Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 1969, When in doubt, throw a grenade.
Heading towards Purple Mountain.

Take a look at the map of the Air Force Command.

The Songhu area was found to be almost deserted.

There were almost no heavy weapons belonging to the Japanese invaders. Even 75mm mountain guns were rare.

This indicates that there were very few main Japanese forces in this area.

He harbored resentment in secret.

The Third War Zone is not performing well!

At this point, the Third War Zone should launch a counterattack.

It is certain that at this moment, there are not many Japanese troops left on the front lines of the Third War Zone.

All the combat-capable Japanese soldiers have definitely been transferred away.

The rest are most likely various independent mixed brigades, and not even fully staffed ones.

They missed such a good opportunity.

Gu Zhutong is such a good-for-nothing, there's no one else like him.

Mud...

"Shaolong, what are you thinking about?" Commander Qian asked.

"I'm criticizing Gu Zhutong," Zhang Yong said bluntly.

"What's wrong with him now?"

"The Third War Zone is completely inactive; it's utterly useless."

"This……"

Commander Qian hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

From a rational standpoint, Gu Zhutong does indeed deserve criticism.

Right now, it is indeed a great opportunity.

The Japanese invaders' attention was drawn to Bengbu, and then to Nanjing.

Especially after Zhang Yong's outburst in Nanjing, the Japanese forces in the Third War Zone will definitely rush to reinforce him.

Therefore, the Japanese forces on the front lines of the Third War Zone must have been very weak.

The Third War Zone itself has a large number of combat troops, consistently maintaining a strength of over 200,000.

If we take swift action, we can certainly recover a lot of lost ground.

"Made..."

"That idiot Gu Zhutong..."

Zhang Yong continued to harbor resentment.

This guy is a hundred times worse than Tang Enbo.

And yet, he later became the Chief of the General Staff of the National Revolutionary Army. It's truly laughable.

But then again, if it weren't for the bald guy's brilliant maneuvering, how could they have successfully retreated to the isolated island in just three years?
You could replace him with Liu Shan (A Dou). Even in three years, they might not be completely defeated...

"Drip!"

"Drip!"

Suddenly, the radio in the portable space responded.

A few seconds later, the telegram was directly translated by the system.

Egrets call.

This was the code name for the Yunnan Army.

There are many egrets in Dianchi Lake in Kunming.

When Zhang Yong went to Kunming last time, he even took the time to visit the area.

It’s really beautiful.

Later, the egret was used as the emergency contact code for the Yunnan Army.

However, the Yunnan Army never used it again. This was the first time it was used. Presumably, it was due to an urgent matter.

Activate the 5C communication center. Connect to the Kunming Garrison Command.

Go directly to Lu Han.

Sure enough, Lu Han answered the phone quickly.

"Shaolong..."

"Commander Lu, is something urgent?"

"Based on our intelligence, we are worried that the Japanese invaders might be planning something big!"

"Tell me more specifically."

"The Japanese invaders may land in Hanoi."

What did the French say?

"This is the main point I wanted to report to you. The French seem to have become less friendly towards us."

Did Maggie Hannah make an appearance?

"No. It was Moreno who came forward. That cunning Frenchman."

"The French want to play both sides."

"Moreno demanded that we withdraw our troops from Hanoi."

"Have you moved everything?"

"almost."

"Withdraw the troops to Dien Bien Phu and Lao Cai. That's my private territory. It was given to me by Maggie Hana. Moreno certainly won't dare to say a word."

"Shaolong, if the Japanese invaders land..."

"The French definitely want us to withdraw, and then the Japanese won't land. They want to monopolize everything. They're dreaming!"

Zhang Yong's undisguised sneer.

It began operating with the establishment of the Vichy government in France.

Some French people have started dreaming again, believing that the situation has stabilized.

The Germans did not demand anything from the Vichy government. There was no discussion of reparations or anything like that. Nor did they demand the immediate surrender of the French navy.

This gave the French the illusion that the war had ended here.

The French retained some power.

So in the Far East, Maggie Hannah and others felt they were capable again.

They have a beautiful dream: that the Chinese army will withdraw, and then the Japanese won't come in either.

French Indochina remained under French control, just as before.

"Commander Lu, the Japanese will definitely land. But we don't need to take the fall for the French. Once we've moved everything, we'll retreat to Dien Bien Phu and Lao Cai. We'll just need to control the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway."

"Okay. Let's do it that way."

"After the Japanese land, the French will definitely ask us for help again. We'll deal with that then."

"Then we need to make some conditions."

"Correct!"

