Chapter 22: The Banquet

  Dr. Wu got up very early, and after getting up, he first went to the ward to visit Shang Changfu's condition, then rushed alone to the "Divine Eagle" anti-Japanese special operations team's company department. Chen Jifan had just led the troops back from morning exercises and saw Dr. Wu lingering at the entrance of the company department, so he hurriedly welcomed him into the house.

  "Dr. Wu, last time in Chuzhou, I was fortunate to have your great assistance, but didn't get a chance to thank you. This time, I've brought you all the way here again to save my life. Such great kindness doesn't need to be thanked, and from now on, if there's anything I can do for you, just let me know." Chen Jifan really couldn't find any suitable words to respond to this kind of polite phrase in this era.

  "Director Chen was being polite, as a doctor, it's my duty to treat and save people, let alone treating heroes who protect the country. However, since Director Chen has spoken, I do have something to ask of him." Wu Qing said, standing up from his chair.

  "Oh? Dr. Wu, just say what's on your mind, as long as it doesn't involve anything that goes against the national or ethnic interests, we'll definitely take care of it." Chen Jifan hastily said.

  Wu Qing smiled and said, "What Wu said is not as serious as Director Chen said. It's just a small request. Actually, I and the two companions who came with me yesterday want to join the 'Divine Eagle' anti-Japanese special forces to contribute our efforts in fighting against the Japanese devils. We hope Director Chen can accept us."

  When Chen Jihong hesitated, Wu Qing said: "Although we are scholars, the rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every husband. The devils are burning, killing, looting, and plundering on our great land of China, and the government army is not even worth fighting. , Putting the good rivers and mountains and tens of millions of people in the hands of the Japanese. As a descendant of Yan and Huang, I always think about making a contribution to defend the country and nation in my heart. Last time when we first met in Chuzhou, my identity was not only a doctor but also a member of the "Anti-Japanese Propaganda Team". Just a week ago, the organization I served was dispersed because it blocked the Japanese devils. The anti-Japanese deeds of your army have long been spread throughout the country, and Wu Qing admired them very much. Chen's 'Divine Eagle' anti-Japanese special operations team had few people, but they could repeatedly win with weakness, letting Wu see the hope of anti-Japanese resistance. That day in Chuzhou, the military appearance of several officials was something that Wu Qing had never seen before in China. Our Chinese men should have this style...

  Chen Jifeng listened to him and quickly interrupted: "Dr. Wu, you're overpraising me! Dr. Wu wants to do something for the country and nation, how can I refuse? Alright, on behalf of China's 'Divine Eagle' Anti-Japanese Special Forces, I welcome Dr. Wu and the two passionate young men to join us. However, our team is still in its early stages, and material conditions are relatively poor, so it might be a bit tough for you, Doctor."

  Wu Qing's joining made Chen Jifeng very excited. On the one hand, the more battles the troops fought, the greater the casualties would be, and the team indeed needed professional medical personnel. On the other hand, Wu Qing's joining marked that "Shenying" began to be recognized by intellectuals of this era, opening a good start for the team to attract talents in the future.

  "Even if the material conditions are poor, they are still better than being a slave in a lost country." Wu Qing suddenly stood up and saluted, then said loudly: "Reporting to Officer Chen, new recruit Wu Qing has arrived. Please arrange my work."

  Chen Jifan was stunned by his actions, but more of it was moved. As long as there are still young people like Dr. Wu with a sense of justice, China will not perish.

  He hastily stepped forward and grasped Dr. Wu's hand, "Thank you for your trust, from now on just call me Old Chen. The troops have just been formed, I'd like to ask Dr. Wu to be in charge of setting up the field hospital for the troops, treating wounded soldiers and training medical personnel, whatever is needed just let me know."

