Chapter 31: The Troops Acquire Infantry Guns for the First Time (2)

Upon realizing a strategic opportunity, Zhang Yun did not dare to delay, as the small unit of Japanese soldiers had already set out.

Usually, the Japanese Type 92 infantry gun accompanied a battalion or at least a reinforced company; it was rare for a small squad to be equipped with one. This was a golden opportunity to capture enemy artillery that he simply could not miss. With even a single infantry gun, it would be much easier for his recruit platoon to assault enemy strongholds and blockhouses. As a howitzer, the infantry gun was far more destructive to masonry structures than a mortar—one shot could take out a small blockhouse, and a few more could level a small watchtower. As for ammunition, he had not forgotten the stash of shells he had captured earlier; they would come in handy perfectly. Furthermore, he could always use the exchange function of his loot bonus system.

Without further hesitation, Zhang Yun immediately summoned Captain Wang of the county guerrilla force to inquire about the mountain paths to the east of the county seat.

"Although the paths around the county are not easy to traverse, they are well-connected, and there are several paths heading north," said Captain Wang, who lived up to his reputation as a local guerrilla leader, knowing every mountain trail like the back of his hand.

Zhang Yun sketched a rough map, pointing out the enemy's location and their projected route. "Captain Wang, if the Japanese move this way, where can we ambush them?"

"The mountain roads are full of steep slopes and rocky terrain. If it's a small force like this, there are many places to stage an ambush—here, here, and here would all work. But I suggest this spot: the 'Horse-Clamping Path' (Jia Ma Dao). Although it's only about three hundred meters long, the road is hemmed in by two mountains, and the surrounding terrain is rugged and difficult to climb. If they are caught on this stretch with guns aimed at them, they’ll have nowhere to hide," Captain Wang said, pointing to a spot on the map.

"Good. Captain Wang, I just received secret intelligence from the Independent Regiment that another group of Japanese soldiers is circling toward us from the county seat. Please find a local guide familiar with the area to lead us to the Horse-Clamping Path ahead of time so we can ambush them once more!" Zhang Yun felt the infantry gun already beckoning to him.

"No need to look for anyone else, I’ll lead you myself," replied Captain Wang. He had been truly impressed today, seeing the Japanese defeated as easily as catching rabbits, and he didn't want to miss another chance to witness such a feat.

"Excellent, Captain Wang, thank you for the trouble!" Zhang Yun said happily.

"Deputy Platoon Leader, take all of the 1st Platoon, the recruits of the 2nd Platoon, and the militiamen to continue gathering the supplies here, then notify the Independent Regiment to come and collect their share. Zhuzi, take the artillery crew to join the Independent Regiment and keep an eye on the Japanese. 2nd Platoon Leader, take your veterans and follow me, and have the 1st Platoon's machine gunners join us. We’re going to ambush the Japanese again!"

Following Zhang Yun's orders, nearly fifty veterans of the 2nd Platoon assembled, joined by the machine gunners from the 1st Platoon. They quickly followed Zhang Yun along the eastern mountain path toward the south, with Captain Wang and his dozen men leading the way.

Zhang Yun only brought a small force because, according to Captain Wang, the Horse-Clamping Path was treacherous; there were few places for men to hide on the slopes, and the entrances at both ends were narrow, making it difficult to deploy a large force. Although the Japanese squad, including their artillery crew, numbered over sixty men and carried three grenade launchers, Zhang Yun’s force was not to be trifled with. His seventy-plus men were armed with twelve machine guns (including the two just captured and the one intended for the Independent Regiment) and over two hundred grenades. With concentrated machine-gun fire and the precise marksmanship of the veterans, they had enough firepower to handle this group of Japanese soldiers if they planned well.

As Zhang Yun’s team marched rapidly, the recruit platoon’s messenger arrived at the Independent Regiment’s defensive line. He found Commander Kong Jie and relayed Zhang Yun’s message, telling them to collect their share of the loot at the ambush site.

Kong Jie, who had been sitting behind a bunker observing the enemy, brightened up immediately. He hurried back to the command post, sat the messenger down, handed him a cup of water, and asked, "Comrade, how much good stuff is in our share?"

The young messenger counted earnestly: "Forty-three Type 38 rifles, about eighty Hanyang or Zhongzheng rifles, one grenade launcher, over fifty thousand rounds of ammunition, several hundred mountain artillery shells, and several hundred pounds of grain and mule meat."

"So many rifles and bullets! The Japanese transport team was carrying so much supplies! Commander, it's finally the Independent Regiment's turn to strike it rich!" Before Kong Jie could speak, Shen Quan, who was listening nearby, said excitedly, "That recruit platoon is truly our lucky star! Just one battle and they’ve secured so much loot!"

Kong Jie laughed heartily, unable to hide his delight.

The young messenger added proudly, "That’s not even much. Have you ever seen crates of gold and cash, or two entire rooms piled high with shells? We just gave away the captured grain and mule meat killed by the shelling to the villagers; otherwise, those would be piled up like mountains too!"

Kong Jie and Shen Quan swallowed hard, imagining the mountains of meat, as it had been quite a while since they had tasted fresh protein.

Kong Jie kicked Shen Quan, who was listening in a daze, and said, "What are you standing there for? Quickly arrange for a company of soldiers to go back and retrieve the weapons and ammunition so we can re-arm our men. Once we're properly equipped, we’ll give those little devils a proper beating."

Shen Quan walked off with a grin, saying, "Yes, sir! I'll arrange it right away; I'll make sure every last bit is brought back."

Watching Shen Quan lead the soldiers toward the ambush site, Kong Jie remembered Zhang Yun and asked the messenger, "Where did your Platoon Leader Zhang go? Why don't I see him?"

"Our Platoon Leader went to ambush the Japanese again. Maybe he’ll be back with another pile of loot in a little while," the messenger replied cheerfully, not hiding anything from Commander Kong.

"Is this Platoon Leader Zhang really so divinely clever at fighting the Japanese?" Kong Jie fell into deep self-doubt. "Our Independent Regiment has been circling the south side of Heshun County for days without finding any good opportunities. Did Platoon Leader Zhang find another opening? Why didn't I see any opportunities?"

A while later, cheers erupted from the Independent Regiment’s defensive positions. Kong Jie walked out to see Shen Quan and his men returning with stacks of rifles, followed by soldiers carrying crates of ammunition, bags of grain, and several men lugging large horse legs.

With the enemy situation currently unclear, Kong Jie saw no reason to hold back. Soon, the soldiers of the Independent Regiment were issued fifty rounds of ammunition each, and the kitchen staff delivered roasted horse meat and flatbreads. Looking at the heavy, gleaming bullets in their hands, some soldiers beamed with joy, while others began to wipe away tears in secret.

The Independent Regiment was a newly formed unit, not a main force of the brigade. As a "stepchild" unit, they were chronically short of ammunition, and before this, each soldier had been issued only five rounds. Often, the men had to charge into battle with empty rifles to engage the elite Japanese in bayonet combat, and many excellent soldiers had perished in those brutal hand-to-hand fights.

Life in the Eighth Route Army was truly difficult.