Chapter 43: Lingering Melody (Three)
Yatunbu is a township in the west of Tongdao County, only tens of miles north of Tongdao County's county seat Xixiang. It borders Jingshuo Township to the northeast, and through Shuangjiang it connects directly to Guangxi Province to the east. To the west, it goes through Dagao Ping and Boyang to Liping in Guizhou Province.
On the night of December 11, the Red Third Army Corps turned towards Guizhou from here.
On the 13th, early in the morning, as soon as people opened their doors, they found that another army had arrived. They thought it was still the Red Army that had just passed by, but upon hearing them speaking with a Guangxi accent, they realized it was Li's and Bai's Guangxi troops who had come again.
Wei Yunsheng, commander of the 43rd Division of the 15th Army of the Guangxi clique, was a key cadre of the New Guangxi Clique. He was from Songshan Village, Songshan Town, Rong County, Guangxi Province. At the age of 17, he walked alone for 800 miles to Guilin to join Cai E's military academy, starting his career as a soldier. It is said that at that time, he only had 8 cents on him.
For the Red Army, Wei Yunshu had a deep understanding. In 1927, during the Nanchang Uprising, Wei Yunshu, then a division commander, led his troops to intercept the insurgent forces in Guangdong and was defeated by Ye Ting and He Long's forces. It was his first defeat as a high-ranking officer, and the spirit of fearlessness, sacrifice, and tenacity left a deep impression on him.
During the Xiangjiang Campaign, he led his troops to participate in the siege of the Red Army, which was considered a revenge for the arrow shot that year. Unfortunately, the 44th and 24th Divisions were ambushed by the Reds during the New Village blocking battle, thoroughly destroying the mountain artillery regiment of the Guangxi clique's Steel Seventh Army, resulting in heavy losses. In particular, two regiments of the 24th Division were ambushed by the Reds at Gulingtou, suffering a complete defeat. Wei Yunsheng knew that such heavy losses would be unbearable for the Guangxi Army, which had only about 5 divisions and 30,000 men as its main force. If they suffered another loss like this, it was likely that Generals Li and Bai would have to flee to Hong Kong again.
After the Xiangjiang Battle, although the high-level Guangxi clique only publicly announced the capture of many Red Bandits prisoners, intentionally concealing and downplaying the losses of the 24th Division and Mountain Artillery Regiment. They quietly withdrew cadres and militia to rapidly replenish the 24th Division's roster, but their pursuit of the Red Bandits became increasingly cautious. As one of the high-level Guangxi clique members, Wei Yunsheng knew that Li and Bai were not unwilling to take revenge on the Red Bandits, but rather they did not dare to, nor could they afford to. Because Chiang Kai-shek's Central Army was also following closely behind the Red Bandits, if he were to find out about the severe losses of the Guangxi army, or if they were to suffer even greater losses, the consequences would be unimaginable. Having personally experienced the rapid collapse of the new Guangxi clique during the Northern Expedition period under Chiang Kai-shek's manipulation, Wei Yunsheng was most aware that Chiang was far more sinister than the Red Bandits.
Yesterday morning, the front-line position reported that the Red Bandits had fled. Wei Yunsheng's first thought was to chase after them and take a big bite out of them to avenge his brothers in the 24th Division. After some consideration, however, he decided not to act impulsively and instead reported to Military Seat. The commander of the 15th Army, Xia Wei, received Wei Yunsheng's report and also thought of the tragic surprise attack on the 24th Division. Fearing that the Red Army would launch a counterattack, he directly reported to Bai for instructions. As a result, by the time the headquarters of the Fourth Group Army issued an order to pursue with limitations, it was already noon. Wei Yunsheng had no choice but to reorganize his troops and advance along the route of the Red Bandits' retreat. However, as soon as they entered the Tongdao area of Hunan Province, not even a shadow of the Red Bandits could be found. The speed of the troops' march quickened, and by noon on the 13th, Wei Yunsheng had already led the headquarters of the 43rd Division to occupy Yatunbao.
