Chapter 781
: Li Zongren Takes the Blame for Stopping the Awards, Kong Xiangxi Pays the Bill for Road
Pengcheng, Joint Front Command Post.
Before the massive red and blue situation map, Chu Yunfei stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze as cold and deep as a still pool, staring intently at the huge gap representing the defense line of the 21st Army Group.
That area had been filled with alarming red arrows by the staff.
"Six to one"
Chu Yunfei glanced at Lin Wei not far away and said loudly, somewhat deliberately, "Even if there were 60,000 pigs, if we let the Japanese catch them, they wouldn't be caught up in a week."
Lin Wei's brows were furrowed, and the baton in his hand tapped lightly in his palm, making a monotonous and anxious sound.
"It's not just a six-to-one troop advantage."
Lin Wei sighed, pointing to the winding Huai River defense line on the map, his tone filled with disbelief: "There's also the natural barrier of the Huai River, the semi-permanent fortifications we had already built, and we even allocated them a batch of anti-tank guns and heavy machine guns."
"An army of 100,000!"
"It's still a combat unit that's distributing new weapons!"
Lin Wei turned around abruptly, his voice seemingly carrying a hint of anger: "Facing a Japanese 60th Division with a shortage of personnel, plus a part of the 13th Division that arrived later."
"All things considered, the enemy we face is no more than 20,000 men."
"The results of it?"
"In just three days, it was like a sand dam that collapsed when the water hit!"
"Xuyi was lost, the organization of two divisions was completely broken up, and the rest ran around like headless flies!"
"If they hadn't had so many men, the 21st Army Group would probably have been completely annihilated by the Japanese this week."
At this point, Lin Wei felt a tightness in her chest.
The Guangxi Army during the fourth phase of the North China counter-offensive was not like this.
Although they were trying to conserve their strength and play slowly, they eventually performed as expected.
Now, less than a month and a half after the reorganization was announced, this kind of mess has already happened.
This was a slap in the face to the joint command that had just announced a "great victory" at the Kaifeng conference.
It's more like a blatant challenge to the authority of the command and the decisions of the war commander.
"Brother Weiwen, this is not just a military issue."
Chu Yunfei put down his teacup, his eyes sharp: "The defeat of the 21st Army Group is illogical, but it is in line with human nature."
"They are not only afraid of the Japanese, but even more afraid of us."
"They were afraid of being reorganized and losing their territory, so they harbored two ambitions, and their defenses were practically non-existent."
"Fortunately, during the fourth phase of the counter-offensive, we recovered part of the Jinpu Railway line, which made our reinforcements fast enough."
Chu Yunfei glanced at the two rapidly moving blue arrows on the map and said in a slightly calmer tone, "The support troops from episodes 31 and 88 withstood the pressure."
"The fighting strength of the 31st episode was indeed quite good. Their timely flank support effectively contained all possibilities for the Japanese army."
"The situation has now been completely reversed. The Japanese 13th Division has stopped its attack, and the 60th Division, which had penetrated deep into enemy territory, is now trapped."
Lin Wei nodded and breathed a sigh of relief: "Yes, it's a stroke of luck amidst misfortune."
"If the Japanese army were to actually break through the Huai River defense line and threaten the flank of Pengcheng, then this joke would be too big."
"but."
Lin Wei lowered her voice and looked towards the door: "The Chairman is in a very bad mood."
"Commander Li Delin is over there too, probably feeling unwell right now."
Chu Yunfei straightened his collar, his expression returning to its usual composure.
"Let's go, Brother Weiwen."
"We should go and support this show."
……
Kaifeng, the Chairman's temporary office.
We haven't even entered yet.
You can feel that almost solidified low pressure.
"Brother Delin, the fight in episode 21 was terrible, it was downright shameful!"
Chu Yunfei and Lin Wei exchanged a glance and then pushed open the door to enter.
Inside the spacious office, Chang Ruiyuan, draped in a black cloak, stood with a livid face and his chest heaving violently. The cane in his hand, which now symbolized a scepter, was pointing at Li Delin, who was standing in front of the desk, and trembled slightly.
And Li Delin, the once powerful leader of the Guangxi clique and now the deputy commander-in-chief of the joint command.
He was hanging his head, his face pale and showing signs of embarrassment.
