After the meeting ended, An Yi did not joke with the senior brothers of each regiment as he usually did. Instead, he turned around and followed a few inconspicuous division staff officers out of the lobby. As soon as he arrived in the yard, he strode towards his horse and just raised his foot.
As he mounted the stirrups, Li Yannian called him from behind.
The two of them rode side by side and talked as they walked. They stopped at an intersection in the city and talked for a while before they separated.
Returning to the regiment headquarters, An Yi immediately called Yin Jinan, Hu Hu, Yang Bin, Ye Cheng and Qu Muchen to explain in detail what happened at today's meeting, asking the brothers to brainstorm and analyze what went wrong.
The brothers pondered for a moment and expressed their opinions to each other. Most of them regarded Bai Chongxi's move as a strategy to defeat Liu Zhi and others, and praised An Yi's quick response and appropriate response.
"Don't praise me, I'm still confused now. Think about it, Commander Bai just arrived yesterday. Even if he listened to the report of the serious commander of the 21st Division when he stopped in Changshan, he also learned something from Commander Chen Cheng who accompanied him.
After the battle, we shouldn’t have mentioned the principal’s special reward of 50,000 yuan in front of so many generals!
I didn't know about the 50,000 bonus before. I thought it would be great to get enough medicine, weapons and ammunition. The principal didn't write any letter to me, the little leader. If senior brother Li Yannian hadn't stepped on me quietly,
I still couldn't react. From this, I became confused, always thinking about what Commander Bai wanted to do? It couldn't be as simple as just beating the master and others to establish his prestige, right?
Everyone knows that the commanders of all armies and divisions, including our Second Division, are not very clean when it comes to money. Even if the commander really swallows our money, he will compensate us later. But why?
Chief Bai has to bring up this matter? He is just the former enemy commander-in-chief and the commander of our third column. Although the military has no control over our household affairs, why does he have to bring it up?" An Yi was puzzled.
When the brothers heard what An Yi said, they calmed down. Yang Bin was the first to express his opinion: "The day before yesterday, you gave me the application documents from the Nanchang Recruitment Office for review. I read the two big seals below the approval comments.
, suddenly understood something. It stands to reason that when the commander voluntarily resigned from the post of acting army commander after the failure of the first attack on Nanchang, he should have handed over the military seal. Although He Jun, who served as the commander-in-chief of the East Route Army,
Although he grew up on the front line in Fujian, half of the military department still follows Commander-in-Chief Chiang Kai-shek. He can hand over the seal and the acting position without temporary management. This shows that the commander is very concerned about the position of military commander, and he probably will not be there.
Make a mistake at this critical moment.
Secondly, the honesty and self-discipline of the division commander and the chief of staff have a good reputation in the military, and there are very few opportunities for people to catch pigtails. The worst they can do is to eat some free money like the military officers, and make clever excuses to falsely report expenditures to enrich themselves. But like
It is indeed intriguing to swallow 50,000 yuan this time. You must know that 50,000 yuan is not a small amount. It is enough for three regiments to pay and pay for one and a half months. Therefore, I think there is another reason.
Chief Bai mentioned this matter as soon as he arrived. He obviously learned about the fishy nature through some channels, otherwise Chief Bai's character would never be like this. This illustrates another problem. Chief Bai may have further troubles in the future.
Action, if you want to understand the true meaning, you can only wait patiently."
The brothers nodded frequently, and Ye Cheng, who was nicknamed "Zhi Duo Xing" by the brothers, added:
"That's what I mean too, but you can think about it from another angle. Aren't you worried about offending a large number of people when you do this? Whether it's asking our independent regiment on what basis it makes the judgment in advance to hit the enemy's plan, or asking who
The 50,000 bonus is a very fatal thing for Xiao Yi and our independent group. If Xiao Yi hadn't handled it appropriately, the consequences would have been disastrous for any one of us. So I want to ask
, Xiaoyi, have you accidentally offended Chief Bai or someone of his before?"
"Impossible! I have never worked with Chief Bai. The few times we have met each other, we have always been very friendly. He was originally from the Guijun Army. He and I are not on the same page, and we hold the same position.
He is the deputy chief of staff of the General Headquarters. We had no connection with each other before the Nanchang Campaign. How could we possibly offend him? What’s more, from the time I set out to participate in the Northern Expedition from Guangzhou until now, I have only suffered losses and never taken advantage of anyone. Of course,
Except for enemies." An Yi waved his hands repeatedly.
The brothers were confused. They thought about it but couldn't figure out the reason. They discussed and analyzed and couldn't get the point. They all seemed to have forgotten one thing: as the deputy chief of the general staff of the army, he exercised his power as the chief of general staff. After the Northern Expedition, he used extraordinary military power.
