Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 1979, Bengbu Frontline

Bengbu Frontline.

A Hawk III fighter jet made an easy emergency landing.

The ground was flat, covered in soft grass. The fuel was almost completely used up.

Therefore, you can land with your eyes closed. There are no safety concerns.

Nationalist troops immediately rushed up from nearby.

"Commissioner!"

"Commissioner!"

Stand at attention and salute. Then secure the aircraft.

Zhang Yong nodded. He returned the salute, then climbed out of the cockpit and landed.

I feel okay. Not too sleepy, even though it was a long flight.

The direct flight from Kunming to Bengbu is over 1600 kilometers in a straight line. This perfectly utilizes all the extra range provided by the system.

It's estimated that there aren't even ten liters of fuel left in the plane's fuel tank right now.

"Suddenly..."

"Suddenly..."

A small group of BMW three-wheeled motorcycles arrived.

Zhang Yong roused himself, got into the car, and drove it himself to the front-line command post.

"Commissioner!"

"Commissioner!"

The officers and soldiers along the way stood at attention and saluted in unison.

Everyone's face was beaming with joy. They all knew something good was about to happen.

What a good thing?
It's definitely going to be a devastating blow to the Japanese invaders!

With the Commissioner personally taking action, the Japanese invaders are sure to be finished.

"Shaolong".

"Commander Li."

Zhang Yong raised his hand in greeting.

Commander Li personally directed the battle.

The number of Nationalist troops participating in the siege of Bengbu is increasing.

It turns out that there was already the 22nd Group Army and the 46th Army, as well as the Huainan Guerrilla Column, etc.

Now, Feng Anbang and Pang Bingxun's troops have also joined.

They all asked for it themselves.

Can't wait.

"please."

"please."

Enter the operations room.

The operations room was located in a large brick building.

In the center was a tabletop made of more than a dozen square tables joined together. On the tabletop was a large sand table model.

Large military maps are also hanging on the walls on both sides of the main room.

The small red and blue flags above are intertwined, clearly indicating that the battle is extremely intense.

The radar map shows a large number of white and red dots, indicating that they are indeed intertwined.

Interlocking teeth.

It's hard to tell.

However, overall, progress has been limited.

The Japanese invaders' defenses were extremely stubborn. They fought to the death and refused to retreat. Their fighting strength was formidable.

Even with 155mm howitzers, the National Revolutionary Army was unable to clear out the Japanese fortifications in a short period of time.

"The Japanese invaders have learned their lesson."

"They can effectively evade our artillery fire."

"When we fired, they retreated. When the firing stopped, they immediately charged again."

The chief of staff gave a brief introduction.

The Nationalist army also used this tactic.

However, the Nationalist army's execution was not as resolute or efficient as the Japanese invaders'.

Objectively speaking, the Japanese army's execution capabilities and individual soldier quality far surpassed those of the National Revolutionary Army. Therefore, their tactics were very effective.

Even with very simple tactics, the Nationalist army's charges were ineffective.

Later generations of the People's Liberation Army and the Chinese People's Volunteer Army also frequently adopted this tactic when facing the artillery fire of powerful enemies.

How to crack it?

Generally speaking, there aren't many options.

The simpler the tactic, the harder it is to break.

Unless there is a system.

Zhang Yong did not express his opinion for the time being, but instead observed the sand table model.

There were too many mistakes. They completely failed to grasp the Japanese invaders' defensive priorities. Therefore, formulating an attack plan was essentially like the blind men describing an elephant.

Since we can't find the right treatment, we certainly won't get the desired results.

"chief of staff."

"exist."

Who made the sand table?

"It is your subordinate..."

"Come on, let's modify the sand table first."

"Yes."

The chief of staff was puzzled.

I don't understand what Zhang Yong is trying to do. Modify the sand table?
That thing was really just for show. The Nationalist army never relied on sand tables to fight battles.

"Everyone come here!"

"Let's do it together!"

Zhang Yong called all his staff officers over.

He ordered all the flags on the sand table to be removed.

All the signs and markings were stripped away, restoring the area to its original, bare state.

Let's start by modifying the terrain and landforms.

Then there's the deployment of Japanese troops.

Based on radar maps and air command maps, refine them.

The others watched quietly, noticing that the sand table had been almost completely rebuilt from scratch. It was entirely different from before.

It turns out the sand table was relatively simple. It was easy to understand at a glance.

However, the current sand table is extremely complex, giving people a sense of profound mystery.

Some areas are even like a maze. It's difficult to find your way forward even when standing outside the model.

Not to mention how to make a judgment once the troops are caught up in it.

"No wonder..."

"I see……"

Many military commanders have come to their senses.

