Chapter 544: Short Sword

'This is yours!'

'This is yours!'

Zhang Yong designated Zhao Guanglin to be in charge of distributing the big money.

He is so gentle and kind, what kind of bad thoughts could he have? It's just that he can't stand Zhao Guanglin being idle.

It is said that no one in the Red Party can be idle. Everyone has to work hard.

They really struggled to get here.

Everyone got at least one reward. The morale was sky-high.

If morale had an upper limit of 100, they had already reached 999! And they were even higher. At that moment, if they were told to catch a Japanese spy, they would run faster than a rabbit, and they would care about nothing else. They would just focus on catching spies. They had money. They had weapons. What more did they need than bicycles!

'Tsk tsk...'

Pang Yu was overjoyed himself.

Two big ones, a hundred in total. All his own. He earned it himself.

No embezzlement.

No misappropriation.

No blackmail.

Nothing dishonourable.

It was just seized from the Japanese spies.

This is booty! Booty! Booty!

I'll say it three times for emphasis.

There is no more legitimate and glorious income than this.

If any of you are jealous or feel aggrieved, go catch the Japanese invaders yourself. Whatever you catch is yours. All of it is yours. How much you all put into your pockets...

Beaming with joy.

Dancing for joy.

They have never been so happy.

The point is, looking to the future, everything is rosy. This is just the beginning!

Next, they will capture more Japanese spies. They will seize more silver dollars and more weapons. What's two hundred silver dollars? It's not a problem to save two thousand!

As long as this Wang Dong works hard enough...

Zhang Yong holds two silver dollars and doesn't know what to do with them.

Putting them in the space pocket is out of the question. They take up too much space. These silver dollars are not qualified to enter the space pocket.

If I put it in my pocket, it won't fit.

So I'll just hold it. One in each hand. The banknotes are wrapped in red paper. Holding them in my hands, it feels as if I'm holding the legendary double-flowered red cudgels.

Heh heh. Not bad, I'm now the owner of a pair of double-flowered red cudgels.

In ordinary gangs, those who can hold double-flowered red cudgels are all the best of the best...

'Brother, are there any more Japanese spies?'

'In such a hurry?'

'Of course I'm in a hurry! This isn't...'

Pang Yu looked around, lowered his voice and said quietly, 'If we catch a few more, I'll have enough money to marry a wife.'

'Ah, you still need to worry about getting married!' Zhang Yong couldn't help but laugh.

You seem to have forgotten that you are a second-generation official.

Your father is a division commander!

Even if you mess up in the future, you will still be a warlord.

How could you not have a wife?

'I told my mother that I want to marry a wife on my own.'

'This...'

Zhang Yong hesitated.

This seems a bit difficult. What abilities do you have?

Eating, drinking, defecating and urinating? That doesn't seem to count.

Other abilities seem to be so-so. Maybe they're not as good as mine.

If you want to marry the person you like with your own abilities, it's really quite difficult. It's so much better to lie down.

Look at me, I'm much smarter.

I don't even have a person I like.

As long as she's beautiful, I like her. But I'm not marrying any of them, haha...

'Here they come!'

'Here they come!'

Suddenly, the sound of hooves came rapidly.

Zhang Yong looked curiously at the end of the alley. Cavalry? What's going on? Whose cavalry is it?

Oh, it must be the 29th Army's.

At this moment in Beiping, only the 29th Army's cavalry can move freely!

The Japanese invaders are not yet arrogant enough to do that.

Although there are Japanese garrisons outside Fengtai and Wuanping,

That said, the 29th Army does have a lot of cavalry. There are seven or eight regiments, I think. They are organised into three cavalry brigades. I don't know the exact number of troops. But there must be at least 5,000. I just don't know how effective they are.

The Japanese cavalry is very elite. It is also very effective. It is truly an aristocratic force.

How many Japanese cavalry troops were there? 100,000?

Yes. Around 100,000.

The 44-type rifle was produced in quantities of around 100,000.

