Independence Corps

Chapter 11
On the second day after the meeting, people were surprised to find that a neat convoy came out of No. 1 Road, bypassed Ziteng Garden, crossed the stone bridge in front of Yunshuijian, and headed for Miliang Normal School.Inside the normal school located in Shangbazi, Miliang City, it started to get busy early in the morning.Before seven o'clock in the morning, the county magistrate Meng Bingliang sent Lao Wang, who was in charge of government affairs, to the school and told Principal Wang, who had just finished exercising, that the commander-in-chief was going to inspect the school today and talk to the children.When Principal Wang heard this, he immediately panicked. Principal Wang didn't receive the notice of yesterday's meeting, but Mr. Zeng, who taught Chinese studies, went to Yunshuijian decently.After Master Zeng came back, he talked on and on for three hours, including every gesture of the Commander-in-Chief, a few coughs in the middle, and a glance at someone. He spoke very carefully.Master Zeng also specifically mentioned that he took the lead in clapping.

"The applause is raging. A hero like the young commander deserves our applause, the applause of the whole world."

When Master Zeng said this, he clapped his hands together enthusiastically, but looked at Principal Wang sympathetically.Principal Wang is getting old. Last winter, he just celebrated his 60th birthday. He originally wanted to retire, but he couldn't find a suitable successor, so he still conscientiously sticks to the post of principal.The young commander did not inform him, but informed Master Zeng, and he had a bad idea in his heart.Principal Wang didn't want Mrs. Zeng to succeed him. He thought Mrs. Zeng was too hypocritical and flashy, and Mr. Zeng had the habit of spying on female students, which was very bad.As a teacher, how can you do this?Since the young commander thinks highly of Master Zeng, Principal Wang has to bite the bullet and think highly of Master Zeng.Master Zeng talked non-stop for three hours, and he listened attentively for three hours.After listening to it, he felt that the young commander might want Master Zeng to take over from him.

Lao Wang, who was in charge of government affairs, didn't say that. He asked Principal Wang to call all the faculty and staff of the school immediately to make preparations within an hour for the arrival of the young commander.

"Then, do you need to discuss it with Teacher Zeng first?" Principal Wang asked in a respectful tone.

"What to discuss with him, you are the principal, and you are fully responsible for today's activities." Old Wang said.

"Oh, I understand." Principal Wang said so, leaving Lao Wang behind, and calling his teachers and disciples to go with steady steps.

Half an hour later, the county magistrate Meng Bingliang came to the school with a group of people from the county government. At this time, Principal Wang had gathered the students on the playground and began to give lectures.Miliang Normal School is divided into male and female sections, separated by a wall, but there is a door on the wall, which is usually locked, and boys are strictly prohibited from going to the women's section.Similarly, if a girl wants to come to the boys' department, she must get the approval of the headmaster.When there is a major event, the door will be opened, and the male and female parts will be combined.

Principal Wang speaks authentic rice grain words. Although he is old, he has a lot of confidence in his lectures. Of course, what Old Wang said just now unexpectedly increased his confidence.Principal Wang taught the school rules and discipline, and the dignity of teachers.To him, this is a good show, but it sounds a bit old-fashioned to the students.To be honest, today's playground students all want to hear about the Japanese.The Japanese occupation of Gucheng aroused great indignation in the hearts of the students. What the students were concerned about was, what would happen to Miliangcheng next?Will the 11th Group Army stationed in Miliang City follow the example of the 126th and 137th Divisions and hand over the city without firing a single shot?But Principal Wang didn't talk about this. He made a generous statement, citing a lot of "Zhihu Zheye", talking about the mission of Miliang Normal School.Principal Wang has a good habit. When giving lectures, he can't see other scenery in his eyes, even when County Magistrate Meng is here, he still can't see it.On the contrary, Master Zeng ran over very graciously, greeted Meng Bingliang County Magistrate, and added a few words by the way: "What day is it today? It's so early in the morning, why haven't I heard anything about it?"

Meng Bingliang waved his hand, signaling Master Zeng not to disturb the venue.After a while, Principal Wang finished his lecture, and when he looked back, he found Meng Bingliang.Principal Wang politely asked Meng Bingliang to give a few words to the students. Meng Bingliang said humbly, "Let's wait for the young commander. How can I give a lecture to the students of the normal school?"

At a quarter past nine, the convoy appeared at the school gate. Before the car stopped, Master Zeng rushed forward, trying to open the car door for the young commander himself, but was stopped by the captain of the pistol team who rushed over one step ahead.The captain of the pistol team, surnamed Wu, was a highly valued general by the old commander. He may be the only old man who stays with the young commander now, and the others have all served in various regiments and brigades.Captain Wu refused to leave Mrs. Zeng with a stern face, and opened the car door for Tu Lanlong. Amidst the cheers, the young commander Tu Lanlong got out of the car.

