Chapter 23: The people sent to collect Li Yunlong have arrived.

"When the enemy is strong and we are weak, our primary operational goal must be to inflict casualties on the enemy's effective strength and deplete their war resources."

"Judging by the results of the early stages of the battle at Ruyue Pass, our 358th Regiment and the 203rd Brigade have certainly accomplished the pre-battle deployment admirably, securing time for the reinforcements and defensive arrangements of our friendly forces."

Wu Ziqiang spoke with indignation, "We held the position at the cost of so many brothers' lives, giving them the opportunity to encircle and annihilate the Japs, yet those colleagues of ours squandered the best chance. Are they all pig-headed?"

Chu Yunfei signaled with a look, and Wu Ziqiang fell silent.

"Whether the 34th Army's poor performance constitutes a failure in operations is for the commanders to decide. Such matters are not for the likes of you and me to worry about!"

Chu Yunfei paused, then advised earnestly, "You must have a sense of balance in your heart regarding what should and should not be said."

Wu Ziqiang sighed, "Yes, Colonel, I understand."

"Your Second Battalion performed exceptionally well in this battle. Both the Generalissimo and Commander Yan are very satisfied."

"I heard that the telegram mentioned a reward of five hundred silver dollars for you?"

Mentioning this, Wu Ziqiang offered a strained smile, "That is indeed the case."

The Shanxi-Suiyuan Army was relatively well-funded due to its factories and mineral resources, coupled with the central tax revenues withheld by Old Man Yan. In reality, their salary standards were quite high. The annual fiscal revenue of Shanxi province hovered around 22 million silver dollars. After various deductions, less than half was actually available for military expenditure. Most units received only a quarter of the standard pay, assuming there was little embezzlement.

The situation in the 358th Regiment was different, primarily because its commander, Chu Yunfei, was a thorn in the side of the establishment. The standard monthly pay for a soldier was seven silver dollars, but it was five when it reached Chu Yunfei. Chu Yunfei ensured every single cent reached the hands of his soldiers. The remaining two dollars were used by him to grease the wheels of local political connections, ensuring that the five dollars were delivered steadily and on time to the 358th Regiment every month.

To give an example, Second Battalion Commander Wu Ziqiang held the rank of Major and received a first-class salary of 140 silver dollars per month. Chu Yunfei, as a Colonel, received 260 silver dollars a month. The purchasing power of 260 silver dollars was actually quite considerable. Chu Yunfei could never spend it all on daily expenses, so whenever any of his subordinates faced personal difficulties, he would help out. He would also have Sun Ming source anti-inflammatory drugs and the like from the black market. However, anything involving medical supplies usually came at an exorbitant price, and two hundred dollars would barely make a splash. He would often have to settle for purchasing large quantities of traditional Chinese medicine instead.

Nevertheless, compared to the Eighth Route Army at the time, the 358th Regiment was a veritable "nouveau riche" unit.

An Eighth Route Army company commander only received five silver dollars a month, and that was only if they had an official designation. In the original story, Li Yunlong once complained that the Central Army was like a favored biological child, while the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army was like a stepchild. A unit like the New First Regiment, which lacked even an official designation, was truly as poor as Li Yunlong described, struggling to even secure funds for food. Their conditions were dire to an extreme degree. This was precisely why Chu Yunfei had ordered the mess squad to ensure his soldiers had hot meals.

Chu Yunfei sat beside Wu Ziqiang, "I know you have three children back home who are at the age where they need an education, which costs a fair amount. Here is what we will do: I will personally award you another 1,000 silver dollars. Send someone to take your family to the rear, where they can receive the best education."

Wu Ziqiang demurred, "Colonel... the reward from the Generalissimo is already enough."

Chu Yunfei gave him no chance to refuse, "With your salary, you've already lent quite a bit to the men below you. Take what I am giving you. Furthermore, while we are garrisoned in Xing County and there is no fighting for the time being, send a few men to bring your family to the rear. It will give you peace of mind."

