Chapter Twenty-Four: The Red Army's Rear Guard

  He and the central leaders lived in Gongcheng Academy on the corridor. Although it was already a bit dark, Liu Yimin and Cai Zhong walked along the way, and they could still see that the soldiers of the 1st Army Corps had also changed into new uniforms. Perhaps the brief rest allowed the soldiers to recover their energy, looking spirited. Liu Yimin thought, the 1st Army Corps was indeed a hundred-battle hero, the elite of the Red Army, and an afternoon's rest could restore its spirit, it seemed that the reorganized 18th Regiment still had to work hard.

  Entering the Gongcheng Academy, a radio broadcast sound was heard. The Red Army headquarters was solemn and tense, with people rushing in and out. Liu Yimin thought that according to historical developments, the Red Army would soon turn west into Guizhou. I wonder if the famous Tongdao Conference will change due to his words yesterday?

  The guards led Liu Yimin directly to the university hall where they were. Liu Yimin saw that several lanterns bought in Tongzhou County were lit, very bright. Chairman Mao, Vice-Chairman Zhou, Zhu De, Zhang Wentian and Wang Jiaxiang were all there, busy standing at attention with Cai Zhong to salute and greet them.

  Smiling, he said: "Comrade Liu Yimin, I've called you here for an important task. Let Old Zhu brief you on it."

  "Comrade Liu Yimin, I'm holding a lantern to illuminate the enemy situation map on the wall. Our entire army has entered the Tongdao area, with the First Army Corps as the left wing and the Third Army Corps as the right wing, and we have sent out scouts towards Guizhou. The enemy's Hunan Army, led by Liu Jianxu, is following behind our Fifth Army Corps, while the Guangxi Army, led by Xia Wei and Liao Xue, are following behind the Third Army Corps. The Central Army, led by Zhou Huaneng, is coordinating with Liu Jianxu to prepare for a flanking attack on our First and Ninth Army Corps.

  This afternoon, the Central Political Bureau held an emergency meeting and decided that our entire army would advance in three routes towards Guizhou, with the First and Ninth Army Corps as the left wing, the Central Column as the central route, and the Third and Eighth Army Corps as the right wing. The Fifth Army Corps will follow the Central Column.

  After occupying Liping, we will seek to annihilate the main force of the Guizhou Army and sweep across eastern Guizhou. Just now, the Military Commission has issued an extremely urgent order, requiring all units to begin advancing towards Guizhou tonight.

  In order to achieve our campaign objectives, we have ordered the 18th Regiment of the Red Army to temporarily leave the Third Army Corps and come under the direct command of the Military Commission, serving as the rear guard for the entire army in the Tongdao area, blocking the enemy's slow advance for at least six days.

  Tomorrow is the 12th, which means it's the day before the 18th. We must ensure that the enemy's main force does not enter Guizhou Province. Comrade Liu Yimin, do you have any questions?"

  Liu Yimin thought to himself, "This is getting out of hand again." He couldn't believe that his words had once again changed the course of history. The meeting that was originally scheduled for the 12th had been moved up to the 11th, and Chairman Mao had also taken the stage ahead of schedule. Judging from the conversation just now, it was clear that Chairman Mao's proposal had already gained the approval of the Politburo comrades, and the great leaders had reached a consensus on transferring troops to Guizhou. Who knows if the Liuping Conference and the Houyuan Conference would still be needed in history? In this case, the Red Army should have a big move in Guizhou. He exchanged a glance with Cai Zhong, stood at attention, and reported: "Commander Zhu, the 18th Regiment of the Red Army will resolutely complete its mission."

  "Comrades Liu Yimin and Cai Zhong, the main reason why this arduous task was assigned to the 18th Regiment is that your regiment is good at fighting clever battles. You must understand that if we were to engage in a fierce battle of attrition, not only would the 18th Regiment, which lacks heavy weapons and has incomplete light weaponry, be unable to withstand it, but even the entire Central Red Army would not be able to hold out against the tens of thousands of well-equipped enemy troops. If we could hold out, we wouldn't have lost the Central Soviet Area and come here.

