Chapter Fifty-Four

  Lü Jizong gazed at the brightly lit stronghold from a distance, unable to think of how he could get close without being discovered, let alone quietly take it down.

  After thinking for half a day without any results, Lü Jizong couldn't help but turn to Da Long and ask: "Brother Da Long, not firing a shot and taking down the artillery tower, isn't this a bit too absurd?"

  Dà Lóng was calculating the distance of the searchlights, heard and smiled: "It's not impossible, if èr Dāng Jiā is here, there must be a way. However, we've calculated it well, and there shouldn't be any problem!"

  "So, will there be any problem with Old Xiao's place?" Lü Jizong had always been interested in how Xiao Ming entered the Liu family's compound.

  "It's easier at the second master's place, there is a secret passage outside that leads directly to the Liu family's mansion." Da Long was an honest man and spoke the truth without thinking.

  "This old Xiao, it turns out he still had this trick up his sleeve!" Lü Jizong suddenly realized.

  "The second master said it was easy, but that's because he's afraid we'll worry!" Da Long said calmly, "Actually, it's even more dangerous there. If the Japanese discover us, we'll be caught in a pincer movement and there will be no chance of survival!"

  Lü Jizong's heart tightened and he stopped speaking.

  Xie Si Bao suddenly appeared from somewhere, crouched beside the two of them and whispered: "Alright, I've figured out the surroundings! There are two doors in front of and behind the artillery tower. Behind it is the puppet army's barracks, while in front is a defensive position. The devils are all inside the artillery tower. If we can draw the enemy's attention to the front, we can sneak into the barracks from behind and directly take out the artillery tower!"

  "Alright! Director Lü, in 10 minutes, you'll lead your men to pass by the front of the artillery tower, try to hold them back as much as possible. We'll give you a signal once we succeed. Fourth Treasure, have your men keep an eye on the enemy's machine gun, make sure to take action before they start firing. Let's move out now!" He then turned his head and shouted softly: "First and second squads, follow me!"

  Xie Sibao and Da Long walked away, Lü Jizong called over the car, and Zhou Yongnian whispered to him for a while. After looking at his watch for ten minutes, he got in the car and drove towards the destination with an air of confidence.

  The Japanese troops in this stronghold are quite diligent, and there were actually three Japanese soldiers on sentry duty at the top of the artillery tower. Upon hearing the rumble of cars, the searchlights shone over, and a convoy was seen approaching. The pseudo-troops under the artillery tower were hastily ordered to go forward and inspect.

  It just so happened that the one on duty tonight was the steak boss, who ordered his subordinates to intercept the car and asked: "What's going on?"

  Only one Japanese military officer jumped off the car, chattering away, but unfortunately, Niu Pai Chang couldn't understand a word, and just stared blankly. A few automobile soldiers came over, one of whom spoke with a Northeastern accent: "We're the mining area's vehicle team, the Imperial Army ordered us to go ahead and transport grain, tell your people to clear the way!"

  The beef was done, and the master looked at the gentleman opposite him with a gloomy face. He thought it would be better for them to handle it themselves, so he turned his head and shouted: "Sir, it's the Imperial Army from the mining area, go ahead and pull the grain."

  The spotlight shone on the officer, who covered his eyes with his hand and cursed "Damn it". The Japanese soldiers in the artillery tower vaguely saw that the person standing below seemed to be a lieutenant, and they were startled. They quickly moved the light away, shining it onto the car, where some Imperial Army soldiers were sitting, with machine guns mounted on the hood, looking very dissatisfied with being shone back and forth.

  When the noise outside woke up the Japanese army sergeant in the artillery tower, he silently cursed his foolish subordinates for disturbing his good dream. Since arriving at this stronghold, the sergeant had not slept well and suffered from severe neurasthenia. He looked out of the window and saw that it seemed to be their own people, led by a lieutenant officer. The rumbling engine sound covered up the conversation, and he couldn't hear what they were saying. He quickly tidied up his clothes, called two soldiers, and went downstairs to investigate, but didn't notice several figures slipping into the artillery tower behind him.

  Seeing a Japanese coming out of the artillery tower, Lü Jizong's palms were sweating. He was clear about his own Japanese level, fooling the puppet army was okay, but if he encountered a Japanese, unless he kept his mouth shut, he would be exposed!

