The sunset on the horizon is bright red, and the reddish light is scattered on the ridges of the Taihang Mountains!
The valley is not a very spacious place, but it is filled with soldiers wearing gray military uniforms sitting cross-legged.
There was no peace and quiet. The soldiers were chatting with their comrades around them and waving to their familiar comrades not far away. There were even soldiers who were so happy that they strode over to shake hands, hug and laugh with their comrades. The atmosphere was intense.
It doesn't work.
The mature and solemn sergeant squad leaders smiled and distributed the Japanese cigarettes in their pockets that had just been distributed by their superiors to the young comrades without any distress, while most of them smoked their own cigarette pots.
The ensigns, lieutenants and other officers who were sitting with the soldiers did not look serious as usual and warned the soldiers not to get too carried away. Instead, like their soldiers, when they saw old comrades passing by, they gave them a warm greeting without hesitation.
Embrace.
Because this is the celebration banquet of the 683rd Brigade, a night that belongs to the victors and soldiers who have gone through bloody battles. Laughter and hugs are essential ingredients.
Even though the celebration banquet was a bit crude, there were no tables, chairs, benches, or even bowls and plates. In front of everyone, there was a washed Japanese-style steel helmet. The lining of the helmet was temporarily removed, which was the bowl they would use to eat today.
It is also their new personal equipment starting tonight.
In the two battles of Shentouling and Beiganling, a total of more than 3,300 Japanese-style steel helmets were seized. Commander Tang of the Fourth Army Regiment was very generous. Knowing that the entire 683 brigade had almost no helmets, he left all the Japanese-style steel helmets seized.
Not only that, the 683rd Brigade and the 769th Regiment even sent 1,200 more helmets from the helmets they seized from Licheng. The total number of helmets that could be distributed by the entire 683rd Brigade suddenly increased to 5,500.
Brigadier Cheng gave 1,500 caps to the 769th Regiment, one of the first contributors to the battle, on the spot, leaving 4,000 caps for his three infantry regiments, which was basically enough for all the front-line infantry.
I heard that the reason why Commander Tang took the initiative to give the 1,200 helmets to the 683 Brigade was because the 3,300 helmets were to be distributed to the four infantry regiments participating in the war. That was naturally not enough. With the 683 Brigade
Based on the opinions of the brigade commanders, the helmets were distributed to the frontline infantry, and all officers above the platoon commander and auxiliary troops were not equipped with them.
This kind of thinking is actually very common in the 80th Group Army. When the battle situation cannot be opened, many battalion and regiment commanders often wave their hands: follow me! It is this kind of thinking that the officers and soldiers of the 80th Group work together as one.
Unity is second to none among the Chinese military.
But Tang Dao knew that this was also a double-edged sword. The cohesion between officers and soldiers was greatly increased, but the casualty rate of officers was also increased.
Not to mention the distant future, just talk about the current backbone regiment and battalion commanders of the 683 Brigade. They could have become the backbone of the Chinese army in the future like their comrades, but unfortunately, they died early on the battlefield.
.
Especially the young leader of the 772 regiment, whom Tang Dao had not yet met, died accidentally because of a stray bullet in his head! And if he had a helmet, the stray bullet would most likely not have taken away his young life.
of.
The Si Xing Regiment came all the way from Songhu and killed thousands of Japanese invaders. In the battles of Laojinkeng and Bihe, they completely annihilated the Japanese troops of two infantry regiments. Steel helmets would have been available to everyone. If
The head of a dog other than 'Hammer' is not suitable. Maybe 'Hammer' will become the first dog in China to wear a steel helmet.
Therefore, Tang Dao made a prompt decision and took out 1,200 steel helmets from the seizure in Licheng. His only request was that as long as the officers and soldiers of the 683 brigade are on the frontline battlefield, no matter they are the brigade commander, regiment commander, or battalion commander, they must wear steel helmets.
And asked Brigadier Cheng to write this into the military regulations of the 683 Brigade. Anyone who does not wear a helmet will be penalized with a demerit.
Otherwise, the Four Troops will have the right to take back these helmets.
