Chapter 23 Abduction and Trafficking of Women

  Zhang Min's face broke into a faint smile: "Agree to take us with you onto the battlefield, and I'll ask Commander Xue to let you go."

  "No way," replied Jiaqin readily. He plopped himself down on the bed and said, "I'm not ready to die yet. Letting you guys go to the battlefield is no different from letting the commander shoot me dead."

  Zhu Hongxia asked inexplicably: "Why?"

  Dai Qin said: "I don't know what your backgrounds are, but you're not ordinary people, right? On the battlefield, knives and guns have no eyes, bullets don't distinguish between beauties and handsome guys. If you've got something going on, I'll lose a few heads too."

  Zhang Min smiled and said: "You're quite clever, but have you thought of another question? If you have, it would be extremely beneficial for you."

  Dai Qin only thought of the disadvantages, but really didn't think of the advantages. The battlefield is where people die, he led the 750-man independent battalion, even with a well-designed tactic, but after returning to Ningguo, it was found that the independent battalion still suffered casualties of 53 people.

  The devils' combat strength is indeed formidable, with over 700 people in a large battalion, sophisticated weapons, and ample ammunition. They launched a surprise attack, but still suffered more than 50 casualties. Someone asked in puzzlement: "What's the benefit? I didn't see anything."

  Zhang Min said, "Alright, I'll tell you what kind of people we are. You're right, my uncle is the Vice Premier of the State Council and Secretary-General of the Military Commission Zhang Qun, and my father is Professor Zhang Lin of Southwest Associated University."

  "Zhu Hongxia, Uncle is General Zhu Shaoliang, Commander-in-Chief of the Central Army. He Ling, her father is He Jian. Zhang Juan, her father is Zhang Qinghai, a merchant from Sichuan, and her uncle is Tan Che, Chief of Staff under Liu Xiang. Wei Xiaohui, her father is Wei Delin, Chief of Staff of the 79th Army."

  When Zhang Min mentioned the big shots behind these girls who didn't look very impressive at first glance, Zhai Qin took a cold breath.

  Weideling, Tan Che did not hear of it and does not know what kind of person he is. However, Zhu Shao Liang, Zhang Qun, He Jian are all top-notch figures, each one no worse than Xue Yue.

  Only one Zhang Qun was called Chiang Kai-shek's think tank and right-hand man, deeply trusted by Chiang Kai-shek. No wonder they were so arrogant, daring to say that they would intercede with Xue Yue.

  The more it was like this, the less Zhai Qin dared to agree. If these girls made a mistake, they would really lose their lives. He shook his head repeatedly: "My god, this is even more unacceptable, I don't want to be torn apart by five horses."

  He Ling gave Zhang Min a resentful glance, she didn't know why the normally low-key Zhang Min would say such things, and now that he had said them, Zhai Qin dared not agree even more, wasn't that just asking for trouble?

  Zhang Min said, "Commander Zhai, you haven't heard the benefits yet. If we join your independent regiment, will you still be a small lieutenant colonel? Will you still lack ammunition and supplies? And who will care about how you treat the Japanese? With soldiers and weapons, what can you do?"

  Diqin's eyes lit up, he was really moved. Not bad, if these people joined his own independent brigade, that would be extraordinary. He Jian is the chairman of Hunan Province, and later became a minister, don't know what kind of minister, but that's a big shot. Zhu Shao-liang also knew, especially Zhang Qun, known as Chiang Kai-shek's literary advisor. Mainly because his relationship with Director Chiang was not ordinary at all.

  He stood up and walked on the ground, rapidly calculating in his mind. Military operations don't necessarily require everyone to be on the front line; if these people stay behind, it would be very beneficial for themselves. Each of them has a significant amount of power, they are indeed authentic second-generation officials.

  If we can rally these people, we will be able to call the wind and rain. If we have our own military strength and ammunition, is it not the end of the devils' days? Most importantly, no one will be able to interfere with us in the future, and we can fight however we want.

  Dai Qin nodded and said, "What you said makes sense, but you must guarantee to listen to my command. If you don't obey orders, I'll send you back immediately."

  Zhang Min was also a clever person and immediately said: "However, we are not allowed to take charge of the rear work, but must follow the actions of the troops."

  Dai Qin had made up his mind and said: "Alright, but if there's a need to go back, that's also an order, otherwise forget it."

  Zhang Min knew that Zhai Qin was still afraid of taking responsibility, many of their classmates had gone to the battlefield, some had already sacrificed, and they had made a vow together to shed blood for the war of resistance. But they were arranged here instead. Girls on the front line of the battlefield, who knows the cruelty of the battlefield, with hot blood boiling, one heart goes to the battlefield. Zhang Min nodded in agreement.

  "Rest assured and stay here, we'll go think of a solution, there will be results soon."

  Diqin nodded and smiled: "Hurry up, I'll miss you, babies."

  Zhu Hongxia's face turned slightly red, and she spat out a mouthful of words: "Shameless, who is the treasure."

