Chapter 23

  The transaction was completed quickly, and Feihu Village paid out 1,000 catties of opium to get back over 200,000 catties of grain and a large quantity of military supplies. Xiao Ming picked through them, keeping the good-quality Type 99 rifles and exchanging some old Model 38s and Hanyang-made guns with Ye Maizi and Sun Ergou, who sold them and also got a lot of silver dollars in exchange. Wang Jinlong sighed repeatedly: This business is profitable both inside and out!

  The news of Feihu Village selling guns somehow got out, and several people came to pay their respects. The night cat recognized that among them were people from Er Long Ridge at the beginning. These people mobilized Feihu Village to donate guns and support anti-Japanese efforts, without any intention of buying them with money, and even mobilized Feihu Village to join the revolutionary army to jointly resist Japan.

  Wang Jinlong was confused and asked: "You killed a few devils, why should we join you? What if we don't join the mountain stronghold?"

  Someone said: "We are a team of poor people, we are a team that truly resists Japan. We want to mobilize the whole nation to fight against Japan, and all the laboring masses in the world are our targets. As for fighting against the devils (Japanese), one of our divisions once annihilated several thousand Japanese soldiers at once, breaking the myth that the Japanese army was invincible. Young people with aspirations are eagerly signing up to join our team, but we lack weapons!"

  Xiao Ming shook his head and quickly said, "I'm really sorry, the guns are all sold out, we only have enough left for ourselves. We also want to resist Japan, but we're afraid of holding you back. Let's talk about this later." He then had Lin Xiuzhen see them off.

  Wang Jinlong was half-believing and half-doubting, asking Xiao Ming: "Brother, are they really that powerful, can they kill several thousand devils at once?"

  Xiao Ming sighed and said: "This guy just doesn't get it, ten people beating up three people is easy, but when it's ten thousand people against three to four thousand people, even if both sides have similar equipment, it's still a very difficult thing!"

  Before long, it was the wheat harvest season. This year's harvest is not bad. Xiao Ming sent Ma Liu to lead the second company and logistics company to collect rent. Mrs. Liu said expressionlessly that several groups of people have come to urge grain collection, asking Fei Hu Zhai to make it clear with all parties before talking again.

  Ma Liu's temper flared up, and he immediately called over Bao Chang to ask what was going on. Bao Chang, with a sorrowful face, said: "Master Ma, you don't know, these past two days many people have come, all telling us to prepare food supplies - there are the National Army, the Security Forces, bandits, and even the troops in the mountains. None of them can be trifled with! What's going to happen to us?"

  Ma Liu laughed and gently patted Bao Chang's face, saying: "Don't be afraid, prepare our food, and tell them that the grain was all taken away by Fei Hu Village. Let them go to Fei Hu Village to ask for it. Dammit, I'd like to see who dares to challenge Fei Hu Village!"

  Xiao Ming heard the news and ordered Wang Jinlong to guard the mountain stronghold, Lin Xiucheng to respond along the way. He himself gathered a battalion of troops, together with Da Long's special forces and reconnaissance battalion, went down the mountain, raised a large flag with five big characters: Fei Hu Zhai Zheng Liang (Flying Tiger Fort Collecting Grain). He ordered the reconnaissance battalion to disperse and alert, and spread the word that Liujiatun was the territory of Feihu Fort, whoever dared to cause trouble in this place would be against Feihu Fort, and they would have to bear the consequences.

  Xiao Ming led the troops into Liu's mansion, ordering them not to disturb anyone inside. Old Mrs. Liu also closed her doors and instructed her servants not to provoke any trouble.

  Those who waved the anti-Japanese flag, the local tyrants and bandits, saw that the Flying Tiger Fort was collecting grain here, knowing they couldn't afford to provoke them, so they politely said a few words and left. The security troops and national army, relying on their large numbers and strength, insisted on taking a share of the spoils, but Ma Liu shot at them and gave them a big slap in the face, driving them away. That night, their commander's bed had an extra hand grenade on it. There were many places to collect grain, but they only had one head, so the commander ordered them to avoid the Flying Tiger Fort and go somewhere else.