Basically, only the Japanese cavalry were equipped with this aristocratic rifle.

It seems that Kuribayashi Chūdō, who stubbornly defended Iwo Jima, is now the brigade commander of a certain Japanese cavalry brigade. It seems that they are stationed just outside the Great Wall.

'Lao Gao!'

'Erbao!'

'Don't call me Erbao...'

'So, Pang Yu?'

The one leading the cavalry was a dark-skinned man.

Really dark. From head to toe. Not the kind of dark you get from Africa, of course. It was the dark from years of being out in the field, exposed to the sun. Most of the cavalry were like that. Definitely not white and clean.

The man was also very tall. It didn't feel like a cavalryman. More like a machine gunner. I'm worried about his horse.

Fortunately, the red war horse under his crotch is also very burly. It is even more burly than its owner. After looking at it a few more times, Zhang Yong felt relieved.

Looking at the other cavalrymen, they were also very strong men. They looked very energetic. Unfortunately, their weapons were a bit of a drag. There weren't enough lances. Many people were carrying their regular rifles.

Alas, at this time, if only there were AK-47s.

The AK-47 is absolutely the perfect weapon for long-range raids when paired with cavalry troops! How many Japanese invaders can withstand it?

I wonder if there are any AKs after the system is activated?

Are there any RPGs?

Are there any 107 rocket launchers?

I'm daydreaming...

I can't help myself...

'Colonel Gao, why are you here?'

'By order of Commander Pang, I've come to collect the weapons and equipment. Where are they?'

'Here, here!'

Pang Yu hurriedly took the lead.

That's a relief. It's good to have your own father's men come quickly.

Sending out the cavalry was absolutely the right decision.

If we had sent out the infantry, they would have arrived too late.

Without a doubt, first remove the 82-mm mortars and the shells. Move them all away.

These are the best treasures. Not a single one should be left behind.

'Damn, they actually hid so many shells...'

'Tsk tsk...'

'You guys are really good, you've managed to get all of this out.'

'Impressive...'

Colonel Gao was full of praise.

There was nothing else he liked more than large-calibre shells.

The barrels of the Type 82 mortars were not too difficult to make on his own. But the shells were another matter. You couldn't even buy them.

That made each shell very precious.

The 29th Army was now in an awkward position. Outside the Great Wall were the Japanese cavalry. The Japanese had taken control of the Mongolian grasslands. Cutting off the 29th Army's contact with the north.

To the east were the Japanese, also cutting off the 29th Army's contact with the outside world. Shanhaiguan and Bohai Bay were all blocked.

To the south was Chiang Kai-shek, who could not possibly provide assistance to the 29th Army.

To the west was Yan Xishan, also hostile towards the 29th Army.

In other words, at this moment in time, the 29th Army was actually surrounded. Weapons and supplies from the outside world could not be imported smoothly.

Even bullets were running low. There was no way to replenish them.

The Pingjin area itself had no arsenal. There was no way to produce any weapons or ammunition.

This was a very fatal point.

It was also the fundamental reason why the 29th Army was unable to defend Pingjin later.

'Take it all!'

'Take it all!'

All the shells and mortars were quickly loaded onto horses. There were spare horses.

Soon after, mules pulling carts arrived. So more things could be loaded.

They came quickly. They left just as quickly. They left in a great hurry.

Just as they were leaving...

'Dada da...'

'Dada da...'

Suddenly, there was the sound of hoofbeats again.

Zhang Yong looked up in confusion. He thought that another troop was trying to get a share of the loot.

Unfortunately, they were too late.

But it's okay, as long as I'm here, Zhang Yong, I'll make sure that we get more weapons and ammunition.

'It's General Tong!'

'The military commander is here!'

someone whispered.

Zhang Yong's mind twitched. Could it be that Tong Linge has arrived?

Sure enough, soon afterwards, a group of cavalrymen appeared, escorting a senior military officer. The insignia on his collar bore two golden stars.

