When Li Qiufan returned to the room, he was so excited that he couldn't sleep all night.
In the days that followed, Li Qiufan was arranged by the brigade commander to join the Anti-Japanese University, where he studied ideological politics, military affairs, combat with strength, and productive labor.
More than a month passed. Li Qiufan was in class when a communications soldier suddenly came in and called him out. Then he saw the brigade commander.
"Brigadier, what's the matter?"
Li Qiufan knew that the brigade commander would not call him out for no reason, so he immediately asked.
"Qiu Fan, I'm afraid your study plan will be interrupted. I need you to return to the 386th Brigade immediately and lead the troops!"
The brigade commander's expression was a little serious, and it seemed like something had happened.
"yes!"
Li Qiufan didn't ask any more questions, just went back to pack his things, took the monk with him and hurried back.
Going back was much faster than going there, mainly because there was no brigade commander around. Li Qiufan and the monk had fun directly. The two of them rode through any roadblocks.
More than a month later, Li Qiufan returned to the 22nd Regiment's base, and then went directly to see Zhao Gang.
"Old Zhao, what happened?"
Li Qiufan asked eagerly as soon as he entered the house.
"Qiu Fan? Why are you back? Aren't you studying in Yan'an?"
Zhao Gang looked happy when he saw it was Li Qiufan. He didn't know the news about Li Qiufan's return.
"The brigade commander suddenly stopped my study plan and asked me to come back immediately to lead the troops. What happened?"
Li Qiufan gave Zhao Gang a brief explanation.
"That's right. There is news that the First Army of the Japanese North China Front has assembled three divisions and more than 20,000 puppet troops to prepare for a raid on our base area."
Zhao Gang told Li Qiufan about the recently obtained news. Only then did Li Qiufan know what happened, and then asked: "Did the brigade headquarters give any instructions?"
"Not yet, but I think we will notify you soon."
Li Qiufan nodded, and then chatted with Zhao Gang about what happened in Yan'an.
Three days later, the brigade headquarters issued an order to the 22nd Regiment.
The content of the order was to have the 22nd Regiment block a Japanese brigade and cover the transfer of the division headquarters and the Eighth Route Army headquarters.
"Qiu Fan, we need to plan this operation carefully. This is a Japanese army."
Zhao Gang looked at Li Qiufan who was studying the map and said solemnly.
"That's it, come here to stop us!"
Li Qiufan's finger landed on a place called Tulongpo on the map, which was the only way for the Japanese to attack.
The terrain of Tulongpo ranges from low to high. The 22nd Regiment can occupy favorable terrain to block the attack, and there are still two routes for retreat.
"Old Zhao, gather the troops and rush to Tulongpo immediately!"
After making sure to keep a low profile, Li Qiufan led his troops and rushed over.
After arriving at Tulongpo, Li Tunnel first dispersed the reconnaissance battalion to investigate the location of the Japanese brigade, and then arranged for soldiers to build defensive positions.
"Captain, the Japanese are still three miles away from us!"
Li Qiufan was digging trenches when the commander of the reconnaissance battalion ran over to report.
"Everyone is here, hurry up and dig, the Japanese will be here soon!"
Li Qiufan shouted at the position, and then came to the temporary command post set up.
"Lao Ma, how is the artillery position being set up?"
Entering the command post, all the battalion and company commanders were here. Li Qiufan looked at Lao Ma and asked.
"It's all set up and set up behind the hillside on the east side. I'm sure the Japanese can't find it!"
Lao Ma pointed to the east and gave Li Qiufan a guarantee.
Li Qiufan nodded when he heard it, then looked at the crowd and said, "This blocking battle is very dangerous. It is very likely that our entire regiment will be involved. Are you afraid?"
"Don't be afraid!"
All the battalion and company commanders said in unison, with only a determined look in their eyes.
"Okay! Then I will arrange the positions of each part."
"The first, second and third battalions are responsible for the frontal position, the fourth battalion is responsible for the high slope on the left flank, and the fifth battalion is responsible for the high slope on the right flank."
"The reconnaissance battalion is a support force and is ready to support various positions at any time. The cavalry company is a mobile force and is waiting for my orders in the rear."
"Old Ma, this trip depends on your artillery battalion. Don't save ammunition. Don't feel bad even if you run out of ammunition. This is about the lives of more than 4,000 people in our 22nd Regiment!"
"Captain, I understand!"
Lao Ma nodded heavily at Li Qiufan. He also understood the danger this time and was no longer as usual.
"Captain, the devil is coming!"
Li Qiufan was explaining some details to the company commanders of each battalion when suddenly a soldier outside the command post shouted.
Li Qiufan ran out immediately when he heard the news, stood in the trench and looked forward.
About a mile away from the 22nd Regiment's position, a mighty Japanese army was marching. Li Qiufan estimated that there were about seven or eight thousand people.
"My dear, this is a full brigade!"
Heizi watched the Japanese marching team from the side and couldn't help but sigh.
"This brigade has twice our strength!"
Zhao Gang also looked heavy, and his heart was filled with worry.
"Don't panic, we are blocking, not fighting to the death. We can withdraw after the headquarters and division headquarters are transferred."
Li Qiufan opened his mouth to comfort everyone, but his heart was a little heavy. There were too many Japs this time.
"All troops will enter their positions immediately and prepare to fight!"
Li Qiufan gave the order to the company commanders of the battalions, and then everyone immediately returned to their respective defensive positions to mobilize before the war.