  What gave Ma Liu a headache was that several people who claimed to be from the county committee came, both men and women, to spread anti-Japanese and national salvation ideas, and also to raise some grain for the troops. They worked separately, but Liu Dainai pretended not to hear, pointing to the Flying Tiger Fort people and saying: "I'm just a housewife, I don't understand anything, the land is already theirs, go talk to them." The village head said he couldn't manage it and didn't dare to manage it. The tenant farmer said that paying rent for the land was a matter of course, but all the grain had been taken away by them, and they were not doing well either.

  Several people had no choice but to come and find Ma Liu, telling him a lot of reasons why the military and civilians should unite to resist the enemy and save the country, mobilizing Ma Liu to contribute grain and join the people's army. Ma Liu was so angry that he couldn't help laughing, and said to them: Are you kidding? We are bandits! Have you ever seen any bandit spit out meat that has reached his mouth?!

  Several people were not tired of repeating their work, with a very gentle attitude, and they did not fight back or scold. Ma Liu almost knelt down and said to them: "You see, from here to the west, after passing Erlong Ridge, you will arrive at Feihu Fort. If there is anything, go and tell our master. I am not in charge, if there is less grain, the master will peel off my skin, please!" Xiao Ming was in the big yard, Ma Liu did not dare to say that he went to find him.

  Seeing this going on, Ma Liu was about to turn hostile. These people shook their heads with a look of utter disgust and walked away.

  After being busy for seven or eight days, the grain collection finally came to an end. Xiao Ming and Liu Dainai talked about it and said that so much grain stored at home would definitely become a target of criticism. They hoped to purchase the excess grain from the big courtyard at a discounted price. Liu Dainai was a reasonable person, and since Xiao Ming's offer was fair, she agreed.

  Back at the mountain stronghold, Wang Jinlong and Ji Hongru were beaming with joy: Adding up what Xiao Ming had bought along the way, they had collected nearly a million kilograms of grain this time, enough for the stronghold to eat for two years. After discussing it among themselves, the three men decided not to collect rent from the villagers this year, but instead used their old grain to exchange for new grain.

  With food in hand, the heart is not worried. Xiao Ming had a few days of leisure and drank tea with Wang Jinlong and Lin Xiucheng to discuss the situation. Xin Chengshan called and said that there was a Chen brigade commander from the 18th Army Group who wanted to meet him, accompanied by about 200-300 cavalrymen. Wang Jinlong looked at Xiao Ming, and Xiao Ming said to let them in and see what they wanted to do, but be careful and vigilant.

  Putting down the phone, Wang Jinlong asked Xiao Ming: "We have no dealings with them, what do you think they came to the mountain village for?"

  Xiao Ming smiled and said, "There's no wall that doesn't leak wind. I reckon someone has taken a liking to us and is coming to recruit us. That way, we'll soon become official commanders. What do you think, Old Lin?"

  Lin Xiuzhi was somewhat distracted and hastily smiled and nodded her head.

  "Then how should we deal with it? We can't just partner up with them, can we?"

  Xiao Ming thought for a moment and said: "The more the better, want money, want guns." Wang Jinlong nodded with a smile.

  Three people came down from the mountain stronghold to greet them. Xin Chengshan led a team of men wearing gray military uniforms to the foot of the mountain, and they introduced each other. Chen Traveling General smiled and said: "Passing by your stronghold, come in for a cup of tea, I don't know if you're welcome or not!"

  Wang Jinlong clasped his fists and bowed, saying: "General Chen's esteemed presence honors our humble camp. Please, General, come to the mountain stronghold to converse."

  Chen Lü Chang cupped his fists and smiled, saying: "The master of the house is too polite. I'm afraid I've disturbed you by coming here uninvited." He had brought a cavalry regiment with him, but just as the regimental commander was about to lead the men up the mountain, Zhang Tiezhu blocked their way: "Please wait, only three people need to go up." The regimental commander's face darkened, and he was about to lose his temper when Chen Lü Chang waved his hand and said, "You all stay here. I'll just take two guards with me up the mountain stronghold."

  Upon arriving at the hall and taking their seats, after tea was served, Wang Jinlong spoke up: "General Chen has graciously come to our humble camp, I wonder if there's any guidance you'd like to offer?"

