Chapter 8, Arrival in Zhangzhou

Zhong Wu replied: "Not yet. However, the local villagers nearby said that the Red Army retreated over ten days ago"

After several days of sailing at sea, the transport ship arrived at Zhangzhou Port. The soldiers, who had just experienced a life-and-death battle, gazed at this completely unfamiliar land, their spirits weighed down by the thought of facing another formidable opponent. The new recruits, who had joined the army in Shanghai with great enthusiasm to resist the Japanese invaders, found themselves dispatched here to fight a civil war, leading to a drastic decline in morale. Sun Baili observed this with concern; if the issue could not be resolved quickly, it would be easy to see a large number of deserters. He stood on the deck, lost in thought as he gazed at the increasingly clear horizon.

Observing Zhong Wuyang's smug expression, Sun Baili said with a wry smile: "Pressing down hard like this is not a solution! I believe other troops must be facing similar issues now; the military headquarters must be overwhelmed. If we cannot stabilize the morale of the troops, we will be doomed without even the Red Army attacking us"

Zhong Wu chuckled and said, "It can't be that serious, right? The gentlemen in the military department will surely come up with a solution!"

After the entire army landed, the regiment immediately ordered Sun Baili to lead 1 battalion out of the city and advance westward to find a suitable location to establish a defensive position, serving as the first line of defense to protect Zhangzhou and cover the landing of subsequent troops, while also gathering intelligence on the Red Army's situation. Once Sun Baili assembled his troops, he promptly led them to run through the city. Since this area was at the front line of engagement with the Red Army, only a little over 100 kilometers from the actual control line of the Red Army, and had recently been occupied by them, the city was in great chaos, filled with starving civilians and fleeing soldiers, as well as landlords and gentry escaping from the Red Army-controlled areas. Although there were some soldiers from local militias wandering in groups on the streets, they appeared listless, clearly still not having recovered from the blows dealt by the Red Army, either turning a blind eye to the chaotic situation before them or feeling powerless. Some merchants, daring to open their doors for business, hurriedly reattached the door panels they had taken down upon seeing the large group of soldiers pass by, while passersby quickened their pace, hoping to leave this place of turmoil as soon as possible. In the eyes of these common people, whether it was regular troops or bandits, they were all the same, providing no sense of security.

Cai Tingkai responded: "There are still many supplies in the naval department's warehouse that we received in Shanghai, including firearms, ammunition, and communication equipment, which are not an issue. We are just short of some artillery, which you can purchase on your own, and the military department will allocate sufficient funds for you. During the Shanghai resistance, the national populace donated tens of millions to our army, so military funds are currently quite ample"

On that afternoon, two guards of Cai Tingkai arrived by car at the station of the 1st Battalion, informing Commander Sun Baili that he was requested. Filled with doubts, Sun Baili had no choice but to immediately abandon his current tasks and accompany them to Cai Tingkai's residence

Sun Baili said with difficulty: "There is not much problem in training the new army, but governance is not Baili's strong suit, and I fear he may find it hard to be competent."

A few days later, various units of the 19th Route Army gradually arrived in Fujian, taking up positions in Zhangzhou, Quanzhou, and Fuzhou, while also dispatching troops westward to occupy Longyan and other areas abandoned by the Red Army, initially establishing a relatively complete defensive perimeter. After securing their position, the military headquarters convened a meeting in Zhangzhou with senior officers above the rank of brigade commander to discuss the next course of action. Although Sun Baili's 1st Battalion was unexpectedly stationed in Zhangzhou, due to its rank and status, it was unable to attend the meeting. After establishing a foothold, the military headquarters convened a meeting in Zhangzhou with senior officers above the rank of brigade commander to discuss the next course of action. Although Sun Baili's 1st Battalion was unexpectedly stationed in Zhangzhou, due to its rank and status, it was unable to attend the meeting. However, the next day, there was much discussion in the barracks, with reports that the commanders had significant disagreements, leading to a chaotic argument, which ultimately left the army commander so frustrated that he slammed the table, resulting in a hasty conclusion to the meeting without any outcomes.

Sun Baili took this opportunity to scrutinize Cai Tingkai carefully. Compared to six months ago, his face had become much darker and thinner, yet his gaze remained bright and spirited.

