Chapter 40: The Uninvited Guest

  In March 1938, the Japanese army clashed fiercely with the troops of the Third and Fifth War Zones of the National Government in the Huadong area around the Tianjin-Pukou Railway. Logically, compared to the large-scale battles on the front lines where tens of thousands of soldiers were deployed, a small-scale battle that broke out in Xiao Wangzhuang, Chuzhou would not have had any impact. However, both the KMT and CPC paid more attention to this force independent of the two parties.

  At this time, the Communist Party of China had already begun to send a special delegate secretary to Chuzhou through the Anhui Provincial Workers' Committee to prepare for mass mobilization and anti-Japanese work behind enemy lines in Chuzhou; while the Nationalist Third War Zone and the Anhui Province Wannan Administrative Commissioner's Office also noticed this unusual unit at the same time.

  At this time, except for the government army fighting against the Japanese in Anhui Province, various anti-Japanese salvation organizations and armed forces were formed all over the province. These armed forces were led by local governments of the Kuomintang, some were led by the Communist Party, while more were jointly established by anti-Japanese salvation organizations from Shanghai, Pingjin and some southern cities and local social celebrities.

  The Chinese "Eagle" anti-Japanese special operations team, which was active in the mountainous areas west of Chuzhou County, received widespread attention mainly due to its formidable combat power. It is worth noting that at that time, although there were many anti-Japanese armed forces, almost none of them dared to confront the Japanese devils head-on, let alone annihilate a large number of them.

  In fact, the "Divine Eagle" has a huge reputation not only among local people, but its fame has spread throughout Anhui Province. Various forces want to uncover the mysterious veil of this unit and are trying to establish contact with the "Divine Eagle" through various channels.

  The result was naturally disappointing, this unit was very low-key and had nothing to do with any party. Until the recent victory of Xiao Wangzhuang Annihilation War, the keen-smelling intelligence personnel of all parties gradually inferred the approximate location of the "Shenying" activity area.

  The Third War Zone and the Anhui Provincial Government sent someone with a commendation letter to Xiao Wang Zhuang after reporting to the Military Commission.

  Of course, all this was unknown to the "Hawk" of Xiaowangzhuang. Firstly, the troops' intelligence network had just begun to work, and secondly, there were too many things going on in the troops, and no one would pay attention to external matters.

  After the battle, Xiao Wang Zhuang resumed its daily appearance. The stationed troops still got up on time to train in designated areas. Now, the people of Xiao Wang Zhuang regard the "Divine Eagle" as their own troops. Once the troops need it, everyone will come out to work and make efforts.

  "We've caught a spy! We've caught a spy!" It was unclear who had spread the rumor, but these few words were no different from a major news event in Xiaowang Village. Xiaowang Village had never caught a spy before, and people gathered together to see what this "spy" looked like.

  The news was reported to the battalion headquarters, and Chen Jifan and Zhong Dingcheng, who were reviewing the troop assessment outline, did not think much of it at first. It wasn't until the guards brought the two men to the battalion headquarters that they put down their work and carefully sized up the two unexpected guests.

  Chen Jifan ordered the soldiers to remove the eye masks from the newcomers. The two of them instinctively looked around and one of them spoke up: "Which one of you is the commander of China's 'Divine Eagle' anti-Japanese special forces? We have important matters to discuss."

  Chen Jifan watched the two people in front of him without a word, one was a young man in his thirties who was speaking, from his gestures Chen Jifan confirmed that he was a military officer. The other was over forty years old, wearing a Sun Yat-sen suit which was most popular during the Republic of China period, with two pens clipped to the left breast pocket of his jacket, it was clear at a glance that he was an official or perhaps even a government employee.

  "Who are we? What kind of people are you? What brings you here?" Chen Jifan asked coldly.

  As soon as Chen Jifang's voice fell, the gentleman in the Zhongshan suit retorted: "This is the land of the Republic of China, and we, as citizens of the Republic of China, can't come here?"

  "What a sharp tongue! 'Nanjing is also the land of the Republic of China, why don't you two have the interest to take a stroll?' Chen Jifan retorted without hesitation."

  "Who?" Zhongshan was so embarrassed by being interrupted.

  "Speak up if you have something to say, otherwise get out! This is a military restricted area, not a place for the two of you to idle about!" Chen Jifan added.