Under the command of the provost, the bands on both sides of the playground played cheerful music.

Some students took the lead in shouting: "Welcome Young Commander, welcome General Tu!"

In the expectation of all the teachers and students, the young commander Tu Lanlong stepped forward. It was also unexpected. Tu Lanlong took off his military cap first, and bowed to the students in the playground very politely.With this bow, some students immediately let out a sound of surprise.Principal Wang hurriedly made gestures on the side, trying to stop the noise of the students.Tu Lanlong glanced at Principal Wang's side and said it's okay.When the voices on the playground quieted down, Tu Lanlong snapped his legs together, stood up straight, and shouted in a particularly loud voice: "Everyone, teachers and students, today is Lanlong's first visit to your school. Your school's rigorous Lan Long has heard about the school-running method and scientific educational philosophy. As the only normal school in Sanchuan 92gou, five counties in Miliang Mountain, and the highest institution in Miliang Mountain, the normal school has a glorious tradition and has trained a large number of pillars. Talent. Right now, within the 11th Army Group, there are elites trained by your school. In various industries in the Miliang Mountains, even in the Central Plains, and throughout the country, there are many talented people who have come out of your school. This shows that the Miliang Teacher Fan He has become a leader in the education industry of the Republic of China. Lan Long is here today to visit everyone and meet with you. Secondly, he also wants to encourage everyone. I hope that everyone can work sincerely under the leadership of Mr. Wang Unite and fulfill their duties, teachers demand themselves with teacher ethics, teach books and educate people well. Students should take it as their own responsibility to study hard, study hard, become talents as soon as possible, and serve the country."

The venue was calm at the beginning, even a bit solemn and solemn, because the commander Tu Shao who walked into the eyes of the students was unfamiliar, and the students were both curious and admirable, so they listened very attentively.However, after more than ten minutes of training, Commander Tu still did not mention the most urgent situation at the moment, and the students were a little dissatisfied.It may not be appropriate to say that they are dissatisfied, students are students, and what they are most concerned about right now is the situation ahead and the imminent crisis facing Miliang City.Tu Lanlong was still admonishing loudly on the stage, and some students under the stage raised their arms.

"We want to fight against the Japanese invaders, we want to defend our home and country!"

The one who took the lead in shouting slogans was a girl who was extremely tall. Standing in the crowd, she was a whole head taller than the other students.Her figure is a little thin, but her voice is really loud.After she called, all the students on the playground responded.

"We want to fight against the Japanese invaders, we want to defend our home and country!"

"Down with Japanese militarism and defend Miliang City to the death!"

"Drive the little devil out of China, give me back my country, give me back China!"

For a moment, the crowd was excited and their voices shook the sky, which startled Meng Bingliang and the accompanying officers standing beside him.Tu Lanlong stopped speaking suddenly, glanced at the students meaningfully, and ended the lecture decisively.Wu Qi, the captain of the pistol team, stepped forward, trying to calm down the unexpected chaotic scene.Tu Lanlong waved his hand, signaling Wu Qi not to mess around.Seeing this, Master Zeng thought that Tu Lanlong was moved by the voices of his classmates, so he also raised his arms and shouted loudly: "The great China is inviolable! When the country is in crisis, everyone is responsible!"

Among the students, many were admirers of Master Zeng. Seeing how passionate Master Zeng was, they followed his beat and chanted slogans in unison.

When Principal Wang saw this, his face turned pale with horror. Commander Tu hadn't finished his training yet, so the students doing this was tantamount to demonstrating to Commander Tu.He bowed his waist, staggered, and came to Tu Lanlong anxiously: "Look at this, look at this..."

Tu Lanlong ignored him, staring enthusiastically at the girl who took the lead in shouting slogans, the expression on his face seemed to freeze.

Master Zeng didn't do anything else, he simply led the students and walked out of the school.During this time, some students took out the banners or slogans that had been prepared and shook them away. The scene was not only lively, but even a bit spectacular.Wu Qi, the captain of the pistol team, probably saw something on Tu Lanlong's face, and quietly stepped aside.Master Zeng had a glorious day. He led all the students from the normal school to the street, along Zhongxin Street, and built up momentum all the way to Guangqing Street.If his wife hadn't suddenly run into the crowd to call him later, saying something important happened at home, he might have taken his classmates to Xiangshui Street.

Tu Lanlong was naturally left out, but that was good, at least it avoided the embarrassment of his classmates asking him why he didn't actively fight against Japan.

