In the summer of 1936, the smoke of the Red Army's Eastern Expedition had not yet dissipated, and the Red 2nd Division led by Yang Dezhi was entering the desolate land of the Longdong region. Here, the wind and sand are all in the sky, and the village is dilapidated, all of which show that Ma Jiajun has been rampant and domineering for a long time. However, Yang Dezhi did not know that in this bleak land, he was about to encounter the most ferocious general in the Ma family's army, Ye Chengzhang, known as the "wild mule".
Pre-war strategic deployment
In 1936, the struggle between the Red Army and the Kuomintang had entered a new stage on the land of China. In the summer of that year, the Red 2nd Division led by Yang Dezhi was sent on a difficult mission - to penetrate deep behind enemy lines and weaken the power of the Ma Jiajun. This was a challenging task for the Red Army, because Ma Jiajun was known for its ferocity, especially the fierce generals in it, and it was a terrifying existence.
Before leaving, Yang Dezhi knew that this crusade was unlike any previous battle. He spent several days, together with his lieutenants, poring over topographical maps and historical battles, trying to figure out a tactic that would both quickly break through enemy defenses and minimize his own casualties. They analyzed the topographical characteristics of the Longdong area, where the mountains are high and the valleys are deep, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and it is the natural fortress of the Ma Jiajun.
In terms of strategic deployment, Yang Dezhi decided to adopt the strategy of dispersed attack and concentrated breakthrough. He ordered the troops to divide into three routes and approach the core of the Ma Jiajun from different directions to distract the enemy's attention and strength. The main direction of attack was chosen to be relatively flat and relatively weak on the west side, hoping to quickly break through the enemy's defense line and smash Huanglong.
At the same time, Yang Dezhi attaches great importance to the collection and analysis of intelligence. He sent several small detachments to blend in with the local population to collect the movements and defense of Ma Jiajun. This information became an important basis for him to formulate tactics. Through these exhaustive preparations, Yang Dezhi and his Red 2nd Division gradually built an in-depth understanding of the Ma Jiajun and laid a solid foundation for the upcoming battle.
In terms of tactics, Yang Dezhi particularly emphasized the importance of night fighting. He trained his troops to operate at night, using the cover of night to carry out surprise attacks and infiltration, which was still a relatively rare tactic on the Chinese battlefield at that time. He believes that night combat can not only minimize one's own casualties, but also effectively disrupt the enemy's defensive rhythm and create a psychological advantage on the battlefield.
In terms of spiritual mobilization, Yang Dezhi also spared no effort. He knew very well that the soldiers would inevitably be afraid in the face of a strong enemy like Ma Jiajun. Therefore, at a plenary meeting before departure, Yang Dezhi delivered an impassioned speech, encouraging the soldiers to be prepared for sacrifice, but more importantly, to have confidence in victory. He stressed that this was not just a military operation, but also a holy war for national liberation.
Through this series of careful strategic deployment and spiritual mobilization, Yang Dezhi's Red 2nd Division was fully prepared mentally and physically for the fierce battle that was coming. And the effectiveness of all these tactics will be tested in a direct confrontation with Ma Jiajun.
Guild Wars Quzi Town: Night Attack and Breakthrough
One night in 1936, the tranquility of Quzi Town was shattered. Located on the border between Gansu and Ningxia, this small town became the focus of fierce competition between the Red Army and the Ma Jiajun because of its strategic location. The Red 2nd Division led by Yang Dezhi encountered a fierce general in the Ma Jiajun here, Ye Chengzhang, known as the "wild mule".
In the night of Quzi Town, the soldiers of the Red 2nd Division, under the command of Yang Dezhi, quietly launched a night attack on the town. Taking advantage of the cover of night, they avoided the main line of defense of the Ma Jiajun and launched a surprise attack from the west side of the town. It was a well-planned operation, and the soldiers of the Red 2nd Division, under the leadership of Yang Dezhi, showed extremely high discipline and execution.
At the beginning of the night attack, the soldiers of the 2nd Red Division quickly approached the city walls, using ladders and ropes and began to climb. Their movements are swift and silent, trying to avoid any sounds that might reveal their whereabouts. However, as they began to climb the city walls, the guards of the Ma Jiajun noticed the anomaly, and a battle broke out.