  "Yesterday, the two girls who came with me, one of whom you met in Chuxian is my nurse Xiaojuan, and the other is my university friend Su Nianhong. Miss Su is a talented woman from Nankai University, also a passionate young woman. After the National Government signed the Tanggu Agreement with Japan in 1925, she was the first to organize students to boycott classes at Nankai, her organizational ability is quite strong."

  Talents, what the troops lack now are people with organizational skills. With such people organizing the masses in the rear base areas, the troops will have fewer worries when fighting at the front.

  "Alright, with young talents like you joining, 'Shenying' will soar higher and farther. For now, let Miss Su take over the hospital's affairs with you, and we'll arrange her specific work later."

  After arranging work, Chen Jifan introduced some troop situations to Wu Qing and unknowingly chatted with Wu Qing for over an hour.

  "Report!"

  "Come in."

  Zhong Dingcheng and Song Guantao, who were in charge of training, arrived.

  "Commander Lian and Song have an idea, they found me and I also think it's worth considering, so we came to discuss with you." Zhong Dingcheng explained the purpose of their visit.

  "Oh, it seems some officials have something to attend to, so I'll take my leave first." Wu Qing politely stood up.

  "Dr. Wu is not busy, Old Zhong, Old Song, Dr. Wu has now become our comrade-in-arms, I asked him to take charge of setting up a field hospital. Dr. Wu, let me introduce you, this is Zhong Dingcheng, in charge of troop training, and this is Song Guantao, the hero of the Battle of Shanghai, he is now in charge of new recruit training. Captain Song, feel free to share your suggestions, Dr. Wu is not an outsider, we can all discuss together." Chen Jifang introduced warmly.

  Zhong Dingcheng had heard of Wu Qing's name again, and he had a good impression of this intellectual. When he heard the news that Wu Qing had joined, he was even more delighted, and stretched out his hand to Dr. Wu: "Is that so? Welcome, welcome! With Dr. Wu on board, our soldiers' lives have an extra layer of insurance. I thank you on behalf of the soldiers."

  Wu Qing saw Old Clock being so enthusiastic and hastily became modest.

  Song Guanhu also came forward and saluted: "Dr. Wu, thank you for saving my life. Shang Changfu is a brother who shed blood with me on the Songhu battlefield. From now on, Dr. Wu, whatever orders you give, I, Old Song, will not hesitate to risk boiling water and walking through fire."

  "Alright, from now on we're all one family, no need to be polite, let's sit down and talk. Song Pai Zhang, what do you think?"

  "It's like this, when I was supervising the new recruits' training, I always felt that these people couldn't be compared to our 'Divine Eagles'. At first, I thought it was because their combat skills were still weak. Later, I realized it wasn't that simple. What is it? Let me put it this way, two battalion commanders, do you want to know what my first impression of you was? Shock! Real soldiers, more like soldiers than the Central Army's soldiers. Following you guys, my heart feels at ease. And now? The people in front of me are just a bunch of civilians with guns, no matter how I look at it, they're not impressive." Song Guantou said all this in one breath, and Chen Jifeng listened attentively the whole time.

  "I understand what you're getting at. If you hadn't reminded me, I would have really forgotten about this matter. Old Zhong, the troops need military uniforms, specifically the 'Divine Eagle' standard issue uniforms."

  "Yes, when Song Pai Zhang told me about it, I had the same feeling. Now the clothes of our troops are really diverse. The seven of us wear one type of uniform, Song Pai Zhang and Deng Fang Shun wear another type, and the militia is even more mixed up. Some wear a vest, with Japanese leather shoes on their feet, while others wear the enemy's steel helmet all day long. As for new recruits, it's not worth mentioning - they have all sorts of styles. If we were to take our troops out, people would definitely think that bandits had arrived." After Zhong Ding Cheng finished speaking, everyone burst out laughing and the atmosphere became much more relaxed.

  "Commander, the military uniform is imminent, a decent military uniform can greatly boost morale." Song Guantao looked very anxious.

