Chapter 455: Boastful Talk

Chen Jiageng grasped the hatch's handrail and slowly walked down the gangway ladder; the cement floor beneath him bore the afternoon's warmth, a sharp contrast to the cold shiver he had endured all the way.

He looked up and saw, not far away, two men in general's attire briskly approaching; their uniforms were crisp, the stars on their shoulders glittered in the sun, exuding a soldier's dignity and composure.

His gaze swept over the two; Chen Jiageng's eyes paused briefly, then a smile appeared, and he instantly recognized the man on the right as Dai Anlan.

Years earlier, when organizing Anti-Japanese fundraising at home, he had once met Dai Anlan.

At that time Dai Anlan had not yet gone to the Dian-Mian battlefield; his brows bore a hint of heroism, and after the fire of war he had become even more steady and resolute, though his posture remained upright and his features unchanged.

The young general on the left, however, was somewhat unfamiliar to Chen Jiageng.

He examined him closely: tall, handsome, eyes deep, bearing a few touches of strategic shrewdness and composure; the star on his shoulder indicated his rank and status.

Chen Jiageng thought to himself that this distinguished figure, walking side by side with Dai Anlan, must be Jiang Anguo.

The young commander who repeatedly achieved feats on the Dian-Mian battlefield and annihilated the Japanese Army's 18th Division.

Chen Jiageng had also seen Jiang Anguo as a child at his son's wedding, a brief encounter.

But years later, Jiang Anguo had shed his childish naiveté and become a steady, capable general.

In an instant, Jiang Anguo and Dai Anlan reached the foot of the gangway, stopped, and gave Chen Jiageng a respectful salute.

Jiang Anguo spoke first, his tone courteous and enthusiastic, a gentle smile on his face: "Mr. Chen, you've endured a long journey! I am Jiang Anguo, representing the Expeditionary Force's soldiers, and warmly welcome you to Mandalay!"

Chen Jiageng quickly raised his hand, indicating the two need not salute, a pleased smile on his face, his tone friendly: "No need, General Jiang, General Dai, you've gone out of your way to meet me; I'm truly honored."

His voice was a little hoarse yet still strong: "I have long heard that General Jiang was outstanding in his youth, repeatedly achieving feats on the Dian-Mian battlefield, especially the total annihilation of the Japanese Army's 18th Division, which was truly gratifying; seeing you today, the reputation is well deserved."

Dai Anlan stepped forward as well, reverent expression, tone sincere: "Mr. Chen, you're being modest; you are the one we admire."

"Over the years, you have traveled across the Nanyang, risking personal safety, organizing Chinese to raise supplies and support the home Anti‑Japanese effort; you have contributed enormously to the cause, and we keep your deeds in our hearts. Welcoming you is an honor for the Expeditionary Force and for all Huaxia children."

Chen Jiageng lightly waved his hand, his tone tinged with emotion: "General Dai, you overstate it; I only did what I ought to. As a Huaxia child, wherever we are we have a duty to protect the homeland and support the Anti‑Japanese struggle."

"Nanyang Chinese, though far abroad, always keep their homeland in mind; hearing the Expeditionary Force's news of recapturing Mandalay and annihilating the Japanese Army's 18th Division, we are thrilled. This is not only the Expeditionary Force's victory but all Huaxia children's, a consolation to all fallen compatriots."

Jiang Anguo looked at Chen Jiageng's gaunt figure, his tone caring: "Mr. Chen, I know you have faced hardships all the way—from Java to Taunggyi and then to Mandalay—Japanese Army blockades all along, so you must have suffered. We have already arranged lodging here in Mandalay; please rest and regain strength. If you need anything, just tell me and we will do our best to provide it."

Hearing this, Chen Jiageng felt warmth, a trace of emotion in his eyes: "Thank you, General Jiang, for your concern; the hardships are minor. As long as I can contribute to the Anti‑Japanese cause and see the Huaxia Army win step by step, any suffering is worthwhile."

Chen Jiageng was puzzled why Jiang Anguo did not mention rescuing him; perhaps someone else, but judging from the regiment commander at Taunggyi, it seemed this was the one who saved him.

He paused, his gaze turning to the distant Mandalay city, his tone solemn: "In recent years Nanyang Chinese have suffered Japanese persecution; in Singapore, Java, the Philippines countless compatriots have been brutally killed. We pray day and night for the Huaxia Army to retake the lost lands, drive the Japanese out of Southeast Asia, and let Nanyang Chinese regain peace."

Dai Anlan's expression grew grave, and he nodded: "Mr. Chen, rest assured, the Expeditionary Force will not disappoint you or all Nanyang Chinese. Having recaptured Mandalay, we will next move south, clear the Japanese from Myanmar, open the Dian-Mian Highway so supplies can reach the interior, and we will also strive to support Nanyang Chinese in their Anti‑Japanese struggle, never allowing compatriots to suffer Japanese oppression again."

Jiang Anguo added: "Indeed, Mr. Chen. Your arrival is a great encouragement to us. Nanyang Chinese are numerous; as a Chinese leader, with your help we can better coordinate them, gather a massive force against the Japanese, create a pincer attack from inside and out, and soon drive the Japanese out of Southeast Asia, restoring peace to Huaxia's children."

Chen Jiageng's eyes showed resolve as he firmly grasped Jiang Anguo's hand, his tone solemn: "General Jiang, General Dai, rest assured, I will do everything I can to contact Chinese armed groups across the Nanyang, raise supplies, and support your operations. If we work together with one heart, we will defeat the Japanese Army, achieve the final victory of the Anti‑Japanese war, end the suffering of Huaxia's children, and let Nanyang Chinese settle peacefully without further oppression."

Jiang Anguo nodded vigorously, gripping Chen Jiageng's hand tightly, his tone firm: "Good! With your words, our confidence grows! Mr. Chen, after all your traveling you must be tired; let's first go to the lodging to rest, and we'll discuss the rest later."

Chen Jiageng nodded, a gentle smile on his face: "Very well, I'll follow General Jiang's arrangements."

Jiang Anguo and Dai Anlan, one on each side, accompanied Chen Jiageng and walked slowly toward the airport's exterior.

Incidentally, the three were also related by marriage: Jiang Anguo's second sister married Chen Jiageng's fourth son, and his elder sister married Dai Anlan.

Jiang Anguo and Dai Anlan, accompanying Chen Jiageng, had a simple meal together.

The three discussed current affairs, the Japanese, domestic matters, and of course the Nanyang compatriots.

"Mr. Chen, I still have military matters to attend to, so let Jiang Anguo speak with you first," Dai Anlan said, standing to take his leave.

Chen Jiageng also stood, "General Dai, the Anti‑Japanese cause comes first; I'm fine here."

After Dai Anlan left, Chen Jiageng re‑examined Jiang Anguo, but from the young man's eyes he could not see what he wanted.

"Anguo, may I call you that?" Chen Jiageng said.

Jiang Anguo smiled, "Of course. By the way, I should call you 'Uncle'."

"Anguo, first I must thank you for sending people to rescue me. But why did you expend such effort to bring me from Java Island to Mandalay? I suppose it wasn't just for a meal."