Anti-Japanese War: Starting from Yaobai

On a grassland illuminated by the light of the solar corona, an unprecedented grand ceremony is being held.

This ceremony not only symbolizes the oath between the two warriors, but also is a testimony to the leader of the Wugan tribe expressing the highest respect and deep friendship to the distant visitor - Dragon Boat Festival.

The ceremony was held in the center of the Wugan tribe, surrounded by white yurts, like stars dotted in the green ocean.

In the distance, there are mountains everywhere, the sky is clear, and a few leisurely white clouds seem to be stopping for this grand event.

With the melodious sound of horse-head fiddle and low drum beats, Chief Wugan, wearing a gorgeous robe inlaid with gems and embroidered with golden wolf totems, slowly walked into the center of the venue.

Behind him followed a group of tribesmen dressed in their best clothes, holding Hada, flowers, and auspicious objects, adding a touch of solemnity and sacredness to the ceremony.

When Duanwu's figure appeared in sight, Chief Wugan showed a warm smile on his face.

He personally stepped forward to greet her, held Duanwu's hand, and then walked side by side to the ceremony site covered with soft wool blankets.

The ceremony begins at this moment.

A respected shaman priest, dressed in colorful robes, holding a sacred staff, chanted ancient and mysterious spells, praying to the gods between heaven and earth to witness this sincere brotherhood.

As the priest chanted, the wind around seemed to become softer, carrying the fragrance of the grassland and the ancient spell into the distance.

"Today, I, the leader of the Wugan tribe, wish to become Anda (brothers) with the distant warrior Duanwu. From now on, we will share happiness and hardship, life and death, and never betray each other!"

The loud voice of Chief Wugan echoed over the grassland for a long time.

Duanwu also responded solemnly: "I, Ye Xiuwen, am not a Mongolian, but today I am valued by Chief Wugan. I am willing to be your friend and trust you with my life, and to face every dawn and dusk on the grassland together!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the two of them drank the kumis in the silver bowl at the same time, symbolizing that the friendship between them was as mellow and long-lasting as the wine.

  Wow! Wow!

Thunderous applause and cheers from the Wugan tribe members and guerrillas rang out all around.

At this moment, the guerrillas' chests were filled with unprecedented excitement.

Because this is not just a simple alliance, but an unbreakable bridge of trust between two different ethnic groups.

They began to look forward to the days when they could fight side by side with the Wugan tribe, believing that in the days to come, no matter what difficulties and challenges they faced, as long as they relied on each other, there would be no difficulties that could not be overcome.

But the herders of Wugan tribe did not think so much. Their faces were only filled with happy smiles and tears were sparkling in their eyes.

For those who have lived on the grasslands for generations, the oath of Anda (brothers) is more precious than any gold, silver or treasure.

They witnessed the deep friendship between the chief and the distant warrior. It was not just a friendship between individuals, but also a friendship between two nations and tribes.

The hearts of the herdsmen are full of expectations. They look forward to working with the guerrillas to protect the land that gave birth to them, resist foreign enemies, and share peace and prosperity.

They believe that with such brotherhood, the Wugan tribe will become more indestructible, and every dawn and dusk on the grassland will be more brilliant and glorious because of this friendship.

But unexpectedly, at this moment, Duanwu said apologetically: "Wugan Anda, although I am a little reluctant, I have to go. The Japanese planes have been monitoring me in the sky. If I stay with you for too long, it will bring disaster to the Wugan tribe."

Wu Gan said disdainfully: "Ye Anda, you can live here without worry. We people on the grassland are not afraid of any threats."

Duanwu smiled and said, "Then I have to fight the devils too? In this way, besides the weapons I am using now, you can choose whatever you like. I will leave you two mortars, and I guarantee that you will become the most handsome guy on this grassland!"

Although Wu Gan understood Duanwu's ridicule, he knew what the mortar was. This thing was very lethal, and he had suffered a great loss in the previous battle with the devils.

So he couldn't wait to follow Duanwu to have a look. Duanwu led Wugan through several tents on the edge of the tribe and came to a relatively spacious open space.

This place had already been carefully arranged by the guerrillas, and two 90% new mortars were quietly placed next to the bunkers dug in advance.

"Look, Wugan Anda, this is the Japanese mortar I just captured. There was also a Japanese mountain cannon before, but it was too heavy and I blew it up. What a pity."

Duanwu said with some regret, because those mountain cannons are indeed good things.

It’s just a pity that he didn’t have the energy to take those cannons away, otherwise he would never have blown up those mountain cannons.

But this regret was only momentary, because as long as the Japanese did not all die, it was only a matter of time before they captured better cannons.

So Duanwu continued to introduce Wugan: "Wugan Anda, although it is small in size, it is extremely powerful, and this cannon is not afraid of the enemy's bunkers. Even if the enemy hides behind a mountain, this cannon can still blow them up."

Wu Gan walked forward, his eyes full of curiosity and awe. He circled the mortar a few times, and couldn't help but reach out and touch the cold metal surface, as if he could feel the power contained in it in this way.

Wu Gan half-jokingly asked, "Is this the 'prettiest guy' you mentioned?"

Duanwu smiled and nodded: "Yes, this is the most handsome boy."

After the joke, Duanwu began to explain to Wugan the basic structure and usage of the mortar:

"First, this is the gun mount, which is used to stabilize the gun. This is the sight, which is used to adjust the shooting angle and direction. The most important thing is this, the shell, which determines the strength and range of the attack."

As he spoke, Duanwu picked up a cannonball and showed Wugan how to load it and set the fuse.

Afterwards, Duanwu personally demonstrated how to adjust the angle according to the target distance, how to calculate the flight time of the artillery shells, and the safety precautions when launching.

Duanwu also emphasized: "When using mortars, you must remain calm and make precise calculations to ensure that every shot hits the target."

Wu Gan was fascinated by what he heard and nodded from time to time to show his understanding.

When Duanwu invited him to try aiming himself, Wugan seemed a little nervous and excited.

Under Duanwu's patient guidance, he carefully adjusted the sight, imagining that the enemy in the distance was becoming his target.

"Are you ready, Wugan Anda?" Duanwu asked.

"Yeah!" Wu Gan took a deep breath and answered firmly.

Following Duanwu's order, Wugan pulled the firing rope. Although it was just a simulated firing, the roar of the cannon seemed to have rang in his ears, and Wugan's heart was filled with unprecedented ambition and lofty sentiments.

"Very good, Wugan Anda, you have mastered the basic operation of the mortar. What remains is to keep practicing to achieve the effect of hitting the target every time."

At this point, Duanwu said with some regret: "There are too few shells captured this time. I can only leave you 20 shells. When I have more shells after fighting the Japanese, I will give them to you, Anda."

"Hahaha! Ye Anda is indeed a good friend, hahaha!"

Wu Gan laughed loudly, and then said to his men, "Ye Anda is leaving soon. Go prepare some kumis and beef jerky for Anda to eat on the way."

At this point, Wu Gan turned around and said to Duan Wu: "Anda, if you have any other needs, just ask. As long as I can do it, I will satisfy you!" (End of this chapter)