Chapter 184: 183, Red Army Ambush Battle, Taishan Airlines General Manager’s Airdrop Support
Shunzi immediately told Fang Shouxin upon discovering the anomaly.
The two returned to the cliff edge and observed with binoculars.
Just looking like this wasn’t enough to determine the other’s background.
They agreed to get closer for observation.
Immediately after, the group went down the mountain path from the mountain.
When they reached the mountain waist, still over 500 meters from the foot of the mountain, Fang Shouxin stopped and signaled the five Security Brigade members and Shunzi not to advance.
He said in a low voice: “Let’s find a hidden spot to observe.”
Immediately, the seven crept into the nearby small forest, preparing to find a suitable vantage point.
This was a fir forest, and since it had rained the night before, there was still some mist in the woods.
In a fir forest after rain, a very delicious mushroom called fir mushroom grows, which is extremely tasty when stir-fried with cured meat and chili pepper.
Phoenix Gan Army disciples knew about this good stuff, and a Security team soldier saw a large fir mushroom and couldn’t resist bending down to pick it.
As his hand approached, he sensed something wrong—there were actually a few pairs of eyes watching him nearby.
Before he could cry out, he was pressed to the ground.
Immediately after, a group of people emerged from the quiet small forest, surrounding Fang Shouxin and the others.
These people wore coarse cloth military uniforms, with bullet belts and spears slung on them; the only identifier was a cloth patch sewn on the left chest.
The text on it faintly read Red Third Army and such.
Fang Shouxin hurriedly shouted: “Don’t attack, we are from Taishan Airlines Security Brigade, not a local military organization.”
A man in military uniform wearing glasses spoke up.
“Put the guns on the ground first. We won’t disarm, but we need to ensure safety before you leave.”
Fang Shouxin nodded: “Shunzi, tell them to put down the guns and place them on the ground.”
After voluntarily disarming, that group sent dedicated personnel to guard them and explained: “We still have a big battle to fight; we’ll talk about your matter after it’s done.”
It turned out that the battle Shunzi had seen earlier was actually a luring-the-enemy-into-a-trap tactical action.
Over a dozen Red Third Army soldiers had pretended to flee with superb acting skills, actually to lure the enemy into the ambush circle.
The dozens chasing behind weren’t even their target; this ambush circle was meant for even more enemies.
Fang Shouxin and Shunzi, without weapons, watched the whole scene.
Those dozen or so Red Third Army soldiers advanced and retreated intermittently, luring the enemy into the small river valley below the mountain.
The enemy’s reinforcements had arrived—over two hundred people running across the river beach pebble ground, looking determined to annihilate this small group of Red Army.
Unfortunately, they didn’t realize this was a trap prepared for them.
Volley after volley of gunfire shot down from the mountain waist, instantly dropping over a dozen onto the river beach.
The enemy force of over two hundred immediately panicked, raising their guns and firing wildly.
At this moment, the glasses officer ordered: “First Team, load ammo, fix bayonets, bugler follow. Second Team provide fire cover.”
Nearly half the soldiers stood up, methodically taking loose 7.92mm bullets from their bullet belts.
They loaded the ammo and fixed bayonets.
Under Second Team’s fire cover, they reached the small high ground above the river valley, and at the riverside grass edge, they fired bullets.
At such close range, the shooting was extremely accurate, causing another batch of the chaotic enemies in the valley to fall, leaving them with no will to resist.
At this time.
A short soldier stood tall, raising a bugle with one hand, and blew the signal vigorously.
That bugle call seemed to carry special magic; the glasses officer and soldiers charged in unison toward the river channel.
That momentum was unstoppable.
The enemies turned and fled; some, finding their weapons a hindrance, directly discarded their spears on the river beach.
The ambush battle thus ended.
Red Third Army soldiers began clearing the battlefield.
Various weapons were gathered, along with ammunition and other supplies.
As for prisoners of war, they would be educated and then released.
Shunzi asked curiously: “Why release them? Wouldn’t it be better to incorporate them?”
The glasses officer handed his tasks to others, walked over to talk with Fang Shun and Fang Shouxin.
“Hello, I’m Shu Zhitao, Red Third Army combat commander dispatched to the Xiangxi old area. You say you’re from Taishan Airlines Airport, which according to what I know is in Wanping Longzhai Village, right?”
Fang Shouxin nodded. “Yes, we’ve heard about the recent battles in the Longshan area and came specifically to take a look. We are a business organization with no ill intent.”
Shunzi still hadn’t forgotten his question: “Officer, why not incorporate them? In all those stories about leading troops into battle, isn’t that how it goes?”
Shu Zhitao replied candidly: “We do accept prisoners of war, but the current situation is different; the base area is strained. Our Red Second Army Corps was downsized to Red Third Army, and the remaining forces emphasize elite troops with no time for prisoner reorganization and training.”
In one sentence, he revealed the grim current situation—an army corps downsized to one army meant at least two-thirds casualties.
