Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 2023, Mona Lisa's Smile?

"report!"

"Commissioner!"

"The 1st Parachute Regiment reporting for duty!"

"Everyone has worked hard."

Zhang Yong shakes hands with Wu Mingjie, the paratrooper regimental commander.

The opposing 1st Paratrooper Regiment was stationed at Chongqing Baishiyi Airport for an extended period.

Basic training has been underway for several days, but they have yet to take the first step towards taking to the skies.

Because there was no parachute.

There was no matching equipment.

The system does not provide parachutes. They cannot be manufactured domestically either.

It must be ordered from abroad and then shipped to Chongqing. But under the current circumstances, that's clearly not possible.

I initially thought there was little chance of a turnaround. But unexpectedly, all the problems have now been solved.

In Kolkata, there are absolutely no obstacles to purchasing and transporting supplies.

We have already placed an order for 30,000 sets of paratrooper equipment. The first batch will arrive in one month.

Why so many as 30,000 sets?
The answer is simple: they're rich and can do whatever they want. I like that. Lots of US dollars…

"Please take a seat."

"Yes."

Zhang Yong briefly explained the situation to Wu Mingjie.

Immediately, all the officers were filled with excitement. They felt that there was finally hope.

Once the parachute is in place, skydiving training can begin.

Then implement it step by step.

"Oh, right, these are your new uniforms. Everyone, put them on."

Zhang Yong followed the arrangements.

Previously, the paratrooper regiment's uniforms were khaki.

The officers were similar to those in Han Fuqu's unit. They looked terrible. They seemed like puppet troops.

Now it's all changed. Everything's been replaced with blue-gray. It looks much more energetic and simple.

From then on, the uniforms of the French Foreign Legion were all changed to this type.

At the same time, a large amount of supplies were delivered.

Shipping.

Having a port is convenient.

The paratrooper regiment was settled in just one day.

[Favorability 100+]

[Favorability 100+]

Great, my safety is completely guaranteed.

The paratrooper regiment was stationed on its own private property.

Meanwhile, the soldiers of the First Army who were originally stationed there were led by Commander Qian to assemble, line up, and prepare to go to Delhi.

The firing range was quickly established.

The requirements for paratroopers are definitely quite high.

In any country, paratroopers are the elite of the elite. Individual ability is paramount.

Zhang Yong had intelligence, weapons and ammunition, and advanced communications.

The only weakness is the quality of the troops.

As it turns out, it is very difficult to comprehensively improve the quality of the National Revolutionary Army.

Even the troops personally supervised by Zhang Yong, such as the 67th and 68th Armies, were only slightly better in quality than other Nationalist troops.

This was determined by the overall environment of the National Revolutionary Army. No one could remain untainted by the corruption within.

At least, Zhang Yong couldn't do that. His reputation was already terrible. Fortunately, he was good at fighting.

With fewer paratroopers, there might be more room for improvement.

"Oh!"

"Oh!"

Use a Garand rifle to fire.

Each person has eight bullets. The target distance is a standard 100 meters.

As a result, the results were not ideal.

Most people score around 60 rings. Very few score over 70 rings.

This indicates that the 1st Parachute Regiment indeed lacks sharpshooters and needs to be equipped with more sniper rifles.

The only consolation is that even the worst scorer got at least 50 rings. No one scored below 50, indicating there weren't any truly incompetent soldiers.

Then came the other simple assessments.

Their physical condition is still relatively poor. The main problem is the inadequate diet.

After all, Chongqing is located deep inland and has a large population, making it relatively difficult to supply its own resources.

Whole grains can fill you up. But don't expect anything else.

After arriving in Kolkata, everything changed completely.

Large quantities of flour and rice could be shipped, along with beef, pork, and other staples. The food supply increased dramatically.

Make sure you eat your fill.

Make sure you eat well.

"Commissioner, are we going to fight the Germans?"

Wu Mingjie asked quietly.

The food and benefits were too good. It made him feel that something was amiss.

