January 12, 1941. We are greatly relieved that you have broken out of the encirclement with your main force. We hope you will boost morale and persevere to the end. Proceed swiftly to southern Jiangsu. Within the army, all matters shall be decided by Xi Yi, with Xiao Yao assisting him. The entire army must obey Xi Yi’s orders. Negotiations are underway with Chongqing, but you should not rely on them—everything depends on yourselves.