He pressed his hands tightly against the seams of his pants, remaining silent.
This was an extremely rare moment of embarrassment in his military and political career.
Fortunately, Chang Ruiyuan still maintained basic respect and courtesy towards him, and did not actually slam the table or smash things as if he were reprimanding a subordinate.
Li Delin wanted to explain, to say that the reorganization had caused instability in the army's morale, but when he saw the specific battle report that described "100,000 men routed in seven days," all his words got stuck in his throat, turning into a stone he couldn't swallow.
This was not a situation he deliberately arranged. In fact, he genuinely wanted to cooperate with the North China region of Chongqing at this stage, but he was only trying to maintain appearances for the future.
Li Pinxian put him in such an embarrassing situation.
A troop advantage of six to one.
Relying on the natural barrier of the Huai River.
They were chased away like stray dogs.
No matter how many reasons there are, no matter how you look at it, it is Li Pinxian who led the troops poorly and ruined the reputation of the Steel Army.
"Chairman, please calm down."
Zhan Shuai walked in at the opportune moment and stood beside Li Delin, his attitude quite clear.
Chang Ruiyuan glanced at Chu Yunfei, then at Lin Wei who was following behind, before letting out a heavy snort.
Representatives from the North China and Guangxi factions, as well as the Civil Engineering faction, all stood here at this moment.
The communication between the four of them needs to be carefully considered.
"Brother Delin, tell me, how can I hold my head high in front of my allies?"
"What will the Americans and Soviets who are negotiating aid with us think of us?"
“They would say that after so long, our mountain city still has no ability to integrate the disunited troops, and that I, Chang Ruiyuan, am an incompetent ruler!”
Li Delin took a deep breath.
Even though he knew in his heart that there were Japanese sowing discord, internal corruption, and even the General Staff's encouragement.
But at this moment, as the leader of the Guangxi clique, he has to take the blame.
"Chairman."
Li Delin's voice was hoarse, tinged with bitterness: "It's because the department was lax in managing its subordinates and failed to properly select personnel."
"Li Pinxian underestimated the enemy and acted rashly, which led to the collapse of the defense line and failed the Chairman's trust."
"The officer is willing to accept the punishment and will immediately go to the front line to gather the remaining troops and atone for his crimes through meritorious service."
Chang Ruiyuan shook his head and sighed helplessly: "Brother Delin, don't you think it's a bit too late to say these things now?"
"For this fourth phase of the counter-offensive, the Ministry of Finance had originally prepared a considerable amount of silver dollars, countless medals, and even drafted a list of promotions!"
"Among them is a generous gift for the Fifth War Zone!"
"Brother Delin, this is the original draft of the commendation order!"
Li Delin's heart skipped a beat. His gaze swept over the document, and he vaguely saw clauses regarding the expansion of the 21st Group Army and priority supply of materials.
Although he knew this might just be Chang Ruiyuan's empty promise, it still made him feel a little tempted, since a position often represents power.
Unfortunately, he missed out on all of these opportunities due to internal problems within the Guangxi clique.
"Chairman, I suggest that, given the extremely negative impact of the defeat in the Central Jiangsu campaign..."
"Effective immediately, all personnel adjustments, rank promotions, and honorary awards in the fourth phase of the counter-offensive operation in the North China Theater are suspended!"
The moment these words were spoken, the air in the room seemed to freeze.
Li Delin suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with shock.
Pause everything?
This means that even those who made great contributions to the Central Army's elite troops, even those who had only been in the 88th episode, would not receive any rewards.
Most importantly, it was none other than Zhan Shuai himself who raised this point.
Chang Ruiyuan looked at him with sharp eyes and a meaningful gaze: "Indeed, how can you convince the masses if rewards and punishments are unclear?"
"The war isn't over yet, but some people are already getting cocky, thinking that they can rest on their laurels and sleep soundly after achieving some military merits."
"The 21st Group Army is a bloody lesson!"
"So, I'm going to make them all wake up!"
Chang Ruiyuan turned to look at Zhan Shuai, a tacit understanding that only the two of them could understand flashing in his eyes: "Yunfei, your suggestion is very good."
