Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 163 School Plan

The next morning, Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang left the inn early for the military camp to prepare for the new recruits' departure. Bi Shoucai did not accompany him but went to visit Tang Ming instead.

"Director Bi, you've arrived. Please have a seat." Tang Ming greeted him warmly.

"Director Tang, you're too kind. I've come here mainly to say goodbye. We're heading back to the Wolong Mountain militia this afternoon. Thank you for taking care of us these past few days."

"Director Bi, you're too kind. You're my nephew's people, so it's only right that I take care of you," Tang Ming said with a smile.

"Director Tang, please take care of the batch of industrial equipment that the regimental commander entrusted you to purchase last time."

After receiving the equipment list from Tang Weiguo, Bi Shouchai immediately contacted Tang Ming and asked him for help with the purchase. Furthermore, Bi Shouchai left most of the goldfish he had brought with him to Tang Ming as funds for the purchase.

"Don't worry, I will do my best to do what my nephew entrusted to me. However, I still need to ask someone to purchase this batch of equipment, which will take some time. Please tell my nephew Tang when you get back that he can rest assured."

"Yes, I will definitely convey it truthfully."

"But I'm curious, why did you buy this equipment? It's expensive and troublesome," Tang Ming asked, puzzled.

"Director Tang, our regimental commander means that since our regiment is in enemy-occupied territory, logistical supplies are difficult to obtain. If we could produce some things ourselves, it would alleviate the logistical pressure."

"Yes, that's right. My nephew really knows how to plan ahead. Don't worry, I'll let you know as soon as I have any news."

"Thank you."

"Oh, right, I have something to do this afternoon, so I won't be able to see you off myself," Tang Ming said apologetically.

"Director Tang, please continue with your work. I'll take my leave now."

"Okay, have a safe trip."

"Thank you." After saying that, Shoucai left.

After leaving Tang Ming's place, Bi Shoucai turned around and visited Chu Yunlong to thank him for taking care of their militia recently, and then took his leave with Chu Yunlong.

It was already noon when Bi Shoucai came out of Chu Yunlong's place, so he went to the barracks to meet up with Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang.

At 2 p.m., Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang led the new recruits, who were organized into two companies, carrying weapons, equipment, and logistical supplies, toward the outskirts of the county town. In addition, the doctors arranged by Chu Yunlong accompanied them.

After leaving the county town, the group walked for two hours to reach a dilapidated temple east of the town. After Bi Shoucai met up with Niu Dali's reconnaissance battalion, the group immediately headed towards Wolong Mountain.

Meanwhile, in the Wolong Mountain military camp, Li Qin received the intelligence sent by Bi Shoucai before his departure, and then went to Tang Weiguo to report it.

"Report." Tang Weiguo, who was looking at the report on the families of the fallen and wounded soldiers that Tang Guo had brought, suddenly heard a voice from outside. Tang Weiguo looked up and saw that it was Li Qin.

"Please come in."

"Report, Commander, Director Bi has sent a telegram."

"read."

"Our unit has completed its logistical supply mission and is now heading back to Wolong Mountain."

"Okay, I understand."

"Yes." After saying that, Li Qin left.

"Not bad this time, we actually managed to get anti-aircraft guns." Tang Weiguo couldn't help but smile as he recalled the intelligence that Bi Shoucai had sent back earlier.

After watching Li Qin leave, Tang Weiguo continued reading the investigation report submitted by Tang Guo.

"Yes, most of it is about children's schooling. To be honest, people in this era get married and have children very early. Unlike my generation, there were just too many older single young people," Tang Weiguo thought to himself.

"The issue of children's schooling is indeed a problem. There is a saying that goes, 'No matter how hard life is, we cannot let our children suffer; no matter how poor we are, we cannot neglect education.' These children are the future of China. Moreover, these are the children of martyrs, and they deserve to be taken good care of."

"What if the militia started their own schools?" A thought flashed through Tang Weiguo's mind, and he immediately felt that this was a feasible idea.

So Tang Weiguo dialed the phone on the table.

"Connect to the soldiers' service center."

"Hey, Tang Guo, come here for a second."

"Yes."

After hanging up the phone, Tang Weiguo picked up a pen and began to write down some thoughts about the school.

"Young Master, I'm here."

"Tang Guo, sit down and let's talk."

"Yes, Young Master."

"I have read your investigation report. The investigation is very detailed, which shows the meticulousness of the working group. I would like to give them verbal praise first. As for formal commendation, we will hold a unified commendation meeting later."

"Commander, on behalf of the soldiers in the work group, I would like to express my gratitude to you." Here, Tang Guo, on behalf of the soldiers in the service department, specifically changed his address to Commander Tang Weiguo.

"No need to thank me, this is what your work group should do. If anyone should thank you, it's me thanking you for your contributions to the militia," Tang Weiguo said, waving his hand.

"From the report, I see that most of the families of the fallen and wounded soldiers are in relatively good condition, with only a small number of families facing special circumstances. For these families, you soldiers should provide special care and support, at least ensuring their basic needs are met."

"Yes, young master. I have already begun arranging the relevant work."

"Ah, very good."

"There's one more thing I'd like to discuss with you. This report touches on the issue of children's schooling. I think this isn't just about the children of the fallen soldiers, but also about the schooling of all the children in the militia."

So I'm planning to open a school within the militia so that the children of militia members can attend school for free. What do you think?

"Young Master, starting a school is wonderful! I have no objections whatsoever." Tang Guo wholeheartedly agreed.

"I plan to have the cultural affairs department take over the school education from now on, and you can take care of the school's logistics, how about that?" Tang Weiguo said.

“No problem. Advisor Long is well-educated and more skilled in education than us roughnecks,” Tang Guo said happily.

"How about this, we'll set up a school at our Wolongshan militia's garrison, and each of the other three battalions' headquarters will set up a school. This way, we can meet the educational needs of the militia's soldiers' children to the greatest extent possible."

"The construction of the school will be handled by your soldiers' service department. The engineering regiment is currently in an intensive construction phase and cannot spare any manpower to help you at the moment."

"Young Master, the matter of building the school can be left to our soldiers' service department. There's no need to trouble the engineering regiment."

"Okay, as for the school's planning and design, ask Professor Zhao for help; he's an expert in this field."

"Yes, young master, I will make the arrangements immediately."

"Okay. Go ahead and get busy!"

"Yes."