They have already done this as a friendly force. What else can Brigadier Cheng say? Naturally, he can only agree. He has always disliked using the chief's privileges and even gave special approval to himself and several other brigade officers.
A steel helmet.
Of course, although these helmets were distributed to each regiment and battalion as the first batch of trophies, the iconic five-pointed stars of the Japanese army are still on the helmets. During this period, they will be recycled in company units for new colors.
Painting.
I heard that it was Commander Tang who suggested that not only the color should be painted into a new matte dark green, but also the camouflage net wrapped on the lining and helmet should be customized. The mesh would be smaller and the material would be tougher.
It can also be disassembled into ropes for use at critical moments.
Inserting branches on the body for camouflage is the most familiar trick of the Eightyth Army. However, the original cloth military cap can only protect against mosquitoes in addition to the military appearance. Unexpectedly, Tang Tuanzuo has so many tricks, just use a steel helmet.
There was so much fun to be had.
Okay! Even the use of steel helmets as bowls for today’s celebration banquet was actually the result of Tang Tuanzuo’s casual remark. Otherwise, no matter how powerful the personnel of the 683 Brigade Headquarters were, they would not be able to host such a banquet for thousands of people.
There are so many bowls coming out.
As for tachyons, it's too simple. The most indispensable thing in the mountains is trees and bamboos. The more rough ones are to break off two branches, which are about the same length and thickness. The more delicate ones are to use a bayonet to peel off the bark and transform it more easily.
That’s it.
The bowls of food are basically provided by the officers and soldiers themselves. The brigade headquarters responsible for the celebration banquet only needs to provide food and drinks.
The officers and soldiers may have been worried about those core items before, but since each person came back carrying at least 30 kilograms of grain, they no longer have such worries.
I heard that the division chief is coming again. At this level, today is white flour steamed buns with broth!
It was a big win, and I felt good. In addition, when I thought about eating steamed buns and meat, which were good things I hadn’t eaten in nearly half a year, how could the atmosphere not be so lively!
When the sun was about to set and only a little bit of it was exposed, and the sky began to darken, all the soldiers who had already entered the scene lit the bonfires they had built!
Around the small mountain village where the 683rd Brigade is stationed, the bonfires on the mountain and down the mountain were lit up one by one. If someone stood on the top of the mountain at this time, they would see such a strange scene: the mountain was about to fall into darkness, and suddenly,
It was like coming alive, until the end, the mountains were shining with light, like stars in the sky!
In the exact words recorded in his diary by a reporter from Tantai University who happened to look back at this scene at this time: The oldest mountains and rivers in China are right in front of my eyes, lit up by the stars! The laughter of young soldiers keeps coming to my ears.
, at that moment I firmly believed that the darkness that the brutal invaders had shrouded China would eventually be torn apart by these outstanding and brave young people with the light of their lives!
Sooner or later, my country and nation, and my compatriots, will one day laugh like these fearless young soldiers under the starlight!
This is just the prologue!
"This scene is so beautiful!" Tantai Mingyue said softly to Tang Dao standing next to her.
Tang Dao, who also looked back at all this, seemed to have stars flashing in his eyes, and said in a respectful tone: "They are the cutest people of this era!"
Quietly, he reached out and took Tantai Mingyue's hand and shook it gently, "You too! Thank you!"
Tantai Mingyue's face suddenly turned red.
It's not that there are a group of senior officers led by Brigadier Cheng around, but Tang Dao has never expressed his emotions to her in such a serious manner. Her intuition tells her that this does not involve any relationship between men and women.
It is an emotion between comrades.
Maybe not so sweet, but extremely sincere!
"That's what I should do. Brigadier Cheng, you and all the officers and soldiers fighting on the front line are the most worthy of people's gratitude!" Tantai Mingyue responded in a low voice.
Tantai Mingyue did not understand Tang Dao this time.
Perhaps, until Tang Dao continues to keep his secret, no one in this world will understand his mood at this time.
Tantai Mingyue is undoubtedly emotional. When she wrote this text, it was more of a hope for the future.
