Chapter 216: Banquet
In the early morning of the eleventh lunar month, the thin mist had not yet fully dissipated, but Wuta County town was already awakening, gradually revealing its vibrant vitality.
Two fast horses, stepping into the faint light of dawn, galloped in from the dusty official road outside the city. After a brief and vigilant interrogation by the militia sentries at the city gate, they smoothly entered the county town.
The leading rider on horseback was a man in his early thirties, with a square face, thick eyebrows, and big eyes; his gaze was sharp like an eagle’s, and the corners of his mouth always carried a habitual smirk of defiance.
He was wearing a somewhat worn Eighth Route Army uniform, with the collar open, appearing a bit disheveled, but his entire body exuded the fierce aura of a seasoned battlefield veteran.
This man was none other than the renowned commander of the Eighth Route Army’s New 1st Regiment, Li Yunlong.
Following closely behind was another officer, about the same age as Li Yunlong, with a square face and a relatively steady expression, though his brows also carried the unique resoluteness of a soldier. He too was wearing an Eighth Route Army uniform, but his appearance was relatively neat.
This one was Li Yunlong’s old comrade-in-arms, the commander of the Independent Regiment… Kong Jie.
Behind the two of them, each had two sturdy bodyguards following, also on horseback, vigilantly scanning their surroundings.
Entering Wuta County town and slowly proceeding along the main street paved with bluestone slabs, the expressions on Li Yunlong and Kong Jie’s faces gradually shifted from initial casualness and a hint of disdain to undisguised surprise and admiration.
The Wuta County town before their eyes was worlds apart from the war-ravaged, dilapidated, and lifeless county towns they had seen before!
Shops lined both sides of the streets; though not extravagantly decorated, they were all newly renovated with clean and tidy facades. Cloth shops, rice shops, pharmacies, blacksmith shops, general stores, snack stalls… colorful signs fluttered in the wind, with a dazzling array of goods neatly displayed.
What surprised them even more was the bustling crowds on the streets. Though it was still early morning, the streets were already thronged with people, bustling and busy. Farmers carrying loads to market, porters pushing wheelbarrows with goods, merchants in long robes, schoolchildren with backpacks, and even some young women in fashionable Western dresses with permed hair… all sorts of people rubbed shoulders, flowing endlessly.
Though their faces also bore the characteristic weariness and toil of wartime, there was more of a sense of stability and hope for life—something utterly absent in other areas occupied or raided by the Japanese.
The air was filled with the aromas of various foods: the toasty scent of freshly baked sesame seed cakes, the oily fragrance of fried dough sticks, the beany aroma of tofu pudding, and the mixed smells of various unnamed snacks… all stirring up appetites.
The street-side snack stalls were especially lively, with vendors loudly hawking to attract customers while diners sat around simple tables and stools, slurping away happily.
“Good grief! Old Kong, pinch me—see if I’m dreaming!” Li Yunlong widened his eyes at the lively and prosperous scene before him, unable to hold back from saying to Kong Jie beside him, his tone full of disbelief.
Kong Jie was also shocked by the scene before him. He took a deep breath and slowly said, “Old Li, looks like we underestimated this Su Yaoyang before! To govern a county town so prosperously and orderly right under the Japanese noses—this man… is no ordinary fellow!”
Li Yunlong nodded deeply in agreement. His sharp eyes scanned all around, missing no detail. He noticed that though the pedestrians on the street wore varied clothing, their spirits were all pretty good—not like the sallow, emaciated, ragged civilians elsewhere. Moreover, there were almost no beggars or refugees on the streets—a miracle in these chaotic times.
What impressed him even more was that teams of militia soldiers in gray uniforms, armed and ready, could be seen patrolling the streets from time to time.
These soldiers were all spirited, with uniform steps and vigilant eyes—clearly well-trained elites. Their military bearing and discipline were even better than that of the central government troops and Jin-Sui Army he had seen.
“Damn, this Su Yaoyang really has some tricks up his sleeve!”