Sun Baili stood on a small hill in the west of the city, gazing at the continuous mountains to the west. Reflecting on the scenes he had witnessed in the city, he felt an unusual heaviness in his heart. Zhangzhou is a microcosm of contemporary Chinese society: the frequent wars have turned the citizens into startled birds, no longer trusting any army! These common people living at the bottom of society are completely disregarded, and they too are indifferent to the changing banners atop the city walls! Endless oppressive taxes and conscription have led them to repeatedly sacrifice, yet what they receive in return is a precarious existence, with many struggling to secure even three meals a day! If one day foreign enemies invade, how can they be persuaded to defend their homeland? Is such a life worth defending with their lives? Might some be thinking: if the Japanese come, perhaps life will be a bit better?

Sun Baili hurriedly said, "Commander, you are too polite! You hold a high position and manage numerous affairs daily; how could you possibly have so much time!"

Sun Baili said: "Before leaving Shanghai, I received a letter from home, both my parents are well, and I appreciate your concern, elder brother"

Seeing Cai Tingkai's thoughtful consideration, Sun Baili exclaimed, "I will certainly not disappoint my elder brother's expectations"

Zhong Wu replied with a bitter smile: "The old soldiers are fine; they have become accustomed to fighting in both the south and the north. It doesn't matter who they are up against; bullets don't have eyes! The new recruits are quite different. They used to say that if they had known they wouldn't have enlisted to fight the Japanese devils, but after being scolded by a few of us company commanders, they have become much more obedient now"

Sun Baili comforted, "I believe the situation is not too dire. Although the government has sent troops to Fujian to encircle the Communist forces, hoping to deplete our military, this also provides us with an opportunity to strengthen our own capabilities! Furthermore, Fujian is backed by the sea; while we have no retreat, we need not worry about our defenses. Our 19th Route Army is originally composed of soldiers from Guangdong, and as long as we take the initiative to show goodwill, Chen Jitang will definitely not attack us first. Now, the people know that the 19th Route Army is a force against Japan, and at the front where we engage with the Communist forces, we only need to maintain a defensive posture. The other side will certainly not dare to take the risk of attacking an anti-Japanese army! Additionally, to the north in Zhejiang, the central army does not have a heavy presence, so it is not a concern. As long as we formulate appropriate strategies, control Fujian, develop the economy, and simultaneously reorganize our troops to strengthen our own capabilities, it will not be difficult to establish a firm foothold!"

Sun Baili said: "I am merely a battalion commander and may not be of much help"

Sun Baili thought for a moment and felt that it was indeed the case, so he readily agreed.

Subsequently, the two discussed various details thoroughly. By this time, it was dinner time. Cai Tingkai invited Sun Baili to stay for a meal. When Sun took his leave, the lights in Zhangzhou city had already begun to shine brightly. Looking out at the myriad of lights from the car window, Sun Baili felt a surge of ambition and began to plan how to organize and train the army, aiming to establish a solid rear for the 19th Route Army in southeastern Fujian.

Cai Tingkai continued, "In the past, we did not have our own territory, fighting south and north, constantly on the move. Now we can finally settle down, and as a result, quite a number of senior officers have begun to show signs of complacency. In reality, the situation of the 19th Route Army remains grim, which is truly troubling!"

Cai Tingkai smiled and waved his hand, complaining, "Brother Baili, calling me commander is too formal! Back in the day, my family was poor; if it weren't for my teacher's generous assistance, I wouldn't have been able to continue my studies, and there would be no so-called high position today! I am a few years older than you, so just call me elder brother. " He then asked with concern, "How has the old teacher been lately?"

Sun Baili said, "I hope so!" Then he asked, "Have the reconnaissance personnel returned?"

That evening, the reconnaissance personnel sent out reported that they had advanced for over ten kilometers without encountering any traces of the Red Army. After Sun Baili reported the situation to the regiment headquarters, the headquarters ordered the immediate organization of defenses, and new tasks would be arranged once the follow-up troops arrived

After the pleasantries were exchanged, Cai Tingkai invited him to take a seat and instructed the guards to bring tea. He then sat down behind the desk, his face displaying a thoughtful and profound expression.

Cai Tingkai, upon hearing his words, felt a spark of inspiration and excitedly said: "Indeed, my younger brother is exceptionally talented; many of your ideas align with my own! However, after yesterday's meeting, I have become quite uneasy about these subordinates. I wonder if you would be willing to lend a helping hand?"