Why were the previous attacks ineffective? It turns out they hadn't figured out the Japanese deployment at all.

Most of the attacks targeted the Japanese invaders' key defensive positions.

The Japanese invaders were indeed cunning. They seemed to have anticipated the Nationalist army's prediction and accordingly strengthened their defenses.

Therefore, even with heavy artillery fire, it was very difficult for the National Revolutionary Army to break through the Japanese defenses.

Moreover, the Japanese defense line contained numerous traps.

There are also many reserve teams.

We're just waiting for you to rush up.

Then quickly launch a counterattack.

When you finally manage to break into the Japanese position, the artillery fire behind you stops, and the Japanese suddenly rush out to launch a counterattack.

Although Zhang Yong did not witness the Japanese counterattack firsthand, he could imagine it.

Some later films and television dramas also reflect a realistic aspect. The Japanese invaders' counterattack was indeed extremely brutal.

The frontline troops were caught off guard and were bound to suffer heavy losses.

It is estimated that all the Nationalist troops suffered losses.

It wasn't until evening that the sand table was finally rearranged.

Only then did everyone realize just how difficult it was to deal with the Japanese invaders before them.

It has been upgraded several levels compared to when it was in Luzhou.

The Japanese invaders in Luzhou were somewhat complacent and did not wholeheartedly construct defensive fortifications.

However, in Bengbu, Anami Korechika transformed the surrounding area into what appeared to be a three-dimensional fortress. He even went to great lengths to dig numerous tunnels.

Dig tunnels in the plains!

It is simply contrary to Tiangang.

Did the Japanese invaders learn the tunnel warfare tactics used in central Hebei?

possible.

Perhaps the Japanese invaders even went so far as to promote and expand upon this idea.

With such well-constructed fortifications, it would be difficult for the Nationalist army to break through them.

It will likely come at a very heavy price.

Sure enough, everyone stared solemnly at the incredibly complex sand table.

At first, I thought we were capturing a town. Now it seems it's actually a fortress. There are even three underground levels.

"Commissioner, shall we continue fighting?"

Zhou Zuhuang asked slowly.

He's an honest man. He speaks very directly.

With the Japanese defenses so strong, continuing the fight seemed like a bad idea.

To completely annihilate the Japanese invaders, the National Revolutionary Army would have to pay a heavy price.

"Fight for a few more days," Zhang Yong replied in a deep voice, "to eliminate as much of the Japanese invaders' manpower as possible."

“But the Japanese invaders are all hiding in the tunnels…” Sun Zhen frowned.

"I'll find a way to force the Japanese invaders out."

"May I?"

"Let me try."

Zhang Yong did not speak definitively.

What if the Japanese invaders would rather be bombed to death than launch an attack?
Sometimes, when the Japanese invaders became stubborn, they were truly incomprehensible.

However, he had artillery shells.

If the Japanese invaders refuse to come out, then bury them underground.

It seems this is the first time he has ever encountered a battle where he is unilaterally attacked and never fights back.

what?
Is it nighttime?
It's okay. The radar map is unaffected.

"Suddenly..."

"Suddenly..."

They arrived at the heavy artillery position on a three-wheeled motorcycle.

This position has a total of twenty-four 155mm howitzers. There are also plenty of shells.

Zhang Yong noticed a phenomenon: whenever he wasn't present, the artillerymen would unconsciously conserve ammunition, reluctant to fire freely.

The main concern is that the ammunition supply might not be sufficient. If that happens, the howitzers will become useless.

After all, nobody knows what tomorrow will bring.

Although I don't want to think about it, and I dare not think about it, a cruel reality cannot be avoided—

What if one day, the Commissioner doesn't come back?

The battlefield is dangerous; who can say for sure?
The commander-in-chief of the 33rd Army Group had already died in battle!

"Commissioner!"

Someone comes forward. Stand at attention and salute.

Zhang Yong raised his hand to return the greeting. Suddenly, he felt that the other person looked very familiar.

This time, my memory wasn't hazy. Instead, I clearly recalled the artillery staff officer who committed suicide at the Jiangyin Fortress.

Guo Baokun. He clearly remembered the other person's name.

The two had very similar facial features. He almost thought it was Guo Baokun resurrected.

"What's your name?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, this humble servant is Guo Baoqian, a graduate of the Fifth Infantry Class of the Whampoa Military Academy..."

"Who is Guo Baokun to you?"

"Reporting to the Commissioner, Guo Baokun is my twin brother. We both entered the fifth class of the Whampoa Military Academy..."

"No wonder..."

Zhang Yong nodded thoughtfully.

They're brothers. Twins, no less.

This reflects a reality: almost all Chinese people were fighting on the battlefield.

