Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 1950, Firepower is King!
"Nani?"

"Is Zhang Yong in Jiujiang?"

What is he going to Jiujiang for?

"idiot!"

Muto Akira was very annoyed.

The selection of the commander of the expeditionary force has been delayed.

As the chief of staff, he was plagued by anxieties and uncertainties.

A little while later, a rumor spread that it was about Nishio Toshizo.

Then it was said to be Hata Shunroku.

They're all being reworked.

Some say it's a newcomer.

This hot potato doesn't seem to be in much competition right now.

Those bigwigs probably all know very well that given the current mess in China, it's almost impossible to achieve anything significant.

Unless it's Amaterasu Omikami truly protecting them.

But it doesn't seem to be very useful...

If prayers were effective, Zhang Yong would have died a billion times over.

idiot……

You always blame yourself for every little thing.

Anami Korechika has not yet arrived.

He's just occupying a position without doing anything. He might as well be a military commander himself.

If I were the army commander now, I would have already launched an attack on Luzhou. While Zhang Yong is away, I'd sweep through the region first.

As long as Zhang Yong was not around, the Nationalist Fifth War Zone was a pushover. It was wiped out in no time.

The problem is, he was only the chief of staff of the dispatched army.

They only have the right to propose actions, not the right to make decisions. Actions require approval from headquarters.

Otherwise, it would be overstepping authority and would be severely punished.

"report!"

An advisor arrived with a telegram.

Muto Akira glanced at him sideways. He was listless and didn't want to bother.

Where did it come from?

Jiujiang.

"Forward directly to headquarters."

"Tie!"

The staff officer turned and left.

Muto Akira sat down, filled with resentment.

Finally, in the evening, news arrived: Anami Korechika had arrived in Qingdao.

He disembarked in Qingdao. Then he went to Jinan. From Jinan, he went directly to Bengbu. The headquarters of the Ninth Army was located in Bengbu.

okay.

Finally, someone is doing the work.

Mutō Akira was even less inclined to get involved.

……

"Tattoo..."

"Tattoo..."

Men are like tigers, horses like dragons. Thousands upon thousands of riders sweep across the plains.

On July 6th, Zhang Yong led a large cavalry force to the vicinity of Luzhou.

The cavalry regiment originally consisted of only a few hundred men. However, with the continuous addition of cavalrymen along the way, its numbers surged, growing exponentially like a snowball.

Where did those cavalrymen come from?
Not sure.

Zhang Yong didn't ask any further questions.

There were no red dots. Nor were there any half-red dots.

There are some hidden yellow spots, though.

Since they're willing to come and kill the Japanese invaders, they're naturally warmly welcomed. We'll even give them ammunition upon meeting them.

No matter what kind of weapon you have, you can find matching ammunition here. Even the very rare Italian Carcano rifle.

But if they wanted weapons, they had to trade them for the heads of the Japanese invaders.

Or you could join Zhang Yong in battle. You'd have to fight the Japanese invaders yourself to get weapons.

Zhang Yong originally thought that many people would take the ammunition and leave.

After all, fighting the Japanese invaders was risky. There was always the possibility of injury or death.

Unexpectedly, not only did no one leave, but instead, more and more people started to gather around, shouting and calling for friends.

When they left Anqing, they had only five hundred cavalrymen with them. But by the time they reached the vicinity of Luzhou, they had grown to more than three thousand. It was another cavalry brigade.

However, we'll skip the formal formation.

They're a bunch of undisciplined guys. They can't be controlled by military discipline.

Zhang Yong wasn't good at ideological work either. That was the Red Party's forte. He only needed to lead them to kill the Japanese invaders.

For those cavalrymen, killing Japanese invaders was acceptable, but being incorporated into the National Revolutionary Army was absolutely out of the question.

Anyone who has such thoughts will probably be exposed immediately.

"report!"

"Commander, Commander-in-Chief Sun is waiting for us ahead."

"understood."

Zhang Yong spurred his horse, increasing its speed.

Soon I saw Sun Zhen. Commander-in-Chief of the 22nd Army Group of the National Revolutionary Army. He was someone I knew.

During the Battle of Taierzhuang, Zhang Yong supervised their fighting in the Tengxian area. Li Jiayu and Wang Mingzhang were also present at the time.

"Commissioner Zhang."

"Commander-in-Chief Sun."

Zhang Yong spurred his horse forward and dismounted.

Sun Zhen warmly welcomed him up. His withered face rarely showed a smile.

Commander-in-Chief Sun was a stern and unsmiling man. He looked like an ascetic monk. Therefore, he had a nickname: Dream Monk.

Of all the Sichuan Army generals, he was the most skilled in warfare. Without a doubt.

It's not about being brave. It's about being both brave and resourceful, and not having too many bad habits.

Objectively speaking, many Sichuan military generals were corrupt in every way.

Sun Zhen is an outlier among them.

He doesn't smoke, drink alcohol, or touch tobacco; he lives a simple life.