Historically, after the Red Army decided to shift troops to Guizhou on the 12th night, the Fifth Red Army Corps had a battle with the Guangxi Army at Zhuping, east of Yatunbao, known as the Battle of Zhuping Blockade. After completing the blocking task, the Fifth Red Army Corps turned around and chased after the main force.
Due to Liu Yimin's arrival, the Red Army's main force turned towards Guizhou a day earlier. The Tongdao area only had one detachment of the 18th Regiment, and the 18th Regiment went north to ambush the Xiang Army at Xiaoshui and Xikou, creating a situation where there were no soldiers in the southwest of Tongdao and the gate was wide open, creating conditions for the Guangxi Army to advance quickly.
Wei Yunsheng was at a loss, where could the Red Bandits have gone? The troops searched everywhere, but couldn't find any trace of the Red Bandits. The common people were also talking about it, some said they went to Tongdao County, some said they went directly to Guizhou, and others said that at night, through the gap in the door, they seemed to have seen the Red Bandits surrounding the town and then going towards Dongjiang. In short, no one dared to say for sure where the Red Bandits had gone. Thinking of asking the self-defense team or the patrol team, but when asked, it turned out that these guys were either scared to death or pretending to be crazy and wouldn't say anything. Wei Yunsheng knew that the Red Bandits must have used the same tactics they used in Jiangxi's Soviet area to deal with these people, after all, everyone is afraid of death and revenge!
The vanguard troops have been asking which direction to pursue, whether to attack and occupy Tongdao County or head directly west into Guizhou. Wei Yunsheng was somewhat hesitant, wondering if attacking Tongdao would lead to an encounter with the main force of the Reds? Advancing into Guizhou might involve political considerations, requiring explicit orders from Li and Bai. The current Guangxi clique is no longer as powerful as it once was, so they have to think carefully before acting, unable to afford making enemies on all sides. Since he couldn't make a decision himself, he decided to pass the contradiction up the chain of command, asking for instructions from headquarters.
In fact, at this time, the headquarters of the Fourth Army in Nanning, Bai Chongxi, who had served as Deputy Chief of Staff of the National Revolutionary Army, Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Route Army, and was known to the nation as a famous general and Little Zhuge, was also having trouble. The report from the 43rd Division had already been received by him, and he was now studying the map to determine the true direction of the Red Army.
According to the Red Army's slow march during the Xiangjiang Campaign, the student leaders in power within the Red Army would definitely lead the troops to western Hunan. However, the 43rd Division reported that they had pursued the enemy all the way to Tongdao Yatunbao without finding any traces of the Red Army, which caught his attention. The fact that they retreated so cleanly and efficiently, leaving no covering forces or even wounded soldiers behind, suggests that the decision-makers of the Red Army were either completely ignorant of military affairs or had a great wisdom in determining a new strategic direction. Bai Chongxi inclined towards the latter. Because, although Bai Chongxi was arrogant, he was clear about people's abilities and levels. He didn't need to mention his experience in the Northern Expeditionary Army, nor did he need to mention the people he killed during the "April 12" coup with Chiang Kai-shek. Even among the high-ranking commanders of the current Red Army, he understood that they were all temporary geniuses who would not normally make mistakes in military common sense. Now, the direction of the Red Army is unclear, and there are two possibilities: one is to turn towards Guizhou to seek new opportunities; the other is to hide and wait for a better chance, with even greater ambitions.