How can Bai Chongxi, who is known as "Little Zhuge" by most of the veterans and generals in the army, be able to understand the art of war and strategy, which can only be said to be entry-level mid-level and low-level officers?
In the end, An Yi was calm and fearless. Seeing that his brothers were racking their brains and still couldn't figure it out, he simply told everyone to stop thinking and put all their energy into the recruitment of soldiers and military training: "After this battle, our independent regiment
, the shortage of nearly a thousand men, and Huang Yingwu had to lead half the instructors and half the company's teaching team non-commissioned officers in the past two days to escort more than 300 injured brothers who could move back to Old Nanchang to set up a recruitment office, the army was suddenly gone.
One-third, we have to replenish all the troops in the shortest possible time, otherwise the next battle will be difficult to fight.
Judging from the current situation, especially based on today's analysis of Commander Bai's words and deeds, I am afraid that we will be moved to the front in every subsequent battle. If we cannot replenish the troops and carry out intensive training within ten days, the casualties will be even greater in the future.
big."
"I agree with Xiao Yi's opinion." Hu Hu didn't have a second sentence.
Qu Muchen asked: "Aren't five regiments of new recruits starting from tomorrow?"
"New recruits? Don't even think about it. Five new regiments are not enough to be divided among the three main regiments that suffered heavy losses! Under the current circumstances, how can we have the nerve to argue with those senior brothers? This time we received a special allocation from the principal.
His one thousand various firearms and two hundred thousand rounds of ammunition have already made others jealous to death... Well, in this case, we still adopt the old method, mobilize our brothers to go into the surrounding villages for propaganda and mobilization, recruit a soldier and pay them five
Only in this way can the recruitment be completed as quickly as possible. We must hurry up while other regiments are too busy, otherwise there will be no good soldiers." Yin Jinan touched his right arm, which was hurt by a bullet.
, said angrily.
"Do you have enough cash in your pocket?" Huzi asked again.
"That's enough, but after spending this big sum, there won't be much left. The 20,000 yuan that Huang Yingwu brought back to Nanchang cannot be touched. Otherwise, how can he buy the land east of Chengbi Lake? How can he give it to the brothers who are planning to marry a wife?
Building a house? Money is tight, so we can just grit our teeth and get through it. When we get to big cities with foreign banks or Chinese banks, we don’t have to worry." Yin Jinan replied.
An Yi shook his head: "Don't bring a penny back to Huang Yingwu. Didn't we seize hundreds of guns? There are also twelve French light machine guns and some bullets. We also have two long and short guns that we replaced this time.
There are about a hundred pieces. You ask the brothers in the repair shop to work overtime immediately to unpack them all. In the past two days, I have asked the military department to transport troops and supplies to the return truck, and asked the buddies from the transportation company to help us send them back together with people and things.
Go to Old Nanchang. When you get to Old Nanchang, let Gao Mingde and the others renovate and reinstall them, and then sell them all quietly. In this way, you can get at least 20,000 yuan back, and the excess will be divided among the injured brothers.
.”
The brothers laughed and agreed with An Yi's opinion. They then discussed the issue of recruiting soldiers. They quickly reached a consensus and immediately held a meeting with the platoon leader and above of the entire regiment.
The next day, more than 500 officers and soldiers put on neat military uniforms, held high the ten banners of the model camp, divided into ten groups and marched into surrounding villages and towns, starting a ten-day period of revolutionary propaganda, military performances and recruitment work. Of course, in addition to
Each group did not forget to bring enough cash.
February 2, 1927, the first day of the Lunar New Year.
The headquarters of the Third Column of the Northern Expeditionary Army and the Second Division of the National Revolutionary Army, which had rested for thirteen days, held a grand Spring Festival group visit. After all the ceremonies held at the division headquarters were completed, the headquarters and the division commanders of the Second Division were divided into five groups.
The group went to the four military camps inside and outside the city and the Sixth Regiment station in Jiangshan County to express condolences.
In the early morning of the same day, three hundred officers and soldiers from the Model Battalion's guard company and machine gun company, led by company commanders Gu Changfeng and Shi Junren, got behind the enemy in advance and ambush in the southeast and northeast of Longyou City. When the sky dawned, they immediately crossed Lingshan Mountain.
Jiang, launched a fierce attack on the sleeping garrison of Longyou City, defeated the unprepared garrison of a battalion of Yang Shijun's brigade in one fell swoop, annihilated more than 140 enemies, captured more than 270 enemies, and captured
There are more than 250 long and short guns, six heavy machine guns, and twelve light machine guns.
The officers and soldiers of the independent regiment who succeeded in the attack were not satisfied with this. Ye Cheng's 2nd Battalion and Chen Zhibiao's 3rd Battalion, who had already moved to the west of Longyou City to ambush, quickly passed through the city and once again reached Ma Bao Bridge, 6.8 kilometers east of Longyou City.