The Nationalist government's regulation of conscripting one out of every two able-bodied men and two out of every three was not actually enforced. In most families, all able-bodied men were sent to the battlefield.

Whether you are two brothers, three brothers, or several brothers, you will all eventually go to the battlefield.

Cao Yiqi is Lao Cao's younger brother. Guo Baoqian is Guo Baokun's older brother.

How many brothers do you have?

"Four."

Is anyone still home?

"No. My two younger brothers have both joined the army. They're both in the Fifth Army."

"artillery?"

"infantry."

"Oh."

Zhang Yong nodded. Silence followed.

Sure enough, anyone over the age of fifteen could be enlisted.

The Nationalist government stipulated that the conscription age was 18 (by the traditional Chinese age reckoning). However, in practice, it was entirely based on height. As long as you could carry a Hanyang rifle, you could be recruited.

In some units, the conscripted men were not even as tall as a rifle.

Every time the bald man gave a bad command, it resulted in heavy casualties.

Then the army engaged in rampant conscription.

Ugh……

He patted Guo Baoqian on the shoulder.

The other party is now a colonel. That's basically the ceiling for artillery commanders.

As a purely technical branch of the military, the avenues for further promotion are relatively narrow.

If Guo Baokun hadn't committed suicide for his country, he would probably be a colonel now.

Chu Yunfei was also a graduate of the fifth class of the Whampoa Military Academy. He became a colonel very early on.

Things have changed...

No, it's that things and people have changed. The land is shattered...

Much of China was ravaged by the iron heel of the Japanese invaders. Countless ordinary people were suffering...

make a fist.

Bring your thoughts back.

"Now, the artillery is under my command."

"Yes!"

Guo Baoqian solemnly agreed.

He was unable to command artillery fire at night.

Because it is difficult to verify the target.

However, the Commissioner has special abilities.

Each time the Commissioner personally directs the operation, the results are twice as effective.

"Mi 15-20!"

"Range 8500!"

"Adjustments complete, free fire!"

"Eight rapid shots!"

Zhang Yong issued the firing parameters.

All artillerymen immediately sprang into action, making rapid adjustments.

then……

"Oh!"

"Oh!"

Howitzers began firing.

Heavy shells rained down on the distant target.

The radar map shows a large number of red dots clustered in the target area. There are approximately five to six hundred of them, and their formation is very dense.

The initial assessment is that these are Japanese invaders operating freely, taking advantage of the darkness to avoid being discovered.

In fact, this area was behind the Japanese lines. Conventional reconnaissance methods were ineffective in detecting it. Even aerial reconnaissance was useless.

Only radar map scanning can detect it in time.

Indeed, a large number of Japanese soldiers were moving freely in that area after leaving their fortifications.

Because it was nighttime, it was relatively safe. Therefore, the Japanese invaders were not too worried. Some even lit bonfires and started dancing.

The leader was a Japanese colonel. He had taken off his uniform and was only wearing a loincloth.

It's summer now, and the heat is unbearable. There are occasional showers. We're hiding in the trenches. It's actually very easy for our skin to rot.

If it were a cat's ear hole or a tunnel, the situation would be even more serious.

They need to go out and be active regularly.

The surrounding Japanese soldiers all started singing.

atmosphere……

Suddenly, a veteran of the Japanese army sensed something was wrong.

They are all very sensitive. They even detected a faint sound of something cutting through the air.

A 155mm shell is not a rocket. It doesn't produce a tail flame. The sound of it cutting through the air is actually very faint. Then it lands heavily.

"boom……"

A violent explosion.

Bright firelight.

A powerful sound.

Mixed together.

The nearby Japanese troops all took flight.

Some were pulverized on the spot. All the severed limbs and fragments disappeared without a trace.

For an unprotected human target, a 155mm high-explosive shell is absolutely devastating.

"boom……"

"boom……"

More shells fell.

The once densely packed Japanese troops were wiped out in an instant.

The vast majority of the Japanese invaders, amidst the violent explosions, lined up and went to the Yasukuni Shrine.

Only a very few, extremely lucky ones, immediately dropped to the ground, too afraid to move. A violent explosion was nearby. Running away meant certain death.

"boom……"

"boom……"

Shells continued to fall.

The explosions continued violently.

Some of the surviving Japanese soldiers were killed by the shockwave.

The shockwave from the explosion might not kill you the first time, but it could kill you the second, third time...

50...

30...

Zhang Yong silently assessed the red dot.

In the area hit by the shelling, the red dots have basically disappeared.

There are about thirty left. Some of them will probably disappear gradually.

In the end, perhaps only ten will survive.

Not bad. A great start.

Unfortunately, others can't see it. The distance is too great.

The artillery positions fell silent.