If the Red Army turns to Guizhou, the Central Army will inevitably follow suit, on the one hand pursuing and eliminating the Red Army, and on the other hand plotting to seize southwest China. In that case, according to the secret agreement between Wang Jialie, Long Yun, and the Guangxi faction, he should lead his troops westward, coordinating with Wang Jialie and Long Yun's forces to jointly resist Chiang Kai-shek's conspiracy to swallow up the southwestern region, making his plan to kill three birds with one stone come to nothing. However, the timing of this western expedition into Guizhou must be grasped firmly, if it is too early, not only will it easily lead to a fierce battle with the Red Army's main force, but also leave Chiang Kai-shek an excuse for invading Guizhou; if it is too late, either the Red Army will defeat Wang Jialie or the Central Army will defeat Wang Jialie, both of which will spoil the hot meal.
If the Red Army is hiding in a certain area of the corridor, then who is their target? It's either He Jian's Hunan army or his own Guangxi troops. He Jian is now strong and powerful, and has also relied on Chiang Kai-shek as a backing, so it's possible that today he will join forces with us to pursue the Red Army, but tomorrow he will turn his guns on us under Chiang Kai-shek's orders. This guy is best at playing both sides and changing direction with the wind. So, if the Red Army can make He Jian suffer a bit, then let him suffer a bit, anyway this guy has been acting arrogantly recently. But if the Red Army is plotting against us? Thinking of the floating bodies of the Red Army in the Xiangjiang River, thinking of the artillery positions at Xinhuang being bombed, and the tragedy of the two regiments of the 24th Division, Bai Chongxi feels that it's completely possible.
It's better to be cautious! The Guangxi troops are already small in number and weak, they can't afford to suffer losses. Besides, there is still Chiang Kai-shek, the most despicable and sinister guy, lurking around!
Upon thinking of this, Bai Chongxi immediately ordered to notify Xia Wei that the 43rd Division would suspend its advance and withdraw its troops to the Yatunbao line for defensive preparations.
As soon as the order was given, the air force of the Guangxi Army reported that this morning, the Central Army Air Force had flown to the passage for reconnaissance twice in succession, and asked if they should also take off for reconnaissance.
Before Bai Chongxi had time to react, a telegram from Chiang Kai-shek arrived, ordering him to urge the 7th and 15th Armies to quickly attack north of Tongdao and encircle the main force of the Reds in the Tongdao area.
Bai Chongxi was puzzled, his 43rd division had already attacked and advanced to Yatunbao, not far from Tongdao county town, but still hadn't found a single Red Army soldier. How could Chiang Kai-shek be so certain in ordering him to lead the army northwards and surround and annihilate the main force of the Red Army in the Tongdao area? Had Chiang suddenly become clever or had aerial reconnaissance discovered something? There must be some hidden reason here.
Just as he was about to order the air force to send planes to immediately scout out the northern part of the passageway, his chief of staff hastily walked in. Without waiting for Bai Chongxi to ask, the chief of staff saluted and directly handed him a telegram. Bai Chongxi took a look and saw that it read: "Ten thousand fires are urgent. To Commanders Li and Bai: From reliable sources, we have learned that yesterday, Liu Jianxue's 16th, 62nd, and 63rd divisions of He Jian's army were ambushed by the Red Bandits, and all three divisions were annihilated. Currently, Liu Jianxue has been relieved of his duties as commander of the First Army Corps and 28th Army by Chiang Kai-shek, but retains his position and is allowed to redeem himself. Chiang Kai-shek has allocated 200,000 yuan to He Jian for consolation of the deceased soldiers. Additionally: A journalist has transmitted a manuscript stating that this morning, He Jian held a press conference in Yueyang, releasing news of the great victory at Xikou, but after receiving a telegram, he vomited blood and fainted. The press conference was immediately suspended." Below was a confidential note.
Bai Chongxi read the telegram and cursed loudly: "Chiang Guangzhou, son of a bitch, always trying to scheme against me everywhere, despicable, hypocrite, shameless, ignoble, extremely low!"
The chief of staff was so frightened that he didn't dare speak a word.
Bai Chongxi scolded, turned around and saw the staff officer still standing there, so angry that he slapped the telegram paper directly on his face: "What are you still dawdling for? Hurry up and send the telegram, ten thousand fires urgently, order Xia Wei and Liao Yue to take turns covering, and withdraw the whole army to defend in northern Guangxi! Order the air force to take off immediately, cover our army's withdrawal!"
