Speaking of military uniforms. Guo Bingxun pointed to the full set of Japanese military uniforms on his body in addition to his military rank and said, "Commander, is it time to consider changing the style of military uniforms?" We wore this little devil's military uniform, only for a temporary need, but after all, it is not a long-term solution. ”

"We always wear the military uniform of devils, so what do the common people think of us? I don't know, I think we're devils. Moreover, it also has an impact on the morale of the troops. In the warehouse, there are still a lot of raw materials for devil military uniforms, as well as more than a dozen sewing machines. I took a look at it, and at least I can make a single military uniform for every cadre and soldier. Do you think about changing the uniforms of the soldiers? ”

Regarding Guo Bingxun's suggestion, Yang Zhen pondered for a while and felt that what he said made sense. The military uniform represents the identity of a soldier. It's really inappropriate to always wear a devil's military uniform. And the little devil's current nest-like military hat is really a little too ugly. But the troops are training extremely intensely right now, so go up there and find those people who make enough uniforms?

After hesitating for a moment, Yang Zhen said: "Lao Guo, you are right, always wearing the military uniform of a devil is not a long-term solution. But now that the training of the troops is so intense, it is definitely impossible for us to make a set of military uniforms for each of us. And we don't have a place to find enough tailors to make military uniforms. ”

"In this way, Lao Guo, I don't need to look at military uniforms. For the time being, we'll wear the devil's uniform, but the cap can be changed. At the same time, a badge with black characters on a white background printed with the words of the Northeast Anti-Japanese Allied Army was added to the left chest, which was used to indicate our identity. In the system of some armbands, indicating the formation and number of the troops, just like you used when you were in the national army, what do you think? ”

"Doing so is different from the devil, and it doesn't add much work. There is no need to find so many tailors, a few fighters who can use sewing machines are enough. As for the style of this military hat? In my opinion, it is too cumbersome to make zuò large-brimmed hats. The boat-shaped hat is not very suitable for the head shape of our Chinese. It's better to make zuò like this, you see how it is. It's simple and hassle-free. ”

After that, Yang Zhen took out a pen and paper from the satchel that Xiaohuzi was carrying, and sketched the style of a military hat with a few strokes. Yang Zhen naturally has no ability as a designer, nor does he have that ability. However, although the design is not capable, plagiarism is still possible.

The style of the military hat he painted is the style of the military hat of the 65-style military uniforms of later generations. Originally, Yang Zhen was going to directly use the military hat style of the Republic of China 24-style military uniform issued by the Chinese army, because he liked the more classic style of this military hat very much. It feels much better than those big-brimmed hats and boat-shaped hats. But I don't know why, Yang Zhen's mind moved, and he finally chose the six-five-style military hat style.

Looking at Guo Bingxun carefully looking at the style of the military hat he had drawn, Yang Zhen said: "Make it first, and distribute it to replace the ugly Wowotou military hat of the devil." As for the cockade, it will be possible to make zuò in the future if there are conditions. ”

To be honest, Guo Bingxun, who has studied in the country known as fashion for many years and is accustomed to seeing Western armies, especially the French army, is not very satisfied with the extremely simple military hat style outlined by Yang Zhen. I always feel that it is too simple, and the round head and round brain are really not good-looking.

But what Yang Zhen said was not wrong, they now have no ability to replace the devil skin on their bodies, so they can only temporarily change their military hats to prove that they are not Japanese puppet soldiers. Although this military hat is not pretty, it is simple and practical to make. For the troops, what needs to be solved now is the question of whether there is or not, not whether it looks good or not.

After the two of them decided on the issue of military uniforms, Guo Bingxun hesitated for a moment, and finally said: "Commander, let's see if we should award military ranks?" I know that the Eighteenth Army does not have military ranks. ”

"But the rank is a kind of credential that indicates the rank of a soldier. The main purpose is to enhance the sense of honor and responsibility of military personnel, strengthen the organizational discipline of the army, facilitate the command and management of the troops, and promote the regularization of the troops. ”

"Wearing military ranks, when the troops of different formations are fighting together, there will be no confusion in command because of the level of the position. It is impossible for our 20,000-strong army to know each other. Once two different, even unfamiliar companies work together when necessary, can the command relationship be straightened out according to the rank of the officer? ”

Regarding Guo Bingxun's request to confer military ranks, Yang Zhen pondered for a while, and finally shook his head and said: "This question, let's talk about it after a while." The benefits of military ranks, I know. However, the current distinction between cadres and fighters is too clear, which is not conducive to morale. ”

"Especially when it has not been tested by the battle, and the level of the troops has not yet been opened. You can't have one unit, and the privates are the majority, right? Moreover, we are now practicing a supply system, and the troops are not paid. The level of military rank cannot be linked to the income of salary, and this sense of honor has shrunk a lot. At the very least, I don't think there will be much difference between the honor brought by a non-commissioned officer being promoted to an officer and a squad leader being promoted to platoon leader. ”