It was him.

Tong Linge.

Currently the deputy commander of the 29th Army. In charge of all military affairs.

Zhang Yong silently observed the other party.

Tong Linge, national hero, anti-Japanese hero. Held out at Nanyuan, tragically sacrificed. Posthumously promoted to field marshal.

He once served as the acting commander of the 29th Army. When Song Zheyuan was 'ill', he was in charge of all military affairs. He also ordered a resolute resistance to the July 7th Incident.

Zhang Yong didn't expect to see Tong Linge here.

He was the deputy commander of the 29th Army, but he actually came here in person?

Did Iron Mask Buddha call him?

"Commander!'

'Commander!'

Everyone stood at attention and saluted.

Zhang Yong also stood to attention and saluted. But he deliberately hid in the crowd.

He was afraid of being exposed.

He absolutely could not be exposed now. He could only hide behind the scenes.

Once the Japanese knew that Wang Dong was Zhang Yong, they would definitely try every means to sow discord.

At that time, it might cause some unnecessary trouble.

'Commander, this way please!'

Pang Yu took Tong Linge to inspect the captured weapons.

When he saw the three 82mm mortars and the full crates of shells, Tong Linge's face turned pale.

The Japanese were really getting out of hand!

They had actually hidden so many weapons in the city. Their ambition to dominate was clear for all to see.

Fortunately, they had been discovered in time. Otherwise, just these mortars alone would have caused extremely serious chaos in the army. It would also have caused panic in the city.

In addition, there was a very fatal problem. Namely, how were these weapons transported in?

Without the cooperation of a traitor, that would be absolutely impossible.

This again involves the question of the peace faction.

And the peace faction and pro-Japanese faction in Beiping are both very powerful.

These people, nominally in order to avoid war and for the sake of the common people, actually want to be traitors. They want to surrender to the Japanese.

'Pang Yu!'

'Here!'

'Continue investigating! You must find out the ins and outs of the weapons!'

'Yes!'

Pang Yu secretly groaned.

This seems to offend a lot of people! Really.

Pang Yu is also well aware of the situation in Beiping. It's very bad. Many people secretly work for the Japanese.

Sometimes, it even feels like surrender is the mainstream.

There are really too many people who are being lured by the Japanese invaders. Many of them are in high positions of power. Or are wealthy.

Even some of the officers of the 29th Army are included.

Wang Kemin, Yin Rugeng, and Jiang Chaozong are the big traitors, needless to say. There are also many small traitors below them. Almost all of them are unabashed. They all call the Japanese their father. However, Song Junzhang did not dare to deal with them. He was worried that if he dealt with these people, it would cause the Japanese to turn their backs on him. And then trigger war.

Alas, it was a dilemma...

He quietly watched Wang Dong.

Wang Dong nodded. It meant it was okay. Just say yes.

It was necessary to investigate anyway. It was the same whether you were investigating Japanese spies or traitors. Once you had found conclusive evidence, deal with them on the spot.

He didn't have the same concerns as Song Zheyuan.

As long as they were Japanese spies, there was no question about it, just kill them!

The Japanese invaders' ambition to invade China could not be changed. War was inevitable. It didn't matter if it broke out sooner or later. It would have no substantial impact on the development of history as a whole. It would just be a change in some numbers.

For example, if the 29th Army had made preparations early and stocked up on ammunition, it could have inflicted heavier casualties on the Japanese invaders.

However, it was impossible to hold Pingjin.

The strength of the two sides was completely different. The level of the war was even different.

The 29th Army was purely an army, and there were not even many field guns. At best, there were some 75mm mountain guns. There were not many shells either.

The Japanese invaders, on the other hand, had a trinity of land, sea and air forces. They had planes, tanks, warships and heavy artillery. The two sides were simply not on the same level.

Tong Linge saw Wang Dong.

He also saw the eye contact between Zhang Yong and Pang Yu.

'You, come out here!'

