Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 1994, Approaching Nanchang

night.

The lights were like a dragon.

Zhang Yong led his cavalry, traveling through the night.

Numerous torches burned fiercely, crackling and popping. Bamboo sections burst open continuously.

The simplest torch is made by splitting a raw bamboo stalk open, stuffing it with rags or something similar, soaking it in gasoline, and then lighting it.

With a little technical processing, it will only consume gasoline, not rags. It can last a long time.

The key is that with gasoline, the flame is very bright. The wind can't extinguish it.

Of course, only Zhang Yong would dare to use such an extravagant torch.

If any other military unit used gasoline as torches, they would be absolutely furious. Gasoline is so expensive!

For other units, having rosin as a torch is considered quite advanced.

"Give way!"

The cavalry at the front shouted loudly.

The northern route from Pingjiang to Nanchang passes through Tonggu County.

This area is full of towering mountains and rugged roads. Du Yuming's main force definitely cannot make it through.

Hu Lian probably planned to send his heavy weapons south along the main road to Yichun, while he himself would lead the lightly armed troops via Tonggu. This would be faster.

"report!"

Some cavalrymen turned back from the front lines.

They said they had caught up with the headquarters of the 18th Army. Its commander, Peng Shan, was ahead.

"it is good."

Zhang Yong then sped up.

Soon, they caught up with Peng Shan ahead.

Peng Shan was also riding a horse. However, due to the towering mountains, he couldn't go very fast.

Its only function is to save people's physical strength.

"Commissioner!"

"Commander Peng."

Zhang Yong raised his hand in return.

Peng Shan was not particularly handsome. He was rather ordinary-looking.

Actually, this wasn't the first time the two had met. They had crossed paths during the Battle of Shanghai.

At the time, Peng Shan was the deputy commander of the main force 11th Division. He had participated in battles in places like Luodian and Dachang Town. His performance was considered acceptable.

However, he didn't do anything particularly outstanding, so much so that others couldn't remember him.

I don't know why Chen Cheng chose him to be the commander of the 18th Army. He doesn't seem like the right person.

Lacking vigor.

Lack of motivation.

Compared to the young and ambitious Hu Lian, he was far inferior.

According to the information Zhang Yong had, Peng Shan's life experience was indeed unremarkable.

It's estimated that she won't be favored by Chen Cheng either.

So without much further communication, they continued on their way.

Suddenly the speed slowed down a little.

But a thought flashed through my mind. It was a little vague.

Is the goal to sow discord between Peng Shan and Chen Cheng in the Civil Engineering department? To make things difficult for Chen Cheng?

Since Peng Shan is not favored by Chen Cheng, why not win him over?

As long as it makes Chen Cheng uncomfortable, that's fine.

Or perhaps it was a deliberate attempt to flatter Hu Lian and ruin him, letting the hot-blooded young man cause internal strife within the Civil Engineering Department, just like that troublemaker Luo Qi.

In fact, sometimes, praising someone to the point of exhaustion is a strategy, and it often works well.

Chen Cheng is always the one scheming behind people's backs.

I have to find a way to get back at them in a sneaky way!
It is impolite not to reciprocate...

However, it was just a fleeting thought that flashed through my mind.

The specifics of how to proceed will definitely have to wait until the fighting starts in Nanchang.

"drive!"

Spur the horse's belly to increase its speed.

Arrive in Tonggu County.

Take a short rest. Continue on your way.

Arrive at Yifeng. Then proceed to Shanggao. Meet up with the 100th Army.

"Commissioner!"

Li Xianzhou, Ding Huaizhong, and the others were very happy.

The Commissioner is finally back.

The 100th Army did not participate much in the last battle around Nanchang.

They had been fighting off the Japanese invaders in the Yongxiu area, but had little opportunity to distinguish themselves.

In a defensive battle, there was no chance to eat meat.

Now, I finally have the chance to eat meat.

"Hello everyone!"

"Thanks for your hard work!"

Zhang Yong shook hands with each of the officers.

not bad.

The morale and fighting spirit of the 100th Army is much better than that of the 18th Army.

Peng Shan certainly failed to boost the morale of the troops. His leadership skills didn't seem as effective as Hu Lian's.

Compared to Kong Jie, Li Yunlong is always the one who attracts more attention.

However, the uniforms of the troops were generally tattered.

"Li Xianzhou".

"arrive."

"Haven't the troops changed their uniforms yet?"

