In late last month, the Japanese army sent reinforcements from Hefei, which split into two routes. The left route advanced westward along the northern foothills of the Dabie Mountains, passing through Shangcheng and heading straight for Wuhan. It has now occupied Shangcheng. Our army retreated to various passes in the Dabie Mountains to block the Japanese army layer by layer. We are now engaged in fierce fighting with the Japanese army.
The right flank advances westward along the south bank of the Huai River, and after capturing Xinyang, it will outflank Wuhan. Xinyang is still in our hands, but the Japanese offensive is very rapid; we estimate we can only hold out for about twenty days. If the Japanese capture Xinyang, the Pinghan Railway line will be cut off, and our room for maneuver will be even smaller.
The battle situation is now clear: the Japanese army is fighting hard and advancing, while the Chinese army is resisting layer by layer and retreating in a planned manner, trading space for time. Overall, the Chinese army is still at a disadvantage.
Pang Fengquan shook his head and said, "From the current perspective, Wuhan has no possibility of holding on; it can only take another step back."
Ran Hong, however, had a different view. He said, "But the Japanese military strength has been fully exposed this time. They are no longer able to advance any further. Wuhan will be their limit. If we retreat to Changsha, we can form a solid defensive line with a little effort. The Japanese will then have to fight a war of attrition with us, and they can't afford to lose!"
Several people immediately started discussing the topic, but Ning Zhiheng did not participate. Instead, he listened quietly from the side. These people had no way to fight on the battlefield, so they could only vent their emotions in this way.
It wasn't until noon that everyone dispersed. Their residences were all large mansions gifted by He Feng, and they were all very close to each other. Seeing Ning Zhiheng arrive, the teacher and student naturally had things to say, so they all took their leave.
He Feng and Ning Zhiheng saw everyone to the gate before returning to speak privately.
"These people are just venting their frustrations here. Just listen to them and don't take them seriously!" He Feng said softly.
"I know that all the instructors are eager to kill the enemy and are wholeheartedly devoted to saving the country, and I admire them very much! However, I heard that some of the higher-ups have suggested that, due to the heavy losses of the frontline generals, these veteran instructors from the Central Military Academy should be allowed to lead troops back into battle. After all, they are all experienced veterans, and now is the time when they are needed. It would be a real pity to leave them idle like this."
Upon hearing this, He Feng's spirits lifted, and he quickly asked, "Is there really such news? Is it true?"
Ning Zhiheng looked at his teacher and knew that this news must have moved him. He smiled and said, "There is this proposal, but the Chairman has many concerns. For many years, he has been suppressing the power of our Baoding faction and supporting the Huangpu faction. He won't easily change course. Whether it can be passed is still unknown!"
He Feng, however, was hopeful and nodded, saying, "The war is getting more and more intense. It seems that we'll soon be out of the woods. I really don't want to spend my whole life here!"
Ning Zhiheng then took out a wooden box, placed it in front of He Feng, and said softly, "Teacher, you have many old friends in Chongqing now, and the visits are quite expensive. I have also gained a lot in Shanghai this past year. This is a gift from your student to you."
Upon hearing this, He Feng frowned, reached out and opened the wooden box. Inside was a brand-new draft. Upon closer inspection, he was immediately shocked to discover that it was a Citibank draft for $60,000.
He Feng's face darkened. He put the draft back into the wooden box and pushed it back, scolding in a low voice, "What's going on! My family has its own savings, and my salary is enough to cover my expenses. I don't need your filial piety. Did your father send you to deliver this? Didn't we already make it clear that I didn't contribute any capital at the time? I was just helping your father acquire some assets. A few properties would have been enough for me. Do you expect me to shamelessly take advantage of my own student? What a joke!"
Ning Zhiheng hurriedly explained, "Father had said beforehand that 30% of the assets were originally yours, but you resolutely refused to accept them, and he has always felt guilty about it. Besides, prices in Chongqing are soaring now, and your salary is really too tight. Moreover, even if you don't need it, your friends do. You've always been public-spirited, and you can't just sit idly by when they're in trouble. This money will definitely come in handy..."
He Feng waved his hand to stop her halfway through his sentence. He laughed and said, "You used to be a man of few words, and it was rare to hear you say a word all day. But you've become quite capable since graduation. You're much better at being a lobbyist than your father. How could my salary as a colonel be insufficient? It's enough to support my family. As for my friends, I'll help them if I can, and I won't force myself to help if I can't. I won't accept this money no matter what. Don't say anything more!"
His words were firm and left no room for argument, leaving Ning Zhiheng quite helpless!
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