Ambushes were set up on both sides, and Yang Shijun, who had hurriedly set out from the Youbu camp to rescue Longyou County, almost annihilated one infantry battalion after another and machine gun company. They quickly swept the battlefield and took the seizures and immediately retreated, escorting them together with Gu Changfeng's guard company.
More than 320 prisoners returned to Quzhou City at full speed.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the four group leaders who went to inspect and pacify inside and outside the city returned to the division headquarters. Liu Zhi suggested that everyone go to the Independent Regiment in Anyi to celebrate the New Year. Half jokingly and half seriously, he told Bai Chongxi and others that the meals for the officers and soldiers of the Anyi Regiment were in the
He is the best in the army and has recently recruited a Hui chef. Xu Tingyao also laughed and said that the chef's halal dishes are really good. Bai Chongxi, who was born in the Hui nationality, happily went there due to interest. An Yi was notified in advance.
The regimental headquarters served two different types of Hui and Han hotpots, and specially ordered the Hui brothers under Old Hantou to use their special skills to prepare a table of sumptuous halal dishes.
At five o'clock in the afternoon, Bai Chongxi, Liu Zhi and more than ten officers who were patrolling the camp returned to the restaurant decorated by the regiment headquarters and sat down. Looking at the steaming delicious dishes, they all smiled with satisfaction. The officers at battalion level and above of the independent regiment respectfully
To accompany.
Liu Zhi and Xu Tingyao spoke respectively. Bai Chongxi stood up with a smile at the warm invitation of the generals of the Second Division, raised his glass and spoke happily:
"Everyone, today is the first day of the New Year. I am honored to celebrate the New Year with my colleagues from the Second Division and the brothers from the Independent Regiment. I am deeply happy. The Independent Regiment is an excellent team developed from the model camp and has made numerous achievements since the Northern Expedition.
, is well-known throughout the army and has truly played a vanguard and exemplary role. Once again, I hope that the officers and soldiers of the Independent Regiment will make new contributions to the party and the country in the new year..."
Before Bai Chongxi finished speaking, he was interrupted by bursts of cheers from outside the house. Seeing Bai Chongxi stop his speech, Liu Zhi frowned slightly and immediately turned to An Yi and asked in a deep voice: "What's going on?"
Before An Yi could answer, Gu Changfeng, Ye Cheng and Chen Zhibiao, who were covered in gunpowder smoke, filed in, saluting the officers with smiles on their faces, attracting surprised looks from all the officers in the hall.
At the instructions of Gu Changfeng and Ye Cheng, Chen Zhibiao took a step forward and reported loudly and proudly:
"Reporting to the Chief: Based on the enemy's provocation and blockade of various units of our army in recent days, the 1,300 officers and soldiers of the Independent Regiment Guard Company, 2nd Battalion, and 3rd Battalion, according to the instructions of Commander An, decided to retaliate in kind and marched in secret at ten o'clock last night
, successfully lurked on the east and west sides of Longyou City. At 6:50 this morning, they launched a sudden attack from behind the enemy defenders in Longyou City. After defeating a battalion of enemy troops in the city, they quickly marched again to the 6.8 kilometers east of the city.
Ambush reinforcements were set up on both sides of the Mabao Bridge, and they successfully defeated the reinforcements of the enemy's battalion and company after Yang Shijun's department. A total of more than 430 enemy people were wiped out and more than 320 enemy people were captured. The prisoners and captures were just escorted back.
All the people in the camp are gathered in the playground of the camp to wait for processing."
The officers were shocked. Bai Chongxi put down his wine glass and immediately turned around to check. Liu Zhi and others hurriedly followed.
An Yi quickly stepped forward and quietly took Xu Tingyao's hand and begged in a low voice: "Chief of Staff, this time I killed you first and then reported it. Please forgive me! When I ask you later, you will tell a lie for me."
It was done with your consent, and it was handled this way in order to keep it confidential. It can be regarded as a New Year's gift from the subordinate independent group to the brothers in the division, okay?"
Xu Tingyao laughed: "What a New Year's gift! Yes, this is good news and a good sign... OK, if Chief Bai is trying to find fault with you, I'll take care of it for you!"
The playground was bustling with activity. More than 320 terrified prisoners stood quietly among the officers and soldiers of the Second and Third Battalions of the Independent Regiment, which were armed with live ammunition. Nine hundred recruits from each battalion, led by the veteran platoon leader, excitedly surrounded the prisoners, admiring them.
Looking at the veterans who were making great noises after returning from victory, they pointed at the hundreds of long and short guns and several light and heavy machine guns neatly placed on the ground and chattered non-stop.
