Chapter 60

After the meeting to expand the Independent Regiment, the three top figures of the Independent Division, including He Zhengdao, continued to discuss military and political matters for over an hour. By the time the meeting ended, He Zhengdao realized it was really getting late.

Fortunately, the feedback from the patrol and security forces indicated that no major chaos had occurred in the city. Under the sudden attack of the Independent Regiment, almost no troops of the Guizhou Army managed to escape. The entire Renhuai City was now completely under the control of the Independent Regiment.

The prisoners captured from the city were gradually escorted and detained in the military camp. Although many prisoners were still trembling with fear, the current situation left them no choice but to wait patiently for their fate.

The Independent Regiment, which took over the military camp, the city's supply warehouses, and the city defenses, had all the troops, except for those on duty and patrol, move into the camp. This military camp, capable of accommodating nearly ten thousand troops, was sufficient to provide rest for the Independent Regiment.

After the meeting, He Zhengdao, accompanied by several guards, inspected the defenses of the military camp and the city. Finding no issues, he returned to the camp to rest. However, he was soon awakened by his guards.

As the commander of the Independent Division, He Zhengdao was well aware that he would not have much time to rest in the coming days. But seeing the heavy dark circles under Yao Shengjun's eyes, he knew that he was not the only one suffering.

He ordered the reconnaissance battalion commander, Li Xiangdong, to be called in. He Zhengdao said, "Xiangdong, following our approach in Xishui, issue a curfew in the name of the Central Army suppressing a rebellion. Post notices to reassure the civilians and merchants. Additionally, have the reconnaissance company members go undercover to investigate the corrupt officials and wealthy individuals in the city. Those who have caused significant public outrage, bring them to the military camp this afternoon under the pretext of collaborating with the Red Army. Understand?"

"Yes, Commander! I understand!"

Among the Independent Division, Li Xiangdong was undoubtedly the one most accustomed to He Zhengdao's combat command style. After a series of battles, the reconnaissance company had gradually adapted to this unconventional approach.

The corrupt officials and wealthy individuals were undoubtedly the most afraid of the Red Army. However, He Zhengdao, under the guise of the Central Army, was arresting and even raiding their homes on the pretext of collaborating with the Red Army. Many of these officials would likely feel wronged!

But such actions would undoubtedly be met with approval from many civilians. Li Xiangdong, however, wondered what the Red Army would think when they learned that the people raiding these officials were actually the Red Army.

As the notices reviewed by He Zhengdao were gradually posted throughout Renhuai City, many civilians felt puzzled. Hadn't the Guizhou Army recently joined the Central Army?

How did the Central Army suddenly suppress them? Did these Guizhou Army troops have the courage to rebel?

But soon, rumors spread in the market: "You don't know? I heard that Chairman Wang and Hou Zhidan both suffered defeats and are now detained in Guiyang by the Central Army! These Guizhou Army troops are probably planning a rebellion!"

Regardless, as these rumors spread, many civilians began to believe the content of the notices. Although the city lockdown caused inconvenience to their lives, everyone knew that it was futile to reason with the military.

As the saying goes, a scholar meeting a soldier cannot argue his case. In these chaotic times, the armed soldiers were the ones to avoid. The fact that last night's battle did not affect them was already a cause for celebration.

Due to the rule of only allowing entry and not exit, even the officials who suspected the true identity of the Central Army did not dare to inquire about such military matters. Even the county magistrate of Renhuai City, who wanted to meet the so-called Central Army commander, was refused by the sentries.

The sentries' reason for preventing them from entering the camp was: "The matter of the rebellion has not been fully resolved. No irrelevant personnel are allowed to enter the military camp. If you wish to meet our commander, wait until the investigation is complete."

Hearing that the person suppressing the rebellion was a Central Army division commander, these officials found it hard to believe. But seeing the uniforms and equipment of the soldiers, which seemed no different from their impression of the Central Army, they had no choice but to accept it.

In any case, even if some officials suspected the true identity of the Central Army, no one was foolish enough to voice their doubts. They, like the civilians, could only wait for news.