Li Yunlong couldn’t help but swear, but his tone carried genuine admiration. “Just looking at how this county town is governed shows this guy’s got real talent for management.
No wonder he could build up such a force and even get planes and cannons from the Americans!”
Kong Jie sighed too: “Yeah, seeing is believing. We’d only heard that Su Yaoyang’s militia was well-equipped and battle-hardened; seeing Wuta County today shows his administrative skills are no small feat either. Looks like we came to the right place this time.”
As they walked and observed, their surprise and admiration grew stronger. The prosperity and order of Wuta County town formed a stark contrast to the hardship and scarcity in their base areas and other anti-Japanese controlled zones.
Li Yunlong’s mind was already buzzing with ideas. Such a wealthy county town, such a “managerial” Su Yaoyang—there must be plenty of good stuff under his command.
Once they met Su Yaoyang, he definitely had to “have a good chat” with him, see if he could score some guns, ammo, medicine, food, and such.
Even if he couldn’t get those hard currencies, learning some experience in local governance and economic development would still be worthwhile!
Kong Jie was thinking even further ahead. Su Yaoyang’s militia had grown and thrived under heavy Japanese pressure, governing the base area so impressively—its experiences and methods were worth the Eighth Route Army studying and emulating.
If they could establish good cooperative relations with Su Yaoyang for joint resistance against Japan, it would have a positive impact on the entire North China war situation.
While the two were lost in their thoughts, marveling at the “prosperity” of Wuta County town, they had arrived at the gate of a heavily guarded large courtyard in the center of the county town.
A black plaque with gold characters hung high above the courtyard gate, bearing the two bold and powerful words “Su Residence.” Two rows of armed sentries stood at the entrance, their sharp eyes watching every passerby.
Li Yunlong and Kong Jie dismounted, handed their reins to the bodyguards, and stepped forward to report their identities and purpose to the sentries.
After carefully verifying their documents and reporting upward via internal communication, a lieutenant in militia uniform quickly came out from inside to greet them.
“Commander Li Yunlong and Commander Kong Jie, right? Our Chief Commander has been waiting for you! Please follow me!”
The young staff officer said with a smile, neither servile nor overbearing, then led the way ahead, ushering Li Yunlong and Kong Jie, along with their bodyguards, into the residence.
Led by the young lieutenant, Li Yunlong and Kong Jie passed through several courtyards to a spacious and bright front hall.
The front hall was simply yet practically furnished, with a gleaming polished redwood Eight Immortals table and taishi chairs in the center, and a few paintings on the walls, giving it a clean and grand look.
As soon as they entered the front hall, they saw a young man in a crisp militia officer’s uniform, smiling as he came out from the inner hall to greet them.
This man was about twenty-five or twenty-six, tall and upright, with handsome features, deep and sharp eyes, and an air of subtle authority in his every gesture—none other than the commander-in-chief of the Shanxi Militia… Su Yaoyang.
“Commander Li, Commander Kong, we meet again. Welcome to Wuta County!” Su Yaoyang cupped his hands in greeting, his voice resonant, his smile sincere and composed.
“Commander Su is too polite! My brother and I have long admired Commander Su’s great reputation!” Li Yunlong laughed heartily, mimicking Su Yaoyang by cupping his fists, though his motions were a bit rough.
His shrewd eyes, however, were subtly sizing up Su Yaoyang and the hall’s furnishings.
Kong Jie was relatively more reserved, returning the fist salute and saying, “Commander Su, young and accomplished, has governed Wuta County so orderly, with a strong and well-equipped militia—truly admirable.”
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Su Yaoyang invited Li Yunlong and Kong Jie to sit in the guest seats, while orderlies served fragrant tea.
With host and guests seated, after sipping a few mouthfuls of tea, the atmosphere gradually warmed up.
Li Yunlong said seriously, “Commander Su, Old Kong and I came today under orders from our headquarters chief to thank you.
