Chapter 170 2. Mao Zedong told Chen Geng the story of "breaking the boat"

During the meeting in Xiaohe Village, Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Chen Geng lived in the same courtyard. They further explained to Chen Geng the excellent situation on the national battlefield at that time, and explained the new strategic decision in depth.According to the decision of this meeting, the 4th Column of the Shanxi-Hebei-Luyu Field Army led by Chen Geng, the newly established 9th Column in the Taihang Military Region, and the 38th Army formed after the uprising led by Kong Congzhou and others formed a corps to advance into Henan. West, cooperate with the main force to fight. Mao Zedong gave important instructions on advancing into western Henan.He pointed out to Chen Geng: Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping led the main force of the Shanxi-Hebei-Luyu Field Army to advance into the Dabie Mountains.There are not many enemy troops in the west of Henan, so it is a loophole. It is of strategic significance to march out of the west of Henan.After entering, we should let go of development, cooperate with Liu Deng and Chen Su in the east, cooperate with northern Shaanxi in the west, conduct mobile operations from east to west, wipe out the enemy in large numbers, and open up base areas in Henan, Shaanxi and Hubei.

Mao Zedong also told Chen Geng the story of breaking the boat and sinking the boat ("Historical Records · Xiang Yu Benji" records that in the past Xiang Yu rescued the huge deer, "I learned that when I led the soldiers to cross the river, all the boats sank, the kettles were broken, the huts were burned, and the rations were held for three days to show that the soldiers must die. No one will fight back"), the troops should fight with the greatest determination and courage. Mao Zedong said: "Do you know the story of 'Break the cauldron and sink the boat'? Xiang Yu fought with Qin soldiers. After crossing the river, he smashed the pot and sank the boat. He encouraged the soldiers to never survive the battle without winning the battle! Coincidentally, this story is Happened where you are about to cross the river..."

Chen Geng said: "Chairman, then I will fight to the west of Henan with the determination to 'break the boat'!" Mao Zedong said humorously: "As long as the pot is not smashed, the boat will not sink." It caused the people present to laugh together. Finally, Mao Zedong asked him if he had any difficulties?Chen Geng said that the morale of the army is very high now, and a large amount of equipment from the enemy has been obtained during the counterattack in southern Shanxi.After leaving the division, the troops quickly deployed, and the delivery of ammunition and supplies may sometimes be unable to keep up. When they arrive in a new area, it may be difficult to settle the wounded, but these difficulties can be overcome.

Mao Zedong smiled and said: Right!Ammunition is insufficient, and Chiang Kai-shek will "replenish" it, and the wounded will be resettled, relying on the masses!We've always done it that way.The base area is established, and the revolution does not take place until everything is done well.The people in Chiang Kai-shek's area are under the brutal rule of the feudal forces and the Kuomintang. When you go there, you must mobilize the masses, rely on them, and push the upsurge of the people's revolution. Then you will surely win.