Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 1960, The Tip of the Iceberg

into the night.

Bonfires were everywhere.

The vast mining area was ablaze with firelight.

The generator was destroyed. The utility poles were also blown up.

The mining area used to have some electric lights and even barbed wire. Now, all of that is gone.

They had no choice but to use the most primitive campfire for lighting.

Fortunately, this is a coal mine. Coal is the one thing we have no shortage of.

I don't know if the term "honeycomb briquettes" still exists these days. Anyway, similar products do exist.

Everyone gathered around the campfire, preparing food and resting.

There were no stools. Only broken planks of wood, or whatever else you could put your bottom on.

Faced with brutal artillery fire, almost everything that could be shattered was shattered.

Therefore, even a high-ranking official like himself has no place to stand for the time being.

Looking for a place to rest? Sorry, there isn't one.

Unless you leave the mining area. Go outside.

But the food was very plentiful.

Everything is available except for canned beef.

Items such as tiger penis and deer antler from the three northeastern provinces were also contributed.

Clearly, there were indeed important figures from the Japanese invaders in this mining area.

However, it has now been completely shattered.

"Commissioner!"

"Commissioner!"

A group of laborers came up to Zhang Yong.

Their expressions were very serious, yet also expectant. Clearly, they had planned something.

The other workers were also watching this scene with anticipation. It was very quiet.

"sit!"

Zhang Yong nodded. He then made a gesture.

But they all stood. The atmosphere became solemn.

In the vast mining area, for a moment, it seemed that only the sound of the flickering campfire and the heartbeats of countless people could be heard.

Zhang Yong: ...

Silently observing everyone in front of me.

There were seven in total. They were all representatives elected by the laborers.

Of the seven people, three have yellow dots.

As expected, Huang Dian is the one who can handle things. He excels at organizing.

In fact, an underground party organization existed in the coal mine before Zhang Yong arrived.

I don't know how they infiltrated. To be able to survive right under the noses of the Japanese invaders—that's truly remarkable.

The leader was an ordinary-looking laborer named Ding Qingfeng. He was also marked with a yellow dot.

Besides the three yellow dots, the other four are clearly also affected by the yellow dots.

Is it weird?

Not at all.

Because of this situation, only the Red Party can often survive adversity.

If it were someone from the Kuomintang, even Dai Li or Li Boqi, they probably wouldn't have survived under the noses of the Japanese invaders.

Moreover, besides the Japanese invaders, there were also so many die-hard traitors watching them at all times.

You can't survive simply by relying on tricks.

Faith is needed.

It requires unwavering will.

We must always believe that victory will come one day.

Otherwise, it will collapse sooner or later...

"Is something wrong?"

"Commissioner, we want to follow you."

“You’re all coming with me now! I’m not kicking you out.”

"What we mean is that we don't want to be incorporated into other units, nor do we want to be commanded by others."

"why?"

"Because we don't want to be captured a second time."

"Uh……"

Zhang Yong was speechless.

Suddenly, the grilled meat in my hand didn't taste so good anymore.

Sometimes, the simplest words carry the heaviest weight.

Yes!

They've already been taken prisoner once. Nobody wants to be taken prisoner a second time.

This time, they were lucky to survive. They certainly don't want to recall their previous experiences, and they certainly don't want to repeat the same mistakes.

However, the battlefield is dangerous and perilous; who can guarantee there won't be a second time?

Sometimes, a shell hits and you're stunned. You know nothing. When you wake up, you've already been captured.

"So what are your plans?"

"Your Excellency can organize us into an army; we will only obey your orders."

"Oh."

“We don’t listen to anyone else.”

Here comes the point.

That's the key point they're trying to make.

Grouping and forming an army are not problems. They can be done easily.

The problem is, once the army is formed, who will command it?

They now only trust the Commissioner. They don't trust anyone else.

Following the Commissioner, there's definitely no danger. At worst, I'll die in battle. But I'll absolutely not be captured.

Conversely, if you're following another commander, then it's hard to say.

Even the commanders of the five war zones.

Zhang Yong: ...

Row.

We will meet your requirements.

Since things have come to this point, refusing would be too harsh.

He was once an insignificant person.

I understand perfectly well that even a speck of dust in the era, falling on an individual, can be a catastrophe.

These people have already made great contributions to the country and the nation. They truly should not continue to suffer.

of course.

This is not the most important thing.

The key point is that there were people from the Red Party in charge of planning it.

Ding Qingfeng is clearly a good leader, at least in terms of organization.

Since the Red Party is backing us up, we can rest assured.

"Alright, from now on you'll follow my orders! I'll provide you with radios."

"I am at the service of the Commissioner!"

"How about the designation 'Huainan Guerrilla Column'?"

"very good."

"In that case, you shall form the Huainan Guerrilla Column."

"Yes!"

The workers finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The commissioner granted their request.

That's what's truly cause for celebration.

They have hope now.

"Your Excellency, this is our preliminary staffing list. Please take a look."

