Three days had passed since the ambush at Niu Jiao Peak. During these three days, the entire 399th Brigade was preparing for the upcoming battle, sharpening their swords and tightening their horses.
The newly expanded artillery battalion, in particular, was immersed in intensive training.
A group of artillery talents dispatched from headquarters had also arrived at the 399th Brigade's base. Along with them came representatives from Chiang Kai-shek and Yan Xishan, their paths converging in a coincidental meeting.
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"Brigade Commander, people from headquarters have arrived. Besides headquarters, there seem to be representatives from Chongqing and the Second War Zone Command, all waiting in the brigade headquarters conference room!"
Zhang Cheng, the guard, informed Xiao Yun, who was currently engaged in physical training.
Xiao Yun nodded, took a towel from Zhang Cheng and wiped the sweat off his face. He then put on his military jacket, buttoning it up one by one, and donned his military cap.
"Let's go, to the brigade headquarters!"
The three groups of individuals, brought together at the brigade headquarters, exchanged glances, the atmosphere somewhat awkward.
"Everyone, I apologize for the wait. I'm Xiao Yun."
Just then, Xiao Yun pushed open the door, entering the room and slightly easing the tension.
"Brigade Commander Xiao, I'm Liu Zhengyang. I've come to report to you as instructed by headquarters."
Liu Zhengyang was the leader of the group of artillery talents sent by headquarters. He had graduated from the artillery department of a military academy.
During the Red Army period, he had served as an artillery platoon leader. After the outbreak of the War of Resistance, he had remained at headquarters, becoming an instructor responsible for training artillery personnel.
The majority of the individuals who had come with him were his students.
Although they had limited live-fire experience, they possessed a solid theoretical foundation. With hands-on training, they would quickly become proficient.
"Comrade Zhengyang, you've come at the perfect time. Our 399th Brigade has been lacking talent like yours, eagerly waiting for your arrival."
Xiao Yun shook Liu Zhengyang's hand, expressing his warmth and appreciation.
The arrival of these artillery talents was a godsend for the 399th Brigade.
Liu Zhengyang, in particular, was an invaluable artillery instructor. His background at the prestigious military academy's artillery department made him a highly sought-after individual.
With his addition to the brigade, they could confidently expect to train a steady stream of skilled artillery personnel.
Given the current trajectory of the 399th Brigade's development, their artillery force was bound to grow, and there could never be enough skilled artillerymen!
Xiao Yun's enthusiastic attitude eased the frustration Liu Zhengyang felt about being relegated to a position where he would only be handling small-caliber mortars.
Where he fought against the Japanese didn't matter. While he might only be dealing with small guns on the front line, he would be directly hitting the enemy. Who knew? Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise?
"Brigade Commander, I'm Liu Zhengyang, your soldier now. Consider me a brick, use me wherever you need me!"
Xiao Yun smiled even more warmly, his heart filled with joy. These were the kind of conscious comrades his artillery force needed!
He patted Liu Zhengyang on the shoulder and then instructed his guard, Liu Cheng, to take him and the other artillery talents to be settled in.
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After Liu Zhengyang was escorted away, Xiao Yun finally turned his attention to the representatives from Chongqing and the Second War Zone Command.
The Chongqing representative, a national army lieutenant colonel, let go of his resentment over Xiao Yun giving priority to the representatives from headquarters. He stood at attention, saluting Xiao Yun, and then clapped his hands.
Two national army soldiers entered from outside, carrying a small box.
"General Xiao, this is the reward of 10,000 silver dollars from the National Government chairman. May the 399th Brigade continue to fight bravely and achieve even greater victories!"
The 399th Brigade was a regular army unit registered with the National Government, and Xiao Yun's rank was major general.
The national army lieutenant colonel used this title as a subtle reminder that Xiao Yun was still a part of the National Army's combat sequence and that he shouldn't forget Chongqing.
However, Xiao Yun was unimpressed by this tactic. They rarely offered any support, and even when he won, he was only given a measly 10,000 silver dollars, treating him like a beggar.
Expecting him to remember Chongqing? He had to be out of his mind to even think that.
He nodded nonchalantly. "I appreciate the sentiment. I'll be sure to pass it along. We will fight bravely to drive the Japanese out of China, regardless of what the chairman says."
He then instructed someone to escort the man out. He was a real pain!
After the national army lieutenant colonel was escorted out, the Jinsui Army Colonel appointed by Yan Xishan, who was responsible for transporting supplies and maintaining contact with Xiao Yun, stood at attention, saluting Xiao Yun and presenting him with a list of items.
Xiao Yun took the list and glanced at it. It was pretty much what Yan Xishan had mentioned in his commendation order.
Besides the 100,000 silver dollars and 50,000 rounds of ammunition, they had also sent an additional 100 Jin-made Thompson submachine guns along with 10,000 rounds of ammunition for them.
The items were outside, already counted and ready to be put into storage.
Xiao Yun nodded in satisfaction. - Yan Xishan was still the most generous!