  "What do you think, Song? What style should our 'Divine Eagle' military uniform be to look good and be worthy of the name?" Chen Jifan asked with a smile. Song Guantao could tell the morale from the uniform, and Chen Jifan's favorable impression of him doubled.

  When Lian Zhang asked him about the specific situation, Song Guantou was a bit shy: "This, I haven't thought it through yet, but I think, Commander Lian, the uniforms on your seven men are the most suitable. At first, when I saw you guys wearing those colorful clothes on the mountain, I thought they were dirty and hadn't been washed clean. Later, after following you into battle, I realized that was camouflage, how come I didn't think of that?"

  Zhong Dingcheng followed the topic and said: "Right, let's make the military uniform into camouflage, based on what we're wearing now, hmm, right, it should have rank insignia, company commander, we'll give ourselves ranks, and a military cap, pants..."

  "Wait, when did you become so impatient, Old Clock? You're talking so much at once, who can remember all that?" Chen Jifan hastily interjected, "In addition to what you said, the military uniform should also have an emblem of a divine eagle embroidered on it. That's right, a majestic eagle with outstretched wings. And there are also undergarments and socks, two sets per person. But where can we go to make these clothes?"

  "Director Chen," said Wu Qing, who was sitting beside him, "if conditions permit, I suggest that each soldier should also have a bandage. As for making clothes, it shouldn't be a problem. The Su family has a garment factory, and they used to have a large industry in Shanghai, from dyeing to finished clothing. After the Japanese came, their factory moved to Wuhan. Not just them, many light and heavy industries in the country are moving to Wuhan and Chongqing. I think it's better to send someone to Wuhan to make an order."

  Wu Qing's words made Chen Jifan's eyes light up, right, after Nanjing fell, Wuhan had actually become the national anti-war center, and it was easy to get some supplies in such a big city. But here is too close to the devils, battles will happen at any time, this matter still needs to be discussed in a meeting to hear everyone's opinions. Thinking of this, Chen Jifan said:

  "So, Song Pai Zhang, Doctor Wu, going to Wuhan is a big deal, we need to discuss with the leaders of the community before making a decision. Doctor Wu, would you please talk to Miss Su and then check the medical room to see what medicines and equipment are needed, make a list for me, maybe we can solve some problems when we go to Wuhan."

  "Alright then, two battalion commanders, we'll take our leave first."

  After Wu Qing Song Guanhu left, Chen Jifan turned to Zhong Dingcheng and said: "Old Zhong, I want to go to Wuhan personally, what do you think?"

  "Lao Chen, you'd better think carefully, the troops will have battles at any time, who will command if you leave?" Zhong Dingcheng's expression seemed very dissatisfied.

  "Isn't it also you? The Chinese brave who participated in 'Aier Na', commanding these few hundred people is not a small dish, right? Old Zhong, I have reasons to go to Wuhan too." Chen Jifan poured a cup of water and handed it to Zhong Dingcheng.

  "What else can be done? Are you going to recruit soldiers now?" Zhong Dingcheng retorted.

  "Ah! You're right, this time in Wuhan, besides making military uniforms, I'm also going to recruit soldiers." Chen Jifan said with confidence, "The Battle of Shanghai and the Defense of Nanjing, many government troops were severely damaged, many wounded soldiers and scattered soldiers also retreated to Wuhan. These people are all seasoned veterans, treasures! The new recruits we find locally will take at least a month or two to form a fighting force, but we don't have that much time."

  "Don't have so much time? Lian Chang, what are you planning?" Zhong Dingcheng heard that there was something behind Chen Jifan's words and his curiosity was piqued.

  "Lao Zhong, if I'm not mistaken, shouldn't the Battle of Taierzhuang be about to break out soon?" Chen Jifan asked with a profound meaning.

  "Hmm, that's right, the Battle of Tai'erzhuang started in March 1938. You want to take advantage of the situation? Captain, you're quite something, those little devils are doomed if they run into you."