The silence of the night was broken by the sound of gunfire, and the soldiers of the Red 2nd Division engaged in a fierce exchange of fire with the Ma Jiajun under the city walls. Despite the enemy's dense firepower, the soldiers of the 2nd Red Division showed a tenacious will to fight. They took advantage of the cover of the city walls, as well as their own firepower superiority, to gradually suppress the enemy's resistance.
Under the command of Yang Dezhi, the soldiers of the Red 2nd Division divided into small groups and delivered targeted strikes on the enemy on the city walls. Using grenades and rifles, they effectively cleared the walls of the city from the enemy. As the battle deepened, the soldiers of the 2nd Red Division successfully climbed the city walls and began to advance into the city.
The fighting in the city was even more fierce. The soldiers of the Ma Jiajun put up a stubborn resistance under the command of Ye Chengzhang. They built a makeshift defensive line in the streets, trying to stop the attack of the Red 2nd Division. However, the soldiers of the Red 2nd Division, under the command of Yang Dezhi, showed extremely high combat skills and teamwork.
The soldiers of the Red 2 Division, taking advantage of the cover of buildings and streets, skillfully bypassed the enemy's lines and launched attacks from the flanks and rear. They acted swiftly and decisively, and soon broke the defenses of the Ma family army and occupied key positions in the town.
During this night attack, the soldiers of the Red 2nd Division showed incredible courage and wisdom. They not only managed to break through the enemy's lines, but also captured a number of enemy soldiers during the battle. The fact that these prisoners of war were properly housed and treated appropriately demonstrated the humanitarianism with which the Red Army treated prisoners of war.
As the fighting in Quzi Town gradually subsided, the Red 2nd Division managed to take control of the entire town. This night attack was not only a great test of the combat effectiveness of the 2nd Red Division, but also an important verification of Yang Dezhi's command ability. In this battle, the soldiers of the Red 2nd Division not only showed their courage and wisdom, but more importantly, their actions won the support and respect of the local people.
Zhifu "Wild Mule": The Reflection of Strategy and Human Nature
After the fierce battle in Quzi Town, the Red 2nd Division won under the command of Yang Dezhi, and the fierce general of the Ma Jiajun "Wild Mule" Ye Chengzhang also fell into the hands of the Red Army. This general, who has always been known for his bravery, has become a prisoner of war at this moment, but his heart is full of unyielding. Faced with such a tough opponent, Yang Dezhi decided to adopt an unconventional strategy to influence and change the enemy general with wisdom and humanity.
After the captives were metallurgized, Yang Dezhi did not immediately torture them to extract confessions, nor did he display them as trophies, but chose a more gentle and humane way of dealing with them. First of all, he ordered the paramedics to carefully treat Ye Chengzhang's injuries, ensuring the life of the enemy general. This treatment of prisoners of war was particularly rare in the war environment at that time, and it not only reflected the humanitarian spirit of the Red Army, but also showed everyone the distinctive military style of the Red Army.
After Ye Chengzhang recovered from his injuries, Yang Dezhi personally went to visit the prisoner of war. In the conversation between the two, Yang Dezhi did not show any arrogance or contempt, but communicated with Ye Chengzhang on an equal footing. He gave Ye Chengzhang a detailed account of the Red Army's fighting aims and ideas, stressing that the struggle waged by the Red Army was for the independence of the country and the freedom of the people, not for its own selfishness.
Yang Dezhi also showed Ye Chengzhang the attitude and behavior of the Red Army towards ordinary people. He let Ye Chengzhang see that the Red Army soldiers did not take a stitch from the people, but also helped the innocent people affected by the war as much as possible. This contrast gave Ye Chengzhang a new understanding of the Red Army, and he began to realize the fundamental difference between the Red Army and Ma Jiajun in their treatment of the people.