When all the students walked out of the campus, Tu Lanlong turned his eyes and asked Principal Wang: "What's the girl's name?"

"It's... called Lin Jianying."

Lin Jianying?Tu Lanlong seemed to find the name familiar, but couldn't remember where he heard it.However, he firmly remembered that hot-blooded girl who was extremely tall and had an outstanding appearance.

The student parade did not disrupt Tu Lanlong's plan. Next, they went to many places, including Dahe Bank and Hengtong Rice Store.At Hengtong Rice Store, Tu Lanlong carefully inquired about the rice store's grain storage situation, and when he learned that the large and small rice stores and grain stores including Hengtong Rice Store did not actually have much food in stock, Tu Lanlong's eyes darkened, and he took Sun The shopkeeper called to one side and asked, "How many days' rations can the citizens be guaranteed by adding up the grain stocks of all the rice stores and grain stores in Miliang City?"

Shopkeeper Sun thought for a while and said, "Well, it's easy to calculate. Calculated on the basis of one catty per person per day, it's guaranteed to be no problem for half a month."

"Half a month, what nonsense?" Tu Lanlong was furious. He did not expect that the Golden Rice Grain, known as the mountain of rice grain, could only guarantee half a month's rations for the citizens.He turned his head and stared at Meng Bingliang, and said in a stern tone: "Tell me what I say, starting today, all grain stores in the five counties and three rivers will make emergency food adjustments. If there is no car, give it to the car, and if there is no man, go to the military department to get it. If there is not enough food for two years, I will ask you, the county magistrate!"

Meng Bingliang shuddered, and Tu Lanlong suddenly got angry, which he didn't expect, but the anger was good, if Tu Lanlong hadn't come to the grain store in person, he, the county magistrate, would not know how much grain there is in Miliang City.

Meng Bingliangxuan was about to assign work to Lao Wang, who was in charge of government affairs, and Lao Wang hurried away. After walking a few steps, he heard Tu Lanlong shouting from behind: "Come back!"

Old Wang had no choice but to turn his head and look at Tu Lanlong uneasily.

"What's the use of you going alone, Lao Hong, take him to the military headquarters, you two can do this well." Tu Lanlong's tone suddenly softened again.Lao Hong is the logistics chief of the 11th Army, and he also came from the 24th Division.After Lao Hong and Lao Wang left, Tu Lanlong called shopkeeper Qu from Jufeng Grain Store, settled down in this way, and did not leave Hengtong Rice Store until he felt relieved.

In his heart, Meng Bingliang, the county magistrate, had a different view of the young commander Tu Lanlong. Whoever said he could only lead troops to fight, he was careful!Commander Tu had considered issues that he, the county magistrate, hadn't considered, and considered them very thoroughly.Prepare enough food for two years, which shows that Tu Lanlong's consideration of the future war is more complicated and difficult than anyone else.Thinking of this level, he couldn't help raising his gaze, and looked in the direction of Gucheng.Tu Lanlong's judgment was correct, the devils would not pounce on them in a day or two, Gangben is not a fool, he knows that Miliangcheng is no better than Gucheng, and the 11th Army is definitely not like the 126th and 137th divisions, Gangben will do enough in Gucheng Take care of him until he thinks he has the ability to deal with Tu Lanlong.This is the perfect time God gave him and Tu Lanlong. If you can't grasp this time, it will be empty talk if you want to destroy the Japanese.Meng Bingliang suddenly felt that the burden on his shoulders was much heavier.

At two o'clock in the afternoon, shortly after the contingent of students who took to the streets dispersed, Tu Lanlong's convoy came to the Daba Appliance Factory again.Daba Equipment Factory is located at the northernmost end of Miliang City, next to the raging Nuerhe River.This factory was built by the old commander Tu. After the old commander Tu was stationed in Miliang City, he didn't have to worry about food or clothing.But he worries about one thing: guns. The 11th Group Army has always been alone, neither relying on Chairman Jiang nor Chairman Wang. It also kissed and stayed away from General Fu and Chief Yan. Want to count on getting weapons from them, joke!Commander Tu Lao used to have a secret channel to get guns and ammunition that neither Chief Yan nor General Fu could get. Later, this channel was discovered by Generalissimo Jiang, and six people were shot dead in a rage. It's blocked.Old Commander Tu wondered if he could build this thing himself?When he arrived at Miliang City, he saw that there was a farm tool factory in Miliang City, and Old Commander Tu smiled.He took his confidant, quietly went out to the mountain, went to Taiyuan, and then went to Shanghai again. After returning, he smiled and said to his subordinates: "I thought it was so difficult to make a gun, but it is not difficult, grandma." Yes, Taiyuan can build it, why can’t I build it in Miliang City? How big is Shanghai? Guarding the daughter river, guarding the rice grain mountain, can you still be trapped by money? Grandma, pass on my words, from now on, all weavers will be rewarded with a cotton ticket for one extra foot every day, and one extra foot for weaving A catty of rice will be rewarded. Those who produce silk will be charged as much as the military department can, and the price will be twice as high as that on the market. For those who grow tobacco and soil, as long as they dare to plant, I, Tu Zhucheng, will dare to accept it, so as to ensure that they eat well and dress well But there is one thing, whoever dares to smoke soil by himself, hangs all of them on the city gate and basks in his dog's sun for a month. If you only plant and don't smoke, I will trade it for steel pipes!"