"As the saying goes, the last leg of a journey is the hardest. Although we have recovered a large area of territory, the main force of the Japanese invaders is still there. It is indeed too early to reward them for their contributions now."
"This incident in central Jiangsu serves as a wake-up call for the entire army."
"This commendation order should not only be stopped, but stopped in a grand and public manner!"
"Tell every soldier and every officer on the front lines."
"The reason we can't get medals or silver dollars is because there's still a war going on, and because of some unexpected events."
Li Delin felt a chill run down his back.
On the surface, Chang Ruiyuan was punishing everyone, but in reality, he was putting the entire 21 episodes on the hot seat.
Just imagine, those Central Army generals who were originally waiting for promotions and riches, those officers of miscellaneous troops who risked their lives to conquer territory, heard that because the Guangxi clique had suffered a defeat, all their rewards had been lost.
What will they think?
They will hate the Guangxi clique to death!
At that time, without the central government taking any action, the spittle of the entire army would be enough to drown the Guangxi clique.
"All rewards will be decided after this invading enemy force has been completely annihilated and the situation in central Jiangsu has been completely stabilized!"
"During this period, if any unit has any members who are afraid of fighting, avoid fighting, or even collude with the enemy..."
Chang Ruiyuan glanced at Li Delin and said in a stern tone, "Military law enforcement will be applied, and there will be no leniency!"
“Brother Delin, as the deputy commander-in-chief, you also need to take responsibility.”
"Go and oversee this mess in the 21st Army Group. Arrest those who should be arrested and kill those who should be killed. Don't let me down."
Li Delin felt a bitter taste in his mouth, as if he had swallowed a pound of bitter herbs.
Everyone knows that.
Chang Ruiyuan was forcing him to clean house himself and to pledge his allegiance.
Li Delin gave a difficult salute, his voice low and deep: "The department understands."
Chang Ruiyuan waved his hand: "Alright, everyone go and get busy."
"Yunfei, you stay. We need to discuss the international public opinion following the bombing of Tokyo and the Stilwell matter further."
"Yes."
Li Delin walked heavily out of the office. After the door closed, Chang Ruiyuan's angry expression instantly disappeared. He walked to the sofa, sat down, and pointed to the seat opposite him: "Sit."
"Using this as an excuse, we can thwart those eager to divide the cake, and force everyone to wind themselves up a bit more."
"More importantly, the prestige of the Guangxi clique has been completely destroyed this time."
"After this battle, the 21st Army Group must be disbanded and reorganized, and no one can say a word against it."
Chang Ruiyuan nodded, his gaze becoming distant: "Yes."
"However, what do you plan to do with the 60th Division? The troops have only recently rested; we can't let them escape." A cold glint flashed in the war commander's eyes: "Escape?"
"Please rest assured, Chairman."
"The students are 70% confident they can annihilate the Japanese 60th Division."
-
at the same time.
Taigu County, Shanxi Province.
This hometown of Shanxi merchants, known as "Golden Taigu," is now bustling with activity amidst a wave of construction.
A brand-new black Buick sedan, escorted by several military jeeps, slowly drove across the newly paved stone road and finally stopped at the intersection of the most bustling new street in the county town.
The car door opened, and Kong Yongzhi, dressed in a long robe and mandarin jacket, stepped out.
This "distinguished guest," who once controlled the purse strings of the Nationalist government, was now squinting at the brand-new archway at the intersection, his expression a half-smile, but his eyes revealed an undisguised sense of satisfaction.
On the archway, three large gilded bronze characters gleamed in the sunlight—【Yonggong Street】.
"Mr. Yong, look."
Sun Weimou, general manager of Shanxi Construction Group, approached with a beaming smile, bowed slightly, and pointed to the plaque, saying, "This is to commemorate your selfless act of caring for your hometown and generously donating your family fortune for the construction of Shanxi."
"It was achieved through a joint petition signed by all the people of Taigu County, and with the special approval of the two officials, Li and Chu."
"Let's officially name this main thoroughfare, which runs north-south through the county town, the widest and most bustling one, 'Yonggong Street'!"
Although Kong Yongzhi knew perfectly well that this was just a compliment from the other party, he was still unaware of the truth.
But looking at the street named after his courtesy name, his vanity of bringing honor to his ancestors was greatly satisfied.
"Oh dear, Wei Mou."