Does he have concubines? Zhang Yong wasn't sure. He probably didn't. Who would want to be with someone like him?

Look at Yang Sen, he's so dashing and charming. He's surrounded by beautiful women.

"please."

"please."

As expected, Sun Zhen was a boring person.

After exchanging only a few pleasantries, they got down to business. He personally explained the situation to Zhang Yong.

As ordered by the Fifth War Zone, the entire 22nd Army Group would be deployed to the Luzhou campaign. It comprised two corps and five divisions, totaling approximately 70,000 men.

Two armies, one of which is the 41st Army. It is the main force of the group army and Sun Zhen's old unit. It has strong combat capabilities.

The other was the 45th Army, which belonged to Deng Xihou's faction. Their combat effectiveness was average, and they had many bad habits.

When later generations mentioned the Sichuan Army, they all said that the Sichuan Army was brave and fearless of sacrifice.

Indeed, that's the mainstream view.

However, many Sichuan soldiers also had their own problems.

Although leaders at all levels have made efforts to reform the regime after the outbreak of the full-scale war of resistance, the task remains arduous and the road ahead is still long.

One of the most serious problems is opium addiction. Many people still cannot break free from it.

Especially some veterans of the Sichuan Army. They were quite capable in combat, but also had a heavy smoking habit.

Sun Zhen also devoted a lot of effort to this.

However, the effect was not perfect.

"Commander-in-Chief Sun."

Zhang Yong raised his hand like a primary school student.

Sun Zhen then stopped talking.

Zhang Yong said in a deep voice, "A mere ten thousand troops are enough to truly charge into battle."

"Please make the arrangements, Commissioner." Sun Zhen gave his seat to Zhang Yong.

Zhang Yong didn't stand on ceremony. He stepped forward, placed his hands on the conference table, and began to speak eloquently, "This time, our advantage is firepower!"

After a pause, Zhang Yong repeated, "We must fight the Japanese invaders with firepower! Firepower is king!"

Everyone at the meeting looked at each other in bewilderment.

I felt both incredulous and eager to try it out. I was filled with anticipation.

Firepower?

Advantage?

Did the Commissioner say that?

We are the Sichuan Army! The entire 22nd Group Army has very average weaponry and equipment.

It was during the last Battle of Xuzhou that the Commissioner replenished us with a large quantity of weapons and ammunition, which has sustained us until now.

Think back to when we first left Sichuan and went to Shanxi Province, to Commander Yan's territory, we were looked down upon by Commander Yan, who called us beggars.

It's easy to imagine how bad the equipment was for the 22nd Group Army at that time.

In the end, it was the commissioner who solved it.

However, the fighting over the past year, with campaigns in the north and south, and campaigns in the east and west, has resulted in a tremendous consumption of weapons and ammunition.

Currently, the firepower of the 22nd Group Army is not even as good as that of a single Japanese brigade.

But it's okay.

Now that the Commissioner has arrived, all the problems have been solved.

really……

"Our goal is to launch a full-scale attack on Luzhou."

"A head-on collision."

“Face to face.” “But not at the cost of soldiers’ lives.”

"Use artillery fire!"

"We used large-caliber artillery to completely flatten the Japanese positions!"

"Therefore, I will equip each of your divisions with a heavy artillery regiment. That is, twelve 155mm French-made howitzers!"

"Each brigade is equipped with thirty-six Italian cannons!"

"And also, there's plenty of ammunition! Fire as much as you want! Fire as much as you need, and I'll resupply you!"

Zhang Yong was full of vigor and high spirits.

I'm not hiding it anymore.

I'm not performing anymore.

Let's get to work!

Since it's a direct assault, then heavy artillery should be used to clear the way!
Five heavy artillery regiments are actually a bit too few.

But there was no other way; the Sichuan Army had even fewer talented personnel. Managing five heavy artillery regiments was already a tremendous challenge.

Let's not even talk about other tanks. We really can't handle them.

Quiet.

Silence.

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.

I want to say something, but I can't bring myself to. I'm afraid of shattering this beautiful dream.

We are the Sichuan Army!

We used to be a beggar's army!

They were once extremely disliked. No war zone wanted them.

Finally, after much stumbling and falling, it was the Fifth War Zone that took us in. The entire Fifth War Zone was full of ragtag troops.

However, even among all the miscellaneous armies, the Sichuan Army had the worst weaponry and equipment.

They couldn't even compare to the troops of Sun Lianzhong, Pang Bingxun, and others.

Now, tell me—

Do we have a heavy artillery regiment in each division? Or is it 155mm caliber?

Each brigade also has an artillery battalion? Thirty-six Italian cannons? 75mm caliber?

Happiness comes too suddenly.

wrong.

Must be dreaming.

How could such a good thing exist?

I wouldn't even dare to dream of such a beautiful dream!
Zhang Yong: ...

Don't get so worked up.

I still have many treasures I haven't mentioned!

