Chapter Eleven

  3 days later, I stood at the gate of the base and looked back at the base. With a wave of my hand, I shouted: "Departure." Rows of military vehicles drove out of the base one after another. We transferred to a military train at the railway station, with all cars and artillery loaded on board, setting off together. The instruction I received was to arrive in Matiaga within 4 days.

  Ma Tie Gai is located in the western part of Xin Cheng area, less than 50 kilometers from the national border and less than 5 kilometers from the exit of the Tanggula Mountain valley. It is the only passageway for Afghans to enter our country, making its geographical location extremely important. During the period when the Green Empire occupied part of the new city area, they spared no effort in supporting a batch of local minority forces. After the Green Empire withdrew, these forces clamored to separate the new city area and establish the Tartar Empire. As a result, they were largely eliminated by our army, with some remnants escaping into Afghanistan. However, these people still frequently sneak in from both sides, developing personnel, carrying out assassinations, sabotage, and raids. The security situation in Ma Tie Gai has deteriorated to the point where field troops need to be stationed for defense, and it seems that the situation is not optimistic. I couldn't help but sneer inwardly: "The 53rd Regiment has been established until now without truly being tested. It's just right to use you guys as a whetstone." I casually said to Chief of Staff Han, "Old Han, hasn't the 53rd Regiment trained in urban guerrilla warfare yet? This time, they should be properly trained." Old Han seemed to understand something but didn't say anything.

  After a 3-day march, we finally arrived in Matigai on the afternoon of the 4th day. Under the accompaniment of local government personnel, the army entered the newly established barracks. I immediately issued an order: "Order the guard company to follow me into the city, and the rest of the troops will stay in the camp under the command of Comrade Wu Zheng. Also, arrange for double sentry posts, patrol teams, and set up telephone communication with me at the first time." After giving the order, I went directly to Li Qi's side and said: "Li Company Commander, assemble the team and follow me into the city to take a look at the situation." "Yes." The team was quickly assembled, and I set off immediately.

  As I walked into the city, my first impression was one of desolation and devastation. Everywhere I looked, there were remnants of war - damaged buildings, potholed roads. People on the street saw us from afar and hastily avoided us. My mood at that moment can be imagined.

  When I got the situation from the mayor of Martigues, it was much worse than I had imagined. The police in the city could barely defend themselves and would likely be killed by the Han traitors if they were alone. Most of the ordinary people in the city had lost their jobs, factories were bombed and burned, and shops were smashed and looted. After hearing this, I only said one sentence to the mayor: "From now on, Martigues will be taken over by the military and placed under martial law."

  I walked out of the city government and ordered Liu Hu: "You immediately go back to report the situation in the city to the political commissar, let the political commissar write a military control notice, and then send someone to post it on every street." "Yes." "Li Lianzhang, you immediately organize manpower, take the city map, and first defend the water and electricity plant for me." "Yes." Then everyone took action. Li Qi still left a class for me, saying that it was safe, and I didn't refuse, because I had to hurry back to the camp after all, safety is the top priority.

  I returned to the camp and immediately convened a military meeting above the regimental level. After everyone arrived, I first introduced the situation after entering the city, and then asked Chief of Staff Han Peng to say something about the specific intelligence he had grasped. Chief of Staff Han stood up and said loudly: "Mati Gai is the western gate of Xin Cheng area, with a total area of 865 square kilometers, an urban area of 10.3 square kilometers, and a population of over 100,000 people. It is a typical place with vast land and sparse population. The religious situation here has always been prominent, and the folk customs are fierce. In addition to the historical legacy issues, the local people have never cooperated with our party's work. This time, some people with ulterior motives have gained a foothold due to the invasion of Green. The tasks assigned to our regiment this time are: 1. Eliminate local Han traitors and separatists; 2. Establish border military outposts; 3. Cooperate with the local Revolutionary Committee to carry out work."

  Immediately, a murmur of discussion arose in the auditorium. I sat and looked around at my fellow comrades behind me, then said seriously: "Everyone speak up, let's see what good suggestions you have."

  After about ten minutes, Regimental Commander Xing Kaiyuan stood up and cleared his throat. Everyone stopped discussing and looked at him. He said with a relaxed expression: "Comrade Team Leader, Comrade Political Commissar, comrades! I think that to complete the task, we must first eliminate the traitors, only by removing the unstable factors within can we carry out other work." I nodded in agreement, indicating for him to continue. He went on to say: "Regarding the elimination of traitors, I believe 1) a thorough search should be conducted throughout the city to confiscate hidden guns and ammunition among the civilians; 2) assist the elderly and weak groups with their living necessities; 3) organize urban patrol teams; 4) establish a reward and punishment system."

  "Alright, good! Does anyone else have any suggestions?" I continued to ask. Seeing that no one else was speaking up, I spoke up: "Then let me say two things. Just now, Commander Xing's suggestion was very good, and I'd like to add a bit more. First, the staff department will draft several notices to inform the civilians to hand over their hidden guns; those who fail to do so within the deadline will be treated as enemy spies and shot on sight if discovered. Second, the city patrol team should be formed immediately, with specific arrangements made by Chief of Staff Han, and they must start patrolling by tomorrow morning at the latest. During patrols, if attacked, they can return fire; also, we need to implement a reward and punishment system - as the saying goes, 'where there are heavy rewards, there will be brave men', I don't believe the civilians won't report anything. Finally, let's study our troop's defense deployment problem..."

