Chapter 56: The Commander Goes into a Frenzy

  Lin Yixiu admitted that he did not shake Ma Zhanshan's determination to resist the Japanese occupation of Heilongjiang Province, but was instead ridiculed by Ma. He then took out the arrogant tone of the special envoy of the Great Japanese Empire and said: "In any case, you must withdraw from Qiqihar City to ensure that there will be no more war between China and Japan." As he spoke, he pulled out a notice from Honjo Shigeru, Commander-in-Chief of the Kwantung Army.

  Xie Ke took over as Chief Advisor and saw the notice written like this:

  To Chairman Ma Zhanshan of Heilongjiang Province, China: In order to avoid the Japanese Kwantung Army entering Qiqihar City, you should quickly consider and respond. It is hoped that a reply will be received before 2 o'clock tonight. To Chairman Ma Zhanshan of Heilongjiang Province.

  Lin Yixiu handed Xie Ke a letter he wrote to Ma Zhan Shan, then bid farewell and walked out of the Jiang Province Chairman's mansion. He had just stormed to the door when he bumped into someone, who immediately apologized: "Sorry! Sorry!"

  "Hum!" Lin Yixiu snorted and cursed: "Japanese pig!"

  "Ah!" The other party had not felt anything just now, but now knew that the other party was actually Japanese! In the instant he was stunned, a hook leg immediately tripped Lin Yixiu, who had already walked past him, into a dog-eating-shit posture!

  "Ah!" Lin Yixiu let out a miserable cry, and then cursed: "Bastard! Son of a bitch!"

  "Your grandma's little Japan! How dare you scold grandpa!" The newcomer directly stepped on Lin Yixiu's head, immediately trampling his head into the mud.

  "Commander Zhao! What are you doing? Let him go at once!" The deputy officer rushed over, grabbing Zhao Xiaofeng's arm and saying: "This man is Lin Yixiu, the military attaché of the Japanese Consulate in Heilongjiang!"

  "What?" Zhao Xiaofeng drew out the box-shaped pistol from his waist.

  "Halt!" Ma Zhan Shan and Xie Ke rushed out upon hearing the commotion. From a distance, Ma Zhan Shan shouted: "Younger brother! Whatever you do, don't harm him! He is..."

  "Bang!" Lin Yixiu's head had already been blown up by Zhao Xiaofeng's pistol, and Zhao Xiaofeng didn't give anyone any chance.

  At this time, the deputy officer had no choice but to loosen his grip on Zhao Xiaofeng's arm.

  "Hey!" Ma Zhan Shan sighed and said: "Younger brother! This time it's really troublesome! The other side is an official from the consulate!"

  "Damn it!" Zhao Xiao Feng cursed: "As long as they are Japanese, I'll kill one whenever I see one! Let alone a small consul, even if the Japanese Emperor falls into my hands, I must kill him! If anything happens, I, Zhao Xiao Feng, will take responsibility!"

  At this time, a figure had already quietly run out of the door, jumped into Lin Yixiu's car and drove back to the consulate to report the matter to Consul Kiyoshi.

  At this time, Zhao Xiaofeng had already seen the letter in Xie Ke's hand and immediately reached out to take it over. It was written by Lin Yixiu to Ma Zhanshan:

  The Japanese Empire's Consul in Heilongjiang Province, Army Lieutenant Colonel Hayashi Yoshimasa, to the Acting Chairman of Heilongjiang Province, Ma Zhanshan.

  Observing the current situation in Heilongjiang, the only way to avoid war disaster and maintain local security is for Chairman Ma to step down at this time, and simultaneously, the Heilongjiang Provincial Government will peacefully transfer power to Zhang Haipeng. There is no other good strategy!

  After Zhao Xiaofeng finished reading Lin Yixiu's letter, he handed it to Ma Zhanshan. Ma Zhanshan glanced at it and immediately opened his mouth to scold: "I will never give power to that old dog Zhang Haipeng."

  "General!" The gate guard ran over and said: "Lin Yixiu's driver just escaped!"

  "Ah!" Ma Zhan Shan was startled and involuntarily looked at Zhao Xiao Feng.