  The young man next to him saw that he was about to collapse and quickly took over the conversation, explaining: "Please don't misunderstand, sir. We have come this time at the behest of the Third War Zone Command and the Anhui Provincial Government, with important matters to discuss with your esteemed army."

  Chen Jifan had already guessed seven or eight parts in his heart, seeing the other side say so, he also found a step down: "Since that's the case, please sit down, what's your surname?"

  "Oh, brother, my surname is Liu, Liu Chunquan. This is Mr. Mei Guangsheng, a specially appointed commissioner of the Fifth Administrative Commissioner's Office of Anhui Province." Liu Chunquan replied humbly.

  Commissioner Mei Guangyi sitting next to him did not speak.

  "Go on, what's up?" Chen Jifang didn't have a good impression of the Third War Zone and the Nationalist government.

  "Two officials, please allow me to first read out the commendation letter from the Military Commission of the Third War Zone." Liu Chunquan said as he took out a document-like thing from his bag.

  "Please go ahead!" Chen Jifan made a gesture and then exchanged a glance with Zhong Dingcheng.

  "It is with great pleasure that we have learned of the heroic deeds of the Chinese 'Divine Eagle' Special Operations Team, who have been fighting bravely behind enemy lines. Their outstanding achievements are an inspiration to our people and a model for our military personnel. In recognition of your team's contributions in the war against Japan, we hereby award 50,000 yuan as a reward for your officers and men, and confer upon you the designation of National Revolutionary Army Anhui-East Anti-Japanese Independent Brigade, under the unified command of the Third War Zone. This order is issued by the Military Affairs Commission of the National Government of China. Chiang Kai-shek. March 1940." Liu Chunquan finished reading and stood at attention, presenting the commendation letter to Chen Jifang with both hands.

  Chen Jifan took a glance and put it aside, then asked: "Is that all?"

  Liu Chun thought that as expected, the troops who had been pulled together under the pretext of resisting Japan were not so easily swayed by a few words, and without some benefits in it for them, they would not be willing to surrender so readily.

  Liu Chunquan thought so in his heart, but still had a humble expression on his face. "Two directors, the director's office was ashamed after seeing the commendation letter from the Military Commission to your department. Considering that your department is operating behind enemy lines, the director's office specially let me bring a small gift. This is the list, please sign for it." After finishing speaking, he handed over another piece of paper.

  Chen Jifan didn't answer, he directly ordered: "Read it!"

  "Yes", Liu Chunquan somewhat helplessly picked up the list and began to read: "Reward China's 'Divine Eagle' unit, 150 rifles, 2 light machine guns, 10,000 rounds of ammunition, 20 boxes of hand grenades, to encourage them. Headquarters of the Third War Zone."

  Chen Jifan still didn't take the list, but instead turned his head towards Mr. Mei who was sitting and said: "This Mr. Mei should have come with instructions from Anhui Province, why don't you tell us about it."

  "Mr. Mei was entrusted by the Anhui Provincial Government to take charge of unifying and reorganizing the anti-Japanese forces in various parts of Anhui, after which the anti-Japanese forces in each region were uniformly renamed as the Anhui Province Anti-Japanese Self-Defense Army. In peacetime, the provincial government is responsible for logistical supplies, while in wartime, it belongs to the Third War Zone. Your department is also stationed in Anhui and is included in the reorganization." Mei Guangsheng said with an official tone.

  "You two must be tired, please go down and rest first. To be honest, the Military Commission and the Provincial Government have high expectations for us, but our army is mainly composed of local people who can't bear the bullying of the devils, hastily assembled together, and it's not even possible to talk about combat effectiveness, let alone self-defense. So we are deeply grateful for the kindness of the Military Commission and the Third War Zone. As for Mr. Mei's suggestion to change our name, I'm afraid we cannot respond. Famous people don't speak in riddles, we rely on the name 'Divine Eagle' to gather our brothers together, now you want to change the name, what if our brothers get upset and collectively desert? You two have come from afar and must be very tired, I will instruct my brothers to arrange for your rest. The matter of reorganization will be discussed later, discussed later." Chen Jifan handed over a soft persimmon seed to the other party.