Just days ago, it was your unit that held back the main force of the Japanese 20th Division at Wild Wolf Valley, allowing us to successfully raid Xinxian County, capture their arsenal, and obtain a batch of much-needed military supplies for our army—giving us poor bastards a big shot in the arm.
Not only that, the movie you sent to our headquarters chief opened our eyes wide—first time we knew war could be fought that way. Honestly, it had a deep impact on us.
To express our thanks, the headquarters chief had Old Kong and me bring you a small gift.”
With that, Li Yunlong carefully took out a command saber wrapped in brocade satin from his satchel and presented it to Su Yaoyang with both hands, saying, “Commander Su, this is a thank-you gift specially sent by our brigade commander and headquarters chief!
A captured Japanese officer’s saber! A modest token—please accept it, Commander Su!”
Su Yaoyang took the command saber, feeling its slight weight. He slowly drew the blade, a flash of cold light revealing an extremely sharp edge, with some Japanese inscriptions on it. It was indeed a fine officer’s saber.
“Fine blade!” Su Yaoyang praised, then sheathed it and said to Li Yunlong and Kong Jie, “Your army’s chiefs are too courteous! I, Su Yaoyang, accept this gesture! Please convey my thanks to Brigade Commander Chen and your headquarters chief on my behalf!”
Though his mouth expressed thanks, his eyes were fixed on Li Yunlong.
He knew full well that the gift was just a prelude—the real purpose was yet to come.
Sure enough, after delivering the “thank-you gift” and exchanging a few more compliments, Li Yunlong’s face suddenly changed, instantly clouding over with woe. He let out a long sigh and, in a near-whining tone, began “crying poor” to Su Yaoyang.
“Alas! Commander Su, you have no idea how tough the Eighth Route Army’s life is!” Li Yunlong slapped his thigh, looking miserable. “The Japanese are carrying out their ‘Three Alls’ policy on our base areas—burning, killing, looting, committing every atrocity! Our base area folks can’t even fill their bellies, barely covering their bodies—that’s how miserable it is!”
“Our Eighth Route Army soldiers are short on clothes and food, guns and ammo! Look at the patches on our uniforms! Guns and bullets are pitifully scarce!
Sometimes fighting the Japanese, we have to ration bullets—one bullet stretched to make two! Medicine is precious; when soldiers get wounded, there’s not even decent meds, just watching them… alas!”
As Li Yunlong spoke, his eyes reddened, as if he’d suffered some great injustice.
Su Yaoyang listened quietly to Li Yunlong’s “lament,” his face showing sympathy and understanding, though he was secretly amused inside.
He’d long heard of Li Yunlong’s “crying poor” routine.
Clearly, today’s “Great Commander Li” planned to do some serious “begging” here.
After Li Yunlong had “cried” enough, Su Yaoyang slowly spoke: “Commander Li, Commander Kong, your army persists in resistance behind enemy lines under harsh conditions—I deeply admire it.
The Japanese atrocities are innumerable; as fellow anti-Japanese forces, we should naturally support each other and tide over difficulties together.”
Hearing this, Li Yunlong’s eyes lit up. He quickly chimed in: “Commander Su sees the big picture! The Eighth Route Army asks for nothing else—just hoping, for the sake of fighting the Japanese together, you can aid us with some… urgent supplies, like… guns, ammo, medicine, grain, cloth, and such… The whole Eighth Route Army would be endlessly grateful! Once we drive out the Japanese, we’ll repay double!”
Su Yaoyang pondered for a moment, as if carefully considering. Of course, he wouldn’t be swayed by Li Yunlong’s few words to give everything away.
Though he had his golden finger and supplies were just a flick away, everything had limits—overdoing it wouldn’t be good for either side.
But knowing the course of history, he also knew that good relations with the Eighth Route Army would benefit him.
A bit of “bleeding” could show his “generosity” and “big-picture view,” while to some extent earning the Eighth Route Army’s friendship and support.