Spending the morning handling various matters that required his approval, He Zhengdao found that there was indeed a lot to do. But looking at the list of seized supplies provided by the political commissar, he couldn't help but smile.

"Good! It seems we've made a small profit this time. Sort through the seized supplies. Except for what we need to carry, the rest should be handed over to headquarters.

Have the logistics regiment work hard tonight to deliver all the supplies to Maotai Town. I believe the First Regiment of the Ninth Red Army will arrive there first tonight, and they can take over the supplies.

As for the prisoners, we'll select some this afternoon to be assigned to the logistics regiment. The rest will be escorted to Maotai Town by the supply convoy and handed over to headquarters for management. This way, we can travel light."

"Alright! I'll start preparing now!"

For He Zhengdao, the Independent Regiment could not take in all the prisoners from Renhuai City. But leaving them behind in the city also seemed unwise. Therefore, handing them over to headquarters for handling was the best choice.

The main forces facing the situation ahead would likely have an easier time than the Independent Regiment. With so many political officers at headquarters, dispersing these prisoners among the main forces would prevent them from causing any significant trouble.

The Guizhou Army prisoners, who had been in fear all night, were surprised to see the breakfast provided by the Red Army. Although the breakfast was just simple porridge, pickles, and steamed buns, it was still a pleasant surprise for many ordinary soldiers.

In those times, the treatment of ordinary soldiers and civilians was not much different. Three meals a day were a luxury for many poor civilians. Many units still maintained two meals a day, one at noon and one at night.

Although the Guizhou Army's main regiment had received back pay after being incorporated into the Central Army, the actual amount of money that reached the ordinary soldiers was minimal.

Embezzlement of military funds was a common occurrence in many Nationalist Army units. Therefore, seeing the Red Army provide them with a bowl of porridge and two steamed buns, many prisoners were astonished.

After breakfast, the Red Army soldiers who served the food told them to remain in the detention area of the military camp. They did not say anything about how they would be handled.

While some officers began to worry, many ordinary soldiers felt that if the Red Army could provide them with three meals a day, being a prisoner wasn't so bad!

As more officers were called out one by one, many officers began to worry. They knew that the Red Army was particularly strict in handling officers compared to ordinary soldiers.

Some officers were released soon after being taken away, but others never returned. Many captured soldiers and officers began to suspect that those who did not return had met a grim fate.

When the prisoners smelled the aroma of food from the canteen, they looked forward to their lunch. After the Red Army soldiers entered the canteen to eat, the prisoners finally saw the food carts being brought in.

"Line up! Behave yourselves. If anyone makes noise or pushes, lunch will be canceled!"

Seeing the steaming meat in the pots, many prisoners were amazed. Just being able to eat a full meal was rare enough. Now, the food even had meat, which seemed too good to be true for a prisoner's treatment!

The Red Army soldiers serving the food also said, "Do you think we're providing you with too good a meal? Let us tell you, these meals are ordered by our commander. You eat the same as we do.

Rice is unlimited, and each person gets one spoonful of vegetables. Take what you can eat. If anyone wastes food, the consequences will be severe. If you want to eat more rice, save the vegetables. This kind of meal is something many of you don't usually get to eat!"

Hearing this, many bold soldiers nodded and said, "That's true! I can't remember the last time I tasted meat. It seems being a prisoner is better than being a soldier! But, is this a last meal before execution?"

Some prisoners thought the treatment was like a last meal before execution. The Red Army soldiers, hearing this, laughed and said, "You really have a vivid imagination! If we wanted to kill you, one bullet would be enough. Why waste food?"

This made many prisoners realize that it made sense. But for many ordinary Guizhou Army soldiers, they didn't have such thoughts. All they wanted was to get their food and eat the meat.

In those times, anyone with a better option would not choose to be a soldier. Many of them joined the Guizhou Army just to have a full meal or were forcibly conscripted. In their minds, no matter how big the world was, eating was the most important thing!