Bright Sword: Iron Will 90

Chapter 90: Unlocking New National Policies

November 13, 1937.

The National Government issued a declaration to all citizens of Shanghai, announcing the official fall of Shanghai and the end of the Songhu Campaign. The Chinese army retreated to the Wu Fu and Cheng Xi defense lines.

Wang Feng sat in his office, looking at the telegram in his hand, sighing involuntarily.

The Battle of Shanghai resulted in the loss of sixty percent of the National Revolutionary Army, shattering Japan’s fantasy of conquering China in three months. It demonstrated to the world the Chinese people’s determination to resist Japan.

That afternoon.

A heavy snowstorm raged outside, with a howling wind and large snowflakes falling, accumulating on the ground. It was the first snowfall of the winter.

Wang Feng opened the door, and a gust of icy wind rushed in, like knives cutting at his cheeks.

Zhao Fangyuan shivered: “It’s freezing!”

As he spoke, puffs of white breath escaped his mouth—what people commonly call “haze.”

Wang Feng quickly closed the door: “Have the winter uniforms been distributed?”

Although this wasn’t Northeast China, relying on a single thin garment to survive this weather was unrealistic.

Zhao Fangyuan nodded: “They’ve all been distributed. This winter is exceptionally cold, much colder than last year!”

“Oh, right, Commander, should I tell the tailor to make you a new overcoat? The old one isn’t warm enough to withstand this wind.”

Zhao Fangyuan was always so thoughtful!

Wang Feng pondered and nodded: “Alright, don’t be extravagant, just make sure it’s warm.”

“After the snow stops, organize the troops for large-scale training.”

“Currently, there are no battles, so besides digging out the cave factories, training cannot be neglected!”

“It’s snowing, let Sergey teach them how to conduct winter warfare. The Soviets are experts in this.”

Snow was commonplace for the Soviets. In Siberia, the land is covered in snow for almost half the year. In military history, cold climates have repeatedly helped the Slavic people repel invaders. In gaming terms, Soviet officers possess a “Winter Warfare Expert” attribute.

Zhao Fangyuan saluted: “Yes!”

Wang Feng added: “Also, the officer training program can officially begin. A new instructor has joined the staff department; add his classes to the schedule. You can arrange the specific time.”

“Officer training and soldier drills should be carried out simultaneously but with staggered schedules to avoid conflicts.”

Consecutive battles left little time for rest, leading to uneven soldier quality. Experienced veterans handled tactical commands with ease, while newly recruited soldiers struggled, severely hindering overall combat rhythm. This made them easy targets for the Japanese army.

With waves of new recruits, the training level of various units gradually declined.

The First “Red Flag” Mountain Warfare Battalion and the Second Mountain Warfare Battalion could barely maintain a “Basic Training” level. This level provided a zero percent combat bonus—neither an increase nor a decrease, representing the baseline.

However, the Third Mountain Warfare Battalion and the First Reserve Tactical Battalion had fallen to “Disorganized Mob,” resulting in a “-25% Combat Modifier.” This impact was significant; something had to change.

Zhao Fangyuan nodded: “Understood!”

“I’ll hold a meeting at the staff department to discuss this.”

Previously, he was the only one in the entire staff department, without even a clerk to take notes. With the increasing number of tactical instructors, the department had grown significantly, now including two staff officers and several clerks.

Wang Feng thought: “One more thing, do we have any information on the 129th Division of the Eighth Route Army?”

Taiyuan had fallen days ago, yet there was no movement from this neighbor.

Zhao Fangyuan shook his head: “Commander, the Eighth Route Army and we are not under the same command. We haven’t received any related news. Should I keep an eye out?”

Wang Feng: “Alright, report any news immediately.”

Zhao Fangyuan: “Yes!”

After the North China Combat Group settled in Changzhi, a new period of recuperation began. Huang Shaohong, in his position, performed his duties. Upon officially becoming the director of the administrative office, he immediately started working, using the pretext of rectifying government administration to confiscate a large amount of private property, turning it into state-owned assets. Mostly small coal and iron mines. Most importantly, he learned to turn a blind eye. The confiscated mines were not managed by the government but placed under military control by Wang Feng’s troops. This was a “gentlemen’s agreement” they had made beforehand. Wang Feng, as the local military commander, did not interfere with Huang Shaohong’s administrative powers, but he controlled all industrial and mining enterprises within the territory. Huang Shaohong, as the chief administrator, allowed this so-called industrial military control but emphasized the separation of military and political affairs, prohibiting the army from disrupting politics. When necessary, the army would maintain social order.

Simply put.

Wang Feng valued Huang Shaohong’s administrative abilities and wanted to use him to build a stable rear base. Huang Shaohong, prioritizing national interests, temporarily set aside Nanjing government’s orders and joined forces with Wang Feng to resist Japan.