It seems to be a tradition of the Nationalist Army that they would have a hearty meal before preparing for a desperate battle. Then they would go all out.

If he were to die in battle, at least he would be a well-fed ghost.

“I do wish you had such an opportunity,” Zhang Yong shook his head, “but clearly, you’re overthinking it.”

As he spoke, Zhang Yong recalled a story from later generations.

They said Wang Qinian led the Nationalist army to participate in the Normandy landings, and they made it sound very convincing.

Obviously, this is impossible.

How could the Nationalist army under the bald man's command possibly have accomplished that?

However, if I put in a little more effort now, I might actually be able to send someone to participate.

The point is to participate!
The number of people should not be too large.

Several hundred people were also involved in the war!

We went there to learn from their experience, to act as observers...

Or they could participate in the war under the guise of the French Foreign Legion, which would be perfectly acceptable.

"report!"

"Commissioner!"

"Xiangzi Battalion reporting for duty!"

The second batch to arrive was the Xiang Battalion.

The commander leading the team was Feng Chaoguang. They were actually a reserve paratrooper unit.

He had been undergoing basic training. However, because he didn't have a parachute, he never became a real paratrooper.

Now, that problem is solved. The parachutes will arrive soon.

Arrange for encampment. Change clothes.

The military uniforms were all changed to blue-gray.

The military uniforms provided by the system are of very high quality.

They also provide Liberation Shoes, etc.

Conduct a simple assessment.

Their overall level was found to be slightly higher.

Undoubtedly, this is related to the conditions and benefits offered by Changsha itself. Changsha's logistical support is better than Chongqing's.

Leisurely and carefree...

smug……

The air force map shows that Amanda's Fantasy-class destroyer has finally rendezvoused with the USS Desmodium submarine.

Then, guided by the destroyer, they returned to Gold Rush Bay port together.

"report!"

"report!"

The Shandong and Anhui battalions arrived one after another.

One after another, other light infantry battalions will arrive.

Within China, they seem to have little effect. But now, a new beginning is on the horizon.

Radar maps show that Kane has arrived.

"Commissioner, the promised destroyer..."

"Are you ready?"

"Let me take a look at the goods first."

"it is good."

Zhang Yong nodded.

Then arrange delivery.

Five ships have already been stored.

So all five ships were sent together.

Soon, faint black dots appeared on the horizon.

The black dot grew larger and closer, eventually becoming five destroyers. They were the French Fantasy-class destroyers.

Kane raised his binoculars and observed carefully.

Zhang Yong remained unmoved.

Five Fantasy-class destroyers slowly entered the port and anchored.

Kane boarded the ship and examined it carefully.

No problem at all.

"Sir Commissioner, I will arrange for someone to receive you immediately."

"it is good."

Zhang Yong remained unmoved.

Then close your eyes and relax.

Kane went to make a phone call to mobilize personnel.

Soon, a large number of British sailors arrived, boarded the ship, and sailed away.

Ship after ship left Gold Rush Bay port.

Actually, we didn't go too far.

It's just changing ports.

They were transferred to a dedicated British naval port.

This Gold Rush Bay port is the private property of the Commissioner.

"Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Kane also took his leave.

He had barely left when Amanda returned.

The Fantasy-class destroyer and submarine slowly entered the port.

Of course there were no surprises.

System access approved.

Reaching the shore.

"Mr. Commissioner."

"Mr. Spencer."

Zhang Yong shakes hands with an important figure.

The other person looked very haggard.

That's obvious. After all, they've traveled a long way.

From the Atlantic Ocean to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, and then from the Cape of Good Hope to Kolkata.

The voyage has already exceeded 10,000 kilometers. And it's all inside a submarine. You can imagine how arduous it must have been.

Let's briefly learn about Zhang Yong.

It was learned that the demantoid submarine had indeed "secretly" left.

Just as the British Royal Navy was attacking the French Navy, it realized something was wrong and decisively headed south along the west coast of Africa.