Kong Yongzhi waved his hand, feigning modesty, and said, "How could that be?"
"I, Kong, have only done a little bit of my duty. Compared to the soldiers who have bled and sacrificed their lives on the front lines, it is really nothing, nothing at all!"
"How could it be insignificant?"
Sun Weimou said with a serious expression and exaggerated tone: "If it weren't for your leading donation of the first batch of start-up funds, many of our Shanxi's livelihood projects would still be on paper."
"It's not just this street."
Sun Weimou led Kong Yongzhi forward, explaining as they walked: "We are still planning to build a 'Xiangxi Library' in the east of the city and a 'Yongzhi Vocational School' in the west of the city, to honor your merits and ensure that future generations will remember you forever."
Hearing this, Kong Yongzhi's steps became lighter.
Although he was severely criticized in Chongqing for corruption and inflation, the vanity project he completed in his hometown of Shanxi made him feel much more at ease.
Paying money to avoid trouble, and if you can also buy a good reputation, it's not too bad.
The two walked and looked around. Many of the shops on both sides had reopened. Although the supplies were not abundant, the lively atmosphere was genuine.
When we reached the north gate of the county town, the road conditions suddenly changed.
The once smooth stone-paved road came to an end, leading to a wide but still dirt road that stretched into the distance toward the blurry outline of Taiyuan.
Dust billowed as several coal trucks jolted past, kicking up yellow dust that made Kong Yongzhi cover his mouth and nose.
"Ahem, Wei Mou."
Kong Yongzhi frowned and covered his nose with a handkerchief: "Shouldn't this road be repaired?"
"Taiyuan is now a heavy industrial center, and Taigu is our commercial hinterland. I'm afraid the road conditions can't keep up with the pace of development."
Sun Weimou's eyes lit up, and he slapped his thigh: "Master Yong's insight is brilliant!"
"Your suggestion is truly insightful!"
Sun Weimou turned to the side, pointed to the dirt road, and his tone became impassioned: "To be honest, this is the next key plan of our construction group!"
"Our production capacity in Taiyuan has increased significantly, with steel, cement, and machinery being produced continuously."
"But transportation is restricted."
"Everyone knows that if you want to get rich, you must first build roads."
"My idea is to replace the entire road from Taiyuan to Taigu, and even extending to Qixian and Pingyao, with a proper high-standard cement road surface!"
"Two-way four-lane!"
"The kind that can even outrun a Sherman tank."
"In this way, Taiyuan's industrial influence can directly drive the economic take-off of Taigu. At that time, we will become Shanxi's 'Little Shanghai'!"
Kong Yongzhi initially nodded repeatedly, thinking it was a good idea.
But listen.
His keen business sense and instinctive wariness of money made him suddenly realize that something was wrong.
High-standard cement road?
Two-way four-lane?
It also needs to be able to run on tanks?
How much will this cost?
He is very clear about the finances of the Second World War zone.
The money was all invested in arsenals and the army. Although the Production and Construction Corps could build roads, cement cost a lot of money.
As for bank loans
Now, most banks in Shanxi are under military control or strict monitoring. Who would dare to easily lend money for infrastructure projects with long payback periods?
With limited funds, it's even more important to invest in projects that can be genuinely implemented.
Kong Yongzhi's eyelids twitched, and he stopped in his tracks, looking at Sun Weimou, whose face was full of enthusiasm.
"Wei Mou, the idea is good, but it's extremely expensive."
"The cost is indeed quite high."
Sun Weimou seemed to have been waiting for these words. He sighed and looked worried: "Local finances are stretched thin. They have to stretch every penny in half to spend it."
"Commander Chu also said that we can no longer impose taxes on the people, as everyone's lives have just started to get a little better."
"But we can't leave this road unbuilt; it's a long-term project."
Sun Weimou secretly observed Kong Yongzhi's expression, then suddenly changed the subject: "So, we've discussed it and decided to name this road—【Yonggong Avenue】!"
Kong Yongzhi's heart sank.
really!
This isn't inviting him to inspect people's livelihoods; it's clearly treating him like a fat sheep waiting to be slaughtered, and they're slaughtering him again and again!
That "Yonggong Street" we just saw was just an appetizer.
This "Yonggong Avenue" is the real main course!