December 13th.

First “Red Flag” Mountain Warfare Battalion training ground.

Wang Feng was inspecting the troops’ training.

The training was extensive and complex, far more than just target practice and bayonet drills.

According to the pre-set training program, it began with a month of individual training, focusing on improving soldiers’ shooting, grenade throwing, and bayonet fighting skills, and teaching the basic use of machine guns and grenade launchers.

The second phase was squad training, focusing on the coordinated offensive and defensive capabilities of squads and platoons, lasting at least half a month.

The third was battalion-level training, emphasizing inter-unit coordination, demanding high standards from both commanders and soldiers.

The entire process took at least six months, even with significantly compressed individual training time. If strict standards were applied to individual soldier skills, even with the “High-Speed Training” buff, it would likely take a year to complete all training.

Referencing the Japanese army, new recruits underwent five months of individual training followed by tactical training, requiring at least eighteen months to create a qualified army.

The First “Red Flag” Mountain Warfare Battalion, the most elite unit of the North China Combat Group, had a “Basic Training: 48%” rating. The slow experience gain was mainly due to the influx of new recruits.

The recruitment drive, lasting over a month, finally showed results, with more and more people enlisting daily. Each county worked together, recruiting two to three thousand qualified soldiers per day.

Currently, the First and Second Mountain Warfare Battalions were at full strength. After stopping recruitment, the overall unit level increased rapidly. It was estimated that by next March, they would reach “Well-Trained.” At that level, they could be considered an elite force.

Creak!

Zhao Fangyuan strode in, his boots crunching on the snow.

“Report, Commander, a telegram from the Military Commission!”

“Nanjing has fallen.”

Wang Feng had anticipated it, but he still felt a jolt. Nanjing’s fall was significant, more than just losing the capital; it involved numerous atrocities. Three hundred thousand lives!

Taking a deep breath, Wang Feng received the telegram and glanced at it. It contained nothing important, merely encouraging words to the national army, stating that although the capital had fallen, the government had moved to Chongqing, with the Chairman personally in Wuhan, etc.

“Intensify troop training. With Beijing and Shanghai lost, the Japanese next target is Jinpu.”

“How’s the cave factory coming along?”

Zhao Fangyuan: “It should be completed this week. The equipment has been assembled, just waiting to be moved in.”

Wang Feng nodded, feeling relieved. Training, though not combat, consumed massive resources. Good soldiers were trained with bullets. To adapt to the rhythm of war and increase training speed, relying solely on buffs was insufficient. They needed to improve the daily ammunition used in soldier training. If they didn’t produce bullets soon, the warehouse supplies would be depleted.

December 18, 1937.

The cave factory was officially completed, and after inspection, all indicators passed. The prepared equipment was moved in, and a trial run was conducted that night.

In the commander’s office, the ceiling lights illuminated the room. Wang Feng looked at the factory’s operating report, secretly pleased.

He had finally gotten the factory!

Although they were cave factories, they risked collapse if bombed. He couldn’t put all his eggs in one basket. Recently, Wang Feng mobilized nearly five thousand soldiers to work on construction during non-training hours, creating four cave factories: the First Machine Factory, the First Ammunition Factory, the First Chemical Factory, and the First Rifle Factory.

With the roar of machinery in the factories, other functions on the system panel were activated.

First, the National Policy Tree:

**More Specialized Mountain Infantry:**

[China has vast mountainous and hilly terrain. To protect our national interests, we must train more elite and specialized mountain troops to ensure our dominance in these areas.]

[Bonus Effects: Infantry maximum travel speed +15%; Organization +10; Supply Carrying Capacity +18; Mountain Warfare Doctrine cost -20%.]

[Select a unit to apply this bonus.]

[Requirement: Unit level must reach (Well-Trained)]

**More General-Purpose Mountain Infantry:**

[China’s terrain is diverse. A single type of troop is insufficient. We must enhance the army’s adaptability to various environments to protect core interests and respond to various problems.]

[Bonus Effects: Planning Speed +10%; Cooperation +15%; Breakthrough +10; Mountain Warfare Doctrine cost -20%.]

[Select a unit to apply this bonus.]

[Requirement: Unit level must reach (Well-Trained)]

Wang Feng was amazed. These national policy bonuses were quite good. It seemed that only one bonus could be applied to a single unit. This was acceptable. In the original game, two different national policies would be mutually exclusive. The system panel had made adjustments.

Furthermore, a new Technology Policy line was unlocked.

That’s right, the National Policy Tree couldn’t only have military options.

