Chapter 192: Repaying Debts 3

At 10 a. m., Japanese reconnaissance aircraft spotted several Chinese planes parked at Ningbo Airport—including a Martin bomber that had just returned and was under maintenance, not Xu Huansheng's personal aircraft but another backup aircraft.

At 11:30 a. m., twelve Type‑96 bombers of the Japanese Navy Air Force, escorted by fighters, swooped toward Lishi Airport.

When the airport alarm sounded mournfully, ground crew were refueling that Martin bomber.

"Enemy aircraft! Take cover!"

Bombs fell like raindrops. The Martin bomber caught fire in the explosions and finally turned into a heap of scrap iron. The runway was riddled with dozens of bomb craters, and the hangars and control tower were destroyed in succession.

The air raid lasted twenty minutes. When the Japanese aircraft left, Lishi Airport was essentially crippled.

News reached Jiangcheng, and the Aviation Committee was filled with regret. Qian Dajun sighed to the war report chief: "What a loss of a fine aircraft… but as long as Xu Huansheng and his men are safe, that's enough. Worth it! This expedition, worth it!"

May 21, on the streets of Jiangcheng. "Extra! Extra! Huaxia Air Force flies to Japan to drop leaflets!"

"Paper bomb! Raise our nation's prestige!"

The newsboy's shout reignited the three towns of Jiangcheng. This time's jubilation, unlike the fervor of the great victory at Taierzhuang, carried an added layer of tragic pride.

Citizens gathered around the newsstand, scrambling for the ink‑scented newspapers. The front page featured a photo of Xu Huansheng's crew and the leaflet content.

An elderly gentleman wearing reading glasses read the leaflet's text in a trembling voice: "'Friends, the peoples of neighboring nations, are not our enemies'… well written! We are a nation of propriety; even when flying over enemy skies we do not drop bombs, only counsel…"

The university student beside him said excitedly: "This is psychological warfare! It tells the Japanese, and tells the whole world—Huaxia has not yielded! Our air force can still expedition to the Japanese mainland!"

In the teahouse, the storyteller abruptly altered his tale and took down the wooden plaque: "The story goes that Captain Xu Huansheng, piloting the Iron Eagle, crossed the East China Sea and flew straight over the three islands of Japan! He saw Nagasaki Harbor packed with Japanese ships; Sasebo Harbor filled with enemy vessels like clouds. At Xu's command: 'Scatter!' In an instant, sixty thousand leaflets fluttered down like celestial maidens scattering flowers, like winter snow drifting, drifting and scattering over the Japanese soil! This act raised our nation's prestige and strengthened our army's spirit!"

The tea‑house patrons erupted in thunderous applause, and someone shouted: "Reward! Great rewards!"

At the same time, in Yan'an Yangjialing, Gu Tang held a newspaper freshly sent from Wuhan, reading carefully the report on the 'paper bomb'. He sat on a stone stool in front of the yaodong, sunlight spilling onto the newspaper.

Zhou Ming walked over from beside, smiling: "Gu Tang, what are you looking at so seriously?"

Gu Tang looked up and handed the newspaper over: "Xiangyu, take a look. The Kuomintang Air Force made a big move."

Zhou Ming took the newspaper, skimmed it quickly, his eyes brightening: "Fly to Japan to drop leaflets? Impressive! Though they didn't drop bombs, the political significance is greater than dropping bombs."

"Indeed," Gu Tang lit a cigarette, "this is a declaration to the world of Huaxia's resolve and will in the anti‑Japanese struggle. However…" He took a drag and exhaled slowly, "it also reveals a Kuomintang mindset—eager to showcase power at home and abroad, even with a touch of performative flair."

Zhou Ming nodded: "What do you mean?"

"War cannot be won by one or two performances," Gu Tang stood up, gazing at the distant mountains, "true power lies among the people, in the strategy of On Protracted War. By the way, how is the draft of my 'On Protracted War' lecture coming along?"

