Chapter 21: The Heart of Subordinates

  "Master, you are the commander-in-chief. What you need is to control the overall situation, not to charge forward personally. Otherwise, what do we need these people for?" Sun Zhen replied solemnly.

  "I didn't say I had to rush to the front line of the battlefield." Li Ruofeng insisted.

  Sun Zhen replied reasonably and calmly, "Regardless of what kind of war it is, the commander's responsibility is to sit in the central military tent, deploy troops and generals, and weigh every detail and variable that occurs throughout the battle. Although there are also commanders who personally go to the front line to direct and assist, that is to boost the morale of the entire army, currently, we don't need you to take this risk."

  "Alright, then let me analyze it from a macro perspective." Li Ruofeng hugged his elbow with his left hand and gently stroked his chin with his right hand, using his index finger to lightly scratch the faint scar on his face as he slowly said: "A qualified commander-in-chief must first have a comprehensive understanding of the personality, strengths, abilities, and style of every military officer participating in the war, right?"

  Sun Zhen was taken aback by the words and guessed what Li Ruofeng would say next. He looked at Zhuang Yu with a pleading gaze, nodded weakly and replied: "That's right."

  "Except for you and Zhuang Yu, let's see, how well do I understand the military commanders of each combat unit present here, compared to you or Zhuang Yu?" Li Ruofeng asked with a smile.

  Sun Zhen helplessly smiled wryly and shook his head.

  "Young master, but I think it's enough for you to know that I have a sufficient understanding with Sun Zhen." Zhuang Yu helped Sun Zhen argue.

  "This is called strong words and seizing the truth, my General Zhuang." Li Ruofeng's smile at this moment was like a cunning fox, saying: "You two are in charge of the two most important battle lines. Once the situation becomes stalemate, if there are changes in other positions, can you grasp them in time and take corresponding correct measures?"

  "We have enough radio stations to ensure smooth communication for each defensive zone and combat zone!" Zhuang Yu argued: "Besides, based on our understanding of the enemy's troop deployment and firepower configuration in this battle, it is impossible for a stalemate to occur!"

  Having confidence is not wrong, but having more confidence, we must not underestimate the enemy. My General Zhuang, when fighting a tiger, use all your strength, and when fighting a rabbit, you also need to use force." Li Ruofeng smiled and waved his right hand, saying: "No one else speak, this matter is settled like this. The southern line of Shandan will be in charge of Sun Zhen, the eastern line will be fought by me, Zhuang Yu, you will sit in Ganzhou to command the overall situation! Other personnel arrangements remain unchanged."

  Sun Zhen and Zhuang Yu exchanged a glance, both shaking their heads in helpless bitter smiles.

  "What's wrong, don't you believe in my abilities?" Li Ruofeng laughed and said.

  "Young master, you know that's not what we mean." Zhuang Yu obviously still wanted to make a last effort and replied: "It's not the ten thousand I fear, but the one in ten thousand. This circuitous warfare is too risky!"

  "Are the dangers we faced when we were young that great?" Li Ruofeng stood up, walked over and gently patted Zhuang Yu's arm, saying: "The scars on my body are not fewer than yours. I know you're both good to me, don't worry, I have my own measure."

  After finishing speaking, he paused for a moment and continued: "That's it, you all should go do what you need to do, go ahead and be busy. Oh right, Qi Dongming, Qi Battalion Commander, and Fei Dicong, Fei Battalion Commander, please stay behind."

  "Yes! Young Master." All the generals stood up at the same time and saluted Li Ruofeng.

  After the crowd left the meeting room, Li Ruofeng warmly shook hands with the two Northwest big men in front of him who looked very calm and composed, smiling: "Two gentlemen, let's formally meet, I'm Li Ruofeng."

  "Reporting to young master, my name is Zhī Qí Dōng Míng, courtesy name Zhèng Yáng, from Liángzhōu. Originally a battalion commander of the 9th Independent Infantry Regiment of the National Revolutionary Army, I graduated from the 9th term infantry department of Baoding Military Academy. In the 18th year of the Republic, when Ma Honggui betrayed the general, we resigned in indignation. That same November, I was recognized by Director Sun and joined the Kangbao Security Independent Regiment." The dark-skinned, robust major with a goatee standing to the left stood at attention and saluted, introducing himself.