  Cao Chang came before Lü Jizong, gave a crisp salute and asked "Commander, are you well?" Lü Jizong returned the salute slowly, just about to speak when he suddenly clutched his neck and started coughing violently. After a moment, he pulled out a handkerchief from his sleeve, slowly wiped his mouth, then slowly put it back. Only then did he smile at Cao Chang, saying "Sorry" before starting to cough again, even bending over at the waist.

  Cao Chang was perplexed in his heart, but for a moment he didn't know how to open his mouth to ask. Just as he was dazed, he heard someone shouting "Enemy raid" from the rear artillery tower, followed by a miserable cry. A Japanese soldier fell heavily to the ground, struggled for a few times, and kicked his legs.

  Cao Chang was shocked and just turned his head, Lv Jizong took the opportunity to rush forward, his dagger quickly swept across Cao Chang's neck, and blood splashed out instantly, spraying him in the face. Lv Jizong didn't stop at all, he grabbed a ghost soldier's shoulder with one hand, and the other hand's dagger was nailed into his neck. Zhou Yongnian also acted quickly, almost simultaneously stabbing the dagger into another ghost soldier's heart. Then, angry shouts rose from the top and bottom of the cannon tower: "Don't move! Flying Tiger Fort!" Then, the special troops' warriors quickly entered the stronghold, rushing straight to the puppet army barracks, and a chorus of "don't move" shouts rose from within the stronghold.

  Everything happened as fast as lightning, the puppet army was stunned on the spot. It wasn't until they heard the shouting that they came to their senses like waking up from a dream. Someone just wanted to pick up his gun, but was quickly pressed down by the puppet army: "You're looking for death, haven't you seen that there are machine guns everywhere? If you don't want to live, don't drag us down with you!"

  The beef heard that it was the Flying Tiger Fort, and slightly relieved, he hurriedly shouted to his subordinates: "All of you throw away your guns, we're on the same side!" He turned around and asked Lü Jizong: "What's your honorable surname? Is Xiao the boss here? I know Xiao the boss, and Sun Ye and Liu Ye are also friends! Please ask your brothers to relax their fingers, be careful not to misfire!"

  Lü Jizong finally had a chance to wipe the blood off his face, but it made him look even more terrifying. He smiled at Chao Niupai and said: "Alright, alright, since we're all friends, let your men put down their guns and retreat to the barracks. We'll take over here! As for Xiao Dangjia, you'll see him soon!"

  The cavalry regiment guarded along the way, and the car regiment and logistics regiment quickly passed through, rushing to Liu's mansion. Except for leaving a few cars for the artillery regiment, Zhou Yongnian led the remaining 20 cars, speeding all the way, and soon arrived at the mansion, where the reconnaissance regiment had already responded on the road.

  Xiao Ming saw Zhou Yongnian arrive on time and was overjoyed, thinking that half of the matter had been settled. Suddenly remembering something, he said to Shan Wawa: "Go, tell Cat Uncle and Ma Liu to get some fake soldiers ready to load onto the truck."

  This time, in order to grab the grain, the logistics company almost mobilized all the forces that could be put on the field. Sun Er Gou almost called all the men in the village, and the villagers were very enthusiastic, because based on past experience, if the Flying Tiger Fort had more food, the land rent in the village would basically be exempt!

  At one time, nearly three hundred large vehicles formed a mighty convoy that arrived at the Liu family's mansion, while the automobile team had already finished loading and was on its way back. Xiao Ming instructed Zhou Yongnian: Unload the grain at Er Long Ridge, return as quickly as possible, and strive to make several more trips!

  Xiao Ming saw Lü Jizong and Sun Erdou arrive at the Liu family's large courtyard, so he let them stay here to take care of things, while he himself turned around and went to the ancestral hall.

  Seeing Xiao Ming, the two warriors guarding the ancestral hall came forward. Xiao Ming waved his hand and walked to the door of Liu's house. After a moment of silence, he said slowly: "Xiao Ming has seen Madame Liu!"

  Liu Dainai hadn't fallen asleep and hesitated for a moment before responding: "Is there something going on with Xiao's family?"

  "Madam Liu, this time we killed Japanese and looted grain, the devils will definitely not let it go. Xiao Ming sincerely asks Madam to move to Feihu Village, where there are also civilians living. I guarantee that I will never mistreat Madam, what does Madam think?"

