Chapter 18: Journey to the Yellow River Ferry Crossing

The battlefield cleanup was rushed. The soldiers had no time to search for documents on the fallen enemy. They generally relied on helmets, bayonets, and insignia to confirm their kills. Battle achievements could be exaggerated, but captured items rarely were. This was a special request from Chu Yunfei; at least under his command, there was virtually no inflation of reports. He insisted on obtaining the most accurate data to avoid misjudgments in future encounters. How one reported battle merits, however, was an art in itself...

He made a quick mental estimate. Including the casualties of the 203rd Brigade, the Jin-Sui Army suffered over four thousand losses, while the Japanese puppet forces likely lost more than six thousand. Since crossing over, apart from a single map received after the outbreak of war, there had been no other special advantages. At this point in time, the casualty ratio between the two sides was roughly equal. They had engaged the elite units of the Kwantung Army head-on. To achieve such favorable results, Chu Yunfei was more than satisfied.

“Regimental Commander, the Second War Zone has already reported the results to Nanjing... a correspondent from the Central News Agency is on the way...”

“There’s news that Nanjing is quite pleased...”

“Besides commendations, is there any tangible reward?”

Fang Ligong sighed, “No news yet. The Military Commission is probably still deliberating, after all, we are the Jin-Sui Army...”

“Forget it. We’ll set out once allied forces relieve this line!”

“Yes!”

...

Elsewhere, Qian Bojun stormed in, furious. So many lives lost, and the great glory of battle was right within grasp, yet it was about to be claimed by the 34th Army instead. Who wouldn’t be angry?

Qian Bojun, still brimming with youthful fervor, strode into the regimental headquarters.

“Regimental Commander, Captain Qian is here!”

“Oh?”

Chu Yunfei had just taken a step when he ran into the hurried Qian Bojun. At that moment, his brows knit tightly, his face full of displeasure. Qian’s anger vanished without a trace the instant he saw Chu Yunfei.

“Regimental Commander...”

Chu Yunfei, as if oblivious to Qian’s earlier resentment, patted his shoulder warmly. “Your First Company fought well this time.”

“I’ve already made some connections in Nanjing. This battle at Ruyuekou will be the brothers’ chance to make their name...”

Qian Bojun was stunned, surprise written all over his face. Perhaps it was impatience or mishearing, but to his ears, it sounded like Chu Yunfei had smoothed things over with Nanjing on his behalf. He knew full well how insatiable those people’s appetites were. Filling them would require a heavy price, even for Chu Yunfei.

“Regimental Commander...”

“Impatient?”

Chu Yunfei chuckled lightly, gesturing to Sun Ming to pour a cup of hot tea. “The Committee Chairman has noticed the 358th Regiment’s performance, and Commander Yan has it in his heart.”

“Rest assured, you won’t be left out of the spoils this time!”

At these words, Qian Bojun’s dissatisfaction vanished completely.

“It's just a pity about the fallen brothers... If there’s a chance to compensate them, it would ease my conscience a lot.”

“Do you really feel that way?”

Qian Bojun nodded heavily, tears glistening at the corners of his eyes. “Among the fallen, many have been with you and me for nearly ten years. They gave their lives, yet I, old Qian, am still alive...”

Chu Yunfei’s acting soared as he patted Qian’s shoulder, speaking softly in consolation, “I understand, truly. You’ve followed me for so many years; I know you’re a man of loyalty and deep feeling...”

Qian Bojun was deeply moved. “Regimental Commander, following you is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.”

Not far off, Fang Ligong stood silently, his gaze distant, lost in thought.

Following Commander Yan’s orders, the 358th Regiment retreated toward Xing County. All wounded were sent to field hospitals. The main force marched swiftly. The town of Fanshi was only about 250 kilometers from Xing County. In less than four days, the main force of the 358th arrived at the Xing County ferry crossing, taking over the duties from the local security regiment.

Some members of the original Xing County Security Regiment were integrated into the 358th Regiment. The remainder, led by former regimental commander Zhang Yu, moved to the frontline at Xinkou to reinforce the withdrawn 37th Division.

By the Yellow River, Chu Yunfei gazed thoughtfully at the assembling Eighth Route Army troops across the river.

He recalled a conversation between Li Yunlong and Zhao Gang, the protagonists of the "Bright Sword" saga. Years ago, Li Yunlong, commander of the New First Regiment, had led his troops east across the Yellow River to resist the Japanese but was intercepted by the Jin-Sui Army’s 358th Regiment. They claimed there was no such unit as the New First Regiment. With no alternative, Li Yunlong placed his regiment between the 772nd Regiment. Two regiments became one, and the matter passed quietly.

Looking at the Eighth Route Army troops across the river, whose uniforms were far from neat, Chu Yunfei’s brows furrowed slightly; he already had plans in mind. This unit was very likely the New First Regiment from the original story.

“Regimental Commander, those opposite are likely the Eighth Route Army preparing to cross the river... but they look like a disorderly mob.”

Chu Yunfei smiled faintly without confirming or denying. “Fang Ligong, what do you think this unit will do on the battlefield?”

Fang Ligong clearly looked down on the New First Regiment. “Such a force would probably collapse at the first clash with Suzuki’s brigade, possibly dragging down the entire defensive line. If not for Xi’an...”

Chu Yunfei interrupted immediately, “At the Battle of Pingxingguan, the poorly equipped Eighth Route Army still achieved a brilliant victory. Ligong, never judge a man by appearance!”

Fang Ligong was silent for a moment before admitting, “I concede that the 115th Division’s combat effectiveness and performance far exceeded all expectations. Their fighting capacity truly surpasses most of our allied units.”

Across the Yellow River, New First Regiment commander Li Yunlong held his binoculars, watching Chu Yunfei and Fang Ligong standing on a rock. There was no way to avoid attention; those two show-offs were too conspicuous. The other Jin-Sui soldiers stood quietly at the roadside, but these two stood at the riverbank, impossible to ignore.

Captain Guan Dashan approached Li Yunlong. “Commander, what are you looking at?”

“This damn Yellow River crossing—why do they need so many guards? I’m puzzled, were the Jin-Sui Army all this idle before?”

Guan Dashan eyed the binoculars hanging from Li Yunlong’s chest with envy. “Commander, don’t complain. It’s time to board!”

“Let’s go!”

The Eighth Route Army troops crossed the Yellow River in groups, lining up obediently. When adjutant Sun Ming approached to inquire about their unit designation, the soldiers’ answer caused him a headache. “The New First Regiment?”

“Is there such a unit?”