"Everything's prepared, just waiting for you to start."

May 22, Shancheng, at Huangshan Official Residence, in the study, the principal was receiving a report from Dai Yunong on the domestic and international reactions to the 'paper bomb'.

"Principal, major newspapers in the United Kingdom and United States have given prominent coverage," Dai Yunong said respectfully, "The New York Times commented that 'this is a symbol of Huaxia's resistance spirit,' and The Times said 'Huaxia uses this method to tell the world it is still fighting.'"

The principal gave a slight nod, a rare smile appearing on his face: "Good. This operation's political significance exceeds its military significance. We must let the whole world see that Huaxia is not passively beaten; we can strike back—even if only by dropping leaflets."

He paused, then asked: "Where is Xu Huansheng's crew now?"

"They have safely arrived at Jiangcheng, and various sectors are preparing a grand welcome ceremony."

"We must give heavy rewards," the principal said, "all participants will be promoted one rank and awarded medals. Especially Xu Huansheng, who can be promoted out of turn."

At that moment, a guard reported: "Principal, Commander Li Yuxuan has arrived."

"Please let Jingxing in."

Li Yuxuan entered the study, dressed in military uniform, dusty from travel. He had just returned from the front of the Third War Zone.

"Young Master," Li Yuxuan stood at attention and saluted.

The principal gestured for him to sit: "Jingxing, you arrived just in time. What do you think of the paper bomb incident?"

Li Yuxuan took the tea cup handed by Dai Yunong, pondered briefly: "Young Master, this matter indeed has a remarkable effect on boosting morale, but…"

"Speak plainly."

"However, this could also provoke the Japanese, triggering harsher retaliation. The Japanese Navy Air Force has already bombed Lishi Airport. I fear they will intensify searches and strikes on our rear airports. Our air force is already weak and cannot endure a war of attrition."

The principal nodded: "You make a good point. Yet some things must be done even knowing the cost. The anti‑Japanese struggle is not only a military fight but also a contest of will. This expedition's signal to home and abroad is of extraordinary value."

He shifted tone: "Jingxing, what is your view on the current overall war situation?"

Li Yuxuan set down the tea cup, his expression solemn: "Young Master, after the loss of Xuzhou, the Japanese will next target Jiangcheng. Our forces suffered heavy casualties in the Xuzhou Campaign, and the various units are awaiting rest and resupply. The Japanese, bolstered by victory, will press westward with full force. The Jiangcheng battle will be a fierce fight."

"Indeed," the principal walked to the window, looking at the lush mountain scenery outside, "a fierce fight. Yet Jiangcheng must be held, and held for a considerable period, to buy time for relocating rear factories and mines and establishing international aid corridors."

He turned, looking at Li Yuxuan: "The Third War Zone must fully contain the Japanese to ease pressure on Jiangcheng. How are the rest and resupply of the three armies under your command going?"

"Li Nian'an is intensifying training, but equipment replenishment is slow, especially heavy weapons and vehicles. The Soviet Union's aid supplies are still en route."

"I will press for it," the principal said, "the Fifth Army is elite and must be used on the cutting edge. The Jiangcheng battle needs them."

The two discussed the situation for a while longer; Li Yuxuan was about to take his leave when the principal suddenly asked: "Jingxing, Xuewen… fought well at Taierzhuang. But his edge is too exposed, easy to break."

Li Yuxuan felt a tightening in his heart: "Young Master, the teaching is that. Li Nian'an is young and vigorous, still needs tempering."

"It's not a matter of tempering," the principal said meaningfully, "it's about direction. I heard he has had contact on the front line with certain people…"

Li Yuxuan's complexion flickered, but he quickly regained composure: "Young Master, the war is urgent, and units cooperate regularly. Li Nian'an is wholeheartedly anti‑Japanese, with no second thoughts."

The principal looked at him for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled: "You need not be nervous. I trust your loyalty to the Party and the nation. Just a reminder, some lines should not be crossed. Very well, you may attend to your duties."