  Therefore, you must use your brains and clever tactics to accomplish the task of blocking and delaying the enemy army. You must think of every possible way to entangle and confuse the enemy, in order to buy time for our main force to enter Guizhou Province. If you fail to complete this task, when our main force enters Guizhou Province, the Nationalist heavy troops will pursue us as before, leaving us no room to breathe, and we won't be able to create a strategic environment with significant meaning.

  Thus, you must drag the enemy's heavy troops along for six days, in order to win time for our main force to open up strategic space. Be careful, clever tactics are essential; absolutely do not exhaust your troops. After completing the task, if possible, quickly follow the route of our advancing army and catch up with the main force. If you are surrounded by enemy heavy troops, you can choose a direction to break through on your own initiative, or open up a new base area or engage in guerrilla warfare.

  We grant you high autonomy, with Comrade Liu Yimin making decisions as circumstances dictate. Comrade Cai Zhong, do you understand? I said that it is Comrade Liu Yimin who will make decisions as circumstances dictate, not the Party Committee holding meetings to decide. Your task is to cooperate with him and grasp control of the troops well.

  In the worst-case scenario, after completing the task, the Central Committee allows your main cadres to disguise themselves and break through individually to catch up with the main force."

  Tsai Chung replied: "Report to Chairman Mao, I resolutely carry out the order."

  Vice Chairman Zhou said: "Comrade Liu Yimin, do you have any thoughts?"

  Liu Yiming's mind was like a stormy sea, with two thoughts swirling around. Firstly, he couldn't believe that Chairman Mao held him in such high regard, even considering the worst-case scenario where he would be allowed to leave the troops and make his own way out. With his skills, he knew he could definitely break through enemy lines alone.

  Secondly, he felt the weight of responsibility was too heavy. In history, after the Red Army occupied Zunyi, they had sacrificed an entire regiment to lure the enemy away, resulting in the annihilation of that regiment. The incident was later omitted from military records. Liu Yiming himself had once thought of leading the 18th Regiment on a fake mission to attract the enemy and protect the main force of the Red Army, but now he felt like he was being treated as a sacrificial pawn.

  Was it because he had spoken too much, revealed too much, and been too arrogant yesterday? Was this some kind of retribution? No way, he thought. Although the waters of political struggle were deep, he hadn't been in the military for long and wasn't yet at the level where he could be used as a sacrifice.

  He estimated that it was indeed because the great leaders had taken notice of his flexible and mobile combat style. He couldn't let the stench of 21st-century thinking infect the heroic Red Army, which had created miracles through countless sacrifices. Many heroes had charged forward without hesitation, knowing they would face enemy gunfire. What did he have to fear?

  Besides, Liu Yiming was well-versed in military history and familiar with every battle during the Long March. As long as they won one victory, equipped themselves, and faced off against the armies of Hunan, Guangxi, Sichuan, or the Central Army, wouldn't it be like a sumptuous feast laid out before him? He could pick and choose which "dish" to take on.

  If all else failed, he could break through the encirclement and utilize his advantages from being a 21st-century man. With the 18th Regiment as his foundation, he could establish a new base area and create a new world. After all, hadn't he promised Commander-in-Chief Zhu yesterday that he was willing to be the vanguard or rearguard of the entire army?

  "Report to Vice Chairman Zhou and all the leaders, my initial idea is to leave a small part of our forces to defend Tongdao County, concentrate our strength first, and give the advancing Xiang Army a head-on blow. Then, we will send out troops disguised as our various army corps numbers to confuse the enemy, wait for the enemy to hesitate, and then seek opportunities to annihilate a small part of the Central Army, further delaying the enemy. After that, we will concentrate our forces and go south, ambush the Guangxi Army at Yatunbao and Tuan Tou, try to hurt them so they don't dare continue pursuing us. At this time, the enemy should already know our intention to turn around and attack Guizhou, and also form a siege against our corps. We will create conditions to stimulate the enemy to actively seek revenge against us, leading them to circle in the Xiyue Mountain area. After completing the task, we will break through if possible. If not, my corps may disguise ourselves as the enemy and break through towards southern Hunan or northern Guangxi, attracting the Xiang Army and Guangxi Army to come back and reinforce. After the enemy comes back, my corps will report to the Military Commission for further instructions."