  Immediately, the officer with a clear and delicate face on the right stood at attention and saluted: "Young master, my name is Fei Diqing, courtesy name Shusheng, from Lanzhou. I was originally the deputy chief of staff of the artillery regiment of the 9th Independent Division of the National Revolutionary Army, graduated from the 8th class of the artillery department of the Baoding Military Academy in the 18th year of the Republic of China. I left the 9th Division with Zhengyang and joined the Kangbao Independent Regiment together."

  As soon as he heard that both were officials from Baoding, Li Ruofeng couldn't help but take a closer look at them. He looked at the two of them sincerely and said: "Both of you are talented and value loyalty and righteousness. It's an honor for Sun Zhen and me to have your attention."

  "Young master, your words are too serious. If it weren't for Director Sun's kindness, we wouldn't have the honor of commanding thousands of elite soldiers today." Qi Dongming said solemnly: "Before, I had no chance to meet you, young master. Today, after meeting you, I can see that you are indeed a wise and skilled military leader who knows how to command troops. To be able to follow you in conquering the world, I, Zhengyang, am willing to be your vanguard!"

  "Ah, Brother Zhengyang, you're overpraising me." Li Ruofeng humbly smiled and said: "Don't stand on ceremony, please sit down. Zhengyang, Sheng, both of you are from Gansu, what insights do you have regarding our expedition to Gongzhou this time?"

  Both of them sat down in a standard military posture, and Feidi said calmly: "With the young master's command of the Hu Ben army, we will surely sweep across the Great Northwest and bring clarity to the northwest."

  "Shu Sheng was right, we never thought that we could lead such a powerful and elite army, and return home in triumph." Qi Dongming's expression was slightly agitated, and he said loudly: "Young master, as long as you give the order, I can definitely defeat Er Ma and make him lose his way!"

  Nodding lightly, Li Rou smiled calmly and said: "It seems that both of you are very confident in this battle!"

  "Strength is on our side!" Feidi calmly replied, "Although we are a security team from an inconspicuous place, in terms of troop strength, equipment, morale, military spirit, and firepower configuration, I believe that even the elite troops of the Central Army cannot be compared to us. Not to mention Ma Bufang's second-rate local troops."

  "Yes, young master, our troops may be newly formed, but they are all old soldiers who have been to the battlefield and seen blood." Qi Dongming nodded and said: "Tree-born and I both came from the original Independent Ninth Division, and we are very clear about the combat effectiveness of the original Northwest Army. This point can be seen from the fact that we occupied Lanzhou without firing a single shot or shell, and Ma Zhongying (also known as 'Elder Commander') didn't even dare to fart. Not to mention that the military strength of the Northwest is now empty, even in its heyday, our one regiment could defeat Sun Lianzhong and Ji Dabao's (Ji Hongchang's nickname) one division!"

  "Hmm! Both of you are from the Northwest Army, and both are from Gansu Province, so we can say that we know each other. Li Ruofeng smiled easily: "It's not me being arrogant, but in fact, with our current strength, fighting Ma Bufang is like an adult beating a child, no need to compare. You guys say, how could I not participate in such a battle? Just now, I was really infuriated by those two stinky brats Sun Zhen and Zhuang Yu."

  "Master, Director Zhuang and Colonel Sun are also doing this for your own good. Didn't you say yourself that we can't underestimate the enemy?" Qi Dongming helped to mediate on behalf of Sun Zhen and Zhuang Yu.

  "Master, don't blame the Chief of Staff and Officer Sun. Honestly, although we have absolute confidence in winning this battle, it will definitely cause casualties. Bullets don't have eyes, they won't turn around just because they see you. Those who have fought in battles know that after each battle, the number of soldiers wounded by stray bullets is no less than one-third of the total casualties." Feidi Qing said seriously: "Besides, the battlefield is always full of unpredictable variables. If I'm being honest, I think it's better for you to stay in the middle army and sit tight."

