Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 160 Machine Gun

Standing at the entrance of the military camp, watching Tang Xiaohu lead his team away, Tang Weiguo's initial anger gradually subsided. All that remained was to wait for the good news that Tang Xiaohu had eliminated the bandits.

After watching the soldiers of the First Battalion gradually disappear from his sight, Tang Weiguo turned around and returned to his regimental headquarters. There were still many things in the militia that needed his attention.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Zhang Haoshan and Bi Shoucai waited for several days at the Second War Zone Command, and finally received news from Staff Officer Chu today.

"Director Bi, Staff Officer Chu sent word that all logistical arrangements have been made," Zhang Haoshan said as he entered Bi Shoucai's room.

"Finally ready. If I hadn't secretly given him several generous gifts, I don't know how long it would have taken."

Bi Shoucai wasn't surprised by the news; after all, he had bribed them. The old saying goes, "Money makes the world go round," and it's damn true.

"I wonder how many soldiers they've prepared for us? They promised to send us 500 more," Zhang Haoshan said with some concern.

“Deputy Commander Zhang, don’t worry about that. As the saying goes, even if we don’t care about our reputation, we should at least consider the money. We’ve spent a lot of money on this.” Bi Shoucai waved his hand at Zhang Haoshan to reassure him.

"Although Chu Yunlong is greedy, he handles things beautifully. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been Yan Laoxi's favorite for so long. Yan Laoxi is so shrewd!"

"Director Bi, now that you mention it, you really know how to talk. Back when I was at the war zone command, I probably didn't hear much about Chu Yunlong's bad deeds!"

"So, let's go without worry," Bi Shoucai said with a smile.

"What time did Staff Officer Chu schedule for us?" Bi Shoucai asked again.

"Tomorrow morning."

“It just so happens that Director Tang Ming and I had an appointment for this afternoon, which is different from our appointment time. I will visit Tang Ming again this afternoon, and it seems that he has finished his work.” Bi Shoucai said.

"That's perfect. Once the supplies are ready, we'll return to the Wolong Mountain base. My left eyelid has been twitching lately, and I feel like something big is about to happen."

"A twitching left eye means good fortune, a twitching right eye means bad luck. Deputy Commander Zhang, I want to congratulate you in advance on your impending fortune. Don't forget to treat me to a meal when you're rich," Bi Shoucai said with a smile.

"Director Bi is joking. If I really become rich, I will definitely treat Director Bi to a meal."

"Okay, it's settled then."

"Hahaha."

It was afternoon soon, and Bi Shoucai arrived at the agreed location ahead of time. This time, Tang Ming didn't ask Bi Shoucai to meet him in his office, but instead arranged to meet him at the Donglai Tavern in the county town.

Bi Shoucai gave Tang Ming's name, and the tavern waiter led him to a private room. Tang Ming had not yet arrived, so Bi Shoucai sat down and waited for Tang Ming and his party to arrive.

"As expected of the place chosen by Director Tang, the decoration of this private room has a unique charm." Bi Shoucai casually looked around the private room decorated in a Western style.

A moment later, Bi Shouchai heard a knock at the door. He stood up, and the same waiter who had opened the door earlier opened it. Tang Ming appeared before Bi Shouchai, followed by a stranger.

"Director Bi, I'm so sorry, something came up and I had to make it. I really apologize," Tang Ming said apologetically.

"Director Tang, you're too kind. I just arrived and haven't even had a chance to sit down yet. Your arrival is just in time."

"Director Tang, the person next to you looks quite unfamiliar?" Bi Shoucai asked.

"Look at me, I forgot to introduce you. This is Guo Yi, the section chief in charge of logistics for the 43rd Army."

"Hello, Director Si, Bi Shoucai will go and say hello."

"I've long heard of Director Bi's reputation; it's an honor to meet you," Si Guoyi said with a smile.

"Director Si, you're being too kind."

"Alright, let's sit down and talk," Tang Ming said with a smile.

"Waiter, bring the wine and the dishes quickly!" Tang Ming called out to the door.

"Gentlemen, your wine and dishes will be served shortly."

Before long, the food and drinks that Tang Ming had ordered in advance were served.

"Come on, try their Xinghua Village wine, it tastes extraordinary." Tang Ming personally poured wine for the two of them.

"Director Bi, this is the buyer this time. I brought him here personally."

"Thank you so much, Director Tang. I am truly flattered that you have personally brought Director Si here for such a small matter. Let me drink this first as a sign of my respect." After saying this, Shou Cai picked up the wine glass on the table and drank it all in one gulp.

"Just as Director Tang said, it's good wine," Bi Shoucai said after finishing his drink.

"Director Bi has a huge capacity for alcohol! I'll drink mine too. I wish us all the best in our cooperation in advance." Tang Ming also raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

Si Guoyi, standing to the side, also downed his drink in one gulp. When it comes to drinking, he's never been afraid of anyone.

"Come on, come on, eat up!" Tang Ming said warmly.

When the three of them had drunk enough, Tang Ming began to talk about the important matter at hand.

"Director Bi, how about Director Si trades one Madsen 20mm autocannon for your militia's Japanese equipment? It wasn't easy for me to persuade Director Si to part with this precious item," Tang Min said.

"Director Tang, I don't know exactly what this 'one Madsen 20mm autocannon' you're referring to is?"

“Director Bi, this Madsen 20mm autocannon is a rare find. If we weren’t short of military merits recently, I wouldn’t be willing to exchange it for this. This thing is a treasure in our army.” Si Guoyi explained from the side.

"Oh, then I'll listen carefully," Bi Shoucai said curiously.

"The Madsen 20mm autocannon was imported from abroad by the Nationalist government. There weren't many of them; our army only received three of these autocannons."

"This machine gun is mainly used for anti-aircraft defense, to shoot down the Japanese planes, but if you lay it flat, it can also easily take down the Japanese tanks," Si Guoyi continued to explain.

"A cannon that can shoot down airplanes? This is the first time I've ever heard of one." Bi Shoucai was very surprised. The regimental commander had instructed that airplanes that could shoot down the Japanese were all valuable items, and they should try to buy them. The four anti-aircraft machine guns that they had obtained from the 68th Brigade last time were treasured by the regimental commander.

“Since it’s Director Tang’s decision, I have no objections. Our regimental commander instructed me to follow Director Tang’s instructions in everything.” Bi Shoucai nodded in agreement on the spot.

"It's a pleasure to do business with you!" Si Guoyi said happily, extending his hand when he heard that Bi Shoucai had agreed to the deal.

"Pleasant to work with."

"Director Si, besides this machine gun, could I afford to buy a few more? Money is not a problem," Bi Shoucai then asked.

"Director Bi, this isn't about money. This thing really can't be sold anymore. I'm already taking a risk by using this cannon in this transaction. If you make me sell another one, I reckon I'll be in a military court tomorrow," Si Guoyi said decisively without even considering it.

Seeing Si Guoyi's expression, Bi Shoucai knew that they would never sell again.