"They've been replaced. But they're all broken now."

"Oh."

Zhang Yong frowned.

The logistics of the National Revolutionary Army were still terrible.

Logically speaking, the supply of uniforms for the 100th Army was relatively timely.

However, with frequent battles, uniforms were being worn out quickly. This was mainly due to the poor quality of the uniforms at the time.

In fact, movies and TV shows are all lies.

The costumes used as props were of much better quality than those from 1940.

Because later fabrics, even those of mediocre quality, were far superior to those of 1940. They were much more durable.

Compared to other powerful industrial nations, the Chinese military, even in terms of uniforms, is far inferior in quality.

How to do?
The system does provide military uniforms.

However, only styles and templates for the New Fourth Army are provided.

Furthermore, the patch also has the markings "N4A". Of course, the patch can be torn off.

Therefore, if a change of uniform is needed as soon as possible, it is necessary to switch to the uniforms of the New Fourth Army and then remove the armbands. However, it is unknown what the consequences will be.

They used to wear yellowish-green military uniforms, but if they were all replaced with blue-gray...

"boom……"

Explosions could be heard from ahead.

Radar maps show the battlefield is only seven kilometers away. Very close.

If the Japanese had pushed their mountain guns to the front lines, they could have hit the 100th Army's headquarters. This shows that the headquarters was quite far forward.

"What's the situation now?"

"Specialist, please have a seat. Let me introduce you."

"it is good."

Zhang Yong sat down.

Li Xianzhou spread out a map and explained it to him personally.

Actually, the fighting near Shanggao was not intense. The number of Japanese troops was not large.

Their main purpose was to prevent the Nationalist army from approaching Nanchang, thus ensuring the safety of the city. This was the so-called outer security line.

The counties of Shanggao, Fengcheng, and Fengxin were all occupied by the Japanese invaders.

The Japanese invaders were few in number, but they resolutely refused to retreat and stubbornly resisted.

"Go ahead and take a look."

Zhang Yong waved his hand and led his group to the front lines.

The battlefield was located west of Shanggao County, less than ten kilometers from the county seat.

The radar map shows that there are approximately three thousand red dots.

It was determined to be a Japanese infantry regiment.

It can be done.

However, the 100th Army lacked heavy firepower.

Previously, they were equipped with 75mm Italian guns. There were no large-caliber heavy artillery pieces.

The 75mm Italian guns had difficulty breaching the Japanese fortifications.

The Japanese invaders' positions were very well constructed.

The high points near Shanggao County were all in the hands of the Japanese invaders.

If we were to launch an attack, we would certainly suffer heavy casualties from the Japanese troops' superior position.

Previously, Li Xianzhou had been wary of this very point and dared not deploy his troops.

They all adopted small-scale attacks at the platoon and company levels.

It didn't have much effect.

"Order the troops to rest!"

"Should everyone take a break?"

"Yes. Everyone except the artillery is resting."

"Yes."

Li Xianzhou immediately gave the order.

As a result, all the Nationalist troops at the front line retreated.

They completely broke off contact with the Japanese invaders and went to the rear to rest and reorganize.

Zhang Yong arranged for the delivery.

The main ingredients are rice, flour, and pork.

They were all delivered by truck. A good reward for the troops.

When we attacked Bengbu, all those troops were able to eat pork. Now that we're attacking Nanchang, we certainly can't treat them poorly.

Moreover, the 100th Army was the unit that he himself was responsible for supervising.

Big meat buns...

Steamed pork with rice flour...

Braised pork belly...

Get everything done.

Make sure you eat your fill and are well-fed.

Only then would they have the strength to kill the Japanese invaders.

Even if I die in battle, I'll be a well-fed ghost!

At the same time, it also provided a large number of trucks for the 100th Army. Those trucks that delivered goods were simply kept.

Currently, the Nationalist Army has the First Army and the Fifth Army, both so-called offensive armies, also known as mechanized armies. They are equipped with a relatively large number of trucks.

The 100th Army must have more trucks than them. But they can't be too conspicuous. They must keep a low profile.

"Ah? Your Excellency, so much stuff..."

"Wow! There's so much pork..."

"My God, this is a 15mm howitzer..."

Soon, gasps of surprise arose from all sides.

Li Xianzhou, Ding Huaizhong, and the others were all stunned.

With the arrival of the commissioner, everything was readily available. Food and supplies were delivered truckload after truckload.