  Five girls left. They are going to the battlefield, of course, they have to think of a way. A few people went back to discuss it, because openly saying that family members would not agree. Entering the front enemy command post's cipher room, family members were also very dissatisfied.

  Diqin didn't know what method they would use to join the front-line combat troops, this wasn't his concern, and it was also a way to win them over. He believed that these high-ranking officials of the party and state wouldn't let their children go onto the battlefield.

  But saying so can gain favor with these girls, use relationships to achieve their goals, and do things through the back door of madams and children, which is a common means of doing business in industry and commerce.

  Diqin had just fallen onto his bed when soldiers outside shouted: "The Chief of Staff has arrived."

  Diqin suddenly sat up, although he judged that Xue Yue might not necessarily want to shoot himself, but he couldn't say that he wasn't nervous at all. All his judgments were based on later data, and whether they were accurate or not, he didn't know either.

  The door opened and Xu Supu came in from outside. Zhai Qin still had a good impression of Xu Supu. He was able to become the captain and sit here, all thanks to this bespectacled, bookish chief of staff. He stood up and hastily saluted.

  Xu Supu waved his hand and motioned for Zhai Qin to sit down, saying: "What do you think now?"

  Dai Qin said discontentedly: "I didn't do anything wrong, treating the devils was not wrong."

  Xu Supu shook his head and said, "It's not wrong to deal with the devils, but as a military officer, a commander, it's not just about venting your anger. We are not bandits or heroes of the green woods. Strategy is about considering the overall situation. Can one battalion defeat the Japanese? Your actions directly affect the commander-in-chief's entire strategic plan and invite Matsui Iwane's full-force attack."

  Dai Qin said: "Director Xu, if we don't take action, the devils won't attack us? Take the initiative to attack, seize the initiative on the battlefield, and mobilize the devils. Is it correct to always be in a passive position of being beaten?"

  Xu Supu didn't say a word, but handed over a newspaper. Zhai Qin took it and saw the big black characters on it, his body and mind trembling: "The Japanese army, in revenge for the Xuancheng incident, carried out a crazy sweep of Hangzhou and Nanjing, many villages were burned down, and the people were slaughtered."

  Qiao Feiyu's heart strongly trembled for a moment, followed by a wave of sadness. This was not fear, nor anger, but sorrow and helplessness.

  "This is Chinese territory, and the Japanese have too many targets for revenge. Xu Supu's voice was somewhat low: "Diao Qin, your feelings are understandable to both me and the commander, but we can't ignore reality. Our military strength is inferior to Japan's, and this is on our own territory. If we engage in a fierce battle with the Japanese, we will be at a disadvantage."

  "This..." Jiaqin wanted to refute Xu Supu's words, but he couldn't say anything.

  The descendants of the Nanjing Massacre remembered that the captured National Army troops and young civilians were shot to death in Caishiji, with 50,000 people being killed at once by just one battalion. Fifty thousand people versus two hundred people, facing such a massacre, yet there was no resistance. What if there was a riot? Could the devils have killed everyone instantly?

  Why didn't they resist? They pushed each other around, held onto a lucky mentality, fear and cowardice, until they finally died under the devil's machine gun.

  Under the pressure of a powerful force, under the fear of death, humans have only two choices: one is to wait for death in obedience, and the other is to rise up and resist until the net is broken. Although this was what he thought, Zhai Qin, who had calmed down, did not make any more excuses, because it was useless.

  Seeing that Diqin did not refute or argue back, Xu Supu said: "You need to understand the commander's difficulties. You are anti-war heroes, having won such a big victory, and by rights should be rewarded, but your behavior has put the commander in a passive position, becoming an excuse for attacking the commander. Who is close to Japan, you should have heard something about it."

  Dai Qin this time really had no rebuttal. He was very clear that later generations would know that a large number of people within the Nationalist Party were pro-Japanese. The biggest traitor, Wang Jingwei, had not yet publicly surrendered and was still the second-in-command of the Nationalist Party. It seemed that it wouldn't be long before the notorious telegram would be made public. There was another person who, until the very end, was pro-Japanese, and later generations all knew that this person was none other than the current Minister of Military Affairs, He Yingqin.

  Xue Yue insisted on resisting the war, and it was inevitable that his actions would be criticized. Zhai Qin felt a twinge of guilt in his heart, although he did not regret treating the Japanese like that, but he thought he had acted somewhat rashly and had not fully understood the complexity of the situation. He nodded deeply and said: "I understand, I will resign as the commander of the Independent Brigade, so we are no longer a unit of the National Revolutionary Army."

  Xu Supu did not expect Zhai Qin to say this, he really thought it was Zhai Qin's mistake. The war of resistance is not about personal grievances, and the Japanese cannot be treated like this, which would put the commander in a passive position. However, he understood Xue Yue's thoughts. Cherishing Zhai Qin's bravery and tactical level, he only hoped that he could understand that war cannot be fought like this, China needs assistance from the international community.