  "It wasn't that I was lucky, but rather we were the ones who encountered each other. The seven of us came to this era alone, and the only things we could rely on, apart from our combat skills, were the historical knowledge that no one else in this era possessed. Even if it's just a little bit, we must make good use of it, or how can we face those who shed blood for the nation during the Liberation War?"

  "Alright, Old Chen, I've got your back, go ahead and don't worry, the team's matters are on me. Also, let's get everyone together to brief them." Zhong Dingcheng stepped forward and patted Chen Jifan's shoulder.

  The meeting was held in the afternoon, with all the deputy team leaders, Deng Fangshun, Wen Chuanhao, Gao Huanjie, Wu Qing, Xiaojuan and Su Nianhong present. To be precise, this meeting should be called a banquet, it is the first banquet since the establishment of "Divine Eagle", which is to entertain Dr. Wu and his party. Chen Jifan and Zhong Dingcheng even personally went to Wang Jicai's house to invite him over.

  Along the way, Wang Jicai continued to be polite with them. "Oh my, I'm not worthy, how dare I trouble two officials like you? The officials led the troops to such a great victory and haven't even had a chance to drink my celebratory wine in person?"

  "Mr. Wang, please don't say that. The success of 'Divine Eagle' is inseparable from your care and support all along. I should have invited Mr. Wang to drink a cup of wine after the battle, but unfortunately, there are too many troop affairs, sorry." Chen Jifan said humbly.

  "What is Commander Chen talking about? The rise and fall of the country, every ordinary person has a responsibility. To do something against Japan is what I should do as an old man. On the contrary, you are all good sons of China, if Chinese soldiers were like you, why would China not prosper?"

  "China has always been lacking in kind-hearted and righteous scholars, the National Government has them, Yan'an also has them. If everyone can unite as one, how dare the little devils come to our door?"

  The three of them walked and talked until they arrived at the venue. Everyone was already seated at the dinner table, and when they saw the three of them enter, they all stood up together.

  Chen Jifan insisted on having Wang Jicai take the seat of honor, and despite his protests, he had to sit down. After a round of introductions, the banquet began.

  Apart from Xiao Juan and Su Ni Hong, the two women, everyone else had a cup of wine in front of them. The wine was brought by Deng Fangshun, who said it was originally stored by Song Pailong on the mountain and was donated to the troops free of charge. Anyway, the team is not allowed to drink normally, so it's useless to keep it, might as well hand it over.

  Here is the translation:

  Deng Fangshun explained again, and everyone burst out laughing, but Miss Su Nianhong on the left didn't laugh much. When Wu Qing told her about "Shenying" earlier, as a patriotic youth, she admired them very much, but never thought of joining them. In her imagination, "Shenying" should be a group of heroic outlaws and some scattered soldiers, and if they weren't so active in fighting the devils, she wouldn't have been interested in "Shenying". Later, Wu Qing's good words almost blew them to the sky. So after arriving yesterday, she went straight to sleep and didn't have the mood to visit this and that. At the banquet, when Miss Su heard Deng Fangshun say that these people were not allowed to drink normally, she was very surprised. Aren't bandits always drinking and eating heavily? Looking at the dishes on the table, they weren't luxurious, but each dish was exquisite, and there didn't seem to be much wine. Moreover, the people present didn't look as fierce and evil as she had imagined, except for their darker skin, each of them exuded a military demeanor, different from the National Army she had seen before. The first impression "Shenying" gave Miss Su was not bad.

  After a round of toasting, Chen Jifan put down his wine glass and became serious: "Comrades, I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome Wu Qing, Xiaojuan, and Su Nianhong to join 'Shenying'. From now on, we are all comrades in the same trench, let's take care of each other."

  "The second thing I just discussed with Zhong Lianchang this morning, I'm going to Wuhan for a trip." As soon as Chen Jifan's voice fell, everyone was shocked.