So many trucks blocked all the nearby roads.

Therefore, the 100th Army established its first military police detachment specifically responsible for directing traffic.

"Everyone, eat and drink your fill!"

"You only need to kill the Japanese invaders, you don't need to worry about anything else."

"Take Shanggao County immediately to facilitate the settlement of troops and supplies."

Zhang Yong waved his hand.

We still need a county town as a base!
Because only county towns have relatively flat terrain, allowing for the deployment of more weapons.

The defending force consisted of only one Japanese regiment. It wasn't difficult. They could finish it in a day.

"Somebody come!"

"To!"

Zhang Yong personally directed the unloading of the 155mm howitzers.

Then they found a position nearby and deployed. They aimed directly at the Japanese positions and opened fire. "Bang!"

"Oh!"

A dull cannon shot rang out.

Huge bursts of fire erupted from the Japanese positions.

"boom……"

The Japanese positions were completely destroyed by bombing.

The violent explosion immediately caught the attention of the Japanese invaders. They quickly realized that the fighting had escalated.

The Nationalist army brought in large-caliber heavy artillery and began a relentless bombardment.

"idiot……"

"It must be Zhang Yong who's here!"

"hateful……"

The Japanese regimental commander's judgment was very accurate.

It hurriedly reported to its superiors. At the same time, it ordered its troops to actively repair the fortifications and continue to put up a stubborn resistance.

Since the Nationalist army has heavy artillery, then we should attack the Nationalist infantry.

He ordered all Japanese troops to hide and patiently wait for the Nationalist infantry to advance.

however……

"boom……"

No Nationalist infantry appeared.

On the contrary, the shelling continued relentlessly, without pause.

Heavy shells landed on the Japanese positions, shocking all the Japanese soldiers.

"Nani?"

"Heavy artillery?"

"Zhang Yong is here?"

Upon receiving the report, Yamashita Tomoyuki's face darkened.

Finally, what is supposed to come has come.

Zhang Yong appeared.

In the direction of Shanggao.

It is estimated that they will follow the Shanggao-Gao'an line and head straight for Nanchang.

This is a bit troublesome!
This Zhang Yong is no pushover.

Yamashita Tomoyuki dared not underestimate his opponent.

Those who underestimated the other party are now in dire straits.

How to do?
The garrison at Shanggao consisted of only one infantry regiment.

Dealing with ordinary Nationalist troops wouldn't be a problem. But against Zhang Yong...

We'd better retreat quickly, lest we be completely annihilated.

All troops were forced to retreat into a hut.

Adopt the tortoise tactic.

Defend Nanchang to the death.

It depletes the National Revolutionary Army.

Other matters are to be considered by headquarters.

"chief of staff!"

"exist."

"Order the troops to abandon Shanggao County and withdraw to Gao'an."

"Tie!"

The chief of staff immediately issued the order.

Soon, the Japanese troops stationed in Shanggao received orders.

So they immediately arranged for a retreat.

The Japanese troops retreated swiftly and orderly, without the slightest sign of panic.

Under cover of darkness, the remaining Japanese troops quickly disengaged from the battle and then advanced rapidly towards Gao'an.

Zhang Yong noticed it, but didn't pay attention.

It would be best if the Japanese invaders ran away.

He had just recaptured Shanggao County and set up a temporary command post there.

After all, it's a county town, and the living conditions are much better than in the remote mountain villages.

Given the opportunity, he will not force himself to endure hardship.

"Somebody come!"

"To!"

"Order the artillery to cease fire."

"Yes!"

"Ding Huaizhong, the Japanese invaders have retreated. Send troops into the county town!"

"Yes."

Zhang Yong gave a series of instructions.

Then, before dawn, we entered the county town.

Fortunately, the damage inflicted on Shanggao County by the Japanese invaders was not too severe. It's still usable.

As dawn broke and the earth trembled, the people of Shanggao County were overjoyed to discover that their own troops had returned.

The Japanese invaders were driven back.

Our own people are back.

So the people all came out of their doors to greet them.

By eight o'clock, the sound of gongs and drums filled the air, and firecrackers were going off, creating a lively atmosphere just like Chinese New Year.

"Commissioner!"

Zhang Yong was also surrounded by local gentry who fawned over him.

They were welcomed and housed in the finest mansion of a landlord. The bedding was all silk.

