Chapter 36: A Formidable General Has No Weak Soldiers; The Power of Mobilization Stuns Liu Yuan

On the training grounds, Liu Yuan was inspecting the progress of the Third Battalion. Watching every soldier study diligently, training without fear of hardship or fatigue, he felt deeply moved. How could such a force not be formidable? Li Yunlong was truly extraordinary. He noticed that the soldiers throughout the regiment held Li Yunlong in high esteem, not only because he was their commander, but because of his genuine care for them. Li Yunlong had imbued this unit with a "military soul."

Just then, Huzi walked over, saluted, and reported, "Deputy Commander, the Commander wants you to return to headquarters."

Liu Yuan nodded slightly. "Understood, I'll return right away."

At headquarters, Li Yunlong had already marked the objectives for the clearing operation ordered by the Deputy Chief of Staff on the map. Looking at these targets, he immediately understood the Deputy Chief’s intention: to weaken the control of the Japanese and puppet forces, thereby ensuring the security of the base area. After all, the arsenal was located in Huangyadong. However, doing this so directly was too conspicuous. Consequently, Li Yunlong marked a few additional locations to serve as a diversion.

When Liu Yuan walked in and saw Li Yunlong examining the map, he guessed, "Commander, is there a mission?"

Li Yunlong glanced at him and replied, "Yes, an order from the headquarters commanders." He handed over the letter.

Liu Yuan reviewed the letter and looked at Li Yunlong. It wasn't long ago that people joked Li Yunlong couldn't recognize the character for "one" even if he tripped over a carrying pole. He had witnessed Li Yunlong’s diligent studies, but the speed of his growth was astonishing—he could even read dispatches now?

"Commander, these two objectives aren't in the letter. Did you mark them incorrectly?"

Li Yunlong explained, "That’s right. I added them. Otherwise, our intention would be too obvious if we only attacked those specific strongholds. To fulfill the headquarters' mission, the troops will be deployed as follows. Take notes!"

"The First Battalion will be the main force, responsible for taking Huangyadong Town, Matian Town, and Tongyu Town. The operational strategy is to use the positions of the three towns to our advantage. Concentrate our forces to attack the weakest, Huangyadong Town, to draw reinforcements from the other two, thereby weakening the enemy's strength..."

"The Second Battalion is responsible for the enemy strongholds and checkpoints surrounding Huangyadong, Matian, and Tongyu. The deployment should follow the tactic of 'besieging a point to strike reinforcements.' First, eliminate..."

"The Artillery Company will fully support the First Battalion; it's time to put the mountain guns into actual combat."

"The Third Battalion will keep the First Company in reserve. The Second Company is responsible for intercepting potential reinforcements from Licheng County, and the Third Company is responsible for the enemy in Shexian. Don't worry about killing them; just block them."

"Operational discipline must be strict. The timing of the First and Second Battalions' attacks must be rhythmic to avoid drawing a swarm of Japanese invaders. The goal is singular: to draw the enemy's attention while annihilating as much of their effective strength as possible."

"This is a rare opportunity to test our new recruits in real combat and coordinate the entire regiment. I’ve already sent word for Zhang Dabiao and Shen Quan to return to the regiment. It will be a good chance for you to get to know the other two battalion commanders."

After recording the deployment plan, Liu Yuan nodded. "Understood!"

"I will work on the specific planning," Liu Yuan added.

Li Yunlong nodded slightly. With Liu Yuan’s assistance, his workload was significantly lighter. Following their discussion, the operational plan was soon completed. Because of the relocation of the arsenal, all three towns needed to be under their control. This would be a significant test for the New First Regiment.

The next morning, Zhang Dabiao and Shen Quan returned to the base. After a quick breakfast, Li Yunlong convened a meeting. He introduced Liu Yuan to them before getting straight to the point.

"Comrade Liu Yuan, you may begin."

"Certainly!" Liu Yuan presented the operational plan. Battalion commanders and heads of logistics and medical departments took notes on the requirements. Zhang Dabiao and Shen Quan were particularly excited, their eyes gleaming. Lately, the troops had focused primarily on training, and the officers had been itching for action. Now that a major operation was finally on the table, they were eager. They remembered the rich spoils from the Xijing Town operation well, and the prospect of taking three towns was exhilarating.

Liu Yuan, sensing their eagerness, thought to himself: as expected, a fierce commander leads no weak soldiers.

Li Yunlong looked at Zhang Dabiao and Shen Quan, warning, "This battle is of great significance. Success is the only option; failure is not permitted. This battle will show the results of your training; don't let me down."

"Yes, sir!" the two stood up and responded with high morale.

"Go and prepare!" Li Yunlong nodded in satisfaction. "Ensure the companies and platoons are well-deployed and coordinate with each other to complete the mission with minimal casualties."

"Understood!" they replied in unison.

The logistics department acted immediately, distributing ammunition and supplies. The transport teams moved supplies to the First and Second Battalions, while the Special Service Company conducted final intelligence confirmation. Because the New First Regiment had been monitoring the surrounding forces, Li Yunlong was well-informed about the situation in Huangyadong, Matian, and Tongyu. In fact, even without the orders from headquarters, taking these towns was already part of his plan. To grow the regiment and the base, they needed to secure these towns; otherwise, relying solely on captured supplies would make rapid development difficult.

As the orders were issued, Liu Yuan once again witnessed the mobilization capability of the New First Regiment. Beyond the transport teams, the local villagers assisted with logistics, preparing dry rations and water for the soldiers. It was no exaggeration to call it a "people's war." The preparations were completed in just one day, leaving Liu Yuan stunned.

At Huangyadong Town, the Japanese officer in charge was Second Lieutenant Hirata Jiro, commanding a single platoon. A battalion of puppet troops assisted in maintaining order. However, since their last defeat, both the soldiers and officers of that battalion lived in constant fear. The Japanese despised and mistrusted them, the villagers cursed them as traitors, and they lived in constant dread of the Eighth Route Army. Some had even deserted.

After hearing the report, Hirata Jiro’s face darkened. "Baka! It’s been so long, and you still can't find the Eighth Route Army's location. Are you pigs?"

The puppet battalion commander, Sun Sanqiang, was seething with anger but could only swallow his pride. If he offended Hirata, he would lose his position. "Hai! Hirata-kun, the Eighth Route soldiers look no different from the villagers, and with the villagers covering for them, it is truly difficult to tell them apart. Give me more time, and I will find their base."

Hirata Jiro, seeing no other choice, conceded, knowing he still needed these troops. "Yosh. Sanqiang-san, I will give you a few more days. I hope you can give me results; otherwise, it will be difficult for both of us to answer to our superiors."

"Hai!" Sun Sanqiang bowed repeatedly.

Just then, the sound of artillery fire erupted. A soldier ran in, panicked, and reported, "Sir, Battalion Commander, the Eighth Route Army is attacking!"