For the Chinese military and civilians at this time, they are actually more hesitant and fearful!
It has been half a year since the all-out war with the Japanese invaders began, but during this half-year, the northern battlefield was completely defeated, and all of North China fell; most of Shanxi Province, which is connected to the northwest and central China, fell; and the Battle of Songhu, which invested 700,000 elites from across the country, failed;
The capital Jinling fell; the battle of Xuzhou, which again deployed heavy troops, fell into a stalemate...
From top to bottom, countless Chinese people face this dilemma and can't help but think about one question: Can we really win this war?
We can't win! No matter in terms of national strength or military strength, China and Japan are not on the same level at this time. More and more Chinese people clearly realize this.
Therefore, not only did many people in the Japanese-occupied areas choose to grovel, but many self-proclaimed elites in the cities still under the control of their own army chose to actively lean towards the Japanese.
For this reason, some people have even thought of an "incomparably great" excuse for themselves: for the continuation of the Chinese nation!
In response to this, Tang Dao, who was standing with Tantai Mingyue and looking back at the stars and mountains, had only eight words to say: Shameless! No Bilian!
Looking at the mountains lit by bonfires and the bright moon in Tantai, he had beautiful hopes, but Tang Dao, who stared at the mountains in front of him, only had respect in his heart.
Yes, apart from respect, no other words can express his emotions at this time.
As a little butterfly from the future, Tang Dao knows where the wheel of history will go. All his efforts and struggles are because he knows the ending of history, and China will win! But the sound of horse hooves can be heard behind him, around him and even in the distance.
What about these soldiers?
They are in the dark and don’t know!
Faced with failure, faced with failure again and again, faced with an enemy so powerful that it is almost impossible to defeat, will they hesitate and hesitate?
Of course, it is an inherent emotion in human nature.
But they chose to persevere, and they chose to persevere without looking back even if they hit the wall, even though they knew that this unrealistic perseverance would most likely cost them their lives.
These brave people certainly deserve respect and eternal remembrance by their descendants.
Tang Dao's thank you is on behalf of those men and women who can enjoy their youth under the peaceful blue sky.
It’s just them, how many of them are squandering their youth and enjoying their future moments, thinking of these ordinary people who are far away from their era, but have exchanged their future for their future?
Tang Dao doesn't know.
But he can at least represent himself. He also believes that there are many ungrateful and ungrateful people in this world, but there will certainly be no shortage of people like him.
Where there is darkness, there will be light. These are the twins that the Creator has given birth to!
"Brother Tang, Xian Kangli is just talking about love in front of us bachelors, but she still treats us bachelors as nothing. That's too much!" said Comrade Wang Xiaoqiang, who was beside Tang Dao.
Pulling the corner of Tang Dao's clothes, teasing Tang Dao softly while winking into the distance.
The joke is fake, reminding Tang Dao and the crimson-faced Tantai Mingyue that it is true.
What was the purpose of this large group of senior officers standing at the mountain pass? They were just here to greet the two leaders!
Putting aside the strict hierarchy in the military, the two leaders would meet Tang Dao for the first time after all. If they came here and saw Tang Dao holding the hand of a beautiful girl, even if they knew she was his fiancée, they would feel a little unhappy.
!This is an army, not a family banquet.
"Hehe, brother Xiaoqiang, you are a virtuous and well-educated person. You will also be a guest of honor at Tantai and I's wedding. I will personally deliver the invitations and everything else! However, remember to prepare early.
What a congratulatory gift." Knowing this person's good intentions, Tang Dao laughed and replied.
Tang Dao was thick-skinned and didn't take his colleagues' teasing seriously, but Tantai Mingyue was not the same and took the initiative to stay away from this guy with a red face.
At this moment, the sound of horse hooves sounded in the distance.
Dots of fire also lit up at the corner of the mountain road hundreds of meters away.
"The leaders are here!" the voice of Brigadier Cheng standing at the front of the queue sounded.
All the officers involuntarily stood up straight and remained silent.
Within a moment, a group of cavalrymen with torches appeared in sight and stopped dozens of meters away.