  Liu and Mei did not expect the other party to reject these conditions. To know that the Military Commission's commendation order is never easily given, even the regular national army can't get it easily. Moreover, the number of the independent regiment is not fake, it is registered with the Military Commission, and in a big way, it was personally approved by the Chairman. However, these two people lightly rejected it with just one sentence.

  "He doesn't know how to appreciate kindness!" Mei Guang thought to himself.

  Liu Chunquan was also very unhappy, thinking that even if you can beat the devils, there's no need to be so arrogant. How about the Communist Party? After fighting with the National Army for so many years, in the end, they still have to accept the leadership of the Military Committee of the National Government. Your small mountain guerrilla team is just a tiny onion!

  "Think about it, think about it," he said with the same humble tone as before: "Commander, you're too modest. The combat effectiveness of your department has long been a legend in the three war zones, and even the Chairman of the Committee was shocked. As for the replenishment of military pay and ammunition, Director Gu said that once your department accepts reorganization, these are not a problem." The implication is that if you accept reorganization, everything will be easy to discuss, otherwise, it's out of the question.

  Chen Jifan hadn't thought of a reason to refuse, but upon hearing Liu Chunquan's words, he had an idea and said: "To be honest, my brothers are all rough men. These days everyone is struggling to make ends meet, if they knew I sold them out for such a low price, who knows what might happen? So, please go back and report to the Third War Zone, tell them that our unit is grateful for the kindness of the war zone officials, but unfortunately our military achievements are not good, morale is low, we can't be used in big battles, and we're unworthy of the officials' cultivation. We'll definitely come to surrender with all our troops another day."

  Liu Chun thought to himself, so it's because the price is too low. Hmph, after all, they're just bandits. In that case, I can only go back and report the truth to those who think that as long as there's milk, there's a mother.

  But Mei Guangsheng, who was standing beside him, became displeased. He picked up his teacup, blew on it and said: "I hope your department understands that only the National Government is the legitimate leader of the national anti-Japanese armed forces. If you two still have any other ideas in mind, I sincerely advise you to dispel this notion as soon as possible. Farewell!"

  Mei Guangsheng finished speaking and turned around to leave without looking back. Liu Chunquan also cupped his hands and said, "I will report the officer's words truthfully to the Third War Officer Department when I return. Take care of yourselves." After finishing speaking, he left as well.

  After the two men left the camp, Chen Jifan called in the soldiers of the inner guard squad outside the door and instructed them to send them out of the defense zone without making things difficult for them.

  Zhong Dingcheng couldn't help but ask: "Old Chen, how can you refuse so bluntly? You're not really dissatisfied with the low starting price, are you?"

  Chen Jifan casually stuffed the award certificate into his desk drawer and asked, "Isn't this price low enough? To put it bluntly, they don't take us seriously at all. The reason they came all the way here is that they're afraid we'll be poached by the New Fourth Army."

  "But the Third War Zone is right in our backyard, if we offend this Bodhisattva, our days will be difficult to mix from now on." Zhong Dingcheng was somewhat worried.

  "You wouldn't have reminded me, the Wan Nan incident was done by the Third War Zone. If we accept reorganization, who knows when they'll send us to deal with the New Fourth Army? At that time, will you be able to take responsibility?" Chen Jifan seemed to have an epiphany.

  Zhong Dingcheng asked again: "What if a representative of the New Fourth Army comes? Will we accept reorganization?"

  "This, I don't know either, let's talk about it later." Chen Jifan seemed to be at a loss for words.

  "Alright, let's not talk about that for now. I have a proposal here sent by Li Xiangtao. This young fellow suggests we establish an anti-Japanese democratic government covering the occupied areas of our troops. I think it's not bad, take a look?" Zhong Dingcheng pulled out a small notebook.

  "I won't look at it for now, this anti-Japanese democratic regime should be a good thing, Old Zhong, what's your take on it?"

  "It's not that I have any ideas, but I think this regime should prioritize the interests of ordinary people to the greatest extent possible. In addition, it should also take care of the interests of some landlords and wealthy classes, after all, 'three represents'." Zhong Dingcheng said with a hint of sarcasm.

  "We're not good at this sort of thing, we'd better go find Mr. Wang Jicai, strike while the iron is hot, and consolidate our position before the devils launch a large-scale attack on Anhui Province."