We followed the coastline to the Cape of Good Hope. Then we detoured around the Indian Ocean, intending to reach French Indochina.

All the French people are confused. They don't know what to do.

Spencer's choice was to go east. What lay to the east, he himself didn't really know.

Stopping and starting...

Stop and go...

A lot of time was spent on the road.

They also encountered a major storm at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

The submarine suffered some damage. Its sailing ability decreased, resulting in a slower speed.

The original intention was to sail towards the Strait of Malacca. However, it was discovered that conditions did not permit it, so it had no choice but to head north in an attempt to reach the shore.

then……

Zhang Yong discovered it.

"Commissioner, the Deputy Speaker needs your help."

"Go ahead."

"He wants to hire you as his chief military advisor."

"Elaborate."

“The Vice Speaker is good at dealing with people, but he's not good at fighting. I also don't understand land warfare. So, I'm asking for your help.”

"can."

Zhang Yong readily agreed.

This was originally a win-win situation.

The French gained face, and the French gained substance. It was a win-win situation.

So, that evening, after Spencer had rested for five hours, the two had a detailed conversation.

Spencer desperately needed Zhang Yong's help to build the Foreign Legion.

They are willing to cover all expenses of the foreign legion, of course, to be returned after victory.

"open!"

"what?"

"This is your letter of appointment."

"Oh?"

Zhang Yong took it curiously.

We found one of the other party's identification documents. The document itself was also quite serious.

There are a lot of signatures or seals on the back. Many of the seals are very old.

Thankfully, I have a French language plugin. I can understand it.

Special Commission of the French Republic, appointing and dispatching special commissioners.

That's roughly the gist of it.

Regardless of who you were or what your official position was, this special commissioner is your passport.

This special committee is not Free France. That one was established by de Gaulle. It's not very well-known yet.

The one that is currently receiving the most support is this Fat.

Key members included Admiral Darlan, Sepins, and several other regional governors.

Compared to de Gaulle, a newcomer who hadn't even been officially promoted to the rank of major general, this special committee undoubtedly held far greater prestige.

"Zhang, thank you for contributing to the future of France."

"I will."

Zhang Yong gave a serious reply, but inwardly he disagreed.

This special committee was doomed to fail.

It wasn't that he knew how it would end. Rather, there were too many powerful figures involved, each with their own agendas, making it impossible for them to agree.

There's nothing new under the sun. Applying the pattern of warlord conflicts during the Republic of China era to the French today yields exactly the same results.

That Admiral Darlan's political abilities are not even as good as the bald guy's.

Therefore, the cohesion and execution of this special committee are essentially zero.

They were not as good as the Free France established by de Gaulle. Although they were weak at the beginning, they were united in thought.

Getting off topic...

Going back to reality.

Who cares? As long as I can use his power to intimidate others, that's all that matters.

"Commissioner, you need to find a way to come back to Algiers with me as soon as possible."

"What to do?"

"A large amount of wealth was transported back."

"wealth?"

"Yes. A very substantial fortune. Approximately twenty-five tons of gold. Once it's brought back, it will all be yours to handle."

"How many?"

"Gold. Twenty-five tons. And many famous paintings and treasures from the Louvre..."

"what……"

Zhang Yong glanced quietly at Amanda in the distance.

Without a doubt, he had been betrayed by this woman. She had exploited his weakness.

She must have told Spencer that she had a particular fondness for money. She said she would do anything as long as she had enough money. Spencer believed her without a doubt.

This……

Well, at least we've been open and honest.

Indeed, with enough money, even a god can be rendered useless.

Twenty-five tons of gold!
There are also various famous paintings in the Louvre.

He was certainly tempted.

They were practically starry-eyed.

well……

Mona Lisa's smile?
what!
If I get my hands on it, I'll immediately add something superfluous: make the corners of her mouth turn up at a 45-degree angle...

what!
The problem is, it's a very long distance from Kolkata to Algiers!

The straight-line flight distance is over 8,000 kilometers. Currently, no aircraft can reach this destination directly without refueling.