As someone from a later era, Zhang Yong knew the true face of imperialism better than anyone else.

These people won't realize their mistakes until they've been thoroughly taught a lesson. There's no need to preach morality or righteousness when dealing with them.

It all boils down to one word: profit.

Between us, there is only an exchange of interests.

Everything else is fake.

The Japanese are here, wanting our support? Fine! Bring something in exchange.

We won't go out unless there's something in it for us.

End the call.

I'm planning a trip to Kunming sometime.

I thought of the sixty newly formed regiments of the Yunnan Army. Their weapons and ammunition had not yet fully arrived.

It needs to be arranged as soon as possible. Otherwise, the longer it is delayed, the more disadvantageous it will be.

However, going to Kunming now... there's no airport nearby...

and many more!

Who said there isn't?

Nanjing has the Dajiaochang Airport!

I can just go straight there, capture the airport, and then use it for my own purposes.

what?
airplane?

We can use Japanese planes!
At Dajiaochang Airport, there were Japanese Type 97 fighter planes.

You can fly directly to Changsha. Then land in Changsha. Keep going. Then fly directly to Kunming.

Once we control the airport, everything else is trivial.

"Correct!"

"Just do it!"

Start planning immediately.

It's not far from the airport. About twenty kilometers.

However, there is a prerequisite: Zijin Mountain must be captured to destroy the Japanese invaders' 240mm heavy artillery.

Otherwise, these heavy artillery pieces would pose a huge threat to all anti-Japanese armed forces. If the Japanese invaders were to use these heavy artillery pieces, it would cause enormous casualties.

Now, the opportunity is rare. Anti-Japanese armed forces and Japanese heavy artillery have already become entangled.

They were very astute. They had excellent foresight, realizing that these heavy artillery pieces posed the greatest threat. Therefore, they decisively launched an attack.

Radar maps show that there are many yellow dots among the anti-Japanese armed forces attacking Zijin Mountain.

As expected, the people on the Red Party's side are more responsible.

Instead of focusing on personal gain, they prioritized eliminating this obstacle.

It's highly unlikely that there were any loyalist armies or similar groups.

So they set off for Zijin Mountain.

A familiar road.

I have fought here many times.

The terrain and landforms might still be the same as last time.

Arriving at the front lines.

A yellow dot appears. Stand at attention. Salute.

"Commissioner".

"What part are you in?"

"Jiangbei Anti-Japanese Volunteer Army".

"You want to attack Purple Mountain?"

"Yes. We want to blow up the Japanese heavy artillery up there."

Do you know the specifics?

"I've learned part of it."

"Let me explain in detail."

"Yes."

Zhang Yong sat down.

A detailed explanation based on the radar map.

How many Japanese soldiers were there? What were the positions of the Japanese heavy artillery? Where was the passage?

Drawing on his previous experience of repeatedly attacking Zijin Mountain, he pointed out several attack routes to the enemy, all of which targeted the Japanese invaders' weak points.

In theory, as long as the attack follows these routes, success is assured.

At the same time, replenish the enemy's weapons and ammunition.

The designation of the Jiangbei Anti-Japanese Volunteer Army must have been chosen by themselves.

Their weapons and equipment were a motley collection, but not bad. They didn't have Hanyang rifles or old-fashioned rifles.

The main focus was on replenishing the stock of pistols, Mauser pistols, and wooden-handled grenades.

There is also a five-kilogram explosive pack.

As it turns out, these things are the real weapons of attack.

Rifles and light machine guns aren't actually very effective because they're all used in close-quarters combat.

The slope was steep. It was difficult to even stand steadily. It was hard to aim a gun.

If you dare to stand up, you'll be riddled with bullet holes.

To put it extremely, even firearms are ineffective. The most effective weapon is the wooden-handled grenade.

Why specifically emphasize wooden-handled grenades? Because round grenades are unsuitable for feint attacks.

After it's thrown, it will roll back and blow up your own people.

Only a wooden-handled grenade can be fixed on a slope after being thrown and then explode.

Another crucial point is that, when necessary, several wooden-handled grenades can be tied together to form a small explosive charge.

It can be used to blow up Japanese bunkers, tunnels, and firing positions. It's very effective because it uses readily available materials.

Zhang Yong used the same tactic in his previous counterattacks against Zijin Mountain.

Throughout the entire battle, the most consumed items were the wooden-handled grenades.

"Commissioner".

"Commissioner".

Two more teams arrived one after another.

Their designations were all over the place, with all sorts of names. Zhang Yong ignored them all.

All you need to do is anchor to the yellow dots. These yellow dots are the backbone of these teams. The yellow dots must have existed first, before the teams even existed.

