Chapter 49

For He Zhengdao, who had unexpectedly been reborn in this era, the ability to save the lives of thousands of Red Army soldiers indeed made him feel very proud. He also felt that perhaps the heavens had placed him in this era to make some contributions to the nation.

Although the time of his rebirth was a bit early, and he didn't arrive just in time for the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, He Zhengdao was well aware that with the experience of the Long March, he should be able to lead troops in the future war of resistance.

He didn't dare to say that he would become a divisional commander in the Eighth Route Army, fighting alongside the Kuomintang. However, He Zhengdao believed that by establishing more merits during the Long March, he should be able to become a regimental commander in the Eighth Route Army without much difficulty, right?

What rank a regimental commander during the early stages of the war of resistance would be granted after the founding of the country, He Zhengdao found very satisfying to think about. However, the problem was that war was not a game. The battles of this period also made He Zhengdao realize the cruelty of war.

Even in his previous life, despite being a colonel and participating in many special forces operations abroad, He Zhengdao had never had the opportunity to command such a large force. After all, at that time, large-scale military operations were rarely used.

He Zhengdao, who was good at summarizing and reflecting, clearly understood that although the Independent Regiment had been fighting all the way, he was more skilled in using unconventional tactics. He had never fought a real hard battle, which also indicated that his command ability was still lacking.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu states, "In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak." For He Zhengdao, although he had rich military theory knowledge, he had no practical experience in commanding large forces.

Throughout this journey, the tactics He Zhengdao used were mostly unconventional. This was undoubtedly a flaw for a commander. At this moment, Mao Zedong's examination also made He Zhengdao somewhat nervous.

If he said the wrong thing, the consequences would be very serious. After all, as a time traveler, He Zhengdao was already changing the course of history. But whether the final result would be good or bad, no one could guarantee it!

Seeing He Zhengdao somewhat dazed, Mao Zedong directly laughed and scolded, "Brat, what are you spacing out for? I just asked you to give your suggestions on the current battle situation. What? Afraid to speak or don't know how to speak?"

Feigning embarrassment, He Zhengdao smiled and said, "Comrade Mao, you and the Commander-in-Chief are experts. How can a young man like me dare to show off in front of you?"

"Hey! It seems you have some ideas. Speak up? The intelligence you provided has been very helpful for our decision-making. Although we are the highest commanders, we also need to consider various aspects of the problem.

According to the combat reports you provided, I know you are good at using unconventional tactics. Given our current situation, the Red Army is not suitable for a direct confrontation with the Kuomintang army. What we need to do is quickly break out of this unfavorable situation.

Don't have any reservations. Speak your mind boldly. Since you know about the Nationalist Army's troop movements, I believe you have some plans and ideas. Just speak them out!"

Encouraged by Mao Zedong, He Zhengdao finally said, "Alright! I'll share my thoughts!"

Thinking that such an opportunity was rare, He Zhengdao ultimately laid out his analysis of the current situation in full. After he finished speaking, Zhu De also seemed quite surprised.

He directly said, "Old Mao, this brat's combat plan seems to align very well with your thoughts!"

When He Zhengdao mentioned that the current situation was no longer suitable for the Red Army to continue advancing into southern Sichuan, and that they could wait for the Nationalist Army's main force to gather north of the Chishui River before crossing it again, using a strategy of luring and rapid strikes to target Guiyang, drawing the Yunnan troops from the Guizhou-Yunnan border to their aid, and thus smoothly advancing into Yunnan, this strategic idea was indeed consistent with Mao Zedong's previous thoughts.

Hearing Zhu De's words, He Zhengdao felt somewhat embarrassed and said, "This is originally Comrade Mao's strategy!"

In the end, Mao Zedong still said, "It seems you are indeed good at using unconventional tactics. However, this strategy must be executed at the right time. Next, can your Independent Regiment take the lead?"

"Whether as the rear guard or the vanguard, our Independent Regiment can guarantee the completion of the task!"

"Good! Go and rest now! Wait for orders from headquarters. If there are any developments, I will send someone to inform you."

"Yes! Comrades, I'll take my leave. You should also get some rest!"