  He lit a cigarette, took a deep breath and said: "This task is very arduous. All the troops will take action simultaneously tonight, without leaving any cover for the enemy. In the entire passage area, our army only has your 18th regiment left. Tomorrow morning, the enemy will discover that our main force is gone, they will quickly rush towards the passage. Once they determine that our main force is marching into Guizhou, the enemy will definitely launch a massive pursuit. Under normal circumstances, even if the 18th regiment fights to the death, it's impossible to stop the enemy. To complete the task and create time for the main force to march into Guizhou, you can use any means necessary. I believe our 18th regiment won't be annihilated by the enemy. Just follow your planned battle strategy, go prepare immediately. The 1st and 9th regiments, as well as the 3rd and 8th regiments, have already advanced towards Liping and Jianhe directions. The 5th regiment, which is covering our rear, will soon break away from contact with the enemy. We also need to set off, leaving the passage and the enemy behind to you."

  Liu Yimin and Cai Zhong immediately bid farewell to the leaders, and as they were about to leave, Liu Yimin grasped Chairman Mao's hand and said: "Please take care of yourself, Mr. Chairman, and we wish our Red Army even greater victories!"

  Back at the division headquarters, Liu Yimin immediately ordered the staff department to formulate a battle plan according to his idea. He also ordered the logistics department to produce flags for the 1st, 2nd, and 15th regiments of the 1st Division, the 4th, 5th, and 6th regiments of the 3rd Division, and the 34th and 13th regiments of the 5th Division. The flags had to be ready within two hours.

  He then convened a military meeting with the group, battalion, and company cadres. It was decided that three battalions would leave one platoon behind to guard the Tongdao County city. Their task was to prepare dry rations, clothing, shoes, and socks for the main force of the division, and to disguise themselves as the main force. If necessary, they could withdraw from the county city without making a last stand.

  The reconnaissance platoon selected soldiers familiar with the geography of Tongdao from among the new recruits to serve as guides. They were divided into two parts: one part was tasked with scouting out the movements of the Guangxi Army and finding suitable ambush locations in the vicinity of Cuiping Mountain or along the line between Tuan City and Yatu Fort. They would maintain contact with the troops left behind in Tongdao County city.

  The other part was tasked with scouting out the movements of the Hunan Army, focusing on the 16th Division led by Zhang Liangji, the 62nd Division led by Tao Guang, and the 19th Division led by Li Jue. They would immediately set out to find suitable ambush locations along the line between Jiamachi and Xiaoshui.

  Two radio stations were deployed: one followed the division headquarters, while the other followed the troops left behind in Tongdao County city. The 1st and 2nd battalions wore Hunan Army and Guangxi Army uniforms, respectively. The entire division was placed on high alert, with three days' worth of dry rations prepared. They would assemble and depart within two hours.

  After making good preparations for the war, Liu Yimin and Cai Zhong, Liu Jianli, Li Qing, and Wu Zheng rushed to the city gate to see off the First Army Corps and the Central Column. It was already evening, and the kerosene lamps in every household on the street emitted a faint light. A team of Red Army soldiers carrying torches walked through the quiet streets towards the city gate, slowly forming a dragon of fire that stretched far into the distance. Liu Yimin and several team leaders stood at the city gate, silently watching the departing troops. Soon, the Central Column arrived, with * , Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, Zhang Wentian, Bo Gu, Li De, and Wang Jiaxiang lying on a stretcher, following the troops to the city gate. Liu Yimin and several others hurried over to pay their respects, * waved his hand and said: "Comrade Liu Yimin, please pass on my greetings to the soldiers of the 18th Regiment, I look forward to hearing news of your victory. We will meet again after our victory." He spurred his horse forward.

  Watching the back of the Red Army troops, Liu Yimin's eyes were filled with tears. This time, he didn't know how long it would take to see them again, and he didn't know how many people would never be seen again. The melody of "Ten Farewells to the Red Army" naturally flowed out of his mouth as he watched TV later in life:

  One sent (Li Ge) Red Army, (Jie Zhi Ge) descended the mountain

  Autumn wind is fine and soft, gentle rain wraps around, (something) entwines and lasts forever.

