Chapter 22: A Belated Commendation—the Third-Class Precious Tripod Medal!

Although the television series does not explicitly state the final fate of Zhong Zhicheng, based on the conversations between the brigade commander and Zhao Gang, as well as the subtle clues exchanged between Zhao Gang and Li Yunlong, Chu Yunfei surmises that Zhong Zhicheng most likely sacrificed his life. Later, Li Yunlong drove away two successive political commissars, running wild within the New First Regiment until he committed an offense by defying orders on the battlefield and was sent to the clothing factory for "advanced studies." It was only after Kong Jie lost face at Yang Village that Li Yunlong had the opportunity to return to active duty as the commander of the Independent Regiment. It was also at that time, in order to tame this stubborn donkey of a man, that he encountered Zhao Gang, a political commissar with whom he was slightly more compatible. Unfortunately, Zhao Gang and Li Yunlong became buddies, and under Li Yunlong's influence, Zhao became "donkey-fied," frequently resorting to profanity—a far cry from the refined and scholarly Zhao Gang who first appeared. It was a pity.

Chu Yunfei had a profound appreciation for talent. If someone was mediocre but obedient and didn't resort to petty tricks, that was perfectly fine too. Second Battalion Commander Wu Ziqiang was such a man. Fourth Battalion Commander Zhuo Tianyu, who had previously supported the 203rd Brigade, was also an excellent officer. Under his influence, the Fourth Battalion was exceptionally skilled in close-quarters and hand-to-hand combat. In terms of bayonet fighting alone, they were on par with the Japanese invaders, possessing formidable combat strength. It was just a pity that the Fourth Battalion suffered heavy casualties in the Battle of Ruyue Pass. Now, at full count, they had fewer than two hundred men left. The former security regiment soldiers who had recently been incorporated into the 358th Regiment had almost zero combat capability; the security regiment's strength didn't even qualify as third-rate—they were barely more than local armed forces living off the government's grain. These soldiers required proper training, and only after they met the required standards would Chu Yunfei distribute them to the various battalions. It would be some time before the 358th Regiment could fully restore its combat effectiveness.

Another night passed. At the former security regiment barracks outside Xing County, Chu Yunfei had just stepped out of his room the following morning when he saw Sun Ming waiting at the door. "Commander, why aren't you resting at the regimental headquarters? This place is a ten-minute walk away!"

"Staying with my soldiers allows me to sleep soundly at night," Chu Yunfei replied without offering further explanation. He glanced down at his wristwatch. "Didn't you sleep last night?"

Sun Ming nodded. "Yes, I was quite busy last night..."

"If there was something urgent, why didn't you wake me?"

"Commander, you rested for less than four hours a day at Ruyue Pass. I was concerned about your health."

Chu Yunfei smiled, placed his hands behind his back, and began to walk forward. "My health is fine. Tell me, what is the matter?"

Sun Ming spoke with increasing hesitation: "A telegram came from the Second War Zone Commander-in-Chief's headquarters. The 34th Army's attempt to encircle and annihilate the Suzuki Brigade failed. The Suzuki Brigade took the opportunity to launch a counter-attack, and a detachment of the 5th Division is advancing toward Fanzhi County as of last night..."

Chu Yunfei frowned upon hearing the news and said angrily, "What is the 34th Army doing? With over ten thousand men, they can't handle two or three thousand Japanese?"

"It is said that the Japanese utilized a large number of warplanes, tanks, and armored vehicles to support their breakout." Sun Ming paused before continuing, "However, these Japanese did not break out toward Datong. Instead, after merging with their reinforcements, they immediately launched a fierce counter-attack. It is reported that the 34th Army has suffered over fifty percent casualties in this battle, and it is highly likely that Fanzhi County will not be able to hold out."

Chu Yunfei raised an eyebrow. "Does Commander Yan want us to provide support?"

"No... Commander Yan ordered us to preserve our strength, remain stationed in Xing County, and by no means initiate any offensive."

Chu Yunfei let out a cold snort. "What a load of nonsense."

Sun Ming was startled and quickly warned, "Commander, please watch your words..."

"Forget it. Is there anything else? Say it all at once."

"Yes. There is no file on Deputy Regimental Commander Zhong Zhicheng at the Second War Zone headquarters, but there is one for Li Yunlong... Would you like to take a look?"

"Li Yunlong?"

Sun Ming, thinking Chu Yunfei was interested, hurriedly introduced him: "Yes, this man's background is quite interesting. He is..."

Chu Yunfei waved a hand. "No need to look at his file. I have no interest in that man."

Sun Ming nodded and continued, "There is one more crucial piece of news. A commendation order has arrived from Nanjing, sent by the Office of the Aide-de-Camp. The content of the telegram is: 'The 358th Regiment of the Second War Zone has dealt a heavy blow to the enemy at the Ruyue Pass line. This is hereby announced to the entire army as a commendation. Additionally, Colonel Regimental Commander Chu Yunfei, having led from the front with loyalty and bravery, is awarded a Third-Class Order of the Precious Tripod.'"

Another commendation order, another medal. These things were meaningless. They weren't even as good as receiving five hundred rifles. Chu Yunfei paused, his expression darkening, and he asked, "Is there anything substantial?"

Sun Ming smiled and immediately got to the point: "The Chairman has ordered a reward of twenty thousand silver dollars, with an additional five thousand ocean dollars awarded to you personally."

"First Battalion Commander Qian Bojun is awarded one thousand ocean dollars and a Sixth-Class Order of the Cloud and Banner."

"Additionally, the Second and Fourth Battalion Commanders have each received a First-Class Gancheng Medal and a reward of five hundred ocean dollars each."

Chu Yunfei was very puzzled. He stroked his chin and confirmed, "A Gancheng Medal?"

"The Book of Songs says: 'The gallant warriors are the shields and walls of the princes.' It should be derived from the meaning of defending the outside and protecting the inside, making the country strong, consolidated, and glorious."

Chu Yunfei was noncommittal and nodded. "As far as I know, this medal shouldn't be officially in effect yet. Why would they be awarding these?"

Sun Ming was also confused. "I haven't heard the specific reason, but that is what the telegram says."

Chu Yunfei vaguely remembered that this type of badge was issued alongside the Order of Brilliant Jade. After thinking for a long time, it didn't seem particularly useful. It was just an honor; for Chu Yunfei himself, it was perhaps not as practical as five thousand ocean dollars. However, for the battalion commanders under his command, having this would count as an addition to their credentials. If they wanted to advance within the ranks of the Nationalist Army in the future, military achievements were indispensable.

Forget it, why worry so much? Chu Yunfei asked the question he cared about most: "When will the money arrive?"

"Within these few days. Also, reporters from the Central News Agency will be arriving to interview you regarding your leadership in the battle against the enemy at Ruyue Pass."

As they spoke, they arrived at the headquarters of the 358th Regiment. Outside the main gate, the guards stood at attention and saluted. Chu Yunfei stopped to return the salute before walking into the operations room.

Wu Ziqiang was on duty in the operations room at the time. His eyes were fixed on the sand table, which displayed the front lines of northern Shanxi. Wu Ziqiang frowned, looking lost in thought.

Chu Yunfei walked up and patted him on the shoulder. "Battalion Commander Wu... what are you studying?"

"Commander!" Wu Ziqiang jumped in surprise and hurriedly stood up. "Commander... I was thinking about the battle at Ruyue Pass. If Commander Yan hadn't transferred our 358th Regiment away..."

"Sit down and talk. Why are you so nervous?"

Wu Ziqiang sat back on the bench and sighed, his tone filled with regret: "In less than five days this time, even Fanzhi County is about to be lost..."