But even so, these people’s fighting spirit remained high.
Fang Shouxin couldn’t help but admire such soldiers, unlike any he’d seen before.
No, he had seen it before, when the Boxer Rebellion was just starting—everyone shouting to expel the Qing and exterminate the foreigners, with that kind of vigor.
Shaking off the thought, Fang Shouxin remembered the general manager’s instructions and said: “We father and son greatly admire the Red Army’s actions and want to lend you a hand.”
“Thank you, we welcome help from all sectors nationwide, but the situation is urgent now; we may transfer elsewhere anytime, so please don’t let it affect you father and son.” Shu Zhitao politely declined; given the current situation, the troops could move anytime, and even if the other side prepared supplies, they couldn’t receive them.
Fang Shouxin glanced around: “A word in private, just us two.”
Shu Zhitao nodded and led Fang Shouxin to a secluded spot.
“Go ahead.”
“The aid to the Red Army I’m talking about isn’t just a little. Haven’t you thought about what kind of company we are?”
“Taishan Airlines.”
“Right, we are an airline company; we can airdrop supplies to you.”
“You?” Shu Zhitao looked incredulous: “You can command Taishan Airlines?”
“I have connections for that; I can arrange the airdrop plane and pilot. You just need to specify what you want, the airdrop location and time; use nighttime torches as the signal, and I can deliver the supplies on time.”
Fang Shouxin took responsibility for this; if it leaked, he was willing to bear the punishment. After all, everyone in China had heard Chiang Kai-shek’s line: “Better to kill a thousand wrongly than let one go.”
Hearing Fang Shouxin’s words, Shu Zhitao was immediately tempted.
The Red Third Army’s situation was critical now, surrounded on all sides by Kuomintang army, local warlords, and landlord militia forces.
Outsiders didn’t know how they’d survived; he knew the immense difficulties.
If a big merchant was truly willing to airdrop supplies to aid the Red Third Army by plane, that would be perfect.
But he couldn’t decide this; he needed to report upward.
Yet now, the military radio station they brought had malfunctioned and couldn’t report.
Thinking of this, Shu Zhitao said helplessly: “That would be great. But I can’t decide.”
“If you can’t decide, just send a telegram to your officer,” Shunzi asked puzzled.
Shu Zhitao scratched his head: “Well, the telegraph machine is faulty and still not fixed.”
“Use ours.” Fang Shouxin pointed to the bamboo basket with the firearms, which contained a hand-cranked telegraph machine.
“You carry a telegraph machine when going out?” Shu Zhitao was surprised; if not for their openness, he might suspect they were Kuomintang spies.
He went over to check, and sure enough, there was a hand-cranked telegraph machine, much more advanced and compact than theirs.
Then, under Fang Shouxin’s guidance, the small unit’s communications officer learned to use it with fascination.
After Fang Shouxin and the others stepped away, the communications officer sent the telegram.
Shu Zhitao pondered and drafted the telegram content.
【Our unit encountered enemy encirclement in Longshan County area, lured them into river valley and routed them, captured supplies to replenish provisions, over thirty prisoners of war all educated and released.】
This was the formal battle report, with more after.
【Additional military situation. Our unit encountered visitors claiming to be Taishan Airlines staff; they state the general manager sympathizes with Red Army plight and is willing to airdrop supplies to support Red Third Army. But need to specify what is wanted, airdrop location and nighttime time, and burn torches at night at airdrop point as signal; he will deliver supplies on time.】
After saying all that, it wasn’t in usual military reporting language; Shu Zhitao wondered how the superiors would reply to the telegram message.
He waited, and after an hour, the telegram came back.
Besides guidance on subsequent combat directives, there was also on the airdrop matter.
【Regarding Taishan Airlines matter, if true, it will greatly aid us; if false, it may expose our army’s movements. Thus, proceed with caution; you are specially ordered to take full responsibility, maintain daily telegram contact to report situation.】
【Additionally, given current situation, Taishan Airlines administrative manager Fang Shouxin is also willing to sponsor us; must keep confidential for him, only you and military department know, do not leak externally.】
Reading the telegram, Shu Zhitao’s brows furrowed deeply.
Full responsibility meant he had to decide the supplies to receive, airdrop location, airdrop time, nighttime torch signals, and all related matters.
This way, main force movements wouldn’t be exposed; if real, the supplies could be divided and transferred to the main force.
If fake, it would be exposed immediately.
Thinking of this, he knew what to do.
He stood up and warmly hosted Fang Shouxin and the others. “You’ve come a long way and must be tired. We’ll talk after dinner.”
After transferring position, in another mountain forest, the soldiers who had fought were starting to cook.
So-called burying pots to cook is a piece of ancient Chinese military wisdom passed down.
“Burying pots” means digging pits to bury the pots, preventing flames from direct ground exposure to reduce discovery risk by enemies and help stabilize the fire; “cooking” means using such simple stove to boil rice or prepare other food.