There are a lot of people.

There are approximately three thousand people.

Everyone has a gun.

Compared to the Eighth Route Army in the north, Fourth Master's situation seems to be a little better.

Jiangnan is, after all, a prosperous region. It also has many battlefields, leaving behind a wealth of weapons and ammunition.

can buy.

You can pick it up.

Each person has a gun; it's not difficult.

Replenishing ammunition was actually more difficult than acquiring firearms. Therefore, the focus was on replenishing ammunition.

Ensure that everyone has a base number.

Fifteen radios were also delivered and distributed among the three teams.

Since it's a team led by the Fourth Master, there's no need to be stingy.

"For us?"

"Whoever kills the Japanese invaders will get it."

"Thank you!"

Those yellow dots were all quite unexpected.

I never expected the Commissioner to be so generous. He provided fifteen radio stations in one go.

Honestly, what they lack most right now is a radio station.

This is something you can't even buy.

It's not even found in ordinary households.

Ordinary people may have guns and bullets, but they certainly don't have radios.

Especially for the New Fourth Army units that entered Jiangbei, the number of radios was even smaller, making communication between them extremely difficult and hindering joint operations.

Preparations for the attack began at the front. They were quickly completed.

"start!"

"it is good!"

Zhang Yong did not personally lead the team.

Because he discovered that Jiang Kang seemed capable of handling things single-handedly.

There were many people inside, and they all seemed to be quite strong in combat. They were agile and had a good sense of combat.

Compared to other anti-Japanese armed forces, the Jiangnan Anti-Japanese Forces performed exceptionally well.

It's probably because there are a lot of yellow dots inside.

"boom……"

"boom……"

A barrage of mortar fire. Providing cover for the attack.

Following the route described by Zhang Yong, the soldiers of the Jiangbei Anti-Japanese Volunteer Army launched an attack.

We must resolutely implement the principle of using grenades to clear the way.

If a blind spot is detected ahead, use grenades to clear it out...

Upon discovering a Japanese firing position, use grenades to engage it...

If an obstacle is detected, use a grenade to clear it...

When in doubt, throw a grenade...

Hand grenades aren't a cure-all, but you can't do without them.

As it turns out, this tactic is indeed very effective.

It's a bit of a waste of hand grenades. It's also a bit of a waste of your arm.

They quickly advanced to the mountainside.

"go!"

Zhang Yong led the mortars from behind for cover.

For a feint attack, mortars are more effective.

“They are from the New Fourth Army,” Commander Qian suddenly said slowly.

"Really?" Zhang Yong feigned ignorance.

Of course he knew.

Otherwise, they wouldn't be providing such strong support.

All other units were given weapons and ammunition. Only these three units were given radios.

The New Fourth Army had many different names.

Like the Eighth Route Army, it was impossible to be limited to the numbers listed in the Ministry of Military Affairs.

To survive.

We need to develop.

This is the most important task for the New Fourth Army at present.

Otherwise, Gu Zhutong would have him completely under her control.

The New Fourth Army could only survive if it broke free from the jurisdiction of the Third War Zone.

Once a squad is sent out, it will develop into a platoon, or even a company. The names and titles will vary widely.

This Jiangbei Anti-Japanese Volunteer Army was very likely a platoon or company sent out by a detachment of the New Fourth Army, which then developed into a regiment, numbering around eight hundred. Because it had core members, it was relatively strong in combat.

The other two anti-Japanese forces had more members than Jiang Kang. However, they didn't have as many yellow dots (representing key figures), so their overall combat strength was not as strong as Jiang Kang's.

This illustrates one point. The strength of a military unit's combat effectiveness can be judged by the number and strength of its yellow dots (symbols indicating high combat effectiveness).

Commander Qian did not say anything more.

This is behind enemy lines. Nothing we say will make a difference.

The regular Nationalist army had no jurisdiction over this area.

On the contrary, the Kuomintang's Loyal and Patriotic Army was quite active behind enemy lines.

"boom……"

"boom……"

The grenades gradually spread towards the top of Zijin Mountain.

This time, the Japanese invaders also sensed something was different. They discovered that the Chinese attacks were becoming increasingly fierce.

After continuous fierce fighting, the Japanese artillery was also very exhausted.

Finally, someone rushed to the top of the hill.

"them……"

Commander Qian hesitated again, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

But they discovered that Jiang Kang's fighting ability seemed to be quite strong!

They were stronger than the average Nationalist army.

This clearly surprised him.

Even if the Nationalist army launched an attack, it might not be able to reach the summit so quickly.