"it is good."

Zhang Yong reached out and took it.

I knew these people had everything prepared.

Even the grouping process had been planned out. All that remained was one command to complete it.

Glanced.

It's not that complicated.

It's just a bit strange.

The highest rank is only "group". Clearly, they want to keep a low profile.

In the current organization of the National Revolutionary Army, the regimental level is something that the bigwigs would never see.

The bald man would be even less likely to notice.

They were divided into eight regiments. Each regiment had approximately three thousand people.

Each regiment is further divided into five battalions. Each battalion has approximately five hundred men.

The common three-three system is below the camp.

Who made it?

"I."

Ding Qingfeng stepped forward.

Zhang Yong looked at the other person thoughtfully and nodded silently.

As expected, the Red Party has the most talented people.

This organization is very low-key.

However, all the laborers were incorporated into the group.

The rank is low, but the number of people is large.

What's above water is just the tip of the iceberg. The real big picture is underwater!

"Can everyone be grouped together?"

"can!"

"Then there's no problem. Proceed according to this plan!"

"Yes!"

Definitely.

Those laborers had no other way out!
They all have distinctive tattoos that make them stand out wherever they go.

"can."

Zhang Yong nodded. The decision was final.

From this moment on, the Huainan Guerrilla Column was officially established.

There were no flowers.

There was no applause.

There were no celebrations or ceremonies.

It was founded by stepping over the corpses of the Japanese invaders. It was established in the Huainan mining area.

There is no moonlight or starlight tonight, only clusters of bonfires.

Zhang Yong: ...

Thoughtful.

Guerrilla column...

A code name that operates in a gray area.

It wasn't very formal to begin with. It wasn't included in the Ministry of Military Affairs' organizational structure.

All the guerrilla columns were affiliated with various war zones and could not obtain supplies from the military and political departments. They had to find their own supplies.

If the war zone is effective, the war zone will resolve the issue.

If the war zone isn't supportive, then the guerrilla units have to handle it themselves, responsible for their own profits and losses.

It's somewhat like Li Yunlong's Independent Regiment.

If you're so capable, go and get the weapons, equipment, personnel, and supplies yourself. Superior: Don't bother me unless it's absolutely necessary.

However, the National Revolutionary Army's ability to be self-reliant and independent was far inferior to that of the Communist Party.

Li Yunlong's Independent Regiment was able to grow and thrive, persisting until the very end. Meanwhile, the Nationalist army's guerrilla columns largely disappeared.

It couldn't be sustained. They had to cancel it. The personnel were disbanded, or reassigned to other teams.

Now, Zhang Yong is also facing this problem.

The grouping is complete.

The question is, where do military uniforms and such come from?
At the very least, each person needs two sets of military uniforms. There are also shoes, daily necessities, and so on.

It's unrealistic to rely on the Red Party for this matter.

The Red Party itself is facing very difficult circumstances.

I'll do it myself.

Luckily, I have money.

The problem is that this cannot be solved simply by the ocean.

Often, the ocean cannot buy the military supplies it wants.

Shoes could be from the Japanese invaders or their collaborators. But clothes were definitely out of the question!
How to do?
The system does not provide it either.

We still need to find a solution ourselves. Go and rob the Japanese invaders.

It's mainly cotton fabric.

Once you manage to get your hands on some cotton fabric, you can sew it yourself.

The Eighth Route Army and the New Fourth Army made their own uniforms, demonstrating self-sufficiency.

So, where can we find cotton cloth?
Bengbu?

Chuzhou?

We still need to attack the city!

Moreover, it must be a major city.

If we take Xuzhou, we can definitely get enough cotton cloth.

and so……

"Old Ding, organize the troops and head to Bengbu tomorrow."

"Yes!"

"Starting the day after tomorrow, we will gradually clear out the area surrounding Bengbu."

"Yes."

"Can it be done?"

"can!"

Ding Qingfeng answered loudly.

Attacking a fortified Japanese position would certainly be difficult.

However, if it's just a simple outpost, it's still possible. He was confident.

After all, the Huainan Guerrilla Column now possesses 120mm mortars. Their explosive power is still considerable.

"I will equip you with some 75mm howitzers."

"what?"

"There are also some Solothurn machine guns."

"what?"

Ding Qingfeng was overjoyed, yet also incredulous.

He also has his own information cocoon. He's trapped in the mining area, unaware of what's happening outside.

According to his usual thinking, a 75mm mountain gun should be considered a high-end weapon, typically only possessed by the main forces of the Nationalist Army.

As for the 75mm howitzer, that sounds very new. I've never heard of it before.

There were also Solothurn machine guns. Aren't those anti-aircraft guns? How could they be assigned to the troops?

This is great.

"Try to select the best talent from within the military."

"Yes."

"Technical branches of the military need education."

"understand!"

Ding Qingfeng agreed.

Given his mindset, he was actually a bit anxious about gains and losses.

Will there really be howitzers?

Will there really be machine guns?