Wu Ziqiang looked surprised, feeling a warmth in his heart, "Colonel... is that appropriate?"

Chu Yunfei patted his shoulder, "What is inappropriate about it? Taiyuan is no longer secure. It would be best to send them to places like Chongqing or Hengyang. It may be farther, but at least it is safe."

"Of course, if you want to be able to see them occasionally, you could send them to Xi'an... but Xi'an carries the risk of being bombed by the Japanese."

"Go handle it now."

Unable to hold back, Wu Ziqiang rose quickly to express his gratitude, "Thank you, Colonel! Shall I go then?"

Chu Yunfei chuckled and waved his hand, "Go!"

After Wu Ziqiang left, Chu Yunfei turned his gaze toward the tactical sand table. He stepped forward, crouched slightly, and replaced the flag at Ruyue Pass with a white one representing the Japs.

"Colonel..."

Chu Yunfei waved his hand dismissively, "You don't really think the Second Battalion Commander was analyzing the sand table, do you?"

Sun Ming looked at the terrain on the table and shook his head, "I suppose not."

If he were truly contemplating the strategic situation, how could he have allowed such obvious errors to remain on the board?

Wu Ziqiang had matters on his mind.

"Aside from his family, he has nothing left to worry about," Chu Yunfei smiled and added, "I presume that once he settles this matter, he will have no more distractions. You might just see a new Wu Ziqiang."

Sun Ming looked skeptical but did not openly question him. Wu Ziqiang's seniority and rank were set in stone. Even if he were truly incompetent, it was not for Sun Ming to say so. Moreover, the man was one of Chu Yunfei's core subordinates, and they were close enough to call each other brothers in private.

Even within a small unit like the 358th Regiment, there were many layers. First Battalion Commander Qian Bojun, a loyalist of the highest order, had been with Chu Yunfei for over a decade. He was a military academy graduate with rich combat experience and was currently the backbone of the 358th Regiment. Mountain Artillery Battalion Commander Liang Guoping was a graduate of the Imperial Japanese Army Academy and only held his position because of Chu Yunfei's personal guarantee. In essence, this guarantee meant that if Liang Guoping failed, Chu Yunfei would be held jointly responsible. The two were bound together—their fates linked for better or worse.

Second Battalion Commander Wu Ziqiang was also one of Chu Yunfei's core men. Fourth Battalion Commander Zhuo Tianyu had been reorganized from the 29th Army and was currently the only Captain-ranked battalion commander in the 358th. He had performed well in this battle and, by rights, should be promoted to Major. He had previously been a simple platoon leader before catching Chu Yunfei's eye, making him a semi-loyalist. Third Battalion Commander Luo Weiguo had been sent by the Command Headquarters and was effectively one of Old Man Yan's men; he was not highly regarded by Chu Yunfei.

In this operation, everyone except the Third Battalion had earned combat merits and decorations. However, in the eyes of the others, Wu Ziqiang was synonymous with mediocrity. At his age, he was not the type to study hard; how could there possibly be any significant change in him?

After staring at the sand table for a while, Chu Yunfei stepped forward and pulled the flag from Fanzhi County, placing it on the sand mound representing Da County. South of Da County lay Guo County, Yuanping, and Xinkou—the locations envisioned by Old Man Yan for the decisive battle. Xinkou was the final barrier for Taiyuan; if it fell, Taiyuan would inevitably be lost. All operational deployments were, in fact, centered around the national defense works along the Xinkou line.

Just as Chu Yunfei was frowning in thought, the telephone rang.

Sun Ming stepped forward to answer, "Regimental headquarters, I hear you. Please speak."

"Understood!"

Hanging up the phone, Sun Ming turned and said, "Colonel, another group of the Eighth Route Army has arrived at the ferry. They say they are from the 772nd Regiment of the 386th Brigade. Battalion Commander Zhuo requests your presence."

"Send word to the New First Regiment. Tell them their transport has arrived."

"Yes!"