These soldiers and officers all ate the same food: brown rice and sweet potatoes.
Stream water fetched from below the mountain, soaked with brown rice, plus some dried sweet potatoes and salt—that was today’s dinner.
Seeing them eat such simple fare, Fang Shun took out Taishan Airlines Xiangxi Airport exclusive ration supplement pack: British Navy fried fish canned food.
“Officer Shu, how can you have strength to fight eating this? Add some of this.”
Shu Zhitao took the can, adjusted his glasses with his right hand, and said surprised: “English, this is foreign goods.”
“Yes. The general manager brought it from Kolkata naval base, British Royal Navy soldiers’ military canned food.” Fang Shun explained proudly.
Shu Zhitao was cautious; he carefully read it, his school-learned English coming in handy—the British Royal Navy markings and fried fish eased him; no need to go through such trouble poisoning with British Navy cans.
He laughed, raising the can: “Brothers, this is foreign soldiers’ rations; today we’ll try it too.”
Cans of this era had no pull tabs; he used a dagger to cut an opening at the can’s edge, pried open the broken metal piece, revealing golden oily fried fish inside.
Smelling the oil, the soldiers couldn’t help swallowing saliva.
But they didn’t move; unfamiliar food was something they had to be vigilant about in war.
Thus, even though their commander Shu Zhitao no longer suspected, the others still held back.
Fang Shouxin praised the Red Army’s strong will, having Shunzi and the five Security members each open a can and eat a bite in front of everyone.
Only then did the soldiers relax their guard, pouring the oily fried fish into the not-yet-cooked congee.
This meal was too delicious for them.
After dinner, everyone gradually warmed up; the five Gan Army disciples gathered with Red Third Army soldiers to chat idly.
Shu Zhitao, Fang Shouxin, and Fang Wen were on the other side.
They hadn’t yet discussed the airdrop; Shu Zhitao himself hadn’t decided.
Shunzi was good at easing the atmosphere; he asked curiously: “Officer Shu, they say the Red Army is very formidable; is your Red Third Army formidable?”
“I’m not an officer; just call me Brother Shu. On whether our Red Third Army is formidable, I can confidently tell you ours is the strongest.” Shu Zhitao’s tone was bold, full of confidence in his unit.
This piqued Fang Shouxin’s interest too; the father and son both wanted to know if it was boasting.
Facing the father and son’s skepticism, Shu Zhitao took a sip of hot water.
“Not to mention anything else, just our Red Third Army’s battles from last November to December. Do you have a map?”
“Yes.” Shunzi took out his map.
Shu Zhitao recounted in detail the Red Third Army’s experiences over those three months last year.
Starting early November last year, the fourth encirclement and suppression.
Red Third Army set out from Dahong Mountain in Suizhou, Hubei, crossed Tongbai Mountain into Henan, blocked en route by armies and local militia organizations.
Then broke through Jingziguan to Danfeng County into Shaanxi.
Then from Zhulin Pass to Yunxi County in Hubei, through Manchuan Pass to Xunyang in southern Shaanxi, south to Zhuxi County, Wuxi County, then forcibly crossed the Yangtze River, capturing Hefeng County town and Sangzhi County town.
This campaign was full of enemy pursuits and blockades along the way, total 7000 li, lasting 3 months.
Fang Shouxin was utterly shocked; Fang Shun expressed disbelief.
Even if common people along the way all supported Red Third Army, physical strength was a big issue.
Fang Shun analyzed: “About 70 li march per day, impossible. I saw William training the Security team; forced march is only 10 li per hour, 70 li a day is unbearable.”
Fang Shouxin said: “Mainly the feet can’t take it. When I was young, I did it once; by day’s end, both legs were swollen. If not for Master applying medicinal wine hot compress, I couldn’t get out of bed the next day.”
Shu Zhitao lifted his leg, showing the gaiters on his calf.
“Have to rely on this. Without gaiters, definitely swollen.”
Fang Shun had an idea: “Even with gaiters, no. Our Security team has gaiters too. How about a bet? Each side sends one person to compete in forced march with climbing. If you win, all the canned food is yours; if we win, speed up the airdrop arrangements, how about that?”
It was clearly for fun; Shu Zhitao smiled and agreed: “Fine, but I warn you, my soldiers can all run; no need to pick, choose any of yours.”
Though for entertainment, Fang Shun was a bit unconvinced; he consulted with the five Security members.
“Forced march with mountain climbing, can you do it?”
“Of course, we’re Xiangxi mountain people, climb mountains daily; can’t we outrun them? Gaiters aren’t exclusive to them; William taught us too.”
The Security team members showed their gaiters; they too wanted to prove their training strength.
Thus, they picked the fittest Security team member to compete.
After this Security team member chose his opponent, Shu Zhitao announced: “See that mountain opposite? Climb up along the col, to the top and back; first back wins. No shortcuts; we’ll watch with binoculars.”