The local gentry even specially hired two young and beautiful girls to serve him. Zhang Yong did not refuse. After all, he wanted to share the joy with the people.

I'll give the two girls some money later to help them become self-reliant.

If they wish, they can pursue further development. They are free to choose their future path.

"Sir, please have some tea..."

"Sir, this is a watermelon that was just fished out of the well..."

The two young women were indeed working very hard.

After all, he's the Inspector General! He holds a high position and wields great power.

Even if they only gain the smallest benefit, they will reap immeasurable rewards.

If they weren't exceptionally beautiful, they wouldn't even have a chance to appear. Countless people would be vying for them.

"Thank you."

"let it go."

Zhang Yong responded politely.

He knew his reputation was locked up.

Even if he wanted to be a hypocrite now, it would be impossible.

But it doesn't matter. He doesn't care.

Have some tea. Go out.

It's very busy outside.

There were Nationalist soldiers everywhere. And a large number of trucks.

This has led to severe overcrowding in the small county town. It's estimated that it won't be able to be resolved in the short term.

We arrived at the old government office.

Li Xianzhou's army group headquarters was located here.

They are temporarily separated from the 100th Army.

They will definitely have to separate.

After all, if Li Xianzhou were still at the 100th Army headquarters, Ding Huaizhong would have had no room to maneuver.

Just like Zhang Yong, if he stayed at the army group headquarters for too long, Li Xianzhou would just be a yes-man. He would never have his own opinions.

The problem now is that the new 27th Army Group headquarters only has the 100th Army nearby under its command.

The other 20th Army is still in the distant Pingjiang.

Therefore, there are no major issues at the army group headquarters for the time being.

The main responsibilities are logistics and training truck drivers. We've now received a full three hundred trucks.

"Commissioner."

"Three hundred men will be selected to form a tank battalion."

"what?"

Li Xianzhou was stunned once again.

No, the pace is too fast.

They've only just been equipped with twelve 155mm howitzers, and now they're going to form a tank battalion?

sweat……

Tank soldiers are on a higher level!

It requires professionals to do it. But the 100th Army doesn't have that.

Of course, he couldn't answer no.

"has a problem?"

"No."

Li Xianzhou quickly began to make plans.

Where should we draw 300 men to form a tank battalion?

This is a technical branch of the military, so a certain level of education is required.

Fortunately, I thought of something quickly.

Many educated youths were evacuated from Nanchang.

Some were added to the troops. But many were scattered around.

Recruiting regular soldiers might not be very appealing. But recruiting tank crewmen is much more attractive.

Okay, let's do it.

In fact, Zhang Yong had also thought of that.

Nanchang used to be considered a big city with many educated young people.

If you search patiently, you will definitely find it.

"But, Commissioner, there's not enough time..."

"What's too late?"

"They're only forming a tank battalion now, to attack Nanchang..."

"Our goal isn't just a small place like Nanchang. We want to defeat the Japanese invaders, okay?"

"This humble servant is dull-witted..."

"Our goal is to fight the Japanese invaders until they surrender unconditionally."

"understand!"

Li Xianzhou quickly roused himself.

I felt secretly ashamed. I could never keep up with the Commissioner's train of thought.

I don't have as much confidence as the Commissioner.

The commissioner seems very confident that he can defeat the Japanese invaders and force them to surrender unconditionally.

Li Xianzhou couldn't help but yearn for it.

Will the Japanese invaders really surrender unconditionally?
What would it have been like if the Japanese invaders had surrendered unconditionally?
"let's start!"

"Yes!"

Li Xianzhou brought his thoughts back to the present.

Then things got busy. Notices were posted. Recruitment of educated youth.

Meanwhile, Ding Huaizhong led the 100th Army to continue their attack towards Gao'an.

The Japanese invaders put up a stubborn resistance in Gao'an for a day and a night, and then they also took the initiative to retreat. They all retreated to the outskirts of Nanchang.

The Nationalist army then followed suit and arrived near Nanchang, continuing their oppression.

This time, the Japanese invaders did not retreat.

The resistance was extremely fierce.

They fought for every inch of land and launched repeated counter-offensives.

The positions were repeatedly locked in a tug-of-war.

Zhang Yong then clearly understood that the Japanese invaders would not voluntarily give up Nanchang.

and so……

650 million silver dollars, all settled.

Ten thousand Japanese invaders.

Ten thousand tons of firepower.

All conditions are met.

The rest is—