  Zhao Xiaofeng helplessly shrugged his shoulders and said, "I've said it before, whenever we see a Japanese person, we should kill them! Just send someone to raze the consulate to the ground!"

  "Absolutely not!" Ma Zanshan immediately stopped. After a moment of contemplation, he turned around and summoned his deputy officer to order: "Immediately telegram the Central Government and Deputy Commander Zhang in Beiping, the Japanese Kwantung Army commander has just informed us that we must hand over power to the traitor Zhang Haipeng, and must reply by 2 o'clock midnight tonight. My response is as follows:"

  Zhan Shan, under the leadership of General Zhao Xiaofeng of the Northeast Anti-Japanese Army, destroyed the Japanese attack! Zhan Shan understands that defending his homeland is his responsibility, as long as he still breathes, he will not let an inch of land fall into the hands of foreigners. He swears to stick to his original intention and persevere to the end, never yielding. He sincerely requests the National Government and all citizens to make a concerted effort to rescue the country from danger.

  The deputy finished taking notes and asked: "Anything else?"

  Ma Zhan Shan wearily waved his hand and the deputy officer turned and left. He sat in the large swivel chair with his eyes closed.

  After a long while, Ma Zhan Shan said in a low voice: "Our only good strategy is to fight the little devils to the death, there's no other way out. Commander Zhao, Chief of Staff Xie, what do you think?"

  Xie Ke, the chief of staff, was always a pro-war faction among the Jiangsu generals. Before the war against Japan, he was already very indignant about the Japanese banditry. Before the Jiangqiao Battle, he led his troops to annihilate three regiments of puppet troops invading Jiangsu Province. Zhang Haipeng's commander-in-chief Xu Jinglong was killed in battle. He had a high reputation among anti-Japanese generals and Ma Zhanshan respected him very much. His opinions were often adopted by Ma Zhanshan.

  But at this time he was looking at Zhao Xiaofeng who was standing beside him, and he didn't say a word.

  Zhao Xiaofeng knew that Xie Ke was also beginning to accept himself now, this person is not simple, he had already learned that when Ma Zanshan was the commander of the Heihe Garrison in Mazanshan, he was the chief of staff of the Heilongjiang Provincial Border Defense Army. Later, Ma Zanshan became the commander-in-chief of the Jiangsu Provincial Military, and Xie Ke became his deputy again. But Xie Ke believed that Ma Zanshan was an outstanding leader, especially his insistence on resisting the Japanese army's proposal, which gained Xie Ke's support. Therefore, when Ma Zanshan took office, he listed all the military supplies beneficial to the war of resistance and waited for Ma Zanshan to store and call.

  Xie Ke, the chief of staff, after organizing troops stationed in Heilongjiang to defeat Zhang Haipeng's military attack on Jiangqiao, felt that the Sino-Japanese War would soon break out. Therefore, he waited for Ma Zhanshan to take office while actively preparing for battle. In the arsenal, he saw technicians imitating Czech machine guns.

  Xie Ke was puzzled: "Where did you get this sample from?"

  The technician excitedly told Xie Ke: "There are over 100 guns in the warehouse, and it was not easy to borrow one from Director Wan."

  Xie Ke was very helpless with the temporary person in charge of Jiang Province, who only thought about making money and didn't understand how to fight against the enemy. He could only be polite because he was the son of his old superior Wan Fulin. Xie Ke arrived at Wan Guobin's residence to see him.

  Wan Guo Bin was delightedly arranging the several famous calligraphies and paintings he had just received, chatting idly with no particular topic.

  "Guo Bin, I heard you still have Czech machine guns in your arsenal?"

  The international guest was taken aback for a moment, then immediately said: "There are, 99 of them still exist, and one is borrowed by the military equipment repair department and has been disassembled into parts."

  Xie Ke said bluntly: "The lock is idle in the warehouse, it's better to take it out."

  Those machine guns were originally bought by Wan Fu-lin from foreign merchants, because they were new products, very suitable for modern warfare. Wan Guo-bin also wanted to make a fortune out of it. He was surprised that this matter had been kept secret from Xie Ke, how did he know? And it's not good to ask the bottom, so he pushed and said: "That was handled by the supervisor in person when he was in the province, without asking him, how can we use it?"