"Besides, military ranks are conferred by superiors to subordinates. We can award the ranks of the following troops, but who will award our ranks? According to the number and equipment of our current troops, even according to the standards of the Japanese army, you and I are at least worthy of the rank of major general. ”

"We can't give ourselves the rank of general, can we? Isn't this a matter of putting powder on your face? Let's put this question aside for a moment. Even if the commander-in-chief awarded us a military rank, but he is our superior, who will give him his military rank? Let's talk about this matter after we get through the contact with Kannai. ”

"Ranks are required, but now is not the time. What we need now is more than anything else to achieve the ability to match our position. What is the use of awarding a marshal without the ability corresponding to the position? Isn't it still the level of a soldier? ”

"As for the issue of raising the sense of honor and responsibility of military personnel, I think as long as our political and ideological work is done in place, coupled with appropriate incentives, I don't think there will be problems because we don't have military ranks."

Hearing Yang Zhen's explanation, Guo Bingxun pondered for a while, and also found that it was a bit ridiculous to award himself the rank of major general, so he smiled and said: "It's me who is a little too radical." I only thought about the benefits of the military rank system, but I didn't think about our current situation. This matter is as you say, and we will talk about it later. ”

This conversation, although it was also about work, was the most relaxed conversation between the two of them these days. After all, compared with how to make recruits form combat effectiveness and solve the problem of whether the troops urgently need supplies, the style of military uniforms and ranks can only be regarded as trivial matters. Talking about such trivial things now is tantamount to a kind of relaxation for Yang Zhen and Guo Bingxun.

Just when the two of them were enjoying a rare relaxation, they were specially responsible for using the captured Japanese garrison code to contact the Japanese puppet army in Jiamusi, and the correspondent who confused the Japanese army found them and handed over a telegram from the Japanese army in Jiamusi that had just been deciphered to Guo Bingxun.

The reason why he handed over the telegram to Guo Bingxun, as the chief of staff, in front of Yang Zhen was because Yang Zhen had specifically instructed him that all calls from the Japanese army in Jiamusi must be reviewed by the chief of staff before replying. Therefore, he handed over this telegram to Guo Bingxun first.

Guo Bingxun took the telegram and read it carefully, but his brows became tighter and tighter. After reading it carefully, Guo Bingxun handed the telegram to Yang Zhen and said: "This is a telegram sent by the Japanese army in Jiamusi, who is specially responsible for transporting supplies to the Japanese army here, commander, you take a look first." ”

Seeing Guo Bingxun's solemn expression, Yang Zhen took the telegram and read it carefully. The telegram clearly informed the Japanese garrison here that a powerful anti-Manchu force was likely to have entered the mountains of Tangyuan, Luobei, Foshan, and the Xiaoxing'an Mountains on the border of Wuyun.

Because it was too close to the Manchurian-Soviet border, in order to prevent the whereabouts of the train transporting supplies from being exposed. This month's supply has been temporarily cancelled. If supplies are scarce, you can use your stockpiles. After the fact, the amount of use will be reported to the Kwantung Army Command so that it can be replenished.

At the same time, the Japanese army in Jiamusi also telegraphed the Japanese garrison here, telling them to strengthen their vigilance. If there are Manchurians near the cordon, they can be shot without warning. The clearance troops led by Lieutenant General Sasaki to the First Lieutenant have arrived in the Jiamusi area and are preparing to launch a large-scale dragnet clearance operation in the mountainous and forest areas of Tangyuan and Luobei after a five-day rest.

The telegram also ordered the Japanese garrison here to send a squadron of troops, as well as all the trucks to be ready at all times. In order to serve as a mobile force, when necessary, cooperate with Lieutenant General Sasaki to clear the mountainous areas northwest of Yubara, especially the mountainous areas bordering Luobei. In addition to these, the Japanese army was also ordered to prepare for the material support of Sasaki to the Ichijin Mountain Clearance Troops at all times.