In the following days, Yang Dezhi arranged for Ye Chengzhang to visit the camp of the Red Army, allowing him to witness the daily life and training of the Red Army. Ye Chengzhang saw the difficult and simple living conditions of the Red Army soldiers, as well as the unity and mutual assistance between them. These scenes deeply touched Ye Chengzhang, and he began to develop an understanding and respect for the Red Army that was different from that on the battlefield.
During this time, Yang Dezhi also arranged some cultural activities for Ye Chengzhang to participate in. These activities included drama, recitations and singing, mostly related to peace and justice, and were intended to convey the Red Army's ideals and aspirations for a better life in the future. Through these activities, Ye Chengzhang felt the cultural literacy and spiritual pursuit of the Red Army, which had a profound impact on his concept.
Over time, Ye Chengzhang's time in the Red Army gradually changed his view of the Red Army. He is no longer the fierce general who only knows how to fight, but he has begun to think about the deeper meaning behind war. Yang Dezhi's strategy and behavior not only made Ye Chengzhang respect the Red Army, but also made him reflect on his past behavior.
In the process, Yang Teichi demonstrated his remarkable wisdom as a commander and a deep understanding of human nature. He did not choose to conquer an enemy by force, but used wisdom and the brilliance of humanity to influence and change the opponent. The success of this strategy not only demonstrated Yang Dezhi's cleverness, but also won more respect and support for the Red Army.
Reconciliation and Deliverance: Wisdom After the War
The smoke of gunfire in Quzi Town gradually dissipated, the Red 2nd Division won the victory under the command of Yang Dezhi, and the "wild mule" Ye Chengzhang also became a prisoner of the Red Army. After undergoing a series of psychological changes, Ye Chengzhang's attitude has changed significantly, and he is no longer the fierce general who only knows how to fight, but has begun to have a certain understanding and respect for the Red Army. Yang Dezhi showed his wisdom and humanity in the face of such a former enemy, and he decided to adopt an unconventional strategy to end this war experience with reconciliation and release.
After the battle, Yang Dezhi did not rush to release Ye Chengzhang back to Ma Jiajun, but arranged for him to stay in the Red Army for a short time, so that he could experience the life and discipline of the Red Army firsthand. Ye Chengzhang's days in the Red Army camp witnessed the daily life of the Red Army soldiers, who were disciplined, lived simply, and helped each other and loved each other. These days, Ye Chengzhang was placed in a separate room and was treated appropriately, but at the same time guarded.
During this time, Yang also arranged several informal conversations with Ye Chengzhang, which further deepened his understanding of the Red Army and communist ideals. Yang Dezhi not only discussed military tactics, but also emphasized the purpose of the Red Army to fight for national liberation and the interests of the people. He also invited Ye Chengzhang to watch the theatrical performances of the Red Army soldiers, most of which told about the cruelty of war and the desire for peace, so that Ye Chengzhang felt the other side of war.
When Yang Dezhi decided to release Ye Chengzhang, he summoned part of the commanders and soldiers of the Red Army and publicly announced the decision. On this occasion, Yang Dezhi presented Ye Chengzhang with some necessities of life and once again emphasized the reason for his release - to show the tolerance of the Red Army and the pursuit of peace. This move not only embodied the humanitarian spirit of the Red Army, but also sent a clear message to Ye Chengzhang and the Ma Jiajun behind him: the Red Army was willing to resolve the conflict in a peaceful way.
By the time Ye Chengzhang was released, his attitude had changed significantly. He expressed his gratitude to Yang Dezhi and expressed his admiration for the tolerance and justice of the Red Army. He promised that once he returned to the Ma Jiajun, he would no longer participate in the battle against the Red Army and would push for peace as much as he could. This promise, although it could not immediately change the entire situation of the war, was an important political and psycho-tactical victory for the Red Army.
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Through this series of measures, Yang Dezhi not only succeeded in transforming a strong enemy, but also disseminated the concept and image of the Red Army through Ye Chengzhang, embodying its political wisdom and strategic foresight. This tactic of reconciliation and liberation not only won more respect and support for the Red Army, but also laid the foundation for post-war peace and stability. In that turbulent era, Yang Dezhi's decision was undoubtedly a wise choice, which not only reflected his military talents, but also demonstrated his deep understanding of peace and humanity.