119: Chapter 119 Headquarters Representative! The Strongest Team!!

"Everyone, the latest instructions from The Rear Area have arrived!"

The Deputy Commander summoned The Chiefs of the headquarters for an overnight meeting to convey and implement the instructions:

"First, fully mobilize our propaganda forces to vigorously promote the results of this 'He County Victory,' especially the news of capturing three more Japanese Army regimental banners, totaling four!"

"We must announce to the people of the whole country that the Eighth Route Army can not only conduct sabotage and guerrilla warfare, but can also fight tough battles and win great victories!"

Previously, Shancheng's promotion of their capture of a regimental banner had put the Eighth Route Army in a passive position, nearly leading them to an irrecoverable state.

As it turned out, the Japanese Army's hundred-thousand-strong force not only failed to clear their shame but lost three more regimental banners instead!

"The Rear Area said this matter must be publicized; we need to let the little Japs slowly get used to it!"

"After this, they will lose even more regimental banners!"

The Chiefs nodded; naturally, a victory should be publicized—that went without saying.

Next, the Deputy Commander conveyed the second instruction from The Rear Area:

"Second, immediately organize a top-tier delegation to rush to He County!"

"The primary task is to formally negotiate the 'transaction' details regarding the aided weapons with Mr. Shen. Mr. Shen acted with great righteousness, saying we could discuss it leisurely after the war, but we cannot lack courtesy or sincerity."

"Our attitude must be sincere. The Rear Area said that no matter what conditions Mr. Shen has... we should try our best to meet them!"

"At the same time, on behalf of The Rear Area, extend the highest regards to Mr. Shen regarding this campaign!"

As soon as the Deputy Commander finished speaking, The Chiefs' expressions turned solemn.

The wording from The Rear Area... was very serious!

They hadn't mentioned extending regards on behalf of The Rear Area before.

It seemed this battle had completely exceeded The Rear Area's expectations as well!

Then, the Deputy Commander added: "Third, we must comprehensively and meticulously inspect and evaluate the performance, usage, and supply conditions of all the new equipment Mr. Shen brought this time!"

"We must thoroughly understand the performance of these new weapons to maximize their strategic value!"

Clearly, the value of the new weapons brought by Shen Wang was being given complete attention!

It had even risen to a strategic level!

Although The Chiefs had known before that these new weapons performed well, the quantity had been far too small!

But the Battle of He County made The Rear Area fully realize that certain epoch-making weapons cannot be measured by quantity!

"Fourth, the headquarters will immediately begin drafting a commendation order to honor the 386th Brigade's Independent Regiment, New First Regiment, New Second Regiment, and all participating units and individuals. Such a great contribution must be heavily rewarded!"

"Fifth, issue an order to all base area units to heighten their vigilance and strictly guard against retaliatory mopping-up operations or targeted sneak attacks by the Japanese Army due to their crushing defeat."

"Pay special attention to air defense and anti-espionage!"

"All information regarding Mr. Shen and the various new weapons is classified as top-secret!"

"Sixth..."

"Seventh..."

The Deputy Commander conveyed the instructions from The Rear Area one by one.

Although the battle was over and had been fought beautifully, it didn't mean it was the end!

All sorts of wrap-up work were quite troublesome.

"Alright! Those are the instructions from The Rear Area!"

The Deputy Commander tapped on the table and continued: "Now, let's discuss the candidates for this 'delegation'."

Rushing to He County to meet with Mr. Shen? And inspecting the new equipment?

The Chiefs' spirits were instantly lifted!

The atmosphere of the meeting immediately became lively again.

The Chief of Staff was the first to speak up: "I must join the delegation!"

"Officially, comprehensively evaluating new equipment is the responsibility of the staff department! Unofficially..."

The Chief of Staff gave a rare smile: "If I don't see those 'Katyushas' that can knock out four Jap artillery regiments in one go with my own eyes, or touch those tanks that chased the Japs around, I won't be able to sleep soundly!"