If the 155mm howitzer is not effective enough in attacking fortified positions, I am also prepared to use the 88mm howitzer for direct fire.

Flak leveled, court martial.

The effect was simply too good. It could blast open any kind of bunker with a single shot.

There were also 105mm howitzers and heavy cannons that could be brought up if necessary, to confront the Japanese invaders head-on.

In particular, the French-made M1930 105mm heavy cannon had the longest range, with a maximum range of 20 kilometers. It could suppress all of the Japanese land-based artillery from a distance.

However, these long-range weapons can only achieve their best effect if Zhang Yong personally commands them.

Otherwise, you won't even be able to see where the target is. It's a complete waste of ammunition.

"Commissioner..."

"Come with me to collect the goods!"

"Yes!"

The crowd was filled with excitement and followed Zhang Yong closely.

The open fields outside were now densely packed with trucks, along with large caravans of mules and horses.

The French-made 155mm howitzer was brought over by tractor.

The trucks were responsible for transporting the shells.

The mule and horse team was responsible for delivering the 75mm Italian gun.

The shells were transported by handcarts.

In addition to artillery, there was also a large quantity of light weapons ammunition.

This includes various types of bullets, as well as various types of mortar shells.

In short, there's plenty to go around.

"My God!"

"It's all true!"

"It's all true!"

It was pitiful; many officers were rubbing their eyes desperately.

There's no way to explain it, it's just unbelievable! Even after seeing it with my own eyes, it still feels like a dream.

There really were that many cannons!
It really does have that large a caliber!
Many people were even afraid to get close to those large-caliber howitzers.

why?
I am even more timid when I am close to my hometown.

They had never seen such a large-caliber cannon before. Never.

The Nationalist government's heavy artillery regiment had 150mm German-made howitzers.

Unfortunately, they never cooperated with the 22nd Army in combat.

Unexpectedly, the 22nd Group Army now possesses so many large-caliber howitzers.

"It's all true!"

"If you don't believe me, go up and touch it first."

"Let's fire a few shots at the Japanese positions in a bit and see what happens."

Zhang Yong said loudly.

Many people suddenly realized what was happening and went up to touch it.

That's right.

It is indeed true.

The touch is cold.

The hardness of steel.

“Commissioner Zhang…” Sun Zhen hesitated before speaking.

"Commander-in-Chief Sun, speak plainly." Zhang Yong tilted his head. "The cannons are right in front of you, and you still don't believe me?"

“That’s not what I meant,” Sun Zhen said slowly. “I’m worried that with so many heavy weapons, is it really necessary to report to the General Staff?”

"Do you want the General Staff to transfer them all away?" Zhang Yong tilted his head and looked at the other person.

“Of course not.” Sun Zhen immediately shook his head.

joke.

How could they bear to let the General Staff be transferred away?

The 22nd Group Army rarely gets such an opportunity, so how could it miss it?

Because of Zhang Yong's arrival, the Fifth War Zone was completely devolved into a position of authority. Why would he report to the General Staff? Wouldn't that just be asking for trouble?

"Commander-in-Chief Sun."

"Please speak, Commissioner."

"Once these weapons and equipment arrive at your 22nd Group Army, they belong to your 22nd Group Army. How you dispose of them is your business."

"I……"

"Whether you keep it yourself or hand it over is up to you."

"I……"

Sun Zhen hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Then he clenched his fist and nodded heavily.

He finally understood Zhang Yong's meaning: He could be a little tougher on his stance.

In the past, we were dependent on others and had to act according to their wishes.

In particular, you need to look at Jiang. If things don't go your way, he might lay you off.

The Ministry of Military Affairs also weakened the Sichuan Army in various ways.

As a result, the number of troops that went out of Sichuan to fight against the Japanese is decreasing, and they are gradually disappearing.

However, they were powerless to resist, nor dared to resist.

Their lifeline was in the other party's hands.

Until now——

We have heavy artillery. We have enough ammunition.

We are no longer people who can be bullied at will. We have dignity too.

"Commissioner..."

"The more Japanese invaders you kill, the less others will dare to do anything to you."

"understand!"

Sun Zhen felt a surge of emotion.

I haven't felt this way in a long time.

Honestly, we've become numb to war after all these years.

Even during the Battle of Xuzhou, he was responsible for blocking the enemy lines. He played a supporting role and didn't achieve any significant military exploits.

In fact, after the Battle of Xuzhou, the 22nd Army received no rewards. No one was promoted either; they were essentially ignored.

but!

this time!

completely different!

This time, Sun Zhen is the main attacker!
Moreover, for the time being, he is the only protagonist!
Other units have not yet participated.

Even if they do participate in the war, it is estimated that they will not be deployed for a full-scale offensive.

well.

Zhang Yong was very satisfied with his arrangements.

Who says nobodies can't fight?
It depends on who's the best at leading the class.
Today, I'm going to use a bunch of ragtag troops to crush a bunch of Japanese invaders!
Come fight if you don't agree!

[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)