Chapter Seventy-Two: Setting Out for the Battlefield

"The Battle of Xuzhou, for the Japanese army, is a strategic attempt to annihilate our living forces and link together the North China and Central China fronts. But at the same time, it is our opportunity!"

"We can also seize this chance to deal the Japanese a heavy blow, to make them pay a painful price, to crush their arrogance, and perhaps even inflict significant losses on them on the battlefield—it is not impossible!"

Chen Qingzhi spoke in a deep voice, then turned to look at the officers present.

At that moment, everyone in the room was shaken by Chen Qingzhi’s analysis. If things were truly as their brigade commander described, then perhaps this Battle of Xuzhou would be the first time their Republic could defeat the Japanese in a major engagement on the front lines.

Thinking of this, all of them couldn’t help but tremble, their bodies surging with excitement!

"Commander, if it’s as you say, then not only is the southern battlefield far from easy, it’s actually extremely important?" Fang Xiaodong asked.

"Exactly!" Chen Qingzhi looked at Fang Xiaodong, nodding slightly in approval of his sharp question.

He paused, then continued, "The Japanese forces to the south are not as strong as those in the north. So, if we want to secure victory at Xuzhou, we must first cut off the southern Japanese on the south bank of the Huai River, pin them down, then gather our main forces and move north to decisively engage with the northern Japanese!"

"Only by doing so do we have a chance at victory!"

Hearing this, everyone present could barely contain their excitement. If they could truly win at Xuzhou, it would be an unprecedented opportunity for their Republic to defeat the Japanese in a major battle, and it would greatly boost the people’s morale in resisting Japan!

At this, Wang Yachuan, unable to restrain himself, said eagerly, "Commander, give the order—however you want us to fight, we’ll follow you! This time, our Independent Brigade will be sure to give those Japanese a real thrashing!"

"That’s right! Commander, give the order!"

"Let’s teach those Japanese a hard lesson and show them the strength of our Independent Brigade!"

The officers’ faces were alight with excitement as they shouted.

"The detailed battle plan will be determined after we reach Dingyuan. For now, we are to follow our superiors’ orders, reach Dingyuan as quickly as possible, and then adapt our plans to the situation!"

"But there is one thing I must emphasize—this operation is of utmost importance. I expect you all to work together, to show the spirit and prestige of our Independent Brigade!" Chen Qingzhi said sternly. "If anyone shirks their duty or fails on the battlefield, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!"

"Don’t worry, Commander!" Wang Yachuan immediately responded, "I guarantee there won’t be any problems!"

"I’m not worried about the others—it’s mainly you! You’re never serious, so if you mess up this time, I’ll be sure to deal with you!"

"Commander, if the Third Regiment causes any problems, you won’t need to say a word—I’ll bring you my own head!" Wang Yachuan, anxious at being singled out, made a solemn vow.

"What would I want with your head? It would be too much trouble to even use as a chamber pot!" Chen Qingzhi replied with a hint of annoyance.

The room burst into laughter at this, and the officers couldn’t help but shoot teasing glances at Wang Yachuan, whose face turned bright red with embarrassment.

"Enough!" Chen Qingzhi raised a hand to silence them, his tone serious. "This operation is the first true battle since the founding of our Independent Brigade. I hope each of you gives it your all, stays united, and fights with all your strength to strike hard against the Japanese and bring honor to our brigade!"

"Yes, sir!"

Everyone stood at attention, their expressions solemn as they answered in unison.

"Good. Go back and assemble your troops, have the men prepare. At dawn tomorrow, we set out for Dingyuan!" Chen Qingzhi saluted everyone present and declared in a loud voice.

...

Soon, after the day’s training ended, the regimental commanders announced to their troops that they would be deploying to the battlefield.

Upon hearing that they were finally heading to war, the soldiers were all visibly excited, each expressing their determination to kill the Japanese and avenge their fellow townsfolk who had perished in Nanjing.

Seeing this, the regimental commanders felt somewhat reassured. The troops not only showed no fear of battle, their fighting spirit was high—a very good sign for the unit!

They instructed the soldiers to eat dinner and rest early, but the men were too excited to sleep, whispering among themselves in the dormitories.

On any other day, the inspecting officers would have dragged them out for punishment, but tonight turned a blind eye.

After all, on the eve of battle, letting the men vent their feelings was a good way to ease the tension, especially for the new recruits.

In this atmosphere, the next morning, as the troops set out, nearly every soldier appeared with dark circles under their eyes, yet their spirits were high.

Witnessing this, Chen Qingzhi couldn’t help but shake his head.

They were still a group of fresh recruits.

For new soldiers not to be nervous or afraid before their first major battle was already an achievement—what more could he ask for?

They did not yet understand the cruelty of war. After a few engagements, perhaps they would come to realize it.

War is no child’s play.

"Commander, the troops are assembled and awaiting your orders!" At that moment, the First Regiment’s commander, Fang Xiaodong, hurried over, snapped to attention, and saluted.

Chen Qingzhi glanced at the parade ground. All the soldiers were lined up, their weapons and ammunition ready for immediate use. Satisfied, he nodded, then mounted up and shouted loudly, "Independent Brigade, advance!"

At his command, the force began to move out. The column of over eight thousand men stretched like a long dragon.

All the soldiers carried rifles; here and there, some could be seen manning heavy machine guns, while others bore small-caliber mortars or grenade launchers on their backs.

At the rear of the column, artillery pieces were carried by horses, their barrels angled skyward, glinting coldly in the sunlight.

As they neared the boundary of Qingyuan County, they saw a large crowd gathered on the road ahead.

Chen Qingzhi rode forward and saw it was the townspeople of Qingyuan County, come to bid the Independent Brigade farewell. At the head of the crowd stood Liu Zhian, the county magistrate.

As Chen Qingzhi approached, Liu Zhian stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said with a smile, "Commander Chen!"

"What’s all this?" Chen Qingzhi asked, puzzled.

"These are townsfolk who have come of their own accord to see you off to the battlefield. They wanted to bid farewell to the warriors of the Independent Brigade," Liu Zhian explained.

"Since our brigade arrived in Qingyuan, we have yet to achieve any great merit. What right do we have to be seen off by so many townsfolk? I am truly ashamed," Chen Qingzhi replied.

"Commander Chen, you are mistaken. Since your brigade came to Qingyuan, you executed the tyrant Hei Kui and wiped out the bandit gang at Luoqing Fort, saving the people from great hardship. How could we not thank you?"

"Moreover, most of the brigade’s soldiers are young men from Qingyuan. Now that the unit is setting out for war, the parents, wives, and children of these new recruits naturally want to see them off. Once they reach the battlefield, their lives are no longer their own—who knows if they’ll ever return?" Liu Zhian said.

Hearing these words, Chen Qingzhi could only sigh.