Tong Linge pointed his finger at Zhang Yong.

Zhang Yong: ?

Ah? Calling me?

Oh, what's he calling me out here for?

"Yes!'

He answered with a stiff upper lip.

Then he walked quickly out.

He came to Tong Linge's side and stood at attention.

'You were in the army?'

'No.'

'Your salute is pretty standard.'

'I learned it from someone.'

'Who?'

'Some old soldiers who had wandered from the northeast.'

'Oh...'

Tong Linge didn't ask any further.

He obviously didn't want to mention the heavy topic of the army from the northeast.

Sigh...

'What were you communicating with Pang Yu about just now?'

'I...'

'Tell me the truth.'

'Reporting to the military commander, I will catch the Japanese spies.'

'What?'

'Military commander, what I mean is that I am good at catching Japanese spies. As long as we catch the Japanese spies, we should be able to find out where the weapons and ammunition come from. We may even find more weapons and ammunition. I suspect that the Japanese invaders are hiding weapons and ammunition in more than one place in Beiping. The amount cannot be just this much.'

'Oh? You are very experienced at dealing with Japanese spies?'

'Indeed. I'm good at catching Japanese spies,'

Zhang Yong repeated emphatically.

There was no need to hide this. Because this was his forte.

No matter when or where, this forte would be displayed without any reservation. There was no way to hide it. And he didn't want to hide it either.

It was his bread and butter, so why hide it?

"Pang Yu!'

'Here!'

Pang Yu hurriedly came up.

He also stood at attention and saluted.

'Is what he said true?'

'Reporting to the military commander, all the Japanese spies were discovered by Wang Dong. He is responsible for identification, and we are responsible for arresting them.'

'Your name is Wang Dong?'

'Yes. My name is Wang Dong. I am from Yangliuqing, Tianjin. I still have an 80-year-old mother at home...'

'You don't need to be nervous. I am praising you.'

'Thank you, military commander!'

'Since you are good at catching Japanese spies, then go ahead and catch them all! I will award you a medal if you catch all the Japanese spies!'

'Yes!'

'Come here!'

'Yes!'

Zhang Yong walked steadily forward.

He saw Tong Lingge pull a short sword from his waist.

Zhang Yong: ?

What's going on?

A short sword?

What's it for?

To give himself a sword?

That's not it...

'This short sword has been with me since the Xinhai Revolution. Now I'm giving it to you. If you encounter any problems, just pull the sword out and show it to the person. Say that I gave it to you.'

'Yes.'

Zhang Yong took the sword with both hands.

This guy is something. A real big shot.

This is a show of support without any reservations!

If the other person still doesn't get the message when you pull out this short sword, then there's no choice but to go through with it.

Either you die.

Or I die.

There's no other choice.

'Thank you!'

'Pang Yu, pay attention to protecting Wang Dong's safety. He is the key person.'

'Yes.'

'Be especially careful during breaks, and don't let the Japanese take advantage of the situation.'

'This...'

Pang Yu was at a loss.

Of course there was no problem when they were in action.

But if there was no action, and Wang Dong needed to rest, it would be difficult for you to do anything!

Right, he doesn't even know where Wang Dong lives...

'I'm new to Beiping and don't have a place to stay. How about I temporarily stay with Zhao Guanglin?'

'That's fine. Zhao Guanglin will be responsible for protecting you full-time. I'll make other arrangements...'

'No need. Zhao Guanglin is enough.'

'He's just one man...'

Pang Yu hesitated.

He had little faith in Zhao Guanglin.

Zhao Guanglin's strength was not in combat. He would be no match for an enemy.

The Red Army was made up of ordinary people, not immortals. They didn't have steel bodies. They didn't have the skills of Yan Shuangying. They would be in danger against an enemy with superior forces.

'Come live with me!'

At that moment, someone spoke up.

Then everyone else shut up immediately. Including Zhang Yong.

Tong Linge also nodded. It was a very appropriate suggestion.