Since it has this name, the money for road construction naturally cannot be paid by others.
Kong Yongzhi tightened his grip on his walking stick, took a deep breath, and tried to maintain his composure before tentatively asking, "So, according to your budget, how much would this road cost?"
Sun Weimou held up two fingers and waved them in front of Kong Yongzhi.
Two million?
Kong Yongzhi breathed a slight sigh of relief. Two million national currency coins would be painful, but still within an acceptable range.
"Dean Kong is joking."
Sun Weimou shook his head, his face still bearing that impeccable smile: "You know the current prices, and with the high-standard cement we're using and the 'steel frame' we'll be laying, I estimate it'll be around 20 million."
"Twenty million?!"
Kong Yongzhi's voice suddenly rose, and he almost lost his footing.
"Of course, it's the national currency, not the US dollar."
He stared wide-eyed at Sun Weimou.
The Great Way of the Common People? This is outright robbery!
Although the Kong family is large and powerful, they have already paid a heavy price under the pressure of "fair sacrifice," and now they are doing this again?
They're going to knock out his bone marrow and suck it dry!
"Dean Kong, please don't worry."
Sun Weimou remained calm and composed: "We're not asking you to come up with this money all at once."
"You can pay in installments, you can use physical goods as collateral, or even use some of your idle assets overseas to exchange for it. As long as it is within the sphere of influence of the Allied Forces."
"Moreover, this is not just a road."
Sun Weimou leaned closer, lowered his voice, and said meaningfully, "This is also Commander Chu's good intention."
“The current public opinion is very unfavorable to you, and many people are eyeing your assets.”
"If you could once again sacrifice your family's wealth to help your hometown build such a road to heaven at this time."
"Then who would dare say you're profiting from the national crisis?"
"Who would dare to touch you?"
"This is not just a road, it's a monument to your merits, and even more so, a talisman for your protection!"
Kong Yongzhi remained silent.
He looked at the vast expanse of yellow dust in the distance, his heart torn between heaven and man.
He knew that what Sun Weimou said was both the truth and a threat.
If we don't pay this money.
Whether his son can survive is one thing, but even whether he himself can stay in Shanxi peacefully is another question.
Twenty million is nothing compared to one's life and future political capital.
Kong Yongzhi closed his eyes and quickly calculated in his mind.
a long time.
He exhaled a long breath, as if he had aged several years in an instant.
"it is good"
Kong Yongzhi opened his eyes, his voice a little hoarse: "For the sake of my hometown and for the war of resistance, I, Kong, am willing to sell my overseas assets to help build up my hometown!"
Upon hearing this, Sun Weimou's smile instantly blossomed, becoming even brighter and more sincere than before.
"Your noble character is truly admirable and I admire you to the core!"
"but."
Kong Yongzhi then added, a bitter expression on his face: "Wei Mou, you need to explain this clearly to Yunfei."
"This time, I've really brought out my 'coffin money'."
"The savings accumulated by the Kong family over generations have now been completely gone."
"If there are any more big projects in the future, these old bones of mine really won't be able to help."
Kong Yongzhi's words clearly implied that once is enough to exploit people, and they should stop going on and on.
However, Sun Weimou did not respond to this. He seemed to have completely ignored Kong Yongzhi's complaints, and simply raised his wrist to check his watch. Then, he turned to the side with enthusiasm and made a "please" gesture.
"Dean Kong, let's not talk about this for now."
"It's getting late, let's go eat!"
"At noon today, Commander Chu specifically instructed me to make sure I treated you well."
"The old Taigu brand right ahead has prepared authentic Taigu cakes for you, as well as your favorite eight-treasure porridge."
"Commander Chu said that patriotic gentlemen like you are treasures of Shanxi. We must take good care of you and never let you go hungry!"
"please!"
Looking at Sun Weimou's smiling face, Kong Yongzhi felt a lump in his throat.
Clearly, Sun Weimou did this because he received relevant instructions and orders, and he didn't care what others said; he just did it at his own pace.
Clearly, this meal won't be easy to swallow, but what's done is done, and we're at their mercy.
Kong Yongzhi could only force a smile as he walked towards the restaurant, saying, "Alright, please."
"Mr. Yong, please..." (End of Chapter)