  The waiter spread his hands, indicating he had no instructions from the old man and was helpless.

  Xie Ke understood the mind of the international hotel, and intentionally said: "Alas, it's a pity that the guns and ammunition in the Fengtian Arsenal are now all in the hands of the Northeast Anti-Japanese Army..."

  The international guest heard the implication behind Xie Ke's words, remained silent, and was actually reluctant to part with it, but couldn't bear to refuse.

  Xie Ke's expression turned serious: "Chairman Ma is about to take office, and all military supplies in Jiang Province must be listed and reported to Ma Zanshan for review. This is the order from Beiping."

  Wan Guobin was very dissatisfied after knowing that Xie Ke had handed over all the things to Ma Zanshan: "Chief of Staff, when Beiping sent Ma Zanshan to Heilongjiang, he only commanded military affairs and specifically directed battles. As for various military supplies, according to convention, they should be controlled and allocated by the Chief of Staff. Ma Zanshan can only discuss and solve military supplies with you!"

  "Ten thousand times wrong!" General Xie Ke was a man who valued national righteousness above all else. He couldn't bear to see people prioritizing personal interests in the face of great enemies, when the Japanese army was being wildly brutal and Liaoning had already fallen. Our province is in danger every day, what's the point of arguing about family? Since the central government and Vice Commander Zhang have entrusted Chairman Ma to take charge of military affairs in Heilongjiang, we should follow Chairman Ma's orders. All commanders and leaders should also sincerely serve the people, not act on their own accord. Alright then, I'll use those 99 Czech machine guns first, it's better than giving them away to the Japanese for nothing! You can settle accounts with me later!"

  The foreign guest was forced into a corner by Xie Ke and had no choice but to go along with it, agreeing to take out the machine gun.

  Xie Ke immediately sent someone to bring out the Czech machine guns and distribute them to the Jiangqiao troops. Later, these machine guns played a great role in the Battle of Jiangqiao, causing heavy casualties to the Japanese army. The Japanese spy, Hayashi Tadazane, then spread rumors that the Soviet Union had provided Ma Zhanshan with weapons.

  This matter made Wan Guobin resentful of Xie Keshi. After Ma Zhanshan took office, Wan Guobin again sent his cousin to alienate the relationship between Ma Zhanshan and Xie Ke, and Ma Zhanshan discovered the inside story and severely punished the person who had caused the trouble.

  But now the news of Zhao Xiaofeng in Heilongjiang has been reported to the Kuomintang, and Zhao Xiaofeng is also very confused. He shook his head and said: "When we reach the mountain, there will be a way. We don't have to worry about these things! There's only one word we need to follow, that is: Fight!"

  Now, the main force has withdrawn from Daxing Station to Sanjianfang area, and Xie Ke has accompanied Zhao Xiaofeng to inspect various positions three times.

  Zhao Xiaofeng was very satisfied with Xie Ke's strict military deployment and also respected his character. Zhao Xiaofeng really wanted to get this person's help! But he is the big brother's man, and still a staunch member of the Nationalist Party, "Ah, it's difficult!" Zhao Xiaofeng sighed in his heart.

  In view of the current military situation, Xie Ke proposed yesterday that due to the heavy casualties of our infantry in the fierce battle at Daxing Station, a regiment from Tunmen Garrison's Chonggou and Li Shaofeng's battalion from Infantry Third Brigade should be deployed to Sanjianfang position. Zhao Xiaofeng thought this suggestion was very good and immediately decided to adjust troops to strengthen the defense deployment of the main position at Sanjianfang.

  "The third line of defense should be set up in the Xiao Xin Tun and Mo Gu Xi area." Xie Ke also suggested: "Although the enemy was heavily attacked by our army again at the front line of Daxing Station, they will not give up easily. We withdrew from Jiangqiao to the second line of defense at Sanjianfang, but the terrain and military strength and equipment of Sanjianfang are not conducive to fighting against the Japanese army, especially it is not easy to stay for a long time. A retreat route that is conducive to defense should be prepared immediately."

  Zhao Xiaofeng nodded and thought for a moment before asking: "How many light weapons do we have left?"

  "There are still 3,700 rifles in the warehouse."

