Yan Lao Xi was desperate to make progress, desperate to reclaim Shanxi Province!
Since the Japanese invaded Shanxi, seizing most of the territory, Yan Lao Xi was left with only a few small counties.
A once-powerful King of Shanxi, reduced to such a state. Every time he thought about it, Yan Lao Xi couldn’t help but sigh.
Unfortunately, his Jin-Sui Army was incompetent. They barely managed to hold onto their current territory, let alone recapture lost land.
However, the formidable combat strength of the 399th Brigade gave him a glimpse of a roundabout path to saving Shanxi.
If the Jin-Sui Army couldn't fight, then there were others who could!
Let the 399th Brigade capture the territory, and then he would pay for it, wouldn't that be wonderful?
Besides, the 399th Brigade was currently operating in Shanxi Northwest, falling under his Second War Zone.
As the Commander-in-Chief of the Second War Zone, wasn’t it reasonable that the 399th Brigade’s recapture of Shuozhou City was achieved under his wise leadership?
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Soon, a telegram arrived at the 399th Brigade, addressed to Xiao Yun.
“Old Xiao, look, our Commander Yan has sent us another commendation!”
Wang Yan, the political commissar, held a telegram, smiling at Xiao Yun.
“After we gave him a black eye last time, Yan Lao Xi probably won't offer any real benefits. Just an empty commendation, what good is it?
Instead of reading his commendation, we should be figuring out how to further develop our base area!”
Xiao Yun looked up from the map, indifferent.
He cared more about the commendation from headquarters and Yan’an than any supposed commendation from Yan Lao Xi.
After taking Shuozhou, headquarters and Yan’an had awarded the 399th Brigade a collective first-class merit.
As for Xiao Yun personally, for high-ranking officers like him, their achievements were no longer measured by class and rank.
Their contributions were recognized, and would be assessed accordingly.
The fact that Instructor Comrade personally presented a calligraphy piece to Xiao Yun was far more valuable than any first-class or special merit award.
“Haha, Old Xiao, you're wrong this time. This isn't just an empty commendation from Yan Lao Xi.”
“Oh? Would Yan Laokou do something without benefits?”
Xiao Yun was intrigued. He reached out to take the telegram from Wang Yan, examined it, and couldn’t help but smile. Yan Lao Xi was actually rushing to send them benefits!
Although they had captured Shuozhou City, the 399th Brigade was not capable of defending it.
Or rather, even if they defended it, they would suffer heavy casualties.
They had already obtained everything they wanted from Shuozhou City and the surrounding towns and counties. They had dealt with all the traitors and collaborators.
They had received all the benefits they desired, so handing it over to Yan Lao Xi’s Jin-Sui Army was a good option.
Let them bear the brunt of the Japanese’s initial fury when they returned from the south of Shanxi. That way, the 399th Brigade would face a bit less pressure when they clashed with the Japanese forces later.
The Jin-Sui Army had always followed Yan Lao Xi’s orders, preserving their strength and engaging in passive resistance. Now, it was time for them to contribute!
However, although they had no intention of occupying Shuozhou, it didn't prevent them from ruthlessly squeezing Yan Lao Xi for all he was worth.
Didn’t Yan Lao Xi take some military experts and skilled technicians with him when he evacuated Taiyuan?
Yan Lao Xi didn’t have any factories now. The little industry he had left wouldn’t even fill a gap in his teeth.
It would be a waste to keep them, might as well send them over.
Their base area’s munitions factory was currently in urgent need of manpower, and they lacked workers everywhere!
...............................
Xiao Yun discussed his thoughts with Wang Yan, who agreed.
However, since this was a deal with the Jin-Sui Army, even though it was all benefits and no harm, they still needed to report it to the organization.
They quickly sent a joint telegram to headquarters.
They included the content of Yan Lao Xi’s telegram and their thoughts on the transaction.
..........................
“This Yan Lao Xi! His own mess isn’t even cleaned up yet, and he dares to reach this far!
He bypassed our 8th Route Army headquarters and directly approached the 399th Brigade to negotiate! If Xiao Yun and Wang Yan hadn't reported the situation, our headquarters wouldn't even know what happened!”
At the 8th Route Army headquarters, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, whose temper was already fiery, slammed his fist on the table, expressing his extreme dissatisfaction with Yan Lao Xi.
“Old Chief, calm down. Yan Lao Xi has always been suspicious of our 8th Route Army, but he doesn't take us seriously.
He knows it will eventually be reported back to us, but he deliberately does this.
Besides looking down on our 8th Route Army, he also wants to throw dirt on Xiao Yun and the others in front of headquarters.
If we get angry, we'll play right into his hands!”
The Deputy Chief of Staff said with a smile.
“Yes, I know, this Yan Lao Xi is terrible at fighting, but he’s a real schemer!
But this transaction is indeed beneficial to the 399th Brigade and us.
I think we should let Xiao Yun and the others handle it. Tell them they can use the 8th Route Army’s name as needed, and get more benefits out of Yan Lao Xi!”
The Deputy Commander-in-Chief said after taking a sip of tea.