After carefully reading this telegram, Yang Zhen pondered for a moment and said to Guo Bingxun: "This is not necessarily bad news for us. First of all, it shows that our deception operation during this period has been successful. Neither Jiamusi nor the Kwantung Army Command suspected that there was an abnormality here. ”

"The second is to give us a detailed understanding of the enemy situation that we need to grasp most now. Although the strength and route of the Japanese army into the mountains are not yet clear. But finally no longer smeared in both eyes. With this telegram, at least Sasaki's whereabouts have nothing to keep secrets about us. ”

"The only downside is that if the Japanese troops entering the mountains need to be resupplied here, our whereabouts will be exposed. Of all the people here, except for me and Zhang Ting, who know Japanese, there is no one else who can cope with the situation. ”

"And once the Japanese army enters the mountains to conduct a dragnet-like investigation, the materials we have hidden may be exposed to the location of the arsenal. This is the worst side for us. Once these materials are lost, although it may not necessarily bring a catastrophe, it will always bring us some inconvenience. ”

Speaking of this, Yang Zhen pondered a little and said, "I think so, we still respond to all changes with the same." After the Japanese army entered the mountains, a reconnaissance battalion was dispatched to find out its specific course of action and troop deployment. The two main regiments were dispatched to be ready for battle at any time and ready to support. And the rest of the troops that remain here must also be combat-ready for the most dangerous situation. ”

Regarding Yang Zhen's thoughts, Guo Bingxun pondered for a while and nodded, "I think it's okay." Although the reconnaissance battalion is still far from the requirements of the commander. But at least the commander has completed those reconnaissance subjects. Although they are still a little immature, it is time to give them a chance to express themselves. ”

"In addition, commander, is it possible to take advantage of this time difference that the Japanese army has not yet entered the mountain, so that the artillery can immediately start live ammunition training, as well as start infantry and artillery coordinated training? After the Japanese army entered the mountain, the sound of artillery could easily attract the attention of the Japanese army. ”

"In the case of troop operations, when most of the troops have not yet completed their training, with the support of artillery fire, we can greatly reduce our casualties. However, our artillery, although trained intensively, is higher than the infantry these days. ”

"But it's just like the infantry, only the most basic training has been carried out, and almost all the recruits have never participated in this live-fire training. For the artillery, which now also accounts for most of the troops, many of them have joined the army to fight on the battlefield with the first artillery, which is not a good thing. ”

"And the commander, isn't it time to smooth out the formation of the troops. The structure of the troops, including the firepower configuration, is it time for another adjustment? After the adjustment, the troops can use the last five days to enter their roles as much as possible. Ready for the battle we are about to face? ”

Regarding Guo Bingxun's two-point proposal, Yang Zhen said thoughtfully: "Okay, let's convene a meeting between the commander-in-chief, the political commissar and a few regiment commanders to finalize this matter." The establishment was not set a long time ago, but because the training of the recruits had not yet been completed, it had not been rectified. In a moment, we will settle him. Before the evening, the final adjustment of the establishment is completed. ”

For Yang Zhen, who was almost busy, he actually had the leisure to gather a few of his people for a meeting at this moment, and the commander-in-chief and Li Yanping both knew that there must be something wrong with the situation. Otherwise, Yang Zhengen, who was bent on recruit training, would not have had this time to have any meetings now.

After reading the call from the Japanese army transmitted by Yang Zhen, the commander-in-chief was silent for a moment and said: "It seems that our peaceful days of this month have come to an end, and we should be ready to fight." Deputy commander-in-chief, you are the chief officer of the battle, what is your opinion? ”

Although the commander-in-chief verbally appointed Yang Zhen as the deputy commander-in-chief of the Second Route Army, he rarely commensurate Yang Zhen with his position most of the time. Most of the time, they still call each other very affectionately. The fact that the commander-in-chief was commensurate with his position, which is rare today, shows that he also sees the seriousness of the situation.

Regarding the change in the title of the commander-in-chief, Yang Zhen didn't care. He could clearly tell from the commander-in-chief's heavy tone that the commander-in-chief attached importance to this information, which could also be said to be unexpected.

After Yang Zhen gave the commander-in-chief a reassuring look, he told the countermeasures he had discussed with Guo Bingxun. After talking about his countermeasures, Yang Zhen said again: "No matter where we retreat now, it is difficult to hide our whereabouts. ”

"Even if the troops are still some way from the formation of combat effectiveness. In the case that the enemy's situation was not yet fully understood, in addition to sending the reconnaissance battalion out to find out the movements of the Japanese puppet army, the opinion of me and the chief of staff with regard to the main force was to respond to all changes with the same attitude. ”

"We have plenty of supplies here, and a good defensive position to rely on, so why should we give up on our own initiative. Although it is very close to the Japanese Fourth Division in Jiamusi, it is not without the ability to fight a war for us. ”

"The reason why we are hiding here now is not because we are timid, let alone to avoid the blows of the Japanese army and preserve our strength. The reason why we are hiding here is to better fight devils and eliminate more devils in the future. "And now for us. The most important thing to do is to make a final adjustment to the establishment and firepower allocation. Artillery live-fire training was conducted, and some infantry and artillery coordination training was carried out during the five days before Sasaki arrived at Ichichi Mountain. In order to avoid the unfamiliarity of the infantry artillery coordination, the number of shells that fell on their own heads was much higher than that of the Japanese soldiers. ”