plumnovel Chapter 27 Railway Strategy
Chapter 27 Railway Strategy
The general direction of development has been set, and the reorganization plan for the Eighth Company has been determined. Everyone immediately began to work busily.
Chen Xiaoquan and others selected their subordinates, collected weapons from the temporary warehouse, and determined the grassroots cadres based on their performance and past experience. They were busy until late at night.
The next day, construction of the new camp continued, but the entire reconnaissance team, led by Sun Ming, set off for the Japanese stronghold in Datian.
In order not to delay military intelligence, Sun Ming even decided to set the location for the reconnaissance team to practice riding skills near the Ghost's stronghold.
Of course, Yang Zheng supported it.
Meanwhile, the villagers of Changning Village continued to enthusiastically help build the camp, hoping that the Eighth Route Army could stay there permanently and protect their safety.
Under these circumstances, two days passed quickly.
Two days later, the wasteland at the east end of the village had changed dramatically.
A well-organized camp was taking shape. In the very center were four rows of simple barracks with newly built rammed earth walls and thatched roofs. Each row had five rooms, with bright windows and thick walls. Although simple, they were sturdy enough to accommodate the entire company of officers and soldiers.
A spacious and flat training ground was set up in front of the barracks, with the ground compacted and several rows of straw targets for practicing bayonet fighting.
On the west side of the camp, two dry cave-like warehouses were dug out against the hillside. The heavy wooden doors were locked, and most of the weapons, ammunition and food were stored there.
At each of the four corners of the camp, a simple earthen and wooden watchtower was erected, offering a wide view and guarded by soldiers with guns.
At the same time, the blacksmith shop and the stable were also established, simply separated by wooden fences.
The entire camp is nestled against the mountains and overlooks the village road. Its layout is compact and practical, taking into account living, training, guarding, and storage.
Yang Zheng looked on with satisfaction. Although there were still many shortcomings, they could be improved gradually. For now, it was sufficient.
"Well done!" Yang Zheng patted Zhao Dahu on the shoulder.
Zhao Dahu chuckled, a proud look on his face, and said, "It was all thanks to the villagers' help that we were able to get this done so quickly!"
Yang Zheng nodded, then turned to Chen Xiaoquan and instructed, "Order the cooks to prepare lunch. We'll invite the villagers to share it as a way of thanking them for their support during this time!"
Chen Xiaoquan scratched his head, looking somewhat troubled. "Company Commander, our food supplies..."
"I know, but we have to do it!" Yang Zheng interrupted him, then added, "The camp construction is complete. Now we need to focus our efforts on dealing with the Japanese devils. We may be short of food, but we won't skimp on it."
Changning Village has about 200 villagers, mostly the elderly, children, and women, so a meal there doesn't actually cost too much food.
Hearing Yang Zheng say this, Chen Xiaoquan could only nod in agreement and then went to make the arrangements.
Yang Zheng, however, headed towards the company headquarters. The blacksmith shop and stable were to be unbound and relocated to the barracks.
When he arrived at the blacksmith's shop, he saw a bustling scene inside, with ten blacksmiths, including Li Dachui, working diligently to forge large swords.
Yang was flipping open the building's facade.
Level 1 Blacksmith Shop: Blacksmith -- 10.
Upgrade requirements: Weapon crafting: 32/500 or Gold resources: 20/50.
It's clear that the blacksmith has forged a total of 32 weapons so far, far short of the 500 needed for the upgrade, which will be difficult to achieve in the short term. However, gold resources...
Shaking his head, Yang Zheng decided to put those things aside for the time being. He then stepped inside and chatted with Li Dachui.
He then picked up two more broadswords that had been reforged using materials melted down from the Japanese commander's sword. After testing them, he smiled with satisfaction and said, "These broadswords are so much better than my old ones!"
Li Dachui didn't say anything, but a blacksmith jumped out and said proudly, "No way, Company Commander, these two broadswords were handcrafted by my master, they're incredibly sharp!"
Li Dachui kicked him irritably, cursing, "Get back to work!"
He then turned to Yang Zheng and said in a deep voice, "Company Commander, we're almost out of materials!"
Yang Zheng nodded and said, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it for you in the next few days!"
He then looked around and began to give instructions, telling them to move the blacksmith shop to the newly built camp.
Li Dachui agreed without hesitation, adding that he happened to be short of materials and could move the entire blacksmith shop there.
When Yang Zheng came out of the blacksmith shop, they were already packing up their things, and they were very efficient.
Yang Zheng did not hesitate and directly untied the blacksmith shop, then the stable, and then retied them at the camp. The matter was considered over.
Currently, both buildings are at level one, so these actions have no impact on the overall performance. However, things will be different after the upgrade.
The first-level military camp building will remain at the company headquarters for his convenience in being summoned later.
Just as Yang Zheng finished dealing with these matters, a warhorse hurriedly arrived. It was Zhu Zhiguo, one of the people Yang Zheng had sent out to scout.
"Company commander, there's something going on. Today, three Japanese strongholds in the vicinity, including the Daejeon stronghold, simultaneously increased their manpower, appearing quite alert!"
Zhu Zhiguo dismounted, saluted Yang Zheng, and then quickly reported, handing him a simple hand-drawn map.
Yang Zheng frowned, took the map, and began to examine it.
The three Japanese strongholds were clearly marked, and a railway line ran through the area protecting them.
"On alert...the railway...the Japanese will soon be transporting important supplies via this railway, which is why they've temporarily strengthened their defenses. This is probably why the Japanese have suffered so many losses but haven't retaliated as usual!"
Yang Zheng quickly came up with a guess.
"Alright, I understand. Go back and tell Sun Ming to continue to strengthen surveillance!" Yang Zheng's expression turned serious as he gave the order.
"Yes, sir!"
Without a word, Zhu Zhiguo remounted his horse, brandished his whip, and rode away without stopping.
Yang Zheng immediately summoned the platoon leaders from each platoon and reconvened the meeting.
Soon, Chen Xiaoquan and the others rushed over. As soon as they entered, Zhao Dahu shouted in a loud voice, "Company Commander, is there a combat mission?"
Luo Dashan quickly added, "Company Commander, Yu Dahai and the other three have completely mastered the grenade launcher. Within 400 meters, they can hit any target they aim at."
Chen Xiaoquan and Zeng Dahui did not speak, but their eyes were also eager to try, clearly indicating that they were also warmongers.
Yang Zheng did not answer, but waved for them to sit down before speaking: "Datian, Xiaowangzhuang, and Heishan'ao, these three strongholds will be reinforced and strengthened at the same time, with their target being this branch line of the Zhengtai Railway."
Moreover, the Japanese unusually refrained from immediate retaliatory mopping-up operations, instead opting to tighten their defenses. This could only mean one thing—an important freight train was about to pass through this railway! That's why the Japanese temporarily suppressed their desire for revenge.