If all these weapons were deployed to the troops, that would be incredible!

Most Japanese fortifications could be destroyed relatively easily. It wouldn't be so easy for the Japanese to establish a blockade line later.

five minutes……

ten minutes……

The system has delivered the goods.

It was delivered by mule and horse caravan. It included howitzers and rapid-fire cannons.

There were a total of twelve 75mm howitzers. Each howitzer contained one hundred shells. They were all pulled by mules.

There are a total of thirty-six Solothurn machine guns. A versatile weapon. Give me more.

"It's all true..."

"It's all true..."

Ding Qingfeng stroked the howitzers, overjoyed.

Others also rushed over to touch them themselves, confirming that they were genuine.

very happy!
We now have direct-fire artillery as well.

"Use it for now. Once your technical skills improve, we'll equip you with 155mm howitzers."

"What? A 15cm howitzer?"

"Correct!"

Zhang Yong remained calm.

Why are you so surprised? Haven't you heard of this before?

Since we're aiming for a decisive attack, we definitely need to use 155mm howitzers! Are we really going to rely on 75mm water pipes?
This 75mm howitzer is only used on the perimeter.

Once we get to the real attack phase, only 155mm is effective. 105mm is insufficient.

"From now on, each regiment will be equipped with a heavy artillery battalion."

"what?"

“I said that each regiment should be equipped with a heavy artillery battalion, with six 155mm howitzers.”

"what……"

Ding Qingfeng was stunned. His eyes widened in disbelief.

He certainly hoped it was true. But reason told him it was impossible.

The commissioner isn't a god...

"Tattoo..."

"report!"

Suddenly, a cavalry messenger arrived in a hurry.

Zhang Yong nodded.

"Reporting to the Commissioner, the Japanese invaders have sent an envoy requesting the return of some of their corpses."

"The messenger? Where is he?"

Zhang Yong subconsciously checked the radar map. He didn't see any red dots!
Could it be that we haven't entered the ten-kilometer range yet?
"They've been stopped outside by us."

"Let them come over."

"Yes!"

The cavalry messenger turned and left.

Zhang Yong was somewhat curious.

A messenger of the Japanese invaders? To retrieve the body?

what's the situation?
This is the first time I've encountered this. I'm a little curious.

……

Night. Bengbu.

Headquarters of the Japanese Ninth Army.

Anami Korechika was feeling irritable.

The remnants of the 25th and 34th Divisions finally managed to escape.

Immediately designate a separate area for them to be stationed. Strictly prohibit them from contacting other units to prevent the spread of bad news of defeat.

"Chief of Staff, where are the other units located?"

"Commander, the 23rd and 27th Divisions have already arrived in Bengbu. The 47th and 52nd Divisions are still on their way."

Where is the 27th Division located?

"In Hongta'an Village."

"understood."

Korechika Anami is not very at ease with Masaharu Honma.

Masaharu Honma and his 27th Division had been very cunning in previous battles.

If there's a benefit, then go for it.

If there is danger, hide.

Relying on having powerful backers, they go through the motions without putting in any real effort.

Expecting this guy to fight to the death is unrealistic. So, don't place too much hope on him.

The reorganized 23rd Division, however, had a high fighting spirit. They rushed over from the Kwantung Army, eager to turn the tide of battle.

Having suffered such a crushing defeat at the hands of the Soviet army in Nomonhan, he has always wanted to prove himself.

The newly appointed division commander also wanted to prove that he was better than Komatsubara Michitaro.

Four complete divisions.

In addition, there are five independent mixed brigades.

The headquarters treated him very well.

Including the remnants of the original 25th and 34th Divisions, the total number was approximately 100,000.

It was almost comparable to the 11th Army stationed around Hankou. It was a very powerful fighting force.

If we lose Bengbu even under these circumstances, it's really unacceptable.

However, Anami Korechika still dared not be careless.

That damned Zhang Yong.

It turns out that they caused such great losses to the Japanese army.

No one had told me this before.

These are all secret materials I frantically studied myself. They were obtained privately.

The reports from headquarters and the expeditionary force headquarters avoided mentioning Zhang Yong at all.

In fact, the name was very well hidden.

People who don't know the details can easily be fooled.

Because he did not hold a formal official position.

They always remain hidden in the background.

For example, in the Battle of Luzhou, according to records, the 22nd Army Group of the National Revolutionary Army participated in the battle.

The commander-in-chief of the 22nd Army Group of the National Revolutionary Army was Sun Zhen.

It has absolutely nothing to do with Zhang Yong.

The battle report would not possibly mention Zhang Yong's name.

Neither side's battle reports mentioned it.

However, only those who know the details in private will know what role Zhang Yong played in all of this.

Now, it's the 22nd Group Army of the National Revolutionary Army again, heading towards Bengbu.

There was also the 46th Army of the National Revolutionary Army.

So, where is Zhang Yong? Where is he hiding?

Anami Korechika was a little curious.

In what form will Zhang Yong appear?

[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)