When the officer on duty saw Bai Chongxi and other generals arriving quickly, he quickly grabbed his whistle and blew it hard. The brothers immediately closed their mouths and stood at attention, paying attention. The playground, which was bustling with people just now, suddenly became silent.
Bai Chongxi walked to the captured firearms and glanced at them. He raised his head and looked at the more than 320 shrinking prisoners who did not dare to look directly in front of them. He nodded with satisfaction: "Captain An Yi——"
"arrive!"
An Yi quickly stepped forward and stood up straight.
Bai Chongxi pointed at the prisoners and said with a smile: "I have heard for a long time that Commander An is very good at running the army, especially in transforming prisoners and finding new ways. Now, please give us a demonstration."
"this……"
An Yi looked at Liu Zhi and Xu Tingyao who were overjoyed, then at a group of smiling and expectant officers, turned to Bai Chongxi and asked in a low voice:
"Sir, your compliments are ridiculous. This subordinate is just doing nonsense and cannot be brought to the fore. If the superior does not take offense, this subordinate will show his shame. I just implore the superior to authorize my subordinates to have full authority to deal with it."
Bai Chongxi smiled and said: "Of course you have full authority to deal with the prisoners you captured."
"Thank you, sir!"
An Yi saluted Bai Chongxi with his legs crossed, then saluted Liu Zhi and Xu Tingyao, took a few steps forward and said loudly to the prisoners: "Brothers, happy New Year! Haha... I'm sorry everyone, my brothers are impatient, and
Without asking for your opinions, I hurriedly invited everyone over for a drink on the first day of the new year, haha..."
The whole audience burst into laughter. Bai Chongxi and Zhang Dingfan next to him looked at each other in surprise and turned to An Yi again.
An Yi raised his hands to signal the brothers to be quiet. He looked at the prisoners who raised their heads and looked at them in confusion and said loudly:
"Just now our Second Battalion Commander Ye Cheng told me that most of your more than 300 brothers are from northern Zhejiang and neighboring counties in Anhui. Let me tell you that there are many brothers in our independent group who are fellow villagers with you.
, especially the second battalion under Commander Ye, almost all are from Zhejiang and Anhui. To put it bluntly, everyone is from the countryside. Even our Northern Expeditionary Army Commander-in-Chief Chiang is also from Zhejiang, haha!
So, brothers, don’t be nervous. Since we are here, we are all brothers. Especially today, this happy day, is a festival that all our descendants of Yan and Huang will celebrate. So, today there are no enemies, only friends. We are all brothers.
Let's talk about it tomorrow. Let's have a good drink today and talk about nostalgia. Haha... that... where is Battalion Commander Ye? "
"arrive!"
Ye Cheng jogged in a few steps and came to An Yi.
An Yi pointed at the brothers nearby who were armed with live ammunition and ordered: "Please, you and Chen Zhibiao ask your brothers to put away their guns. It is insulting to be polite to hold guns at this time, haha! Then let the brothers from Zhejiang and Anhui in your two battalions stand up.
, together we will lead these more than 300 fellow villagers back to their camps, eat and drink well, and have a peaceful and happy New Year's Day. I will lead the camp security and city defense departments, the model camp and the first
Battalion leader, you have worked hard, just rest for two days. If you have nothing to do in these two days, spend more time with the more than 300 new brothers and enjoy the festival, haha..."
"As you command!"
Ye Cheng saluted and left. Together with Chen Zhibiao, he ordered the brothers to put away their weapons. Then he asked the officers and soldiers from Zhejiang and Anhui to stand up and led the astonished prisoners back to their respective barracks to drink.
After An Yi finished dealing with it, he walked up to Bai Chongxi and returned his orders happily. Bai Chongxi, Zhang Dingfan, and Pan Yizhi looked at each other, and finally burst out laughing.
Liu Zhi and Xu Tingyao laughed even more. They were familiar with An Yi's character and knew An Yi's unique charm. They also knew that An Yi's almost innate affinity could not be learned just by wanting to learn, so they finished laughing.
After that, Chunfeng proudly invited Bai Chongxi and others to go back and continue drinking. The dinner banquet made all the officials feel comfortable and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
That night, Bai Chongxi, Zhang Dingfan, and Pan Yizhi, three senior brothers who graduated from the Baoding Military Academy, were still gathered around the stove, having a special discussion about An Yi and his independent regiment. The three of them admired the powerful combat effectiveness and flexible and fast athletic ability of the An Yi regiment.
In particular, An Yi's strange tricks in dealing with prisoners left a deep impression on the three generals who were regular and well-educated.
Bai Chongxi once again recalled his conversation with Li Zongren in the small pavilion in Ruoxi River in northern Jiangxi. He secretly decided to let An Yi be the vanguard from the next battle, which would consume his strength and alienate his connections with the First Army and the Second Division.
, to better observe and test the abilities and potential of this military sweetheart.