Chapter 4, The War of Resistance, Classmates

The two individuals pounded each other's backs, releasing their emotions for quite some time before finally letting go of one another

Gao Zonglin listened calmly as the other party recited his resume. Indeed, he was a legitimate graduate of the regular class of the Northwest Military Academy, a direct disciple of the so-called highest governor of the Northwest.

Gao Zonglin was taken aback for a moment, then carefully scrutinized the other person's face. Soon, scenes from the past surged into his mind, and he couldn't help but reach out to embrace the other person.

Following this reasoning, the elite members among the third, fourth, and fifth cohorts typically hold the rank of colonel

That is natural, Captain Gao should salute the commander

Certainly, the lack of money became one of the reasons for his pursuit of the position of company commander. However, he did not dare to covet the public funds controlled by the company commander. Nevertheless, the additional allowances from the unit commander and the future battlefield allowances from the field troops were not insignificant supplements for him

Most of the individuals from the fifth cohort, as well as a minority from the sixth, seventh, and eighth cohorts, are likely to be lieutenant colonels

Therefore, when he, unwilling to accept mediocrity, learned that the various units involved in the Eastern Henan Campaign were in urgent need of a large number of personnel due to heavy losses, he chose to forgo the opportunity to be promoted to section chief within the Military Affairs Bureau and proactively submitted a report to his superiors requesting a transfer to the frontline troops, which led to the current scene.

Zhao Kang tightly embraced Gao Zong Lin

The fundamental reasons are twofold: first, Gaozong Lin graduated too late and missed the major battles prior to the outbreak of the war, such as the Mongolian-New War, the Battle of Shanghai, and the Battle of the Great Wall; second, he squandered too much of his youth on the benches of local security forces and the Military Affairs Bureau, and did not join the troops in Hebei, Suiyuan, Shanxi, and Henan at the onset of the war.

Is it really you, Brother Gu Cheng?

Zhao Kang was overjoyed and embraced Gao Zong Lin once again

Alright, alright, no more jokes. Brother Gu Cheng, do you know about the situation of the others

Emperor Gaozong shook his head, while Zhao Kang sighed once again

Brother Jingfu

However, he touched the cash in his pocket, glanced at the few changes of clothes beside him, gritted his teeth, and stepped out of the office.

I never expected it, truly never expected it; I thought we would be worlds apart from now on

"Then Captain Gao, what is the reason for your presence at the front line?"

I just met with Director Chen from the Government Affairs Office, and we have not yet decided on a location. How about you? Which organization are you with?

"Warfare results in casualties, yet based on your resume, you have only had a brief service experience in a mobilization division prior to the war. Subsequently, you have either served in local troops or in administrative departments. In this context, what type of position do you believe you are suited for?"

One is so unfortunate that even drinking cold water can lead to a toothache. Upon learning from the secretary outside the government office that the reception lodge of the military department is actually located over ten miles away in Hancheng City, and that the vehicle that brought him to the reception office has already returned, Gao Zonglin, feeling helpless, is left with only two options: to walk back to the city or to spend the night at a local villager's home and wait for the transportation vehicle the next day

That is indeed a valid point

During the enrollment of the 11th session of the Lu School, there were a total of six districts and eighteen teams, amounting to over 900 new students who were not divided by major. If one were to specify which district and which team, apart from a few top learners and those who received certificates upon graduation, they might not all know each other. However, Zhao Kang's situation is different; it is not just about having carried a gun together, as the two of them were actually huddled together on the same kang at that time

Well then, since we have some free time, why not come over to my place for a visit? Who knows, we might actually have the chance to team up again

Emperor Gaozong Lin Muran looked at Zhao Kang, and after a long while, he slowly nodded his head

Furthermore, the commander should understand from my comments that I am adept at learning and believe that I can quickly master the skills necessary for combat against the Japanese army

Zhao Kang's ulterior motives were exposed, and he immediately felt somewhat embarrassed. Just then, the shopkeeper brought out the food and drinks, providing him the perfect opportunity to back down.

Come, the first one to arrive will be the host. Brother Gu Cheng, let us have a drink!

As if sensing Gao Zonglin's thoughts, Zhao Kang comforted the other party

I hope to obtain an infantry company, and I believe I have the qualifications for it

I am currently the Deputy Chief of Staff of the 2271st Regiment

Although I do not have experience in combat against the Japanese army, I have participated in battles against opium traffickers and bandits, having personally killed bandits in hand-to-hand combat; I am not a novice who has never seen blood

The lieutenant colonel chuckled twice, and his tone suddenly became stern

The 227th Division has currently been designated as a pilot unit for reorganization by the higher authorities, so it is normal that positions cannot be determined immediately. Did Chen Tie face mention when the assignments will be distributed?