  On the mountain (ridge), wild deer, cry out in mournful voices.

  Trees (rigid) paulownia, leaves falling bright

  Ask your loved ones, Red Army

  When will we return to the mountains?

  Third dispatch (Rig) Red Army, (Jie branch individual) arrived at Nashan

  On the mountain (ridge), a bag of millet, (a few stalks of) golden wheat.

  Bao Gu Zhong Zi (Jie Zhi Ge) Hong Jun Zhong

  Bao Gu Bao Bao, we poor people move

  Tightly hold the Red Army's hand, oh Red Army

  The seeds scattered, (a single branch) turned red the sky.

  Hold tightly the hands of the Red Army, oh Red Army

  The seeds scattered, (a single branch) turned red the sky.

  Wu Song (Li Kui) Red Army, (Ji Zhong) passed the slope,

  Wild geese in flocks, flying across the sky.

  Swan (ridge) can bring letters

  Swans (or geese) fly to the ends of the sky and sea.

  A thousand words of advice, Red Army,

  Bring books (especially those by Marx and Lenin), and talk about revolution.

  Qisong (Liguo) Red Army, (Jiezhige) Wudou River

  Boats on the river, shuttling back and forth busily.

  Thousands of troops and horses (supporting each other) station by the riverbank

  The people of all sides are tearfully gazing, with deep feelings like the sea that cannot be forgotten.

  The Red Army has succeeded in its revolution, (now it's time for you) to return home early.

  Deep feelings like the sea can't forget, Red Army ah

  The revolution is successful, (the troops will) return home early.

  Nine send red army, on big road.

  The gong is silent and the drum is not beaten, the drum is not beaten.

  Shuang Shuang (Li Ge) held Long Yan's hand tightly

  Heart image (rig) Huang Lian, face is smiling.

  Flesh and blood ties can't be forgotten, Red Army!

  Look forward to (Li Ge) early days, (Jie Zhi ge) pass good news.

  Ten miles (of Li Gu) Red Army, (Jie branch individual) Wangyue Pavilion

  Gazing at the moon (Li Ge) pavilion above, (Jie Zhi Ge) builds a high platform.

  The platform is ten zhang high (rig), with white jade pillars.

  Carving dragons (rigid) and painting phoenixes, releasing splendor and radiance.

  Longing for you in the morning and thinking of you at night, Red Army,

  "This (Li Ge) is named (Jie Zhi Ge) Wang Hong Tai."

  In the quiet night, Liu Yimin's thick and melancholic singing voice echoed far away. The Red Army soldiers who listened to it were in tears, as if they had recalled the Central Soviet Area, the scene of farewell when breaking through the encirclement at Yudu, and the shadows of comrades who fell one after another along the way. Zhang Wentian rode his horse to Mao's side: "Old Mao, this Liu Yimin is not simple, his singing voice makes us recall many past events." Mao said: "Yes, it moves our hearts. We cannot betray our soldiers, we cannot betray the people of the Soviet Area. The road is open, the sky is open, victory is in sight! Let's go!"

  In the courtyard of the Tongdao County Security Regiment, 3,000 soldiers from the Red 18th Regiment stood in formation, holding torches. Liu Yimin walked from the front row to the back row, adjusting each soldier's military hat and uniform. Then he stopped in the middle and shouted loudly: "Comrades, our artillery company has been established, but we have no cannons. Our cavalry company has been established, but we have no horses. Our comrades are wounded, but we have no good medicine. Where can these things be found? The enemy has them! Why should they ride horses while we walk on the road? Why should they use big guns while we use rifles? Why should they use good medicine while we use herbal medicine? Is this fair?"

  The warriors thundered: "Unfair!"

  Liu Yimin looked at the warriors with satisfaction: "I'll take you to rob his damned place, okay?"

  "Alright, take the son of a bitch!"

  Liu Yimin was extremely satisfied, and with a wave of his hand: "Depart!" He led the Red 18th Regiment out of the courtyard, disappearing into the vast night.