Sun Baili from hetushu.com stated: "Our army has dispatched tens of thousands of troops to Fujian. Such a large movement must have been reported to the enemy long ago. Zhangzhou is adjacent to the sea, and they do not have a navy; it is wise for them to proactively retreat to avoid our army's strength." He then instructed: "However, we must still enhance vigilance at night. The tactics of the Red Army are very different from those of the Japanese, so we must be cautious!"

Cai Tingkai stated: "There are many similarities between managing the military and governing the government. As long as you put your heart into it, you can learn quickly. Moreover, as long as a politician has good character and can understand the sentiments of the people, there will not be any major chaos. The former provincial governor, Fang Shengtao, was indeed familiar with governmental affairs, but he only knew how to engage in corruption, which has led to a chaotic situation in Fujian."

Sun Baili asked: "What about the weapons and equipment? The government cannot possibly provide equipment for the military that has expanded without authorization"

Sun Baili said, "No need for that, I trust you to handle things!" Then he asked with concern, "How is the morale of the brothers?"

In early June 1932, the 6th Regiment of the 78th Division, to which Sun Baili belonged, received an official order to advance to Fujian as a vanguard to participate in the military operations against the Red Army.

Cai Tingkai said with a smile: "Let me give you a heads-up! I have now been appointed by the central government as the Director of the Fujian Pacification Office, fully responsible for military and political affairs in Fujian Province. The first step is to reorganize the army; those miscellaneous troops will definitely be incorporated. However, the designations of the 49th, 56th, and the newly formed 2nd Division along with two independent brigades cannot be returned. Therefore, it would not be difficult for you to take on the role of a brigade commander or division commander. The key is whether you are willing to shoulder this responsibility. We are family friends, having known each other for over ten years, and I have complete trust in you!"

Cai Tingkai continued, "You should expand the army based on your own 1st Battalion, temporarily set at the scale of a brigade. For the insufficient personnel, you can either select from the supplementary brigade or recruit locally; do as you see fit. Officers can be appointed directly by you without the need for approval from the military headquarters, just prepare a case file."

Cai Tingkai said happily, "Good, you have indeed not disappointed me!" He then revealed his plan: "Although you have only been with the 19th Route Army for a short time, many people have praised your abilities, and Commander Tan Qixiu holds your training methods in high regard. Therefore, I have decided to keep you in Zhangzhou to train the troops while also managing the administrative affairs of the nearby seven or eight counties"

At this time, the situation in Fujian Province is exceptionally complex: in terms of military forces, there are no direct troops of Chiang Kai-shek throughout the province, mostly consisting of local irregular forces. The 56th Division under Liu Heding, centered in Jian'ou, controls the northern part of Fujian; the independent brigade led by Zhou Zhiqun, based in Shaowu, dominates the northwest; the independent brigade under Chen Guohui, centered in Xianyou, governs the southeast; the 49th Division under Zhang Zhen, based in Zhangzhou, holds the southwest; the newly formed 2nd Division under Lu Xingbang, centered in Youxi, controls the central region; and the independent brigade led by Chen Qi, based in Fu'an, governs the northeast. In terms of government, the provincial governor Fang Shengtao is a heavy opium smoker, spending more than half of his day on the opium bed, with his confused hours always exceeding his sober ones, rendering him completely incapable of managing affairs. The various departments of the provincial government under his leadership are similarly only concerned with corruption and embezzlement, showing no interest in local livelihoods or economic development. Local governments at all levels follow suit, engaging in mutual slander and power struggles while cleverly devising ways to exploit the populace, resulting in over 200 types of harsh taxes and levies in Fujian Province, leading to a dire situation for the people.

Sun Baili stood up from his chair and said solemnly: "I am willing to share the burdens of my elder brother"

Sun Baili nodded, indicating that he had already heard about this matter

A voice exclaimed, "Report!" interrupting Sun Baili's thoughts. He turned around to see Zhong Wu standing in front of him, drenched in sweat, and said, "The construction work has been completed. Would the camp commander like to conduct an inspection?"

As soon as Sun Baili entered, Cai Tingkai came forward, grasped his hands tightly, and said: "Brother Baili, I truly apologize! You have been with our army for such a long time, yet we have not had the opportunity to have a proper conversation."

Cai Tingkai pondered for a while before saying: "Younger brother, yesterday the military held a high-ranking officer meeting, and due to significant disagreements, no consensus was reached. I believe you may have heard about it as well"