In order to successfully reorganize the captured troops, the pacification army had separated the core forces from the original army. As a result, these officers were imprisoned separately and separated from their subordinates.
This tactic was indeed very effective. The troops, which had been somewhat restless, were immediately brought back to their original state and quieted down after losing their leaders.
Xu Yongchang and other officers were also taken in for interrogation in turn by Zhang Jingyao. He used all sorts of methods, including coercion and bribery, but after seeing that he had not gained anything, he ended the interrogation. Things calmed down for a while, and everyone was unsure of their fate, so they could only endure it.
Xu Yongchang gently spat out a dry blade of grass from his mouth, slowly moved his body, and felt that his injuries had healed. He slowly said to his comrades beside him, "They've locked us up for more than twenty days now, and these guys still won't give up. Are they just going to keep us locked up like this forever?"
Standing next to him was his colleague Jiang Weicheng. Unlike Xu Yongchang, Jiang Weicheng came from a legitimate Kuomintang action team, but he had always had a good relationship with Xu Yongchang. This time, he was also captured.
Hearing Xu Yongchang's words, he slowly opened his eyes and said weakly, "Who knows what tricks they're up to? A few days ago, someone came to interrogate us, but now they're just ignoring us. We're just taking it one day at a time. Why think so much?"
Another officer chimed in, "During the interrogation, didn't that guy surnamed Zhang say that as long as we signed the pledge of allegiance, we would be sent to the Special Agent Headquarters to take up our posts, and if we didn't sign, we would be executed on the spot? I don't know if that's true or not?"
Jiang Weicheng glared and shouted, "What, are you scared! I'm not signing! I'd rather fight them to the death than be a traitor!"
"That would be too unfair! I think we should get out first and then figure out a solution. It's better than being shot dead and dying here in vain!"
"That's right, Old Zhao's words make sense. Let's go out first and talk about it later. To be honest, I don't want to wait here to die. It's not impossible to compromise. Once we have guns, we can do whatever we want!"
"You're making it sound so easy. These people aren't fools; they're not unsuspecting."
Just as the group was discussing this, the sound of a lock being opened came from outside the barracks, followed by the sound of chains being wound. The gate opened, and a pacification army officer pushed it open and entered. He walked to the middle of the barracks, looked around, and shouted at the people inside, "What are you all arguing about? Still so energetic! Let me tell you, you won't be here for many more days. Behave yourselves and don't cause me any trouble."
"You think you can play the hero here? Refusing to sign, taking advantage of my good temper, huh! But wait until we get to number 76, that's a place that eats people alive. If you don't sign, you'll be lucky to escape with your life! You don't know what's good for you!"
At this point, he shouted loudly towards a corner of the cell, "Geng Xingwei!"
At this moment, a middle-aged officer who had been squatting in the corner of the barracks stood up upon hearing the voice. He was slightly overweight, with his hands in his sleeves. He stepped forward a few steps, his round face beaming as he said, "Deputy Company Commander Sun, what can I do for you today?"
Sun Lianfu looked at Geng Xingwei, his expression softening, and said, "Today, Quartermaster Chen is sick, he's had an upset stomach all day. The battalion commander wants you to cover his shift. Go buy some things and get them done, and we'll improve your meals!"
Upon hearing this, Geng Xingwei's eyes lit up. He had been locked up here and had been longing to get out for some fresh air. He hadn't expected to have such a good opportunity. He couldn't help but laugh and say, "That's great! I haven't been out for fresh air for several days. Don't worry, I'll definitely get it done for you!"
Geng Xingwei was mainly an officer in charge of military supplies in the National Salvation Army. He was literate and good at math, and had an outgoing and smooth personality. He was good at socializing. After being captured, he quickly became familiar with the officers who were guarding him. He was often called on to help with logistics. When he returned, he would always bring back some meat for everyone, so no one thought anything was unusual.
Someone even shouted, "Hey old friend, bring some more back! I've been eating nothing but thin porridge and noodles every day, I'm practically coughing up all the fluid from my lungs!"
Geng Xing waved to Sun Lianfu and walked out, saying with a smile, "Wait here, I'll bring you back a fat chicken so you can eat your fill!"
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