Eight rapid shots have been fired. No further orders have been given.

enough.

The next goal is to adjust the parameters.

After firing eight shells in quick succession, the barrel temperature became very high.

That's how large-caliber howitzers work. After rapid firing, the barrel often overheats and needs to cool down for a few minutes.

Find new goals.

Adjust the heavy artillery parameters.

However, no order to fire was given immediately.

The barrel needs to continue cooling. It should cool for at least five minutes.

"Oh!"

"Oh!"

Soon, the howitzers resumed firing.

This crackdown is once again targeting the areas with the highest concentration of red dots.

The primary objective was to eliminate the Japanese invaders' manpower. To kill the Japanese soldiers.

Weapons and equipment can be produced very quickly. However, it takes at least fifteen years for a person to grow taller, or even longer.

Soon, eight rapid-fire shots were fired.

The Japanese troops in the target area were almost entirely wiped out. The losses exceeded three hundred men.

Very good. Two waves of artillery fire nearly wiped out eight hundred Japanese soldiers. Although it was a bit few, Zhang Yong didn't mind.

Keep fighting. An entire Japanese infantry battalion was wiped out.

Shift target.

More than two hundred Japanese soldiers were gathered in the target area.

Radar maps showed that the Japanese troops had formed a circle, as if they were playing a game.

well.

To create a more tense atmosphere for the Japanese invaders.

Go to the Yasukuni Shrine and do it slowly. You'll have plenty of time after you die.

"boom!"

"boom!"

The shells continued to fall.

Caught off guard, the Japanese invaders were instantly annihilated by the bomb.

Against a 155mm grenade, all skills and abilities are meaningless. The only thing that really matters is luck.

However, a full twenty-four 155mm howitzers bombarded an area of ​​only a few thousand square meters—smaller than a football field. You can imagine how dense the shells were. There was simply no blind spot.

Sure enough, not even eight rapid shots were needed. Two rounds of shelling, and the red dots had vanished completely. Not a single one remained.

But the shells were still fired obediently. Zhang Yong was too lazy to change the orders.

At the same time, there aren't many good things like this anymore.

Within the radar map's range, other large groups of Japanese troops were all under cover.

They were either in trenches or tunnels.

However, there are still many areas where twenty or thirty people gather.

Mosquito meat is still meat. We'll harvest it anyway.

The artillery was divided into four groups. Each group had six howitzers.

Simultaneously bombarding four different targets, the combined results can exceed one hundred.

Issue firing parameters. Disperse the artillery fire.

"boom……"

"boom……"

……

"Nani?"

"How could this be?"

"Do the enemy's shells have eyes?"

"idiot!"

Anami Korechika soon received the relevant report.

His brow furrowed deeply, utterly incredulous. He couldn't fathom how the Nationalist army had managed it.

It's nighttime now!

The Japanese troops were just out there moving around.

Then they were accurately shelled. Then all were killed or wounded.

Incredible.

How did the Nationalist Army determine its targets?

How did they know the Japanese troops had come out? And where were they operating?
What a hell.

"Your Excellency Commander..." The chief of staff hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

"What is it? Speak." Anami Korechika was in a bad mood.

"It's very likely that Zhang Yong came in person."

"Zhang Yong?"

Anami Korechika's heart skipped a beat.

Actually, he had been mentally prepared all along. He just kept reminding himself not to be intimidated by the name Zhang Yong.

Fortunately, nothing too strange happened after the battle broke out.

It seems that Zhang Yong was just like that.

Gradually, I became calm and composed.

However, its chief of staff was extremely cautious.

Zhang Yong wasn't on the front lines in Bengbu. Instead, he went to Nanjing and turned the city upside down.

That guy can come and go as he pleases in Nanjing. He can turn the world upside down with a flick of his wrist. If he were to come to Bengbu, wouldn't that be terrible?

Sure enough, Zhang Yong has arrived.

An expert's skill is immediately apparent. The unusual shelling led the Japanese staff officer to conclude that it was definitely commanded by Zhang Yong.

Because most people can't do that. But Zhang Yong was no ordinary person.

The previous battles were unremarkable because Zhang Yong did not personally participate.

But now that Zhang Yong has stepped in, things are probably in danger.

"idiot!"

"The advantage is mine!"

Anan Kosei barely managed to calm himself down.

He refused to believe that he couldn't stop Zhang Yong.

The defenses they had meticulously constructed were so impenetrable that even a god couldn't breach them.

"chief of staff!"

"exist."

"Immediately tell Zhang Yong in plain text at 95.27 MHz that even if he has a million troops and spends a hundred years, he will never be able to conquer Bengbu!"

"what?"

"Did you hear me?"

"Tie!"

[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)