I understand your point. To achieve success, countless lives may be sacrificed. Those who play with knives may die by the knife, and those who play with water may perish in it. However, since we are learning the art of killing and the nation is in a perilous state, we must either attain nobility immediately or die on the battlefield. I am prepared for either outcome.

Then we will have to team up again

Having fought for more than a year, to my knowledge, over thirty classmates have already sacrificed their lives for the country

However, he is ultimately going to the battlefield, so his wife and daughter cannot live with him in Shaanxi. They can only be temporarily settled in a low-cost apartment in Lanzhou, which is rented out at a low price to active-duty military personnel.

In fact, Emperor Gaozong Lin originally did not need to be so frugal. Although since the 19th year of the Republic, the Northwest Army had been receiving only 80% of the national disaster relief funds, he was still earning a captain's salary of 28 yuan, with an additional foreign language allowance of 12 yuan each month, and at the end of the year, there was also a year-end bonus of 60 to 70 yuan. This not only ensured that he could support himself, but also allowed him to cover the expenses of his wife and daughter.

It is you, it is you, after six years, I did not expect to meet again today

Gao Zonglin retorted, and Zhao Kang nodded in agreement, to which Gao Zonglin smiled.

Although it is said to be a low-cost rental apartment, it still incurs expenses compared to the free accommodation provided by the Military Affairs Bureau. Moreover, upon transferring to a new unit, one must prepare a certain amount for social obligations and hospitality. Additionally, the battlefield is no trivial matter, with the possibility of sacrificing one's life at any moment. Although the Northwest Army offers a considerable amount in compensation for such sacrifices, it is still necessary to leave a little more for one's daughter. Therefore, Gao Zonglin, who is keen on saving, has no choice but to adopt a slow and steady approach.

As for those below the eleventh level, they are basically still striving at the rank of junior officer

However, this degree did not lead him to immediate success; rather, his military rank was among the lower tier compared to his peers.

Gao Zonglin was just about to leave the headquarters courtyard when he suddenly heard someone calling his courtesy name. He turned his head to look and saw a tall officer gazing at him with a mix of surprise and joy, and couldn't help but ask in confusion.

I study military affairs to engage in warfare; now that there is an opportunity to eliminate the enemy, I do not wish to give it up

Old classmate, it has been several years since we last met, and you have become rather unscrupulous

Moreover, I not only possess experience in leading troops but also in interacting with various individuals, enabling me to swiftly grasp and integrate the forces

Three days later

Captain

Confidence is a good thing, but it should not turn into complacency

It is well known that the value of a soldier is reflected on the battlefield. Since he was unable to participate in combat, he naturally will not have any military achievements. Without military achievements, he can only endure the passage of time in a routine manner to accumulate experience.

I am Gao Guocheng, who are you?

The majority of the graduates from the eighth session, as well as those from the ninth, tenth, and eleventh sessions, are typically majors

Emperor Gaozong Lin understood that discussing grand principles here would be futile, and the lieutenant colonel before him was unlikely to heed his lofty rhetoric. Therefore, he responded in a straightforward manner, knowing that the most fundamental reason should not be spoken aloud, but rather kept deeply buried in his heart

Gao Zonglin showed no signs of wavering under the scrutiny of the lieutenant colonel

Gao Zonglin smiled as he broke free from the other party's magical grip, at that moment his gaze fell upon the other's insignia, the silver star particularly dazzling.

Chen Tie is naturally the Director Chen of the Political Affairs Office, and the so-called reorganization refers to the questioning raised by Zhao Xingsong, the Chief of Staff of the Second Army, during the review meeting of the East Henan Campaign held by the National Defense Military and Political Committee regarding the unreasonable structure of the battalion, company, and platoon levels of the Northwest Army. This led to a modification of the current organization by the Northwest leadership, primarily focusing on strengthening the manpower at the platoon level and adjusting the number of platoons under each company. However, due to ongoing military operations in Shanxi, East Henan, and West Hubei, and in order not to affect combat readiness, the Northwest Military Committee decided to first select the 227th and 236th Divisions of the Reserve Group Army as pilot units, and only after evaluating the effectiveness would it be promoted to the entire army.

Where can it be!

Understood, let's not speak of such disheartening matters. Come, I will treat you to a meal

Gao Zonglin furrowed his brows; in fact, he understood that Zhao Kang was trying to recruit people for their group. However, he preferred to be the leader of a small group rather than a subordinate in a larger one, especially under the command of an old classmate. Therefore, he deliberately put on a displeased expression.