Therefore, the plane itself is not the problem; the landing point along the way is the key.

The entire route was almost entirely British territory. The airport was also under British control.

Delhi, Mumbai, Karachi to the west...

After crossing the sea, Muscat, Riyadh, Cairo, Tripoli...

Huh?
Cairo?
The bald guy will go there in the future.

The Cairo Conference was the most glorious moment in the bald man's life.

none of them.

"The journey is very long."

"I know. That's why I need your help."

"We will need to make several stops to refuel along the way."

“I can arrange it.”

"Then there's no problem."

Zhang Yong immediately began to consider the various aircraft he possessed.

It turned out that the DC-3 transport plane couldn't reach that distance at all. Only the P-108 bomber could.

This isn't a big problem. Bombers can be used as transport aircraft.

Most countries do not have dedicated transport aircraft.

Later, Yamamoto Isoroku also traveled by bomber.

The P-108 bomber, when unloaded, had a maximum range of over 4,000 kilometers. That was quite formidable.

It only needs to land twice for refueling. Or even just once.

The problem is that he only has this one P-108 left. It's simply not enough to transport twenty-five tons of gold.

You know, that's twenty-five tons of gold! Twenty-five tons! That's very heavy.

At least ten P-108s are needed...

"and many more."

Zhang Yong suddenly realized this.

Is this Spencer trying to manipulate himself?

There were actually no 25 tons of gold; it was just a way of creating a strong expectation...

"Sir Commissioner, this is for you."

"what?"

"We have some assets in HSBC."

"Give me?"

"Of course not. They're for the Foreign Legion."

"Oh."

Zhang Yong reached out and took it.

His eyes lit up immediately. The numbers on it were astonishing.

It was a staggering £5.8 million.

Note: The unit is pounds, not francs.

The pound sterling is very valuable.

Good heavens, he had to admit he was defeated.

Regardless of whether the 25 tons of gold constitutes PUA (Pick-Up Artist) tactics, the £5.8 million is a tangible fact at present.

Whispering to myself, "The French are really rich!"

Previously, as the leading power in continental Europe, France's wealth was beyond question.

Because the defeat was so swift, the nation's funds were not severely depleted, so there must have been a great deal of wealth remaining.

Now, let's see how that wealth is divided up.

Spencer would likely receive less than one-thousandth of it, even if it included twenty-five tons of gold.

In 1939, the country with the world's largest gold reserves was definitely not the United States, but France. This is supported by data.

Now that this wealthy tycoon has been assassinated, who wouldn't be envious of his remaining fortune?
"Mr. Spencer..."

"Zhang, all my hopes are pinned on you."

"How about I send you a Fantasy-class destroyer?"

Zhang Yong felt it was necessary to reciprocate.

£580 million is a lot. It could buy several destroyers.

"Yeah!"

Spencer did not answer, but Amanda was impatient.

For her, the more Fantasy-class destroyers, the better.

"Zhang, you decide these things."

"I……"

“You are my chief military advisor. You have the authority to decide on any matter concerning the Foreign Legion.”

"it is good."

Zhang Yong didn't stand on ceremony.

So they arranged for a delivery. Another Fantasy-class destroyer was delivered.

At the same time, a squadron of P-40 fighters was sent to Oakleaf Airfield to serve as the main air combat force.

Do we need fighter jets here?
of course.

If I say it's needed, then it's needed.

As for its specific use, we'll discuss that later.

Busy, busy...

In a daze...

Many days passed quickly.

Finally, the foreign legion is almost fully organized.

They were all using the name of paratroopers.

"report!"

"Commander Qian's urgent telegram."

The communications officer rushed over.

As expected, troops from various countries conducted military exercises near Delhi.

Several small-scale skirmishes had been organized previously. The Nationalist army's performance was generally mediocre, and they were rather passive.

Commander Qian himself lacked confidence, so he asked Zhang Yong to take charge.

Zhang Yong: ...

Okay, let's go take a look.

[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)