  "I'm not worthy of your instruction, I've long heard of the heroic name of Fei Hu's stronghold, it's like thunder in my ears. In these troubled times when foreign invaders are attacking our nation, Mr. Chen has come to seek an alliance with your stronghold, hand in hand against the enemy. What do you two leaders think?" This Chen Zongliang was quite direct.

  Xiao Ming smiled and said: "Isn't it that General Chen is not satisfied with the team, wanting to join the mountain stronghold? If so, Xiao Ming should think about giving up this position."

  The traveler burst out laughing and said: "I'm actually envious of the master's carefree life, but I'm entangled in mundane affairs and don't have this good fortune!"

  "Does the general mean to recruit us?" Wang Jinlong asked tentatively.

  "No," the captain shook his head, "it's a joint hand!"

  "What is General Chen preparing for us then? How many troops and how much ammunition and supplies?" Wang Jinlong asked.

  The host laughed and said: "To be honest, I don't have any of the things you mentioned either, and I'm worried about it too!"

  "It's like that!" Wang Jinlong shook his head and said, "I've always heard that your army has very strict rules. My brothers are used to being free and can't stand the constraints, I'm afraid it will ruin the reputation of your army. How about this? In the future, if General Chen needs my brothers' help in any way, just give us orders, we won't hesitate."

  Zhang Chang laughed loudly: "The master's words are pleasant to hear! From now on, if Chen uses the phrase 'use it up and down', he will not be able to refuse!" Everyone looked at each other and smiled.

  After chatting for a while, Xiao Ming shouted "bring it up", Xiaohu walked in with a tray, and the two men behind him each carried a rifle.

  "General Chen has come from afar, a thousand oceans is not enough to show respect, let's make some clothes for the brothers." Xiao Ming said, "We can't use this gun either, maybe it can be of use to your army, please accept it with a smile!"

  The traveler was taken aback for a moment, then smiled: "In the hurry of coming down, no gift was prepared, and instead, it's a trouble for the host. Let's do this, Chen certain borrowed flowers to offer Buddha, this foreign thing is considered a return gift, this gun is a good thing, just lacking this thing, so it's not polite to decline!" After some pleasantries, the traveler stood up to bid farewell.

  Everyone walked and laughed together, sending Chen Zong off all the way to the outside of Heifengxia. Suddenly, Zong said: "You folks are really hiding dragons and tigers in your mountain stronghold! These fortifications, this firepower deployment, are quite impressive!"

  "This was all arranged by Lao Lin," Xiao Ming hastily said, "He used to be a combat advisor for the National Army, and he graduated from Huangpu, everything came from his hands."

  "Oh, so we're fellow alumni," the brigade commander said with a smile, "I even followed the Chairman on the Northern Expedition back then!"

  Lin Xiūqīng stood up straight and bowed: "Hello, senior!"

  "Hope we can drive the Japanese away together. If I have a chance, I'll invite you all to drink, goodbye!" After finishing speaking, he rode his horse and galloped away.

  The cavalry regiment commander was a former subordinate of the brigade commander, so he spoke more casually, catching up to ask: "Old Big, how is it?"

  "It's hard to say, but I suppose they're friendly forces!" The brigade commander seemed lost in thought.

  "This is indeed a good place to station troops, it's a pity that it fell into their hands. It would have been better if we had launched a charge just now and taken it directly!" The battalion commander was somewhat regretful.

  "Take them down? With just this few men?" The squad leader sighed, "You kid just won't improve, didn't you see how well the enemy's fortifications were built, their soldiers strong and fierce? This isn't your average bandit, there must be a mastermind inside. Did the military academy produce geniuses or something?" After thinking for a moment, he suddenly asked: "Do you know why they sent us artillery and machine guns?"

  The squad leader rubbed his head and didn't say anything.

  "That's telling us that they have money and guns, and are also fighting the devils. Giving us guns but no bullets means we're supposed to go rob the devils ourselves!"

  Lao San suddenly laughed, "This second master is not an ordinary person. It's possible that the surrounding Japanese troops were ambushed by them. In that case, this force cannot be underestimated. We really need to bring them under my command!"