Chapter 40: Wu Ze Bids Farewell

Chapter 40: Wu Ze Takes His Leave

"You expect me to provide you with a hundred cannons?"

The brigade commander’s spit nearly landed on Li Yunlong’s face. He glared at him, saying, "Listen to me, don’t you go thinking that just because the New First Regiment has some weapons and ammo now, you’re suddenly invincible. You watch yourself. Stall the Japanese and the collaborators for now. If you really can’t handle them, don’t you dare act recklessly—retreat! The New First Regiment isn’t your private militia."

"Brigade commander, you don’t have any faith in me," Li Yunlong replied.

"If you make a mess of this battle, I’m telling you, I’m taking your Italian cannons back to brigade headquarters immediately," the commander interrupted.

Hearing this, Li Yunlong caught the implication and asked with a grin, "Brigade commander, you just got back from reporting to headquarters. From the sound of it, you’re letting me keep the Italian cannons, right?"

"Li Yunlong, let me tell you, if I hadn't been covering for you in front of the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, forget the Italian cannons—all the weapons and ammunition you seized at Xiaowangzhuang and Xiaolizhuang would have been confiscated!" the commander said sternly.

"Yes, yes, it’s all thanks to you, Commander, thanks to your leadership," Li Yunlong nodded repeatedly.

Over the years, every time he stirred up trouble, it was the brigade commander who fought to protect him; otherwise, he would have faced a firing squad long ago. Of course, it was precisely because the brigade commander had his back that he dared to be so bold and fearless. If it were Kong the Second or Cheng the Blind, they wouldn’t have enjoyed such treatment.

"Enough, no more nonsense," the commander waved his hand. "Remember what I said: don’t act recklessly, and don’t lose those Italian cannons. These are the 386th Brigade’s Italian cannons. Even if the Division Commander wanted them, I wouldn't give them up."

"Don't worry, Commander. Even if I, Li Yunlong, lose my life, I won't lose those Italian cannons," Li Yunlong swore.

"Fine. Get to work. I’m heading over to the Independent Regiment to provide some guidance," the commander said, preparing to leave.

"Commander, you’ve traveled a long way and must be exhausted. Stay for a meal before you go," Li Yunlong urged.

"If you can resolve this crisis without getting the New First Regiment wiped out, and let me sleep soundly at night, I’ll treat you to a drink then," the commander said as he walked away.

"Safe travels, Commander! Safe travels! I’ll definitely pull us through this crisis!" Li Yunlong shouted after him.

Once the commander was gone, Li Yunlong called over Xiao Wuzi. "Xiao Wuzi, go ask Zhang Dabiao when Jiang Deshui’s advance party is arriving. It’s been three days; why the hell haven't they shown up? I’m getting impatient."

"Regimental Commander, it’s mostly because of the rain. The roads have turned to mud, which is slowing them down," Xiao Wuzi explained.

"I know that, but go ask Zhang Dabiao anyway," Li Yunlong commanded.

***

As soon as Xiao Wuzi left, Wu Ze came to see Li Yunlong to say goodbye.

"Wu Ze, what’s this about?" Li Yunlong asked, seeing Wu Ze dressed in a rain hat and gear, looking like he was about to head out.

"Regimental Commander, I’ve been studying the maps and the sand table at headquarters, and I have some ideas. I want to go and inspect the terrain in person," Wu Ze replied. He had spent three days studying the models and maps, and now he needed to verify his theories on the ground.

"That sounds great! If you can figure out a way to get those six cannons back from the puppet troops for me, I’ll be burning incense and praying to you every day," Li Yunlong said earnestly. Although he didn’t put much stock in the three thousand Japanese and collaborators, it was true that cannons were difficult to capture. The enemy would destroy them the moment they knew they were losing. If Wu Ze had a way, Li Yunlong would be more than happy to support it.

"Regimental Commander, you’re being too kind," Wu Ze said. "I am a member of the New First Regiment. Now that the regiment is in trouble, I can’t just sit by and do nothing."

"How many days will you be gone? I’ll assign a guard squad to go with you," Li Yunlong offered.

"That’s hard to say. A week at the fastest, maybe ten days or half a month," Wu Ze admitted. "I’ll also need a few combat engineers and some explosives." The rain was bound to affect his speed, but it was precisely the rain that had given him his inspiration.

"Huzi, get Sun Desheng over here immediately," Li Yunlong ordered.

"Yes!" Huzi ran off.

"Wu Ze, tell me, what is your plan?" Li Yunlong asked curiously. Since Wu Ze said he had a way, he must have something in mind.

"Regimental Commander, all I can tell you is that my plan has to do with the rain," Wu Ze said, pointing to the sky.

"Has to do with the rain?" Li Yunlong blinked, looking at him. "Wu Ze, don't tell me you’re planning to use the weather to wipe out three thousand Japanese and puppets."

"Regimental Commander, I didn’t say that," Wu Ze replied.

"Forget it, forget it, I won't ask. What else do you need?" Li Yunlong waved his hand.

"Nothing else, but please, keep the brigade commander's words in mind," Wu Ze urged. "Unless it’s a last resort, don’t go head-to-head with the Japanese and the puppets."

"I know, I know. I understand," Li Yunlong nodded solemnly. "If I lose the New First Regiment, the brigade commander won't spare me. Besides, eight hundred brothers have entrusted their lives to me; I have to be responsible for them."

"Regimental Commander, you called for me?" Sun Desheng arrived at that moment.

"Sun Desheng, gather your men immediately, take some engineers and explosives, and go with Wu Ze," Li Yunlong ordered.

"Regimental Commander, where are we going with Wu Ze?" Sun Desheng asked suspiciously.

"Why ask so many questions? Wherever Wu Ze goes, you follow. Whatever he tells you to do, you do it. Protect him well. If he loses a single hair, don't you bother coming back!" Li Yunlong barked.

"Yes, Regimental Commander! I’ll go assemble the men now!" Sun Desheng rushed off.

"Wu Ze, I don’t know exactly what you’re planning, but I have a feeling that when you return, it will be a huge surprise," Li Yunlong said, gripping Wu Ze’s hand firmly. "Come back soon."

"Thank you for trusting me, Regimental Commander," Wu Ze replied.

"I’ll tell Sun Desheng to avoid Zhong’s men. You head out secretly with him," Li Yunlong advised.

"Yes," Wu Ze acknowledged.

Although he had helped Li Yunlong win battles and the New First Regiment now had a promising future, his background had yet to be cleared, and Zhong Zhicheng was still investigating him. With Hirata Ichiro’s army closing in, leaving now was risky; it would inevitably cast suspicion upon him.