Chapter 23: Deploying Defense at Manzhouli

  Manzhouli is located on the Sino-Soviet-Mongolian border. Since the end of World War II, Soviet border troops have been stationed within Mongolia, and Manzhouli can be said to be a key location. The purpose of stationing the Third Division there is self-evident.

  Luo Heng didn't have much of an opinion, but Liu Ya was very surprised and even more worried. As a high-achieving student who studied in the Soviet Union and a member of the pro-Soviet faction of the Communist Party, Liu's words and actions were deeply influenced by the Soviet Union. This could be seen from his repeated orders to military officers that their shoes must be kept clean and shiny.

  Liu Ya hesitated but asked for confirmation: "Number one, will the Soviet Union have any thoughts about this? The troops stationed in Manzhouli seem a bit too sensitive."

  It's not just sensitive, as long as the three troops are stationed in Manzhouli, the Soviet Union will definitely have a strong reaction, and there may even be intense conflicts! Since Mongolia gained independence, the Communist Party of China has always had a grudge against the Soviet Union. Many hardliners within the party have very different opinions about the Soviet Union, but for the sake of the overall situation, these people are enduring and waiting for an opportunity.

  Lin Gang had always been unenthusiastic about the Soviet Union, despite having undergone surgery and recuperated there, even participating in the Patriotic War during his convalescence and providing strategic advice to the Soviet authorities. However, this could not dispel Lin's distaste for the Soviet Union, which bordered on revulsion. He was deeply hurt by the harm inflicted by the Communist International during the revolutionary period. If it weren't for the Chairman, China's revolution would not be where it is today?

  During the Anti-Japanese War, the Soviet Union pretended to support the Communist International on the surface, but secretly not only supported the National Government, but also secretly negotiated with Japan, using China's territory and interests as bargaining chips! Moreover, during the late period of World War II, when sending troops to the Far East, they still launched an attack and occupied Harbin, regardless of the fact that Harbin was already under the actual control of the Communist Party of China at that time.

  If that's not enough, then the conspiracy to make the Mongolian royal family split and become independent from China is even more proof of the Soviet Union's ugly face! Lin Gang has always hoped that he could liberate Mongolia with his own hands and redraw it into the Chinese map.

  The Northeast Campaign has reached this point, and it can be said that the overall situation is already settled. Jinzhou has been liberated, Changchun has been taken down, and Shenyang is also a matter of time. There are no more variables outside the pass. After the battle outside the pass ends, if nothing unexpected happens, the Central Committee will definitely require me to lead the army into the pass and speed up the progress of the war!

  The troops in my hands have increased from one million to over seven million, all of whom are battle-hardened and tested! If local troops are added, the total will reach 90 million! What a formidable force this is! As long as I lead the army into the pass, there will be no more suspense inside the pass or even north of the Yangtze River!

  Lin Gang is now considering whether to enter the pass or lead his troops westward to Mongolia. From all aspects, taking the latter option would be a poor strategy. Domestically, liberation is not yet complete, and provoking the Soviet Union at this time would be counterproductive, potentially ruining the current favorable situation! However, leaving Mongolia unattended would be disadvantageous in the future. This must be confirmed by the Central Committee; otherwise, he cannot take responsibility for it.

  Based on this consideration, putting the three regiments in Manchuria for defense can be said to be a win-win situation. The Soviets will definitely know the origin of this unit, and the regimental commander is so young, and the composition is complex, even if the Soviet Union will not be too sensitive! Let Chen Fei dust on the one hand leave the focus of attention, as low-key as possible! On the other hand, it can create conditions for its own future deployment in Mongolia!

  Lin Gang said to Liu Ya, "A division of troops from the Soviet Union wouldn't be so sensitive. Moreover, the third division is a reorganized unit and hasn't even fought in one war after being rebuilt. If you were in their shoes, would you be sensitive? At most, they'd just take note!"

  Liu Ya wanted to say whether doing so would offend the Soviet Union, but he didn't dare to say it. He knew Lin Gang's character and that Lin Gang's prestige in Dongye was not something he could shake off, let alone that he himself also obeyed Comrade Lin Gang's leadership.

  Liu Yacheng fell silent, and Luo Heng spoke up. He said: "In that case, the 3rd Battalion will probably need to give him a new designation, it's not suitable to use the old one again!"

  Luo Heng skipped the stage of agreeing or disagreeing, and directly asked about the aftermath of the 3rd Regiment's transfer. Lin Gang had already thought of this issue, and immediately said: "Since the 3rd Regiment was so sensitive during the Suu period, it would be better to thoroughly transfer it far away. As for the number, I think it should still be called Independent Regiment, temporarily under the local troops' organization, directly under our leadership, and logistics and supplies will be handed over to the Military District for management!"

  Luoheng chuckled and said, "It seems that Number One has high hopes for Chen Feidust, even preparing for his future expansion! Now it's an independent regiment, so it can also become an independent division!"

  Lin Gang remained calm and said, "That's a matter for the future, let's see if this kid can complete this task well."

  Luoheng nodded and said seriously, "Yes, dealing with the Soviet Union is not an easy task. He not only needs to improve the combat effectiveness of his troops but also do a good job in gathering intelligence on the Soviet border defense forces. This doesn't even include the work of winning over the pro-China faction in Mongolia! If there's any mishap, the consequences would be unthinkable!"

  Liu Ya said with concern: "Is Comrade Chen Feicheng suitable? This arrangement is too risky."

  Lin Gang looked at Liu Ya coldly and said calmly: "If there's a problem, I'll take full responsibility."

  Lin Gang's words made Liu Ya suddenly come to a realization, and the atmosphere immediately cooled down. Luo Heng said at this time: "Since it was our collective decision, then it is our Wild Department's collective matter, if there are problems we will take responsibility together!"

  After finishing, Luo Heng looked at Liu Ya, and Liu Ya also understood how he should speak at this time. He didn't dare to argue with Lin Dang either! He quickly said: "Yes, we are a collective, where is the reason that when there is a problem, you alone take responsibility!"

  Lin Gang nodded and said: "So it's settled then. Draft the telegram immediately, and have Chen Fei come here once before we take action!"

  Liu Ya nodded and said: "Good, I will draft a telegram immediately."

  Lin Gang continued: "Also report this decision to the Central Committee and let the Chairman make a decision!"

  Lin Gang was very confident, he never thought that the chairman would oppose this decision. Lin Gang was very familiar with the chairman's temperament! Similarly, he had always been very confident, since the chairman had once given him the power to make decisions on his own, allowing him to fully decide on the Northeast War, then he had the right to make decisions on his own!

  The telegram was drafted quickly, Liu Ya's writing was still good, Lin Gang took a look at the content of the telegram and felt that there were no errors, he took out his pen from his breast pocket and signed his name on the telegram with a flourish.

  After finishing, he handed it over to Luo Heng. Luo Heng took a look and then signed his name too. Finally, when it was Liu Ya's turn, Liu Ya didn't even read it before signing his name. This naturally made Lin Gang feel a bit better. Lin Gang disliked it when his subordinates questioned his decisions, which was a confident personality of Lin Gang; otherwise, he wouldn't be Lin Gang.