  "Where's the bullet?"

  "More than 60 million bullets, hand grenades and shells are left, but not many!"

  Zhao Xiaofeng had already asked Ma Zhanshan to telephone Zhang Xueliang for some supplies of ammunition, but Zhang Xueliang did not respond. Now, facing the Japanese army's powerful offensive, without a supply of artillery shells and bullets, he could only fail, but what else could be done?

  "Notify the Military Affairs Bureau and the Ordnance Bureau immediately, and use the night to transport all stored ammunition from Tai'an Town to the vicinity of each county near the three rooms. Pay special attention to the alert along the line." Then Zhao Xiao Feng instructed Xie Ke, "General Xie, you immediately dispatch personnel to inspect the terrain in the area of Keshan, Baiquan, and Tai'an Town. In case of extreme necessity, the military and political offices of our province will move to Hailun, forming a horn-shaped formation with the anti-Japanese troops of Feng Zhanhai in Ha'erbao. At that time, our army's main position should be on the line of Keshan, Baiquan, and Tai'an. This plan must be absolutely confidential!"

  "Yes, Commander Zhao! I'll take care of it right away." Xie Ke admired Zhao Xiaofeng's decisive style and stood up to leave, then remembered something: "The Japanese consulate in our province is an open spy agency, very interested in our military situation!"

  "Immediately dispatch troops to kill all the consulate staff!"

  "Yes!" Xie Ke surprisingly agreed to Zhao Xiao Feng's command this time, which made Zhao Xiao Feng extremely surprised. But Zhao Xiao Feng knew that this was a happy event for himself, and it was rare that Ma Zhan Shan did not stop him this time.

  "Yuan Chonggu has arrived!"

  "Please come in quickly!"

  "Zhao Xiaofeng asked: 'How is the repair of the troops' fortifications going?'"

  Yuan Chonggu replied: "According to the commander's order, we are rushing to repair it day and night."

  Suddenly, a rapid gunfire was heard from a distance, Zhao Xiao Feng was startled: "What's going on?"

  At this time, a lieutenant with blood all over his face rushed in: "Commander, a group of Zhang Haipeng's dare-to-die squad disguised as our army's frontline soldiers who retreated, attempted to assassinate General Ma, and were annihilated by the guard!"

  At this time, Ma Zhan Shan, who was receiving the report, frowned and said: "It seems that the enemy cannot gain an advantage on the battlefield, so they use such despicable means to try to gain an advantage politically. Deputy officer!"

  The deputy pushed open the door and came in: "General!"

  "We, Zhao and Ma, hereby issue a nationwide telegram in our names. The telegram is addressed to the Central Party Department, the National Government, Commander-in-Chief Chiang, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Zhang, General Wan, and all provincial government chairmen, as well as to all commanders-in-chief, division and brigade commanders, provincial and municipal party departments, patriotic organizations, legal organizations, and news agencies. ... The fact of this Japanese invasion of Northern Manchuria is in stark contrast to their declared intentions. We hereby declare the true circumstances surrounding this incident to the world, in order to clarify the truth and distinguish right from wrong. As guardians of our territory, we have a responsibility to defend it, and as patriots, we share a common heart. Although we know that our army is isolated and outnumbered, and cannot withstand the powerful Japanese military, we are willing to stake everything on this just cause, and will not sit idly by waiting for death. We will follow in the footsteps of Tian Heng and his 500 men, and emulate the loyalty of General Shao. We hereby respectfully submit our telegram, and await your instructions."

  Secretary's note: December 10, 1931.

  Although the Japanese army was still lurking on the south bank of the river, several planes were bombing the provincial capital in succession, but this did not affect people's mood. People from all walks of life cheered along the street, and civilian groups rushed to the front line to offer comfort. The villagers nearby drove horse-drawn carts carrying pigs and sheep, forming a grand procession heading towards Sanjianfang. Following the carts were representatives from the Provincial Chamber of Commerce, Education Association, Farmers' Association, schools, government agencies, and patriotic masses, who collectively donated 3,000 yuan, using 2,000 yuan to buy pigs, 800 yuan to buy sheep, and 200 yuan for miscellaneous expenses, and sent representatives to Jiangqiao to offer condolences.