Chapter 25: Harassment in Tongzi and the Expansion of the Red Army (I)

Chapter 25: Harassment at Tongzi and Expanding the Red Ranks (Part 1)

On the east bank of the Chishui River, Erlangtan. The charred main peak of Qinglong Mountain stood silent in the twilight like a colossal tombstone. The heavy scent of blood and gunpowder smoke had yet to dissipate, mingling with the acrid smell of scorched earth and vegetation, pressing down heavily upon everyone's hearts. Wang Lin stood at the edge of the battered trench, his binoculars sweeping across the far side of the Chishui River. Along the edge of the western mountain forest, shadowy, gray-blue figures loomed like startled birds—peering from afar, yet never daring to take another step forward. The six-hour battle, a desperate fight with one's back to the river that cost the lives of over seven hundred fine brothers, was etched in its brutality and sorrow into this land and the souls of every surviving soldier. The Independent Regiment’s blood-stained banner fluttered listlessly in the evening breeze, the snapping sound echoing like the whispers of the fallen.

"Report, Commander! A telegram from the Army Group!" The radio operator's voice was raspy with exhaustion, yet carried a hint of relief upon completing the mission.

Wang Lin took the message, feeling the faint chill of the paper against his fingertips. He unfolded it and, by the fading light, scanned the text:

To Wang Lin and Wang Guangdao of the Independent Regiment:
Your unit’s desperate stand at Qinglong Mountain, Erlangtan, showed no fear in the face of danger. Through bloody struggle, you dealt a crushing blow to the enemy’s Guo Xunqi unit, inflicting heavy casualties and successfully covering the main force’s safe river crossing. Your contribution is monumental! You are hereby commended! The bravery and tenacity of the entire regiment’s officers and men serve as a model for all!

You are now ordered to: Immediately disengage from current contact and move toward the northeast at a forced march speed to garrison Tongzi City!

Upon arrival in Tongzi, the regimental headquarters and direct units shall garrison the county seat. The main force (the First, Second, and Third Battalions) shall advance to the outer northwestern perimeter of Tongzi (the line between Jiantouya and Jiudianya) and immediately initiate active harassment operations toward Wenshui Town (enemy-occupied territory)!

Mission Objective: Create the illusion that our main force is still operating in the area northwest of Tongzi to confuse and contain the Sichuan forces currently facing you—or those who may reinforce from the Wenshui direction—and delay their actions!

Operational Requirements: Operate in company and platoon units. Be flexible and mobile, execute bold maneuvers, bluff, and conduct multi-point harassment! Ensure the enemy cannot discern our true intent or movements! Buy time for the main force to carry out new, critical combat missions!

Simultaneously, utilize the relatively stable environment of Tongzi to organize thorough rest and recuperation, and actively conduct mass work to expand the Red Army ranks and replenish combat losses!

— Dong Zhentang, Headquarters of the Fifth Army Group

{Historical Note: Historically, the Red Fifth Army Group utilized similar tactics, conducting active feints in the Wenshui and Songkan directions. They successfully pinned the main forces of the Sichuan Army, such as Guo Xunqi’s troops, in the area northwest of Tongzi for six full days, creating a precious window of opportunity for the Central Red Army to cross the Chishui for the second time and swiftly march south to capture Zunyi again.}

"A commendation..." Wang Lin whispered the weighty affirmation, taking a deep breath as if to draw the gravity and glory of the words into his very being. He looked up at Wang Guangdao, Chen Ahai (whose arm was wrapped in a blood-stained bandage), and the others—all as exhausted as he, yet standing tall. His voice was not loud, but exceptionally clear and forceful, carrying the solemnity of those who had escaped death: "Brothers, this commendation was bought with the lives of over seven hundred good men at Qinglong Mountain! We... have honored our fallen comrades and completed our mission!" He paused, his tone turning resolute. "Now, the Army Group has more important deployments! Our new mission is to reach Tongzi within two days!"

The order was given. The unit, like a wounded dragon, quietly set out in the twilight, leaving behind the blood-soaked earth. A heavy atmosphere shrouded the ranks during the march. Wang Lin no longer hummed; he walked at the head of the column, back straight and steps firm, silently conveying a sense of indomitable strength. Only when passing treacherous terrain would he stop, reach out to pull up a soldier struggling with fatigue, and offer a brief word of encouragement: "Hold on, Tongzi is just ahead! Once we arrive, we’ll get a good rest!"

Two days of grueling forced marches followed, traversing countless mountain ridges. Fatigue seeped into their very bones, but the tougher, more resilient will forged by the bloodbath at Qinglong Mountain sustained them all. When the familiar silhouette of Tongzi City (for those veterans who had reorganized at Qingkou) finally appeared on the horizon, a low, repressed cheer of relief and excitement rippled through the ranks.

***

Entering the city, taking control, and settling in. The regimental headquarters was once again established in the old courtyard with the skylight. After settling in briefly, Wang Lin gathered the battalion and company officers in the courtyard. Sunlight filtered through the opening, bringing long-lost warmth and dispelling the gloom of the past few days. Wang Lin looked at the faces—Chen Ahai, Huang Musheng, Zhou Zhiming, and the company commanders—all etched with exhaustion yet sharp-eyed. He spoke in a low, steady voice, tempered by blood and fire:

"Comrades, we have reached Tongzi. This is our temporary 'home' and the starting point for our new mission." He pointed to the ground beneath their feet, his tone solemn yet warm.

"The regimental headquarters and direct units will remain in Tongzi! The core mission: Rest, replenish, and renew our spirit!"

"Thorough rest: Brothers, our bones are aching," Wang Lin said with deep understanding. "It is safe here. Eat a hot meal! Get a good night’s sleep! For the lightly wounded, the medical team will provide full support; we must ensure everyone regains their vitality!"