Zhang Yong said casually, "They are guerrillas. Mountain warfare is definitely more flexible for them."

This is just lying with open eyes.

What kind of guerrilla fighting force is so formidable?
Commander Qian is also a veteran of the battlefield, and the difference is still noticeable.

Zhang Yong stopped speaking.

It doesn't matter if the other party notices. It's the truth anyway.

Generally speaking, the Red Party-led forces are indeed much stronger in combat than the KMT forces.

If the two sides are roughly equal in weaponry and equipment, the Nationalist army is no match for them.

Even with a significant difference in weaponry, many of the Nationalist troops were still no match for them.

How is combat effectiveness developed?
Fight bravely.

One after another.

Fighting against the Japanese invaders. Fighting against the puppet troops. Fighting against the die-hard troops.

They're either fighting, or on their way to fight. They're constantly being tested by the flames of war. Naturally, their combat effectiveness increases.

Anyone with even slightly weaker combat power was eliminated.

"Tattoo..."

"Boom boom boom..."

The battle continues.

Yellow dots began to appear as they approached the Japanese heavy artillery.

There are also many white dots around. They are currently engaged in close combat with the red dots.

"boom……"

A muffled explosion was heard.

On the radar map, an artillery symbol disappeared.

Clearly, this was the destruction of the Japanese invaders' heavy artillery.

Destroying the cannon was very simple, according to Zhang Yong's method. Just tie three grenades together, pull the pin, and insert them into the cannon barrel.

One is fine, but the power might be slightly insufficient. It's safest to bundle three together.

After the explosion, the barrels of the Japanese heavy artillery would definitely be ruptured.

Even if it doesn't explode, the internal rifling and other internal components will be severely damaged, rendering it unusable.

"boom……"

"boom……"

Explosions kept coming.

The two sides are still locked in a fierce battle. The outcome is uncertain and neither side can gain the upper hand.

Radar maps show that Japanese artillery markings are disappearing one by one, indicating they have been destroyed.

However, Zhang Yong noticed that it wasn't destroyed by their own forces, but rather by the Japanese invaders themselves.

Grass……

Those damned Japanese invaders.

They actually destroyed the heavy artillery on their own initiative. Clearly, they didn't want to keep it for themselves!
Mud...

I was hoping to capture one or two more.

Then they launched a fierce bombardment at the actual Japanese troops below, along with their puppet troops.

It seems unlikely now.

"boom……"

There was a muffled sound.

He looked up. He frowned. He was annoyed.

It turned out that another heavy artillery piece had been destroyed by the Japanese themselves.

They destroyed the breechblock. This part can be completely replaced.

Of course, this only applies to the Japanese invaders themselves.

China itself is incapable of replacing it. It lacks the technology.

The Japanese destroyed the breechblocks, clearly intending to keep something in reserve. These heavy cannons could still be used simply by replacing the breechblocks.

But then Zhang Yong arrived.

Hehe. Dream on.

"Somebody come!"

"To!"

"Explode all the cannon barrels."

"Yes!"

"Keep exploding the ones that haven't cracked!"

"Yes!"

Zhang Yong coldly gave the order.

Once the cannon barrel is ruptured, it's not so easy to repair.

The gun barrel needs to be replaced.

Manufacturing a cannon barrel is extremely difficult.

The larger the caliber, the higher the cost and the more difficult the processing. This would consume more of the Japanese invaders' resources.

"boom……"

"boom……"

The cannon barrel was repeatedly ruptured.

In this way, the Japanese invaders themselves could no longer exploit it.

"Come on!"

"Come on!"

More and more soldiers surged up the hilltop.

In a few isolated areas, hand-to-hand combat even broke out. The reason for this is unknown.

Did they use up all that ammunition?

"idiot……"

"Kill Jiji..."

The remaining Japanese troops launched a suicidal charge.

Zhang Yong stood at a distance, watching silently. He didn't need to intervene in this matter.

Because the fighting capacity of the Jiangnan Rebellion was indeed quite strong.

"Tattoo..."

"Chichichi..."

The sounds of gunfire and cannons suddenly intensified.

The remaining Japanese troops were quickly annihilated. Corpses littered the fields.

Unfortunately, all the heavy artillery pieces were destroyed by the Japanese themselves. The soldiers could only finish them off with their own weapons.

"boom……"

"boom……"

All the cannon barrels were blown up.

At the same time, detonate all the Japanese ammunition depots and other storage facilities.

"Rumble..."

"Rumble..."

Instantly, the entire Purple Mountain began to tremble.

A huge flame shot straight into the sky.

[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)