The Division Commander immediately spoke up: "I have to go too! My troops achieved such results; by all rights, I should be there! Commending the troops and understanding the situation is my duty!"

The Deputy Director also spoke up at this point: "Me too! I was the one who spoke with Mr. Shen last time; we're old acquaintances! It'll be easier to talk!"

"I'm going too!" Another Leader in charge of military production couldn't resist.

"The Arms Factory in He County and the equipment Mr. Shen brought might provide inspiration for our own military industry development! I have to go and learn a thing or two!"

"And me, I've long wanted to meet this immensely capable Mr. Shen..."

"Me too..."

"I'll go..."

...

For a moment, The Chiefs began to "compete."

They scrambled to express their desire to join the delegation!

Looking at this group of old comrades who were usually steady but now seemed to be "scrambling," the Deputy Commander couldn't help but rub his temples, feeling both annoyed and amused.

In truth, how could he not want to go himself?

Finally, after a short discussion and some "compromise," a list for a "Dream Team" level delegation was finalized:

It was led by the Deputy Director in charge of political work, who had previously had contact with Shen Wang, and included the Chief of Staff, the Division Commander, and the Leader in charge of the military industry—a total of four core Leaders.

There were also seven or eight other Leaders at the Brigade Commander level.

A total of over ten Leaders at the division and brigade levels!

They not only represented the highest attention and sincerity of the headquarters and The Rear Area but also carried multiple missions of negotiation, evaluation, commendation, and inspection.

"That's settled then!" The Deputy Commander made the final decision.

"Get ready and set off tonight. Reach He County as quickly as possible! Be safe on the road."

Everyone accepted the order in unison, their faces filled with solemnity and anticipation.

Those who failed to join the delegation appeared somewhat disappointed.

...

At the same time.

He County, the pre-battle headquarters.

A few simple dishes were laid out on a large table: captured Jap canned food, mushy stewed potatoes and cabbage, and a rare dish of scrambled eggs.

The liquor was sweet potato shaojiu, poured into coarse porcelain bowls.

The Brigade Commander, Shen Wang, Li Yunlong, Zhao Gang, Ding Wei, and Kong Jie, along with several key cadres, sat around the table.

With an army of a hundred thousand pressing down, everyone had been tense for over ten days; it was fine to relax a bit now.

Of course, necessary security measures were essential; the sentries on the outskirts of He County had already been deployed as far as a dozen li away.

At the slightest sign of movement, the news would be transmitted to the headquarters via walkie-talkie.

"The first bowl of wine," the Brigade Commander was the first to raise his coarse porcelain bowl, his expression solemn, "to all our fallen and wounded comrades!"

"To our comrades!" everyone echoed in unison, clinking their bowls.

Immediately after, Li Yunlong impatiently refilled his bowl, raised it toward Shen Wang, and shouted:

"This second bowl, I won't say much—it must be to Mr. Shen!"

"I, Old Li, have fought for half my life, and today was the most satisfying! On behalf of the Independent Regiment, I toast you!"

"Yes! To Mr. Shen!" Ding Wei, Kong Jie, and the others also raised their bowls, their eyes filled with sincere gratitude and admiration.

This was no mere formality; for today's miraculous victory, Shen Wang and the equipment he brought were the undeniable foundation.

Shen Wang quickly raised his bowl: "You all overstate my role. Without your command and the soldiers' willingness to risk their lives, no matter how good the equipment is, we couldn't win the battle! The credit belongs to everyone!"

Having said that, he drained his bowl readily.

With a few bowls of wine down, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Feeling a bit tipsy, Li Yunlong's old habit started to act up again.

Smacking his lips, his eyes darted around, and he suddenly moved closer to Shen Wang with his wine bowl.

"Mr. Shen, let me tell you something... while cleaning up the battlefield today, hey, there really were a few Jap women among the prisoners..."