The two knights separated from the main group and moved forward until they stopped their horses more than ten meters away from a group of officers, swung their stirrups and dismounted.
Two figures, one tall and one short, walked toward the crowd.
"stand at attention!"
"Salute!" Brigadier Cheng took the lead to set an example.
Behind him, a group of soldiers, at least all regiment-level cadres, immediately followed.
"You Cheng Houhou, why are you planning such a big battle for us? You're afraid that there will be too many trucks coming from the division's supply camp, right? You're going to use this trick to block the division commander and I's mouths so that we can't speak.
Come on! Then I can tell you that the division commander has a thin face and is easy to talk to, but as long as I am here, you can't succeed in this idea." The short soldier returned the military salute while laughing and cursing Brigadier Cheng who was walking towards him quickly with thick Sichuan music.
.
"The commander really thinks that I'm too simple. This is just the first move. I still have steamed buns and good wine behind me!" Brigadier Cheng shook hands with the two and responded with a smile.
"And white-flour steamed buns and good wine? That's not right! Didn't Cheng Houhou telegraph you to tell me that you have big fat meat?" the tall soldier, who had always been unsmiling, asked 'curiously'.
"Commander, this is not in line with the tradition of our army if you don't bring food or food with you." Brigadier Cheng said with a bitter look on his face.
"Look at how stingy you are! Comrades, don't imitate your brigade commander!" The short soldier pointed at Brigadier Cheng, but the conversation changed. "But why does the division commander just fall for you?
As soon as I receive your telegram, pull me and run! My dear, I have traveled seventy or eighty miles in one day! I am sure to eat your Cheng Houhou's fat meat today."
"Haha!" When the officers saw this, they couldn't help laughing.
The regiment-level cadres under the 921 Division are all old acquaintances with these two. Needless to say, they saluted and shook hands when they met. Tang Dao, as a friendly army, originally wanted to stand at the end, but Brigadier Cheng was among several deputy brigade levels.
After the cadres shook hands with the two leaders, they were brought directly to Tang Dao.
"Hello, Chief!" Tang Dao straightened his back, stood upright, and gave a standard military salute.
"This is..." Brigadier Cheng instinctively wanted to introduce.
"Captain Tang, I've heard about this reputation for a long time! It's well-deserved." The teacher smiled calmly, raised his hand in return, and took the initiative to extend his hands.
The officers of the 683rd Brigade looked at each other with horror in their eyes.
Don't underestimate the teacher's small gesture of shaking hands. In interpersonal communication, it often represents an attitude.
Their division commander is no ordinary figure. He has been a leader in the army since the founding of the Eightyth Army. To put it bluntly, when most of them were still small soldiers, he was already in charge of the army.
Although he is a big shot, even though he is extremely approachable, he rarely takes the initiative to extend his hands, unless it is someone he likes very much, or someone who has great military exploits.
[An old book friend who I have known for ten years recommended to me a book-chasing app, Yeguo Reading! It is so easy to use. I rely on this app to read and listen to books while driving and before going to bed. You can download it here www.yeguoyuedu.com]
After this battle is won, everyone here is considered to have great merit. When there are more people, it is obviously not that important. It can only be said that Tang Dao belongs to the former.
If the handshake given just now by this well-known division chief as the military commander only represents his personal statement, then the director of the Political Training Department of the 921st Division who also holds Tang Dao in both hands behind him can represent much more.
He said with a smile: "Commander Tang, you and the Four Lines Regiment are the first to contribute to this great victory! On behalf of the 80th Group Army, I welcome you and the Four Lines Regiment. The people of Taihang Mountain need you, and the people of Eastern Shanxi need you. Warmly
welcome!"
The officers' eyes flashed with horror, and their faces were filled with immense joy.
This completely means that the top brass of the Eightyth Army accepted this elite infantry regiment!
It is no longer just a joint operation in the superficial sense before.
No matter from the emotional or strategic level, from now on, they will have a completely trustworthy ally. Who can not smile knowingly from the bottom of their hearts!