  "The dangers of war we all know. But my principle in leading troops is that a general must have the courage to lead his men into battle on the front lines and possess tactical acumen. If he's destined to be hit by bullets or shells, then so be it - even heaven can't save him, how can he achieve greatness?" Li Ruo said with a solemn expression: "This war is our army's first battle, therefore I must fight alongside my officers on the front lines!"

  Zi Dongming and Feidi Qing stood up simultaneously, facing Li Ruofeng with the most standard military salute, their eyes filled with passion as they said: "To be able to go into battle with Young Master, I am willing to die for my duty!"

  "I swear to die protecting Young Master's safety in this battle!"

  Li Ruofeng pressed his hands together and smiled warmly: "Sit down, sit down. We're all brothers in the same family, no need for so much courtesy."

  After the two sat back down, he continued to ask: "Shu Sheng, Zheng Yang, you two are both locals of Gansu Province. Who else is at home now?"

  Feidi Qingzi and Dong Ming exchanged a glance, exchanging eye contact, Feidi nodded to indicate that Dong Ming should speak first.

  Qī Dōngmíng slightly closed his tiger eyes for a moment, then opened them again. A hint of melancholy appeared in his eyes as he said: "My parents passed away very early. I had a younger brother and sister, but during the bandit uprising in our hometown in 1929, we got separated while escaping with our lives. Despite searching for many years, there has been no news, and I don't know whether they are dead or alive. Alas!"

  "Sorry, Zhengyang, I didn't mean to bring up your sad past, please forgive me." Li Ruofeng patted Qi Dongming's sturdy arm and said, "Good people will naturally have a good fate, as long as your younger brother and sister are still alive, you will definitely have a day when you can reunite."

  Qī Dōngmíng nodded solemnly and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Young Master. I hope so."

  "I'm a bit better than Zheng Yang, my father has passed away and my mother is still alive. I have an older brother, sister-in-law and a younger sister at home in Lanzhou, all working as farmers." Feidi Qing didn't let the conversation die down, taking over from Qi Dongming's words.

  "After we win this battle, I'll bring them all to Ganzhou and take good care of them on our own turf." Li Ruofeng said seriously: "Besides, after this battle is over, I estimate that the Nanjing Central Government will be alarmed, and in order to appease us, they will definitely give us a number. After we are reorganized, you will all be promoted one rank, and the subsidies and silver wages of the Jieti Guangdian troops will be guaranteed to be enough for your family to have no worries about food and clothing."

  "Mmm!" Fendi nodded heavily with gratitude.

  "If possible, I really hope that our great China will not have war. Our nation has suffered enough hardships." Li Ruofeng said deeply: "However, the powers are obviously unwilling to see a unified China, and for their own interests in China, they make our country have so many warlords, followed by endless wars and refugees. Especially small Japan, they are even more eyeing us covetously, and soon will stretch out their evil claws to our Northeast Three Provinces. From the heart, I do not want to fight with Ma Bufang for territory, nor do I want to fight with domestic peers, but in order to gain a relatively stable rear, for future wars against Japan to have a place where soldiers can rest assured, I have no choice but to become a warlord too."

  However, I can ask the world with a clear conscience that our army is absolutely not my personal army. It does not belong to any individual or family. It belongs to our country and our nation. We are the armed forces of the nation. Our army is used to defend our home and resist foreign invasion! Once the Japanese army launches an aggressive war, I will lead you to rush to the front line of resistance, using our flesh and blood to build a new Great Wall! At this most critical moment for the Chinese nation, I need you and more people like you with a strong sense of justice in China to follow me together, for the dignity of the country, for the dignity of the Chinese nation, to shed blood, to sacrifice, to fight!

  "I swear to follow you to death, to go through boiling water and burning fire, and not to refuse even if I die a thousand times!" Qi Dongming Feidi Qing stood up again at the same time and roared.