I am Zhao Kang Zhao Jingfu, we are classmates, from the same school, I am from the 4th squad of the 3rd district team, we have played basketball together, during the first-year internship we were both in Class 6 of the 1st Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Regiment of the 5th Division

At this point, the lieutenant colonel closed the document and asked Gao Zonglin

As Zhao Kang dragged Gao Zonglin to the mess hall, he ordered 200 grams of Xifeng liquor, along with pig's head meat and peanuts. While waiting for the dishes to arrive, Zhao Kang inquired.

However, this was not a good thing for Gao Zonglin. Therefore, feeling anxious and uncertain, Gao Zonglin helplessly put on his hat, bowed to the other party once again, and turned to leave.

The lieutenant colonel then placed the dossier aside

Brother Gu Cheng, are you here for official business

Zhao Kang warmly invited.

Goodness, you are already a major. Should I start calling you sir?

Brother Gu Cheng, at which position will the distribution take place

Are you in the 227th Division

The soldier, nearing the age of thirty, saluted the lieutenant colonel behind the writing desk with a military salute. He then removed his newly issued ship-shaped cap and tucked it under his elbow, placing both hands along the center seam of his riding trousers. He stood straight in front of the writing desk, his eyes fixed on the wall behind the lieutenant colonel, where the scroll read "Horses Treading on Mount Fuji, Swords Slicing Cherry Blossom Trees," his expression solemn, to the extent that the lieutenant colonel found no fault in his military posture.

"Zhi Bu Gao Zong Lin, reporting to the commander as ordered"

Zhao Kang looked at Gao Zonglin's one dollar and three cents with exaggerated disdain, but upon seeing Gao Zonglin's dejected expression, he couldn't help but sigh

Born in the second year of the Xuantong era in the village of Zhashuiya, Liangzhou Province, at the confluence of the two rivers, he entered the 11th class of the Army Officer Academy in April of the 19th year of the Republic of China to study infantry. After graduating in October of the 21st year of the Republic, he first served as a reserve officer and second lieutenant platoon leader in the 11th Division. In February of the 23rd year of the Republic, he was promoted to lieutenant and transferred to the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Security Regiment in Yumen Province, serving as the platoon leader of the 2nd Company and the deputy commander of the 3rd Company. In November of the 25th year of the Republic, he was transferred to the Military Affairs Bureau as a lieutenant staff officer, and in August of the following year, he was promoted to captain and deputy section chief.

You are very confident

The lieutenant colonel suddenly burst into laughter

The army lieutenant colonel, who was only a few years younger than Emperor Gaozong, nodded slightly and casually opened the file in front of him

When you arrive at my place, there will be plenty of food and drink, ensuring you leave only when you are thoroughly intoxicated

Stop, stop, your grip is too strong, I just couldn't bear it a moment ago

The comments from the commanding officer of the unit and the head of the department are quite favorable, and there was originally an opportunity to be promoted to the position of major in the original unit

"No, why do I feel like I'm being led around like a fool by your words?"

Brother Gu Cheng

Regarding your appointment, the Personnel Department still needs to report to Deputy Director Zhang, after which the Commander will make a decision. You may return to the division's guesthouse to rest and come back to collect it in three days

The educational system of the Northwest Land School is two and a half years, with the first three phases admitting students every two years. Starting from the fourth phase, the admission has changed to once a year, and there have been a total of eighteen phases to date

The chief of staff of the regiment holds the rank of lieutenant colonel, and the deputy chief of staff is already half a step into the rank of lieutenant colonel. Even if he cannot be promoted on the spot, transferring to serve as a battalion commander would directly qualify him for the rank of lieutenant colonel. Therefore, upon hearing this, Gao Zonglin felt increasingly inferior.

Yes, indeed!

In the first and second phases, although few individuals were able to attain the prominent military positions such as Infantry Division Commander, Transportation Brigade Commander, or Cavalry Corps Commander within the Northwest Army, the majority had already achieved the rank of Major General and held significant posts such as Director of the General Staff Department, Director of the Military and Political Department, Chief of Staff, and Commander of the Air Force, with only a very small number still languishing at the rank of Colonel

Before the war, the Personnel Department of the National Defense Military Commission was indeed responsible for the overall coordination of personnel arrangements for the troops. However, with the expansion of the Northwest Army and the increasingly brutal nature of the conflict leading to significant losses among junior officers, the Military Commission could no longer effectively manage the placement of second lieutenant-level officers. Consequently, it had no choice but to delegate the authority for the allocation of junior officers to division-level field units, while only being responsible for the allocation of sufficient personnel. Therefore, the lieutenant colonel was indeed not being dismissive of Gao Zonglin.