  "Why are you all looking like that, going to Wuhan is not surrendering. We have a few things we must do, first is to go to Wuhan to make military uniforms for our troops, our 'Divine Eagle' team's own uniforms, don't worry, I will definitely get the factory to make them strong and durable; second is to purchase other supplies in Wuhan, for daily life and for battle, whatever we need, we'll buy it; third is that I want to go to Wuhan to recruit soldiers, find those heroes who have fought against the enemy on the battlefield, maybe now many of them are struggling in poverty because they were injured or can't find their troops, no one cares about them." Chen Jifan started to stir emotions.

  "Since the commander has made up his mind, just give the order. But why recruit soldiers from far away? Don't we have any soldiers here?" said Song Guantao, who had clearly mentioned making military uniforms that morning, so why was he talking about recruiting soldiers now?

  "Song Pailang, tell me, can your brothers in the National Army fight?"

  "It goes without saying, unfortunately they are all gone." Song Guantou's eyes turned red and he couldn't continue speaking.

  "They are all heroes of our Chinese nation, and heroes should have a place to use their skills. There are many such heroic soldiers in Wuhan, and I want to go bring them all back. Now please ask Commander Zhong to explain the relevant matters."

  Zhong Dingcheng stood up and said: "Lian Chang's trip to Wuhan has been discussed with me, it is very important. After he leaves, the troops will be temporarily under my responsibility, and the arrangements are as follows: Luo Yugang and Hu Yunfeng will go with Lian Chang, and there is also Comrade Su Nianhong. Comrade Su's family is in the clothing business, we may need to trouble Comrade Su's family this time."

  Su Ni Hong hastily replied with courtesy, "Where, where."

  "New recruit training is my overall responsibility, with Song Guantao, Liu Yutang and Pan Guidian respectively responsible for the implementation of the training outline. In addition, special warfare teams are led by Zhao Jun and Wen Chuanhao, while other combat units are temporarily led by me and Gao Huanjie. Moreover, artillery troops must master the use of infantry guns as soon as possible to form combat effectiveness. Each unit must strictly train and improve their combat effectiveness as soon as possible. Does the company commander have any further instructions?"

  Chen Jifang said solemnly, "Although we have achieved some victories in the past, I hope everyone recognizes a fact: we are still very weak and close to the devils. At any time, there is a possibility of being eaten by the devils. We must tell the troops to always be vigilant and work hard to improve their combat skills. In addition, military discipline must be observed, and violators will be punished without mercy! Finally, Dr. Wu is in charge of raising funds for the troop hospital. Old Deng, you should pay close attention to the hospital at all times. If Dr. Wu needs anything, try your best to solve it."

  After Chen Jifan finished speaking, Wang Jicai said: "Commander Chen, all the officers, I also want to go to Wuhan with you. Wuhan has many old friends of mine, and maybe I can help Commander Chen establish some connections."

  In response to Wang Jicai's request, Chen Jifan did not decline: "It would be great if Mr. Wang could go with us, we still have many things that need your help, it's just that the road is mountainous and far away, transportation is inconvenient, and it will be very hard."

  "Never mind, never mind, this old body of mine can still take it. Alright then, it's settled."

  After the meeting, everyone returned to their residence. Chen Jifan also began to prepare his luggage. First was money, after the battle of Zhulong Town, the things on the mountain had been moved to Xiaowang Village, including those valuable family heirlooms. Except for leaving some for Deng Fangshun, Chen Jifan planned to take all the money with him. Next were guns, the assault rifle was too eye-catching, he could only bring his 92-style handgun. Then there were military uniforms, although they would be wearing civilian clothes in Wuhan, thinking about recruiting soldiers, he still kept his military uniform by his side. Finally, Chen Jifan also brought a bullet for the assault rifle, the bullets he had brought were almost used up and couldn't be replenished, Wuhan was said to have an arsenal, he would try his luck.