  The meeting went on until after 6 pm, and the soldiers left the barracks in groups, heading to their respective posts. I sat in a chair with my eyes closed, resting, listening to Commander Han's orders one by one, and the sound of the phone ringing from time to time, as Wu Zhengwei was talking to someone about the welfare of the soldiers' logistical life. I suddenly felt like I had become lazy, and more and more bureaucratic. I couldn't help but smile wryly. "What are you thinking about that's making you so happy? Tell me!" Wu Zhengwei seemed to have finished his tasks and noticed my smile earlier. I opened my eyes and said helplessly: "Old Wu, weren't you the Iron-Faced Man before? How did you become like this now?"

  "Those who are near cinnabar become red, those who are near ink become black."

  "Hehe, I'm asking Old Wu, are you married?"

  "What's your point! I'm already 37, and my kid is 16, only 3 years younger than you!"

  "What's wrong with 19? He should call me uncle when he sees me."

  "You little guy is really lucky, others have just enlisted, and you are already a battalion commander."

  "Be envious."

  "Be careful, the atmosphere is a bit tense nationwide right now!"

  "What's meant to come will come, what's the use of being afraid!"

  "Good point."

  "Alas, if someone else were to be the leader of this group, that would also be a torture by fire. Who can compare to me, for whom being the leader is a pleasure!"

  "Hehe."

  "Our team's staff composition is already eye-catching, the captain is a 19-year-old young man, except for you and Old Han, the others are all uncle-level."

  "What? Got an idea?"

  "To be honest, with old Xing and you all here, being the captain is much easier for me. The orders are carried out very well. I'm really grateful to you all."

  "Haha, it's mainly Old Xing and them, you think they were idle before? They're all seniors! But you're not bad either!"

  "What? I know my own worth myself, what did I understand when I was just a private?"

  "Don't say that, you learn quickly, mainly because you're not arrogant and know when to let go and let others do their job. Also, being able to withstand pressure from Old Xiang and the others is not something just anyone can do."

  "That's forcing ducks onto shelves, I have no choice."

  "Heh heh, you know what? By leaving Old Xiang and the others behind, it's equivalent to giving them hope, giving them a chance to survive, giving them a second political life."

  "It's not that serious, is it?"

  "Serious? You don't know the cruelty of political struggle. Once you're implicated, be prepared to pray!"

  "What?!"

  "Look at Old Xing and others who have been revolutionaries all their lives. Look at the founding generals who were recently overthrown, which one of them was wrong?"

  As soon as I heard it, I immediately jumped up and said: "Be quiet, don't you want to mix in?"

  The political commissar said with a nonchalant tone: "Don't worry about Old Han and the others, they're all our own people. But just for today, let's talk about it, don't make it a habit."

  Old Han smiled at me from over there, then lowered his head to look at the documents. The other staff and guards were all busy with their own tasks. I saw this and felt a sense of relief in my heart, just as I was about to speak. Suddenly, I heard an explosion, followed by gunfire, and then another explosion. I immediately ordered: "What's going on? Send someone to find out the situation and report back right away."

  "Yes." An aide immediately ran out.

  I paced back and forth, anxiously waiting for news. As the minutes ticked by, the door finally opened and Old Xing excitedly walked in, loudly saying: "Commander, my battalion's patrol team was passing by a house when they saw lights on inside, but as soon as our soldiers approached, the lights went out and voices were heard inside. The patrol team immediately surrounded the area to ask about the situation, but unexpectedly, the people inside opened fire, leading to an intense battle that lasted 5 minutes, killing 5 people, capturing 2, and injuring 4 of our patrol team members lightly. We also found over 20 K4 assault rifles from the enemy's side."

  "What about the captive?"

  "He's back." "Get him ready for interrogation right away."

  "Yes."

  "After Old Xing left, I said: 'When did traitors become so arrogant? They even dare to open fire and resist, asking for death!'"

  Wu Zhengwei said: "I'll go take a look at the interrogation of the captive. Don't let anything unexpected happen."

  I nodded in agreement. I stayed with Old Han in the office, waiting for the results of the interrogation. Two hours later, the interrogation still had no result, and I stood up and said: "I'll go take a look."

  "Alright, I'll stay then."

  I turned around and pushed the door open to walk out. Just as I was halfway, Old Xing came walking towards me with excitement, saying: "Haha, Captain! They've been caught, those two little rascals have been caught." I listened and also became very excited, saying: "Oh? That's great! What's the situation?" "Here you go," said Old Xing as he handed me a few documents. I took them over, lowered my head to carefully read through them once, and asked: "Is the intelligence accurate?"

  "Yes."

  "Alright, Old Xing. Take the 1st battalion and get rid of this stronghold for me immediately. Don't take any prisoners. Since they dare to resist the government and the people, then they should also be prepared to be killed."

  "Yes." Old Xing turned around and left.

  I gaze at the stars in the sky and think: It seems that many people can't sleep tonight, so let's make it a lively night.