The chief of staff hastily replied with a "yes" and rushed out the door, fearing that Bai Chongxi would vent his great anger on him.
Bai Chongxi plopped himself down in the chair, the old general's heart still set on destroying me. Clearly aware that the Red Army had just annihilated He Jian's three divisions, their morale was high and ammunition plentiful, yet he ordered me to lead the army northward. Isn't this sending my troops right into the Red Army's line of fire, using them to eliminate his enemies? Old Chiang, old Chiang, the tiger hasn't shown its might, you really think I'm a sick cat!
At that time, the old master and De Neighbour led 300,000 Guangxi troops to participate in the Northern Expedition. Along the way, they were like a broken bamboo, straight to Shanhai Pass, and the troops developed into seven armies. It was just like a raging fire. Old Chiang Kai-shek openly made friends with De Neighbour as sworn brothers, but secretly used the Wuhan National Government's dismissal of Lu Diping as an excuse to send three armies to pressure Hunan. On his own side, he deployed troops to Hunan, but Old Chiang used despicable means, adopting the method of buying off and dividing, causing the three main forces in Hunan to surrender, collapse, and defect. He also lured Ji Dong's four armies to surrender to him, causing the powerful Fourth Army Group to disintegrate, forcing himself and De Neighbour to flee to Vietnam and Hong Kong in a panic. New hatred and old grudges!
Wait, Old Chiang is daring to fool himself like this, he must have something to rely on. He wouldn't think that if we get the news that three divisions of the Xiang Army are eliminated, we will necessarily withdraw and change our strategy, so why is he still doing this?
He Jian is probably hopeless, let alone letting him pursue and suppress the Red Army. I'm afraid it's impossible for him to hold the defensive line now. Think about it, three divisions, nearly 30,000 people, almost equivalent to our entire military strength. Especially the 16th Division of Hunan and the 62nd Division, those are all He Jian's backbone troops, even if Chiang Kai-shek let him reorganize, without three or two years, without several battles, it is impossible to form combat effectiveness. He Jian is probably regretful now. Ah, I called you like a dog, Chiang Kai-shek threw a piece of meat and you jumped up, a title of Commander-in-Chief of the Pursuit and Suppression Army, in exchange for your three elite divisions. Country bumpkin, nouveau riche, never been an official!
Who can Old Chiang rely on now? Wang Jialie can be ruled out, he himself knows that the Red Army is more dangerous than Old Chiang, and his troops are too weak. If they really encounter the main force of the Red Army or the Central Army, they will probably collapse quickly. He needs to be reminded that defending Guiyang is crucial. As for Long Yun, Old Chiang can't control him, at most he can send a few divisions to make a show. Chen Jitang, who is behind him, won't give Old Chiang an inch, let alone sacrifice himself for him. The only one left nearby is Sichuan. Yes, Old Chiang must be luring the warlords of Sichuan to send troops to suppress the Red Army, otherwise he wouldn't be so foolish. Shouldn't we remind Liu Xiang to take care of his own affairs and not get involved in this mess? We need to hurry up and invite De Neighbour back, convene a military meeting to discuss this issue specifically, and can't wait any longer, the sooner the better.
43rd Division Commander Wei Yunsheng never thought that after waiting and waiting, the order to withdraw urgently would arrive, with air cover. What's going on? Not a single enemy shadow was seen, yet they retreated without firing a shot?
The thought of returning home was that executing orders could not be ambiguous. Soon, the Gui army occupying Yatunbao lowered its flags and retreated quietly.
Many years later, many ordinary people still remembered the situation of Wei Yunsheng's retreat: there were 4 planes covering in the sky, and on the ground, there were three columns of Guangxi troops, with officials riding horses and soldiers running quickly, their speed was even faster than rabbits!