This order has greatly mobilized the production enthusiasm of the people in the rice grain mountain area. For a while, the tobacco farmers began to reclaim wasteland everywhere. Whoever snatches the land will snatch the trust of the old commander Tu.Children can go to the school first, after the school, they can work under the old commander Tu, and they may go to the county government to eat the emperor's food.Those weaving cloth and doing silk business, not to mention, after a year, they all became the guests of Commander Tu Lao.Shopkeeper Qi, Shopkeeper Sun, Shopkeeper Qian, etc. all made their fortunes in the hands of the old commander Tu. The fortune is not only rich, but also the status. The commander's wives played cards.Such a good thing is amazing.Another year later, Commander Tu sent his most proud 58th Regiment to the Farm Tool Factory to take over as a whole.The agricultural tool factory was changed into a tool factory, Ma Dequan, the head of the regiment, also became the director of the tool factory, and Zhu Hongda, a major staff officer, also served as the head of the security team of the tool factory.Barbed wire fences were pulled up in the surrounding areas that were originally filled with weeds, and warehouses with unique styles were built like buildings on the ground.In those days, vehicles and horse teams poured in from around Miliang Mountain every day, and when it was dark, people drove into the appliance factory without anyone noticing.The farm tool factory that used to have only one chimney suddenly had five more chimneys, and those chimneys were built like blockhouses, tall and majestic.Looking at it from a distance, it looks like six sky-drilling cannons, and it makes Mi Liangcheng proud.

Not to mention that, in the following three years, brothers from the 11th Group Army were continuously transferred to the equipment factory, and they were changed every once in a while.After these soldiers came out, their mouths were extremely tight. Even if their mothers and fathers asked, they didn't say what tasks they performed.The secret was discovered by a hunter three years later.The hunter went to the Qinv Peak on the other side of the Hongshuigou to hunt, and strayed into the Eighteenth Cave by mistake. He came out of the cave two days later, turned around and ran back in fright.People asked him why he was running, and he said it was amazing, there was a hole full of guns and guns.

Based on this, the people in Miliangcheng speculated that those soldiers were sent to the equipment factory to perform a special task.The old commander Tu didn't know whether it was a whim or a long-term consideration, so he sent troops to dig a tunnel from the equipment factory, leading directly to the Qinv Peak on the other side of the river.It is said that in three years, he has hollowed out half of Qi Nu Peak. In addition to ammunition depots, there are fortifications for war preparations, air-raid shelters for ordinary people to hide in, and even the headquarters of Commander Tu Lao during the war. Under the Nvfeng.This news greatly shocked the people in Miliang City, and also those people in the five counties and three rivers who had a sense of justice.They all extended their thumbs and applauded the old commander Tu.

"He is thinking for our Miliang people. Think about it. If the war is really going to start, we don't have to run, we go into the cave, eat and drink. Even the emperor didn't do this in the past. what!"

Amidst the applause, the old commander Tu Zhucheng put on a steady face, neither nodding nor shaking his head.However, the road leading to Qinv Peak is completely under martial law, and no one can enter without a pass issued by the headquarters.

For this reason, there was an unhappiness between Commander Tu and Liu Mier, a female bandit from Niangniang Mountain.Liu Mier believed that Qi Nufeng was her first occupation. On the day she came to the mountain to become king, she planted her rice flag on Qi Nu Peak. The territory is hers, and the jurisdiction is naturally also hers. Regardless of the gentlemen's agreement reached by the two parties.Old Commander Tu didn't bother to listen to what she said. When he came to Miliang City, he was extremely tolerant of the bandit Liu Mi'er. It's not easy for a female class to pull such a big man.As long as Liu Mier doesn't fight against the 11th Army Group, doesn't disturb the people, doesn't rob people, everything else is up to Liu Mier.Liu Mi'er didn't care about this, she believed that the old commander Tu was bullying others.

(End of this chapter)