  Upon hearing Dai Qin's words, Xiao Xiao smiled and said: "There's no need for that. If the commander had wanted to punish you, you would have been a dead man by now. Think carefully about this - in order to calm public opinion, lead your independent battalion deep into enemy territory, coordinate with the 12th Temporary Regiment and the Independent 37th Regiment which are blocking the enemy's advance, and engage the Japanese Army's 35th Brigade head-on. Ensure that the Ningguo defense line is secure."

  Diqin Lìzhèng said: "Yes, resolutely carry out the commander's orders."

  Xu Supo didn't know that Jiao Qin wasn't convinced in his heart, but just wanted to leave the National Army. After experiencing all sorts of things later on, he didn't have any hope for those countries that only knew about benefits and didn't care about Chinese people's lives.

  Di Qian said with a hint of no resentment: "I have already informed Director Huang to supplement you with some weapons and ammunition. Your combat mission is to hold back the Japanese army's attack from behind, harass his supply line. Remember, this is your chance to redeem yourself."

  Daiqin thought to himself, whether it was to atone for his crimes or make amends, he would act independently behind the enemy's back, and that would be good. He didn't want to wait on the battlefield for the enemy's planes and artillery to bomb him. With a smile, he said: "Chief of Staff, can we delay our action for a few more days? I still have some things to take care of."

  Xu Supu smiled: "Diao Qin, it's better not to mess with the few girls in the machine room. I heard you have a wife, and they all have powerful backing behind them."

  It seems that several girls here knew about leaving Xu Supu. Zhai Qin didn't think the girls would tell Commander Tong, letting them go to the front-line troops, and he himself wanted to act a few days later, not because of them. However, Xu Supu's words of advice with a tone of seniority still made him very grateful, and he smiled and said: "It's just friends, isn't it a bad thing to make a few more friends?"

  "Of course not, such friends are very useful." Xu Supu didn't say much more, his concern was only because Zhai Qin had some tactical ability and was a dedicated anti-war person. It was also due to his concern for his subordinates. As for Zhai Qin's private life, Xu Supu wouldn't care about it at all. He nodded and said: "Three days' time, return to the troops in three days, the Japanese army will attack Ningguo in the next few days."

  "How much longer will this confinement last?" asked Zhai Qin with a smile.

  Xu Supu also smiled: "Do what you need to do quickly. This is wartime, don't waste time on women, and don't just know how to please girls. The commander won't really hold a grudge against you, but saying that about the commander, you're the first one."

  Dí Qín felt that Xue Yue and Xu Sūpǔ were really good at this moment. With a crisp salute: "Your subordinate thanks the Commander-in-Chief."

  Xu Supu left the confinement room, and Zhai Qin was freed. He proudly left the confinement room and rushed to the front of the command post. He didn't go to see Xue Yue again, since he had already understood many things, so there was no need to do those useless things.

  He rushed back to the garrison and ordered Wang Biao to send the goods to the headquarters, handing them over to Luan Zhengping. He began contacting merchants in Tunxi. Soon Xue Yue and Xu Supu received reports that Zhai Qin was selling spoils of war in Tunxi.

  This is an outrageous behavior. According to the report, Zhai Qin sold tens of thousands of tons of Xuan paper and over 10,000 Xuan pens, which is a huge amount of money. Upon receiving the report, Xue Yue shouted in anger: "Send someone to summon Zhai Qin to see me."

  Xu Supu said helplessly: "Don't look for him anymore. He returned to Ningguo early this morning."

  Xue Yue's anger had yet to dissipate when Wan Zhengping rushed in frantically from outside: "Reporting to the commander, something's gone wrong."

  Xue Yue was startled, the machine room is mainly responsible for documents, archives and communication intelligence, something must have happened. He said angrily: "Steady down, what's going on?"

  "Zhang Min, Zhu Hongxia, He Ling, Zhang Juan, Wei Xiaohui and others have secretly left the army to go to Ningguo to join the independent regiment and fight against the devils."

  Xue Yue's eyes turned black, and he was in a state of panic. These people had been sent to his own unit, which already made him worried that none of them could cause any trouble, otherwise he would have no way to explain himself. Now they had all run to the front line, and Zhai Qin's unit was an enemy-behind-enemy-infiltration guerrilla warfare unit. He hastily said: "Su Pu, send a telegram to Zhai Qin, ordering the Independent Battalion to stop military action and wait for orders on the spot. Immediately send telegrams to the families of those women, telling them to solve it themselves."

  Xu Supu didn't dare to delay, and hurriedly went to send a telegram to notify the order. Xue Yue was already furious, this Diqin really couldn't be kept, sooner or later he would bring harm to himself. He killed Japanese people, beheaded them in front of Jingyuan Pavilion, hung their naked bodies, plundered supplies and money, beat up local tyrants and divided their wealth in Xuancheng, and lavishly sent gifts to the superior command. These were not enough, he even abducted women, seduced those unapproachable women, it was simply deserving of being shot ten times.

  Dí Qín didn't know he had already infuriated Xue Yue to death, and at this moment was just dealing with a big headache.