Chapter 20: The Communicator Rings

On the second day, a winter snow descended in soft, swirling flakes, blanketing the world in pristine white and bringing a hushed stillness to all things.

News from town confirmed that the little devils’ encirclement had once again ended in failure; one could already see the Japanese troops and puppet soldiers retreating to their respective garrisons. Furthermore, word spread that the Eighth Route Army had killed a regimental commander, sparking excited chatter throughout the town. Comparing this to the nearby Jin-Sui Army and Central Army, the people could not help but feel a profound sense of disappointment at their utter indifference and inaction. The common folk did not understand high politics; they only knew that these people had once again stood idly by while the invaders ravaged their homes.

With the heavy snow blocking the roads, it would likely be some time before Lin Jiatu could return. Xu Gaoxiang opened his platform, pondering which light and heavy machine guns would be best for Li Yunlong. With fifteen hundred silver dollars, after deducting the cost of one hundred rifles, he could still afford six light machine guns and two heavy machine guns.

While Xu Gaoxiang was busy making his selections, Li Yunlong and his New First Regiment finally arrived at the defensive zone designated by headquarters. After settling the soldiers in, Li Yunlong sat in the crude regimental headquarters, waiting for Zhang Dabiao to report on the regiment’s casualties and remaining supplies.

"Speak up. What were our casualties this time?"

Zhang Dabiao’s tone was heavy. "The First Battalion suffered 189 casualties, with 65 wounded—some light, some severe—and three platoon-level officers killed. The Second Battalion had 106 casualties, with 72 wounded and two platoon-level officers killed. The Third Battalion had 93 casualties, with 43 wounded and one company-level officer killed. The communications squad..."

Li Yunlong interrupted him, his face wincing in pain. "Stop, stop, stop! Just give me the total! I’ve taken a massive hit this time!"

Zhang Dabiao took a deep breath. "The total casualties for the regiment are 410, with 182 wounded. As for equipment, we have 934 rifles left, 17 light machine guns, two heavy machine guns, two mortars, over three thousand rounds of rifle ammunition, over one thousand rounds of machine gun ammunition, and six mortar shells. The flares were not used, and our hand grenades are basically depleted."

Hearing the report, Li Yunlong felt a sharp ache in his teeth. The reserves he had painstakingly built up had been nearly exhausted in this single engagement.

"Fine. Send the casualty report to the brigade headquarters."

There is always loss with gain. Though the casualties were heavy, the regiment’s morale had soared after this battle. With some time to develop, they would once again be a formidable main-force unit. Moreover, the enemy had suffered significant losses, and having blown up Sakata’s command post with a single shell, the sacrifice was entirely acceptable.

"Hmph! If only the gear in my hands were a bit better!" Li Yunlong mused with smug satisfaction. It seemed that if it weren't for a shortage of manpower, he might have tried to wipe out the entire Sakata Regiment.

Speaking of gear, Li Yunlong thought of Brother Xu; he still had the equipment for an reinforced company coming! Li Yunlong reached into his pocket and touched the square communicator, feeling instantly at ease. "Haha, wait two more days, until the roads are easier to travel, and I'll have Brother Xu send those weapons over immediately!"

"I wonder how many silver dollars this colonel’s command sword is worth?" Li Yunlong looked at the falling snow outside the window. "A timely snow promises a good harvest! Haha!"

With the mountain passes blocked by snow, the Japanese would likely not make any major moves for the time being. Finding himself with some free time, Li Yunlong sat cross-legged on the kang in the regimental headquarters, cracking melon seeds while deep in thought. He was considering that once each battalion and company had recovered its strength, he would select a group of elite soldiers to form a direct-command reinforced company. "Then, I’ll use these command swords to trade for weapons with Brother Xu, and gradually re-equip the First, Second, and Third Battalions! I’ll also expand by recruiting from the local district squads, county brigades, and other militia organizations!"

As he contemplated his plan, a broad grin spread across Li Yunlong’s face. "Heh heh, when that time comes, the New First Regiment will truly be a first-class main-force unit! It’ll be marvelous! Hahaha..."

"I’d better trade with Brother Xu for a few mountain guns. Then, those nearby Japanese strongholds will be ours to take whenever we please!"

Li Yunlong had already begun setting his sights on the Japanese in the county town. As long as he launched a major operation, he was sure to lure them out. And when the Japanese from the county seat mobilized, it would be at least a full company. Wouldn't that mean more command swords? Even if they were only lieutenant-grade, every little bit counted! As long as he set his ambush well, with the firepower of a reinforced company, he could launch a swift, decisive strike. With just one battalion of troops, he could end a battle in no time. Li Yunlong wasn't greedy; if he could just do this a few times, the small gains would add up, and re-equipping the entire regiment wouldn't just be a dream!

A few days later, back at the Qingfu Restaurant, Xu Gaoxiang, having completed his first transaction with the Hexingju, was dining with the three proprietors. "I thank you all for your kindness, but I am afraid I have reached my limit with the wine. Please..."

Just as Xu Gaoxiang was about to politely decline their offers of more drinks, the communicator he carried close to his body began to vibrate. After apologizing to the group and citing a desire to rest early, he took his leave.

Back in his room, Xu Gaoxiang had Jushi and Arnold guard the door before taking out the communicator and pressing play. Li Yunlong’s enthusiastic, booming voice immediately rang out: "Brother Xu, is everything well! Hahaha!"

Xu Gaoxiang couldn't help but chuckle. It was rare for Li Yunlong not to ask about weapons right away; the man was actually trying to be subtle. He quickly replied, knowing full well that Li Yunlong was likely staring at the device, waiting with bated breath.

As it turned out, Xu Gaoxiang had guessed correctly. Li Yunlong had been fretting, staring at the silent device and muttering, "Don't tell me it's broken? I'll wait a bit longer!"

Suddenly, the device vibrated, the indicator light turned on, and Li Yunlong beamed. "Haha, Brother Xu is truly a man of his word!"

Following the instructions Xu had given him, Li Yunlong pressed play, and Xu Gaoxiang’s voice came through. "Hahaha, congratulations, Brother. I’ve heard that you, Commander Li, killed the regimental commander Sakata! There’s no doubt about it—you’ve done a fine job!"

Li Yunlong laughed heartily and replied, "It was all thanks to the artillery piece you sent, brother. I really must treat you to a drink!"

A moment later, Xu Gaoxiang’s reply came through. "You are too kind. It is your own prowess that matters. I should be the one treating you—as it happens, I have two bottles of excellent Fenjiu!"

Hearing the mention of fine Fenjiu, Li Yunlong smacked his lips. "Haha, that sounds wonderful! My luck is in today!"

Finally reaching the main topic, Xu Gaoxiang asked directly, "Old Li, how about it? Is Sakata’s command sword in your possession?!"

Li Yunlong smiled proudly. "A mere command sword—that was easily taken. And there’s more than one!"

"That’s fantastic. Give me a location and a time, Old Li. I will bring the fine wine and the weapons to pay you a visit, and we shall examine them together, what do you say?"

Listening to Xu Gaoxiang, Li Yunlong checked his current location and scanned his map. "Brother Xu, head toward Qinshui County. Fifty miles west of Gushui Town, there is a village called Xingjia. That is where I am stationed right now!"

"Any time in the near future will work. I, Old Li, am waiting for your visit, Brother Xu!"

Watching the communicator fall silent, Li Yunlong felt exceptionally cheerful. He looked forward to the meeting, tucked the device away, and began to hum a lighthearted tune from the Dabie Mountains.