opened the door, his face changed drastically.

Outside the room, several figures stood in the darkness, pointing rifles coldly at him. An atmosphere of killing filled the air. It felt like if he took another step forward, those figures would open fire.

Fang Ligong stumbled, taking a few steps back.

Zhao Fangyuan, holding a Browning pistol, grinned and approached: “Chief of Staff Fang, long time no see!”

The soldiers behind him filed in; those in the room immediately stood up.

The situation became tense. Under the dim, yellowish light, everyone had their own thoughts.

Fang Ligong turned to Chu Yunfei: “Colonel Chu, what do you mean by this?”

Chu Yunfei calmly said: “Chief of Staff Zhao is ordered to reorganize my 358th Regiment; please cooperate.”

The scene became chaotic. Qian Bojun frowned and retreated to the rear.

His mind began to work.

It seemed that he wouldn’t be the Chief of Staff of the 358th Regiment, but joining the North China Combat Group would undoubtedly be beneficial.

Zhao Fangyuan surveyed those in the room and coldly said: “Who is Qian Bojun?”

Chu Yunfei closed his eyes and silently turned around.

Upon hearing his name, Qian Bojun immediately stepped forward obsequiously: “Commander, it’s me, it’s me!”

Even though the room was dark, Qian Bojun clearly saw the single star on Zhao Fangyuan’s epaulet.

In the room, the highest-ranking officer, Chu Yunfei, was only a Colonel.

Zhao Fangyuan coldly glanced at him, waved his hand and turned to say: “Take him away!”

Soldier: “Yes!”

Qian Bojun instantly realized something was wrong, his right hand reaching for his holster, but his wrist was immediately seized by a soldier and forcibly dragged away.

The arrest of Qian Bojun was personally ordered by Wang Feng and had been agreed upon by Chu Yunfei.

Wang Feng did not accept officers who were indecisive and showed signs of defection.

Deputy Battalion Commander Zhang Fugui was also taken away after Qian Bojun.

With the removal of two dissenting voices, the situation fell completely under Chu Yunfei’s control.

The situation was stronger than people. Under the gleaming gun barrels, Fang Ligong’s face stiffened, and he agreed to the incorporation of the 358th Regiment into the North China Combat Group.

Adjutant Sun Ming was a loyal man. With Qian Bojun and Zhang Fugui as precedents, the remaining four battalion commanders and deputy commanders dared not even breathe, let alone raise any objections.

On the street.

Wang Feng walked out of Huang Shaohong’s residence, holding a genuine War Zone order.

The Nanjing government had already received the news.

Tomorrow morning, the Military and Political Department would issue a formal order in the name of the Military Commission.

Guard company commander: “Commander…”

Hearing his subordinate’s report, Wang Feng smiled.

Zhao Fangyuan had already taken care of things.

Thus.

The entire 358th Regiment, a total of more than 3,000 soldiers, was officially incorporated under his command.

Directly replenishing the troops lost in the Battle of Baimu Well.

What a wonderful thing!

(End of Chapter)

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