"Fully expand the Red ranks and replenish our bloodline: When it comes to the sacrifices at Qinglong Mountain," Wang Lin’s gaze turned heavy and firm, "the blood of over seven hundred brothers cannot be shed in vain! We must expand our ranks!" He turned to Wang Guangdao.

"I understand. I will arrange it!" Wang Guangdao replied solemnly.

"This expansion is a political battle!" Wang Lin’s voice was full of power. "The mass meetings must be held effectively! Explain clearly who the Red Army fights for and why we fight the local tyrants and redistribute land! Tell the folks that following the Red Army offers a future and dignity!"

"The confiscation and redistribution of wealth from tyrants must be fair and satisfying to the people! Quartermaster Zhong! Every cent seized must be used for the impoverished villagers! Let them truly feel the benefits of liberation! This is the most fundamental truth!"

"Helping the folks must be sincere! Fetching water, chopping wood, providing medical care... every little action gathers hearts! Hold grievance meetings that touch the soul, letting our suffering brothers pour out their hardships and ignite their fighting spirit!"

"There is only one goal:" Wang Lin’s gaze swept over the group with unquestionable resolve. "Using our sincerity and actions, we will replenish every one of the seven hundred vacancies left by the fallen at Qinglong Mountain, right here on this vibrant Tongzi soil! Let the new brothers feel the warmth and strength of 'home' the moment they join our Tiger Regiment! Train the new recruits, and let the veterans teach them everything they know! Let us firmly renew the soul of our 'Iron-Blooded Rearguard Tiger Regiment'!"

Having laid out the foundational tasks for Tongzi, Wang Lin turned his gaze to the northwest, his expression shifting from solemnity to the sharp, cunning look of a battlefield commander.

"Chen Ahai, Huang Musheng, Zhou Zhiming!" He named the three battalion commanders. "Take the main forces of your First, Second, and Third Battalions (leaving only necessary personnel to assist headquarters) and advance to Jiantouya and Jiudianya! Face Wenshui Town and put on a 'lively' show of confusion for the Sichuan Army! There is only one mission goal: to pin them down firmly!"

He laid out the harassment mission with clear logic and battlefield conciseness:

Direction: Wenshui! Create a strong illusion that the "main force of the Red Army is still operating in the northwest of Tongzi." It is strictly forbidden to attack the core of Wenshui Town!

Tactical Points (Flexible, Efficient, Deceptive):
Bluffing: Display numerous flags (varying unit designations), set up widespread dummy camps (straw huts, empty stoves), light multiple bonfires at night (dispersed, multi-point), and stir up large clouds of dust while marching.

Distraction: Feign movement at Point A during the day (gunfire) and conduct sabotage at Point B at night (cutting wires, dismantling bridges, burning isolated facilities).

Precision Harassment (Conserve ammunition): Sharpshooters to snipe key targets (officers, signalmen). Mortars to strike enemy assembly areas or patrols with sudden precision (shoot and relocate).

Traffic Sabotage: Destroy roads, set up makeshift roadblocks, and ambush small transport convoys (prioritize creating chaos).

Surgical Raids: For weak outposts on the periphery of Wenshui (tax stations, small town offices), concentrate superior force for swift victories, cause panic, and then immediately withdraw.

Core Iron Rule: Preserve our own strength! Wang Lin’s eyes were like lightning, his tone ironclad: "Remember! This is harassment and deception! Not a decisive battle! If you encounter the enemy’s main force gathering for a counterattack, immediately use the terrain to disengage! Holding the enemy back so they cannot determine our main force’s movements and dare not march south is success! Anyone who risks heavy losses by stubbornly engaging in battle will be severely punished!"

Coordination: The three battalion commanders are responsible for the overall rhythm. Each company must ensure communications remain open (couriers, preset points, simple signals). Report major enemy movements or requests for support to headquarters immediately.

Auxiliary Expansion (Safety first): In safe peripheral areas, combine actions with small-scale propaganda. Absorb volunteers, but ensure they are safely and promptly escorted back to the Tongzi regimental headquarters for registration and training!

"Comrades!" Wang Lin’s voice echoed in the courtyard, carrying the weight of a mission that bridges the past and the future. "The blood at Qinglong Mountain was shed so the main force could go further. Now, the main force is off to fight more important battles. Our task northwest of Tongzi is to play this 'deception' well! Make the Sichuan Army dizzy and unable to move!"

He turned to the battalion and company commanders, his eyes full of trust and anticipation. "Ahai, Musheng, Zhiming! Commanders! Take your brothers and set out! Use your wisdom and courage to weave a massive net for the enemy in the Wenshui direction! Trap them deep within it and win time for the main force! Spread out, we are the sparks that confuse the enemy! Gathered in Tongzi, we are the home that replenishes our blood and soul! In five days, I want to see the Sichuan Army nailed to Wenshui! I want to see our 'Tiger Regiment' in Tongzi, our bloodline renewed, and our morale soaring like a rainbow! Do you have the confidence to complete the mission?!"

"Yes! Guaranteed to complete the mission!" The officers roared in unison, their voices containing the resilience forged in bloody battle and a soaring fighting spirit for the new task.

"Move out!" Wang Lin waved his hand decisively.

The order was given, and the atmosphere, while solemn, was charged with high spirits. The soldiers quickly and silently packed their gear and checked their weapons. The reconnaissance company, like ghosts, melted into the forest first. The main battalions, led by their commanders, marched forward with firm steps, silently and swiftly deploying to the designated areas on the northwestern perimeter of Tongzi, like blades being drawn from their scabbards, pointed directly toward Wenshui.