The one who spoke was Tong Zhongting.

Iron Mask Buddha.

He was strong and had an air of invincibility, so of course he was capable of protecting Wang Dong's safety.

Pang Yu naturally couldn't ask for anything more.

Zhang Yong felt that this was fine. He didn't have confidence in Zhao Guanglin either.

He told Zhao Guanglin to find more people, but the guy just wouldn't do it. If the Japanese attack, Zhao Guanglin definitely won't be able to hold them off.

'Zhao Guanglin, you come too!' Tong Zhongting continued.

Zhao Guanglin: ?

He wanted to say something, but stopped.

In the end, he answered, 'Yes.'

Whatever the Iron Mask Buddha says goes. You have to listen. Otherwise, the consequences will be serious.

'That's it!'

'Do a good job. Dig out all the Japanese invaders!'

Tong Lingge encouraged everyone.

Then, a gust of wind blew him away.

Zhang Yong silently looked at the short sword in his hand. It seemed to be a few years old. The tip was chipped. The handle was also covered in patina.

It didn't seem to be the Zhongzheng Sword, did it?

Was there a Zhongzheng Sword at this time? It should not have been.

Besides, the Zhongzheng Sword could not have been awarded to the 29th Army! It would be good if Chiang Kai-shek didn't eliminate the 29th Army.

In fact, after the 29th Army later disintegrated, the generals under its command all became second-rate. Feng Zhi'an, Liu Ruming and the like were all figures on the sidelines.

However, a gentleman's revenge is never late. At the time when Chiang Kai-shek needed it most, these two men caused trouble.

One was a general under his command who rebelled. The other was ineffective in attacking.

The former could never have claimed to be completely unaware of the uprising. Most likely, he knew about it but didn't care. After all, it was Chiang who was being screwed over, and he was happy about it.

Liu Ruming was even worse. By the time they reached the Huaihai battlefield, who still wanted to work for Chiang? Naturally, they worked half-heartedly, just trying to preserve their strength.

If Chiang had had more Huang Baitaos, he wouldn't have fallen so quickly.

Unfortunately, there was only one Huang Baitao.

It's just too much to hope for...

How could it be the Zhongzheng Sword?

General Tong had made it clear that it was a testament to the Xinhai Revolution.

It was far more impressive than the Zhongzheng Sword.

'Wang Dong, what do we do next?'

'Separate the living Japanese spies for interrogation and see what information we can get out of them.'

'Good!'

Pang Yu went to make the arrangements.

Zhang Yong continued to ponder the short sword. There was no one else around.

Tong Zhongting suddenly came over, stared at Zhang Yong, and said in a deep voice:

"You are Zhang Yong!'

'I'm not...'

Zhang Yong answered reflexively.

Then he realised that his denial was naive.

How could he possibly hide it from Iron Mask?

But he didn't panic.

'I'm Zhang Yong. What's the problem? Do you need a Wang Dong right now? Or do you need a Zhang Yong?'

'I am,' he simply admitted.

Then he heard Iron Mask raise his voice, "Lao Zhao, find someone from your side to help him tidy up.'

'Yes!" Zhao Guanglin answered very seriously.

Zhang Yong suddenly realised that something was wrong.

Huh? Tong Zhongting knew that Zhao Guanglin was a member of the Red Party?

Oh, there were representatives of the Red Party in the 29th Army before.

Although they don't appear in public now, the 29th Army still has a good relationship with the Red Party.

Later, the Eighth Route Army entered North China, and many officers and soldiers of the Northwest Army joined the Eighth Route Army. They became an important source of weapons and soldiers for the Eighth Route Army.

Zhang Dabiao, under Li Yunlong's command, was one of them.

Good.

Good.

With someone covering for him, he was the real Wang Dong.

Even if he was recognised by the Japanese invaders, he could lie with his eyes open. I am Wang Dong. I am not Zhang Yong. You have the wrong person.

Haha!

Haha!