Chapter 15: Returning Fully Loaded, Treating the Soldiers to a Feast

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Gazing at the mortar, along with its mount and base, Long Wencheng realized that, at least for the short term, he no longer needed to worry about ammunition. After all, this mortar had previously yielded 160 rounds of shells, and the 4th Battalion of the 189th Regiment itself had brought a considerable supply of mortar shells.

Sure enough, after clearing the battlefield, they discovered another 50 mortar shells. Combined with the earlier stockpile, they now had a total of 210 rounds—enough to last for quite some time.

Besides the mortar, they also captured five Czech-style light machine guns and two Maxim heavy machine guns. Some were damaged, but if Huang Kecheng could use the machine tools for some repairs, they might still be serviceable.

In addition, there were over two hundred Hanyang rifles, ten Lee-Enfield rifles, more than ten box-type guns, five crates of grenades, and over five hundred grenades confiscated from soldiers.

There was also some explosives, detonators, fuses, and over a hundred steel helmets.

The steel helmets came in mainly two types: one was the British-style Tony helmet imported directly from France, and the other was the “Mountain Bamboo Helmet,” also called the “Plum Blossom Helmet,” which was a local imitation by the Guangxi Army.

There was also a German M35 steel helmet, worn by Xue Yu. Unfortunately, it did not protect him from the bullet fired by Long Wencheng.

“That’s a beautiful helmet,” Xiao Shitou said as he gently stroked the helmet.

Long Wencheng held the M35 helmet in his hands and placed it on Xiao Shitou’s head.

“This is a German-made M35 steel helmet. It’s expensive but of superior quality—capable of stopping some pistol bullets.”

“You’re giving it to me, Commander?”

“Yes, it’s yours.”

Long Wencheng chuckled. “You’ve done well as Wen Song’s assistant gunner. Make sure you learn more from him about artillery, understand?”

Xiao Shitou pouted. “He’s a prisoner. Why should I learn from him?”

Before he finished speaking, Long Wencheng tapped his finger against the helmet.

“Comrade Shitou, haven’t you heard of dialectical learning? If we don’t learn from the enemy’s strengths, we’ll suffer great losses on the battlefield. Besides, if Wen Song ever escapes, who on our regiment will know how to operate those two cannons?”

Xiao Shitou’s eyes brightened at the reprimand.

“Heh heh heh, Commander, I’ll learn. I’m really fast at picking things up, not bragging.”

He patted his chest with a proud expression.

The battlefield was basically cleared. This time, they gained a bountiful haul—not only a large amount of ammunition and a mortar, but also newly captured light and heavy machine guns. The firepower of the 18th Regiment was significantly enhanced.

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At present, they had sixteen light machine guns, eight heavy machine guns, and forty Maxim guns—some brought by remnants of the 34th Division. As for the Hanyang rifles, box-type guns, and other long and short firearms, including those previously captured, the total exceeded a thousand.

Furthermore, they had one 81mm mortar (with 210 rounds of ammunition) and one 37mm Schneider direct-fire cannon (with 29 rounds). Their supply of grenades and other munitions was also ample.

By the time the battlefield was fully cleared, dawn was breaking. Long Wencheng led his soldiers along a narrow path, marching rapidly toward Longsheng County.

The 189th Regiment, with over thirteen hundred soldiers under Lei Laogou’s command, only learned at noon that the 4th Battalion behind them had been completely annihilated.

The logistics battalion also suffered heavy losses, managing to regroup only a few dozen soldiers, but their supplies had been almost entirely looted.

Especially their rations and ammunition—there wasn’t a single grain left. Even some daily necessities were burned, leaving nothing for them.

Filled with rage, Lei Laogou swung his arm and slapped the soldier who had returned with the news.

The communication soldier’s cheeks swelled red from the blows before Lei Laogou regained some composure.

“Wait until I catch up to you—I’ll tear you all apart, leave no one alive!”

His adjutant, Hu Biao, tried to reason with him.

“Commander, shouldn’t we wait for the rear units? With the logistics battalion looted, our own carried rations can only last three days at most. After that, the troops will starve. We can’t continue pursuing the Red Army on empty stomachs.”

Lei Laogou shot him a glare.

“My brother’s great vengeance remains unfulfilled. You dare suggest abandoning the pursuit?”

Hu Biao trembled in fear and hurried to explain.

“Commander, that’s not what I meant. I meant that after the reinforcements arrive, we’ll have a better chance.”

Before he finished, Lei Laogou slapped him again.

“I’ll wait for your grandmother’s leg! Those Red Army devils run like the wind—waiting is pointless. Keep pursuing! I’ll figure out the food supply.”

As he spoke, an idea had already taken shape in his mind.

If they pressed forward to Longsheng County, whether the local landlords and wealthy families came to offer supplies or they resorted to seizing them directly, they would gain substantial replenishments.

That afternoon, southwest of Longsheng County, several units finally completed their rendezvous.

Seeing the numerous mules and carts piled high with supplies, the soldiers couldn’t help but smile with joy.

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Long Wencheng decided to let the soldiers indulge a little, ordering the cooks to steam white flour buns for the troops and bringing out the confiscated cured meats, smoked ham, and sausages to treat the soldiers to some meat.

During the march, the soldiers had mostly eaten bean cakes and stir-fried noodles.

Of course, this “stir-fried noodles” wasn’t the kind sold by street vendors outside schools in later generations, but a true stir-fried dough—white flour fried and eaten dry, washed down with water.

Even in later battles like the Chosin Reservoir and Triangle Hill, this stir-fried dough was an important marching ration.

At that time, soldiers had no access to compressed biscuits or self-heating rations. Having a proper meal was already a blessing.

As the pot was heated with oil and the cured meats and sausages began to release their aroma, many soldiers gathered near the pot, eagerly flattering the cooks.

“Serve me extra later, Squad Leader Ma.”

“Xiao Liu, I always take care of you. Make sure to cut me extra slices of that smoked ham.”

…

While the soldiers waited for the meal, Long Wencheng sought out Huang Kecheng, the former factory director of the military arsenal.

“Old Huang, take a look at these two machine guns—can they be repaired?”

Long Wencheng said, pointing to the two machine guns brought over.

One was a Maxim heavy machine gun with a broken tripod, and the other was a Czech light machine gun with a shattered stock.

Huang Kecheng glanced over and said, “These two are simple cases. I can get some materials and machine parts; they should barely be usable after repair.”

Long Wencheng was delighted and quickly said, “Alright, Old Huang, you and the men at the arsenal work overtime tonight to fix these two machine guns. Our firepower will definitely increase considerably.”

As they spoke, Tian Lixin hobbled over.

“Commander, I have something to report.”