  Liu Dainai was silent for a moment, then sighed and said: "I'd like to thank Mr. Xiao for his kindness first! I'm already an old man buried in the soil up to my neck, so there's no need to trouble your noble village! Besides, this matter must have some explanation!"

  Xiao Ming's heart sank, and he advised: "Mrs. Liu, your son is an anti-Japanese martyr, Flying Tiger Fort should treat him with maternal courtesy, please think thrice, madam!"

  "Since it's come to this, I'd like to say something to the Xiao family: my mind is made up, so there's no need to try and persuade me anymore!"

  Xiao Ming sighed inwardly, and could only say: "Madam, it's a matter of great importance, we can't wait, please take care!" After finishing speaking, he ordered the two soldiers: "Go to the forest and inform them, everyone gather at the main courtyard."

  The bustling courtyard was nearing its end, and then several ox carts came creaking along. Xiao Ming's nose almost turned crooked with rage: "This can't even carry much grain to begin with, if we add a few more oxen it'll be a complete loss!" He turned his head to look at Sun Er Gou, and snorted, saying: "Er Gou, are you intentionally trying to make things difficult for me?"

  Sun Ergou looked embarrassed and chuckled: "Master, I wasn't paying attention either, but since we're here already, let's..."

  "No way, let them leave immediately, don't hold back the whole team! If someone gets hurt, I'll make you regret it!"

  Sun Ergou quickly shooed those people away. Xiao Ming looked at him and asked, "What are you still doing here? Scram!"

  Sun Ergou stuck out his tongue and called for someone to load up the car, then slipped away quietly.

  Zhou Yongnian brought the car back again, Xiao Ming looked at his watch and it was already 2:30 in the morning. He asked, "Old Zhou, how many trips have you made?"

  "We made it!" Zhou Yongnian was covered in sweat.

  "Alright, tell the brothers that this time we'll head back to the hideout directly, it's almost done!"

  "This...! Alright!" Zhou Yongnian felt a little reluctant in his heart, but still ordered: "Hurry up and load the car, return to the mountain stronghold!"

  Ma Liu hurried over and whispered to Zhou Yongnian, "Old Zhou, leave me a car, don't worry, we'll settle the account when we get back!" Zhou Yongnian naturally understood.

  The car drove away, and Xiao Ming turned to ask Ye Maozi and Ma Liu: "How is it? Is there anyone suitable?" Both of them nodded. The mountain stronghold had lost many men recently, and Xiao Ming wanted to make up for the loss by recruiting from the puppet army.

  Reorganize the pseudo-army, Xiao Ming said to the pseudo-army company commander: "Old brother, listen to my advice, take your brothers and run! This time so many devils were killed, the Japanese will never let you go, don't be lucky."

  "Yes, yes, yes! When the family says it's right, I'll let my brothers escape and never do this thankless job again!" The company commander repeatedly nodded in agreement, knowing that this matter couldn't be resolved peacefully. He thought to himself that it was better to rely on the personal relationships with the Flying Tiger Fort rather than continuing with this unprofitable endeavor. He quickly told his subordinates: "Brothers, today's incident will definitely not be forgiven by the Japanese! We can't blame the good men of the Flying Tiger Fort either - who made us take on this inhumane task?! Disperse and escape quickly!"

  Below, the crowd was in an uproar, and for a moment, no one knew what to do. Xiao Ming saw the situation and said: "Brothers, those with families, hurry up and leave quickly, there are many troops nearby who want to join the army. However, if you have any difficulties in the future, come to Fei Hu Zhai to find me Xiao Ming, our Fei Hu Zhai will never stand by and do nothing!"

  "Is it possible for us to take refuge in your esteemed household?"

  "This is it, brothers all know that our place is too bitter, eating and drinking, pulling and sleeping all have to go to the devils to rob, and our big boss has very strict requirements for discipline! However, whoever thinks they can bear it, just sign up with Director Lü!" Xiao Ming said, winking at Lü Jizong.

  The people were nocturnal and Ma Liu had long since coded them, and soon they recruited more than 30 people. Xiao Ming returned the guns to the rest of the people and warned them not to do evil again, then dismissed them.

  Soon, Ma Liu gave these new recruits their first lesson: rapid marching!