Chapter 46: The Deputy Chief of Staff's Report Shocks the Commander, Prompting the Brigade Commander to Conduct an Inspection

“Regarding some issues related to espionage work, I plan to compile some knowledge on this subject...”

Upon hearing Li Yunlong’s question, Liu Yuan was slightly taken aback.

He hadn’t expected Li Yunlong to have such plans.

However, after having seen the "Militia Military Training Manual," Liu Yuan had long since changed his opinion of Li Yunlong.

Therefore, he wholeheartedly supported Li Yunlong’s inquiries.

Liu Yuan shared everything he knew, answering every question thoroughly.

In the following period, Li Yunlong compiled a rudimentary version of the "Friend of Military and Civil Dual-use Talents."

It was a rudimentary edition because Li Yunlong tailored it pragmatically to meet immediate needs.

The manual mainly focused on military industry-related aspects.

After all, although the new first regiment had a small arms factory, it was still lacking in many areas.

For instance, regarding workers, military industry, and production capacity.

Especially the raw materials needed for the arms factory were in severe shortage; previously, they had to be procured through the black market or “zero-cost acquisitions.”

However, these came at a considerable price, and opportunities for “zero-cost acquisitions” were rare.

Recently, many raw materials were seized from battles, which could sustain the logistics department’s development for some time.

But one cannot live off past gains indefinitely!

While organizing the "Friend of Military and Civil Dual-use Talents," Li Yunlong simultaneously ordered each battalion to gather intelligence related to this field.

As the new first regiment’s base expanded, their manpower also grew.

After reorganization, the battalions of the independent regiment had all increased in strength.

With the overall troop strength rising, Li Yunlong reinstated the management system separating the main force and militia units.

Through the main force assigning personnel to guide the militia, with the "Militia Military Training Manual" as an auxiliary tool,

the new first regiment’s military training received much more comprehensive guidance.

Just as Li Yunlong was assessing the regiment’s current development and addressing its shortcomings,

elsewhere—

At the headquarters of the Eighth Route Army,

the deputy chief of staff, having rushed back from the frontlines, finally returned to headquarters.

The deputy commander-in-chief was studying the map, pondering how to respond to the Japanese forces’ movements.

The deputy chief of staff spoke up and saluted.

“Boss, what are you thinking about?”

Upon hearing the familiar voice, the deputy commander-in-chief was slightly startled and looked up, seeing He Chou’s face with a faint smile.

“Old buddy, you’re finally back!”

“Those pesky devils keep causing us trouble every day. Have things settled down?”

The deputy chief of staff examined the map showing enemy and friendly forces, furrowed his brow slightly, then nodded. “It’s all arranged!”

“The arms factory can’t be fully operational yet; we can only build while producing.”

“That’s good!” The deputy commander-in-chief smiled with relief. “Thanks for your hard work!”

“You flatter me, boss!” The deputy chief of staff waved his hand and asked, “How’s the situation now?”

The deputy commander-in-chief briefly outlined the current state.

In short, the Japanese puppet troops were conducting relentless ‘drive-the-ducks’ style sweeps against our forces.

Now he finally understood why the boss looked so worried.

This situation was extremely unfavorable for our army.

Moreover, the allied forces were not exactly friendly.

They then exchanged some opinions.

“Overall, our army’s strength has increased considerably, and we’ve expanded many bases, but there are still many drawbacks.”

“The compatriots’ anti-Japanese sentiment is high, and many young patriots have joined us, causing a surge in troop numbers. However, the lack of proper training for new recruits has led to increased casualties...”

“We must find ways to improve the combat skills and battlefield survival abilities of new soldiers.”

Hearing this, the deputy chief of staff remembered the "Militia Military Training Manual" that Li Yunlong had sent.

On the way back, he had taken time to read it.

It had shocked him greatly.

He had just forgotten to mention it when returning to headquarters to report to the deputy commander-in-chief.

“Boss, I think this manual can solve that problem.”

He then handed over the "Militia Military Training Manual" and began to explain.

“This is a guide on how new soldiers can acquire combat skills, organize troops, and conduct operations...”

“It’s easy to understand, covers a wide range of topics, and is full of details. If implemented properly, a recruit can become a competent soldier within a month.”

Hearing such high praise from the deputy chief of staff, the deputy commander-in-chief grew curious and began to leaf through it.

As he read, his face was filled with amazement.

After a moment, the deputy commander-in-chief looked at the deputy chief of staff incredulously and said, “This manual is remarkably well-written!”

“Who would have thought that besides managing the arms factory, you’d create such a masterpiece? No wonder you graduated top of your class from the Fulongzhi Military Academy!”

“Boss, you’ve got it wrong,” the deputy chief of staff waved his hand. “I didn’t compile it.”

“Oh?” The deputy commander-in-chief was taken aback. “Then who did?”

The deputy chief of staff shook his head and smiled. “I’m not sure myself. You probably wouldn’t guess its origin.”

“Cut the suspense already~” The deputy commander-in-chief thought for a moment but couldn’t guess.

“Boss, this manual comes from the new first regiment.”

Upon hearing this, the deputy commander-in-chief was visibly surprised.

“The new first regiment?”

“Could it be Li Yunlong?”

“I wondered why the writing felt strangely familiar... but Li Yunlong isn’t exactly known for neat handwriting, so how could it be...”

The deputy chief of staff shook his head. “Not sure!”

“Since I had to rush back to headquarters, I didn’t have permission to inquire directly from the new first regiment.”

The deputy commander-in-chief nodded and smiled wryly. “Even if it isn’t him, it’s definitely connected to that kid Li Yunlong.”

“Oh, by the way, the new first regiment has been established for several months now. How’s their development?”

The deputy chief of staff smiled, tinged with amazement. “From their recent battles, the new first regiment is doing very well.”

“This time, they were tasked with clearing Japanese strongholds in the Taihang Mountains...”

As the deputy chief of staff spoke, the deputy commander-in-chief was deeply impressed in his heart.

The new first regiment had taken three small towns, multiple checkpoints, and inspection stations in just two days.

To achieve this, their combat effectiveness must indeed be impressive!

Although Li Yunlong tends to make mistakes, his abilities are outstanding.

The deputy commander-in-chief was well aware of this.

“That kid Li Yunlong really knows how to surprise people!”

“Looking at this, the new first regiment’s combat strength is surely linked to this manual.”

“Most likely!” The deputy chief of staff nodded in agreement.

“Boss, I think we should promote it to address the shortcomings in new recruit capabilities.”

The deputy commander-in-chief nodded in response. “Since it has your endorsement, it speaks to the manual’s feasibility.”

“I agree to promote it!”

“However, to be cautious, have Commander Chen make a trip to the new first regiment to assess the situation.”

“He’s already heading to the arms factory to oversee special defense arrangements, so he can look into this as well.”

The deputy chief of staff smiled and nodded. “That’s exactly what I was thinking!”

“I’ll arrange it right away.”

...

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