After saluting, He Zhengdao quickly left the meeting room. For He Zhengdao, this time of offering advice was more about leaving an impression on Mao Zedong and Zhu De, which would be beneficial for leading troops in the future.

After all, for many Red Army leaders, their memory of He Zhengdao was mostly that he was a company commander of the guard. They thought he was highly skilled in martial arts but not necessarily adept at commanding large forces.

Returning to the Independent Regiment's base, He Zhengdao didn't think much and found a place to rest. After waking up, he began inspecting the battalions and companies. Even during the rest period, the daily training of the battalions and companies continued as usual.

Compared to other Red Army commanders and fighters, who were mostly resting and conserving their strength, He Zhengdao believed that conducting some routine training during the rest period would also help maintain the discipline and combat effectiveness of the troops.

Taking advantage of the rare rest period, He Zhengdao spent a lot of time studying the map and the routes of the encircling forces. He knew that this second crossing of the Chishui River was, in a sense, an unconventional move.

Since it was an unconventional move, it was essential to ensure that the enemy did not detect their true intentions before the battle began. To be a good vanguard, He Zhengdao felt it was necessary to spend more time studying the map and the distribution of enemy and friendly forces.

Two days later, while resting at the base, He Zhengdao received another order from Mao Zedong. He knew that the Independent Regiment was about to set out again. What surprised him was that Mao Zedong did not meet him in the meeting room.

Instead, it was at Mao Zedong's temporary residence. Seeing He Zhengdao's slightly surprised expression, Mao Zedong, sitting in the courtyard, smiled and said, "What's wrong? Did you think I was giving you a combat order? There is an order, but it's not urgent.

Regarding the order for your Independent Regiment, I and the Commander-in-Chief have already decided. However, your operation will start at dawn tomorrow. I called you here tonight to have dinner with me, as a farewell."

Such words made He Zhengdao quite surprised, and he directly said, "Comrade Mao, this!"

Seeing He Zhengdao's speechless expression, Mao Zedong smiled again and said, "Don't be so formal, come in and sit down! When I left you with the locals, it was out of necessity. When I learned you were alive, I was genuinely happy for you!

As your master said, as long as you get past the age of eighteen, you will have a bright future. Now it seems your master's words have come true. Your performance has also made me proud. What's so surprising about inviting you to dinner?"

When Mao Zedong took He Zhengdao in, he had a long talk with He Zhengdao's master. Although no one knew what they talked about, many people knew that Mao Zedong highly valued He Zhengdao.

Not only did he keep He Zhengdao by his side, but he also truly regarded him as a confidant. During the time He Zhengdao served as a guard, his skills in knife fighting and marksmanship impressed Mao Zedong, making him feel that he had found a good guard.

Later, when He Zhengdao suddenly had a high fever, Mao Zedong, though reluctant, had to leave him with a local family. At that time, he had lost his command and could barely take care of himself, let alone take a feverish He Zhengdao on the journey.

Now that He Zhengdao had returned alive and saved the lives of thousands of Red Army soldiers, Mao Zedong was genuinely happy for him. Such a feat was highly praised and recognized by all Red Army leaders.

Although it was just a dinner, the meal Mao Zedong provided for He Zhengdao was very simple. During the meal, He Zhengdao suddenly asked, "Comrade Mao, where is Sister?"

Based on his limited memory, He Zhengdao recalled that Mao Zedong should have a wife at this time. However, as soon as he asked, he felt he had said something inappropriate.

Because he remembered that this wife, rarely mentioned in later official accounts, had suffered greatly both physically and mentally during the Long March. He believed that for the Mao Zedong in front of him, his mood at this moment could not be good.

Hearing this, Mao Zedong's eyes flashed with a hint of sadness, and he said, "She is not well and is currently recuperating in the cadre company."

In fact, He Zhengdao knew the reason for this hint of sadness. Thinking about the fate of this wife, He Zhengdao felt he should do something. After all, he believed that some things could still be salvaged.

However, he knew that if he told Mao Zedong now what he planned to do, Mao Zedong would not agree. Therefore, it was better to do some things secretly. He was also worried whether it was too late.

Regardless, He Zhengdao felt that since Mao Zedong trusted him so much, he should do something for Mao Zedong personally. With this thought, He Zhengdao took the order and left Mao Zedong's courtyard.