Thinking this, Su Yaoyang smiled faintly and said, “Commander Li, Commander Kong, since you’ve asked, I, Su, can’t stand idly by.
Here’s the deal: for guns and ammo, we’re probably powerless—our militia uses American weapons, which wouldn’t be much use to you even if given.
How about this: I have some captured Japanese weapons and ammo in storage, useless there. I’ll have logistics pick out two thousand Type 38 rifles, fifty Type 92 heavy machine guns, a hundred crooked-handle light machine guns, thirty wan rounds of ammo, fifty grenade launchers, and five thousand hand grenades for you.
Plus some civilian supplies like medicine, grain, and cloth to tide you over.”
He paused, then added: “We can negotiate exact quantities later. Personally, I’ll donate some silver dollars to your army as my modest contribution to the war effort.”
Li Yunlong beamed with joy upon hearing this! Though the guns and ammo weren’t a huge amount, getting the base area’s much-needed medicine, grain, cloth, and silver dollars made the trip worthwhile!
He quickly stood, cupping fists and bowing to Su Yaoyang, teary-eyed with gratitude: “Commander Su is truly the Eighth Route Army’s great benefactor! On behalf of all officers and men of the New 1st Regiment, on behalf of our base area’s people, thank you for your generous aid!
Your kindness—the Eighth Route Army will never forget!”
Su Yaoyang smiled and waved it off: “No need for thanks, Commander Li. Resisting Japan and saving the nation is every man’s duty. We’re all fighting to drive out the Japanese devils and reclaim China’s rivers and mountains. These supplies are but a trifle.”
With the matter settled, it was nearing noon. Li Yunlong and Kong Jie rose to take leave, but Su Yaoyang wouldn’t let his guests depart like that and immediately had a banquet prepared, hosting Li Yunlong and his group lavishly.
At the banquet, there was naturally plenty of toasting. Li Yunlong held his liquor well, going back and forth with Su Yaoyang in a friendly atmosphere, eventually dropping “Commander Su” for “Brother Su.”
After three rounds of drinks and five flavors of dishes, Li Yunlong slurred with a big tongue: “Brother Su, your name’s been ringing all over Shanxi and even nationwide lately—my ears are callused.
Especially that big air battle a few days ago when your planes tangled with the Japanese around Mount Wutai—fought so damn satisfyingly.
But… but there’s one thing… your brother here doesn’t get: getting American guns and ammo is one thing, but how’d you even get planes? Ordinary folks can’t handle that stuff.”
Listening to Li Yunlong’s drunken ramble, Su Yaoyang smiled faintly. “Old Li, that’s top secret. If I told you, can you promise not to tell anyone?”
“Of course!” Li Yunlong thumped his chest.
“Even if Brigade Commander Chen or your headquarters chief asks, you’ll keep it secret for me?”
“Well…”
Li Yunlong was stumped for words. This question was just blurted out on wine-fueled impulse, but Su Yaoyang had backed him into a corner.
With only the three of them present, if he agreed and word leaked later, it’d obviously be one of them—and he’d have no face left to see Su Yaoyang.
After a long pause, Li Yunlong gave a wry smile. “Fine… I was wrong, brother. Forget I said that… Come on… drink up…”
After the sumptuous luncheon, Li Yunlong and Kong Jie, fully satisfied, bid farewell to Su Yaoyang. Su Yaoyang personally saw them to the gate and watched them ride off.
Once out of the city gate, Kong Jie said to Li Yunlong, “Old Li, you were really reckless just now—how could you pry into their planes’ origins like that?
Good thing Commander Su is magnanimous; anyone else would’ve flipped out on you.”
Li Yunlong shook his head too: “I only dared ask thanks to the booze. I was just hoping to buddy up and see if we could get their air support. If we did, we’d hit the jackpot.
You know the Japanese have been ramping up against our base areas lately—I’m just planning ahead.”
“Sigh…” Kong Jie’s light sigh was his only reply.