His attention shifted to the Technology Policy line. The first option:

**Revitalizing National Military Industry:**

[Since modern times, Western powers have shattered the “Celestial Empire” dream with their warships and cannons. Industrial backwardness has made us vulnerable. To strengthen the army, we must revitalize industry.]

[Bonus Effects: Industrial production efficiency +25%, Military Factory Equipment +20.]

[Unlock Requirement: Possess a basic industrial foundation.]

Wang Feng was stunned. This was perfect!

The industrial production efficiency bonus was self-explanatory.

Wang Feng muttered: “Military Factory Equipment +20?”

It seemed the system didn’t support Martian factories.

After carefully reading the panel information, Wang Feng’s brow gradually smoothed. Ah, so that’s it! Similar to tactical instructors, the system provided industrial equipment—20 units. They were limited to the current era but could be chosen by Wang Feng, including the manufacturer.

20 units wasn’t a lot. Given the urgent situation, he needed to use resources wisely. Getting industrial machine tools was better than purchasing complete production lines.

“Let’s get several lathes, grinders, milling machines, and punch presses. And power generation equipment too.”

From the vast selection of equipment, Wang Feng quickly selected several items.

[Your order is being processed. Please check your order status!]

[Current logistics status: Siemens, Germany has received the order.]

Wang Feng was stunned. It was direct factory shipping. Besides “Steel Wire,” the system panel was emulating e-commerce platforms.

That was all for the National Policy line changes. Wang Feng turned his attention to the Technology line, unlocking two new technology trees: Engineering and Industry.

Unlocking technology nodes required corresponding technological experience, similar to other technology trees. Wang Feng focused on the Industry tree:

**Basic Machine Tools:**

[A wide variety of new milling machines can be used for military production: This includes small, versatile models found in any workshop to large, state-of-the-art milling machines.]

[Bonus Effects: Production efficiency cap +10%]

[Required Experience: 500]

Production efficiency cap? Wang Feng stroked his chin. He quickly understood. As production lines ran, worker skill increased, engineers improved processes, and production efficiency rose. This was why output continued to rise even without adding more factories. However, there was a cap. To increase efficiency further, technological improvements were necessary.

Wang Feng was hesitant. He only had 500 experience points. Such a number could only be gained through continuous factory operation, similar to how armies gained experience from exercises.

Wang Feng shifted his attention to the Engineering tree:

**Electronic Mechanical Engineering:**

[In our time, electronic devices are not only used for lighting and heating; they help us think and communicate. Electronic components will be crucial in military intelligence work in the new century.]

[Bonus Effects: R&D Speed +10%, Gain 2 researchers of any type.]

[Required Experience: 500]

Wang Feng frowned. R&D speed was easy to understand. Once blueprints were sent to the factories, engineers needed to research them. This bonus shortened the time to production.

He was more interested in the researchers. These researchers, like tactical instructors, would be proactive. With enough researchers, he could research weapons independently, or shift research direction. Soviet experience showed that solely focusing on military or heavy industry wasn’t enough; consumer goods were also necessary.

Both options were tempting. After careful consideration, he made a decision: “The priority is to start production. The situation is urgent.” He unlocked Engineering.

January 1, 1938.

New Year’s Day. Though not the traditional New Year, Wang Feng told the cooks:

“Make dumplings, add plenty of meat, let the brothers eat well!”

In his office, Wang Feng leaned back, closing his eyes.

Knock knock knock!

A knock came from the door. Wang Feng opened his eyes, yawning: “Come in!”

Song Wenjie entered, his face beaming. “What’s the good news?”

“Don’t tell me you’re getting married.”

Song Wenjie blushed: “Commander, you’re joking. The factory sent word—the first batch of bullets is ready.”

Wang Feng jumped up: “Really?”

Song Wenjie handed him a telegram: “Commander, the Chief of Staff is there; this is the telegram.”

Wang Feng quickly scanned it and rushed out: “Inform the guard company, prepare the car!”

Song Wenjie saluted: “Yes!”

“Commander, your coat!”

Wang Feng had already left but was called back. The factory’s significance made him excited. The new woolen coat was thick, custom-made by the best tailor in Changzhi County. It was dark green with a fur collar, extremely warm.

The jeep left tracks in the snow.

Half an hour later, the jeep arrived at the First Ammunition Factory.

Zhao Fangyuan was waiting. The jeep stopped, and he opened the door: “Commander!”

Wang Feng nodded: “Let’s get straight to it. Let’s go inside.”

Zhao Fangyuan led the way.

Inside the workshop, despite being in a cave, ventilation was good, and it wasn’t stuffy. The First Ammunition Factory was the smallest. Due to time constraints, only one production line was set up.

Huai Hangpeng carried a wooden box.

“Commander, the first batch of self-produced bullets—one thousand rounds—is here!”

(End of Chapter)

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