Chapter 35: Ding Wei Takes Command

"Isn't Li Yunlong full of talent? This is the perfect chance to put his strengths to good use!"

The Division Commander laid out his proposal regarding Li Yunlong. "I suggest we reassign Li Yunlong to the Taiyue Military Sub-district. We will provide some assistance and let him develop his own unit independently."

The Deputy Commander-in-Chief considered this carefully and eventually agreed. "Very well, I agree. Tell me your specific arrangements."

The Division Commander explained the plan he had discussed with the Brigade Commander. "The 386th Brigade will provide a company's worth of core personnel and weaponry to Li Yunlong. We will give him six months to develop and build his unit from the ground up."

The Deputy Commander-in-Chief was taken aback. "Will he be happy with that? Isn't that just a demotion in disguise?"

If not for the other conditions set by Old Chen and the sudden appearance of Li Yunlong's long-lost brother, the Division Commander would have thought it was a disciplinary measure as well.

"Haha, there's more. During this development period, he won't be required to turn over any captured spoils, and unless there are exceptional circumstances, we won't issue him any active orders."

"The most important point is that we aren't giving him a fixed organizational structure. After six months, if Li Yunlong can raise a regiment, he remains a regimental commander. If he can raise a division, who says he can't be a division commander?"

The Deputy Commander-in-Chief raised his chin. "I must say, you have a lot of confidence in Li Yunlong! Where does this conviction come from?"

The Division Commander stopped holding back and revealed that Li Yunlong might have secured a stable source of arms and ammunition.

The Deputy Commander-in-Chief laughed out loud. "Hmph, now that Li Yunlong has lost his 'tightening headband' and gained a 'magic needle' to stabilize the sea, he might just poke a hole in the sky!"

The Division Commander roared with laughter as well. "Hahaha... then it will be the little devils who get a headache!"

"By the way, who should replace him in the New First Regiment?"

The Deputy Commander-in-Chief pondered for a moment, running a mental list of candidates. "How about Ding Wei? He just finished his handover two days ago and is preparing to travel from Central Hebei to Yan'an for studies."

The Division Commander had a good impression of him. "That would work perfectly. Ding Wei is capable, and he’s an old comrade of Li Yunlong’s from the Fourth Front Army."

The Deputy Commander-in-Chief made the call. "Good, I will issue the order to Ding Wei immediately."

And so, Ding Wei followed the original trajectory, taking over as commander of Li Yunlong’s New First Regiment—a stroke of great luck!

Having just passed through Wanjia Town, Ding Wei and his guard were discovered and pursued by a group of puppet cavalry. As they fought while retreating, Ding Wei couldn't help but covet the equipment of that entire battalion of puppet cavalry. Eventually, with the help of a friendly unit, they managed to escape the crisis.

Upon learning that they were from Headquarters, Ding Wei realized that his trip to Yan'an was off. "Well, here we go again!"

Before long, Ding Wei arrived at the Eighth Route Army Headquarters, dusty from his journey. Before entering the cave dwelling, he tidied his uniform and adjusted his belt.

Walking into the cave and passing the busy staff officers, he reached the command room and saw the Deputy Commander-in-Chief and the Deputy Chief of Staff in discussion.

"Report!"

The two leaders looked up and saw Ding Wei saluting.

"Greetings, Commanders! Commander of the 28th Regiment, Ding Wei, reporting for duty as ordered! Please provide instructions!"

The leaders approached him happily. "Haha, Ding Wei!"

"It's been years! You're looking sharper than ever!" The Deputy Commander-in-Chief laughed and gave him a friendly punch. "How about it? Any trouble on the way here?" He knew the journey had been far from peaceful.

"Nothing serious. Ran into a few petty bandits, but I dealt with them," Ding Wei said confidently, brushing off the experience.

The Deputy Commander-in-Chief was pleased with his demeanor, while the Deputy Chief of Staff began to set the stage for the temporary reassignment. "Ding Wei, you've seen the situation on your way here. The enemy, our forces, and the stubborn factions are all interlocked. The situation is extremely complex!"

Ding Wei picked up the thread naturally. "Indeed. The devils, the puppets, the Central Army, the Shanxi-Sui Army, and our base areas—everyone has their own territory."

The Deputy Commander-in-Chief was direct. "Time is short, so let's be brief. I canceled your orders to study in Yan'an. The reason is simple: I lack military officers here. Studies can wait. Especially for the unit you're heading to, picking the right person was difficult, and eventually, we decided on you."

He expressed his full trust in Ding Wei. "Report to the 129th Division immediately. You are appointed as the commander of the New First Regiment!"

Ding Wei immediately realized this was Li Yunlong's regiment. Hadn't he just heard that the kid led the New First Regiment to kill Sakata and won a major victory? It was announced to the whole army. How many days had it been? Was Old Li in trouble again?

"The New First Regiment? Li Yunlong's unit?"

The Deputy Chief of Staff confirmed his suspicion with a nod. "Yes, Li Yunlong's."

"You are old comrades from the Fourth Front Army. That's exactly why we considered you the most suitable candidate."

Ding Wei realized, *That brat Old Li must have stirred up trouble again.*

The Deputy Commander-in-Chief made it clear that Li Yunlong couldn't be coddled. "You were in Central Hebei and don't know the specifics. Li Yunlong earned merit, but he did so by disobeying orders on the battlefield."

"The organization has decided: I've stripped him of his command, and you are to take his place."

"Go to the 129th Division immediately for the handover, and deliver the disciplinary decision to Li Yunlong yourself."

Accepting the orders, Ding Wei said his farewells to the commanders. "Take care, sirs!"

He rode tirelessly to the 129th Division headquarters and met the Division Commander and the 386th Brigade Commander.

They exchanged a smile. "Haha, Ding Wei is here. Let's get the handover done!"

"Ding Wei, don't let the New First Regiment fail under your watch!"

Ding Wei held his head high. "Don't worry, Commander. With me here, it won't collapse!"

The Brigade Commander smiled mysteriously, leaving Ding Wei puzzled. "When you get to the New First Regiment, there might be a surprise waiting for you!"

Ding Wei wondered to himself if Old Li's regiment had some hidden treasure. A mountain gun? The Brigade Commander didn't elaborate, looking as if he were waiting for a good show. "You'll know when you get there. Just be prepared—Li Yunlong might curse you out when he sees you!"

Ding Wei laughed. "Ha, then I'll have to praise him to his face!"

They were old comrades, after all.

Soon after the handover, Ding Wei and his guard traveled over mountains and through ridges until they reached the New First Regiment's station at Xingjia Village. Passing the sentries and entering the village, Ding Wei observed carefully. He watched the soldiers passing by and nodded to himself. "Old Li isn't bad. The men have spirit, and their equipment is decent."

Just then, another group of soldiers passed, and Ding Wei narrowed his eyes, immediately noticing something different.

"What kind of rifle is that? I don't think I've ever seen it before."

It wasn't just the rifles; the soldiers weren't even wearing cartridge belts. Instead, they had pouches attached to their waists!