Chapter Thirty-Seven: Promotion to Brigadier General—Commander of the Brigade!

Hearing these words, Luo Cheng was so moved that his entire body trembled. He hastened to reply, "Rest assured! I will absolutely uphold the leader's directives with utmost seriousness, strictly adhere to the confidentiality regulations, and even if I must sacrifice myself, I will never expose Comrade Qingzhi's identity!"

Luo Cheng had originally thought that after Chen Qingzhi accomplished such a great feat, the higher-ups would assign someone else to maintain contact with him. He never expected that the leader would continue to entrust this task to him, showing such deep trust. This truly touched Luo Cheng.

Everyone knew that with Chen Qingzhi's extraordinary achievement, he was bound to be promoted on the other side; perhaps in the future, he might even rise to high office. He was the greatest underground member our Party had ever embedded, and this was a matter of utmost importance.

Such a significant responsibility was beyond Luo Cheng's station. At first, he had felt a sense of loss, regretting that he could neither see Chen Qingzhi nor sit down for a heartfelt conversation with him. Yet he never anticipated that the leader would make such a decision.

It was truly unexpected.

Yet, after the initial surprise, Luo Cheng immediately pledged his loyalty.

Having done so, Luo Cheng said, "Comrade Zhiyu, the last time I parted from Comrade Qingzhi, he requested that we evacuate the citizens of Nanjing. We managed to relocate seventy or eighty thousand people. Should we inform Comrade Qingzhi about this?"

"How do you intend to do that?"

"I will write him a letter, reassuring him, and at the same time, I will let him know how the Party regards him," Luo Cheng replied.

"Very well," Li Zhiyu considered for a moment before replying, "The leader also wishes for you to strengthen your rapport with Comrade Qingzhi, but you must be vigilant—under no circumstances can any information be leaked."

"I understand," Luo Cheng nodded.

Having been apart from Chen Qingzhi for so long, Luo Cheng's desire to write to him was overwhelming, eager to share both his own joy and the leader's praise.

Later, the two shared some peanuts and wine. Sensing Luo Cheng's impatience, Li Zhiyu decided to conclude matters swiftly and let Luo Cheng depart.

Luo Cheng bade farewell to Li Zhiyu in haste and took his leave.

Watching Luo Cheng's hurried steps, Li Zhiyu couldn't help but shake his head and laugh quietly to himself. "Oh, Luo Cheng, when will you ever temper that impetuous nature of yours?"

Unaware of Li Zhiyu's thoughts, Luo Cheng returned to his quarters and immediately wrote a letter to Chen Qingzhi. He then sent it through the underground Party's courier network, ensuring it was delivered after several transfers.

...

"Former National Revolutionary Army 88th Division, 246th Brigade, 527th Regiment, First Battalion Commander Chen Qingzhi, having rendered outstanding service in battle, slain Gu Shoufu, and accomplished an unprecedented feat—greatly boosting the morale of our Republic—is hereby appointed as Major General and Commander of the Independent Mixed Brigade. The brigade is awarded the honorary title 'Zhongzheng.' The Independent Mixed Brigade is to be formed at full strength as a reinforced brigade, incorporated into the Central Army's combat sequence, and placed under the command of the Fifteenth Group Army!"

"It is hoped that Comrade Chen Qingzhi will continue his efforts, valorously slay the enemy, drive out the Japanese invaders, and bring glory to our Republic!"

"Seventeenth of December, Year Twenty-Six of the Republic, Chiang Chung-cheng!"

When Chen Qingzhi saw the official appointment issued from headquarters, he was momentarily stunned!

He had never imagined the higher-ups would be so generous, directly promoting him to Brigade Commander with the rank of Major General and even establishing an Independent Mixed Brigade—such an outcome was far beyond Chen Qingzhi's expectations.

In his own estimation, being promoted to regimental colonel would have been about as much as he could hope for. Never did he think he would leap from battalion major all the way to brigade major general in one stroke.

And not just any brigade—this was the command of an independent mixed brigade!

A fully staffed independent mixed brigade comprised over five thousand men—a force of three regiments!

For a moment, Chen Qingzhi found it difficult to believe that what he saw before him was real.

The officer reading the appointment aloud smiled and said, "Brigadier Chen, congratulations! With such a great achievement, you've been directly promoted to Major General and Brigade Commander—a meteoric rise, one that will inspire much envy!"

The voice pulled Chen Qingzhi back to reality. Regaining his composure, he immediately saluted and said, "This humble officer thanks headquarters for the commendation, though I hardly feel deserving of such honor!"

"There's no need for humility, Brigadier," the officer replied with a smile. "Your contributions are plain for all to see. Were it not for your limited seniority, you might even have been made a division commander! This appointment comes directly from the Chairman himself. Such favor is rare; I hope you will continue to strive forward and not disappoint his expectations!"

As he spoke, a trace of envy flickered in the officer's eyes.

To have the Chairman personally issue the appointment—with such generous rewards—made it clear how highly Chen Qingzhi was esteemed.

To catch the Chairman's eye and be favored so openly was a sign that Chen Qingzhi's prospects were limitless. His future would be one of unimpeded advancement.

Seeing Chen Qingzhi already a Major General at such a young age, while he himself, despite being older, remained a mere lieutenant colonel—wasting precious years—the officer could not help but feel a twinge of wistfulness.

Who wouldn't envy that?

Hearing this, Chen Qingzhi quickly replied, "Yes! I will redouble my efforts, fight bravely against the enemy, and never fail the Chairman's expectations, nor bring shame to the Republic!"

"Excellent! In that case, Brigadier Chen, I will take my leave," the officer nodded, saluted Chen Qingzhi, and departed.

Fang Xiaodong attempted to persuade him to stay, but the officer politely declined, citing other urgent matters.

After he left, Chen Qingzhi held the appointment in his hands, feeling as though everything before his eyes was unreal.

To leap from battalion commander to major general brigade commander in a single bound—crossing several ranks at once—was simply unbelievable for Chen Qingzhi.

Moreover, the command of a fully staffed Independent Mixed Brigade, with the Chairman personally bestowing an honorary title and incorporating his unit into the Central Army's combat sequence, directly under the Fifteenth Group Army.

The Fifteenth Group Army was the Chairman's most trusted force, and its commander, Chen Cheng, was the Chairman's close confidant and favored general.

Now, to have Chen Qingzhi attached to the Fifteenth Group Army, directly under Chen Cheng's command, was a clear sign that he was being groomed for greater things.

All this felt like a dream!

Chen Qingzhi was left dazed, unable to believe that any of it was real.

"Haha! Battalion Commander—oh, no, now it's Brigadier! Congratulations, Brigadier! To become a Major General Brigade Commander in one leap—good heavens, that's a step straight into the heavens!" Fang Xiaodong exclaimed with genuine delight.

He was overjoyed at Chen Qingzhi's promotion.

As one of Chen Qingzhi's men, Fang Xiaodong knew that his own prospects would rise with his commander's advancement.

Witnessing this moment, Fang Xiaodong could not help but feel fortunate that he had chosen to follow Chen Qingzhi in fighting the Japanese. Otherwise, how could he have reached such heights?

Fighting the Japanese alongside Chen Qingzhi and achieving unprecedented feats!

Just the fact that he had helped Chen Qingzhi slay Gu Shoufu was merit enough for Fang Xiaodong to have no regrets, even in death.

And though Tiger did not speak, he, too, quietly rejoiced for Chen Qingzhi by his side.