Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 2045, Are we doomed again?
Catherine was genuinely anxious.

Because the situation in Britain right now is truly dire.

German planes, like locusts, flew across the English Channel, bombing everywhere.

Although the British had radar technology, they couldn't compete with the sheer number of German aircraft.

You simply cannot determine where the Germans are trying to focus their bombing.

Perhaps there's no real focus. It's just carpet bombing.

They'll fry it wherever it happens to be.

They come in groups, and they leave in groups. It never ends.

The Royal Air Force was engaged in combat day and night and was exhausted. Aircraft losses were heavy.

If the intensity of combat continues, the Royal Air Force can only sustain this for a maximum of half a month before running out of aircraft. Then it will be unable to continue.

Although we have placed a large order for fighter jets with the United States, it's too late to solve our immediate problem!
At this point, she could only rely on Zhang Yong's sorcery.

Yes, it's sorcery.

The kind used by dark wizards in fantasy novels.

"I'm on the front lines in Fuzhou..."

"Zhang, I'm begging you. Really. I'm begging you..."

"Don't worry. The situation isn't at its most critical point yet..."

"What? There's something even more dangerous?"

"Uh……"

Zhang Yong realized he had let something slip.

It seems that a thousand sorties is not the limit for the German Air Force.

With sufficient fuel, launching 3,000 sorties a day should not be a problem.

At this time, Göring was probably not yet a very fat man.

The German Air Force must have had several thousand fighter planes and bombers combined.

Of course, this is not the point.

The point is, he doesn't want to go.

He'd thought it through; if he went, he'd at worst be a clown.

Do you think those British lords would let a Chinese person take over command? Don't even think about it.

Being able to greet you politely is already a favor.

Why should he bother trying to curry favor with someone who doesn't reciprocate? He's not exactly a scoundrel.

Standing by, fawning and smiling obsequiously?

"open……"

"Catherine, what could I do if I went?"

"After you go..."

Catherine suddenly became speechless. She was completely embarrassed.

Yes, what could Zhang Yong do there? Take over command of the Royal Air Force?
Of course it is impossible.

He was an outsider.

How could the Royal Air Force possibly hand over command to him?
But if we don't give it to him, what can he do? Just stand by and watch quietly?

Then tell others, "German planes are coming. Where are the German planes?" Isn't that radar's job? That's what radar can do!
"I……"

"Catherine, think it through before you speak!"

Zhang Yong ended the communication.

He is still very self-aware.

I never overestimate myself.

I never thought of myself as a big shot.

Since we're just ordinary people, let's do small things slowly in small places.

For example, in Fuzhou, we would capture it and drive out the Japanese invaders. Then we would deploy some coastal defense artillery. And then…

If the Japanese invaders counterattack, a protracted war will ensue.

If the Japanese invaders voluntarily abandon Fuzhou and cease their struggle, I will deploy some troops in Fuzhou.

If the bald guy finds out, he'll definitely be unhappy.

Then he would order Gu Zhutong to arrange for the Huangpu Military Academy's elite troops to come and monitor the situation.

It is very likely that it was Wang Jingjiu's troops.

However, Wang Jingjiu could not completely trust them, so he might have transferred some other troops.

Then, some of the troops from the Third War Zone would be tied down on the southern front.

That's all he can do. The rest is up to fate.

"report!"

A communications officer arrived.

Zhang Yong nodded, pulling his thoughts back to reality.

A staff officer delivered a telegram. It was from the General Headquarters. It said that the Japanese were making moves in North China.

“Okamura Neiji…”

"A large-scale sweep..."

Zhang Yong seemed to be deep in thought. This old devil needs to be dealt with carefully.

That guy, Kiyoshi Kōzuki, going to Wuhan to take over as commander of the 11th Army, is actually not a cause for concern. That fellow isn't very capable.

But Okamura Yasuji is a man of action. He's usually quiet and unassuming, but once he sees an opportunity, he strikes decisively. We must be careful, lest we fall into his trap.

Zhang Yong guessed that the telegram sent by the General Headquarters was most likely related to Hu Zongnan.

Because the First Army was stationed at that airport in Tianjin, it was highly likely that Okamura Yasuji would target it.

Hu Zongnan was worried that his troops would be wiped out by the Japanese invaders.

After all, the distance was very far. Hu Zongnan certainly couldn't provide the rescue on his own. He could only rely on Zhang Yong.

"Call back."

"Yes."

"Please pay close attention to the situation around Tianjin and report back as soon as possible."

"Yes."

The communications officer recorded it.

This is tantamount to indirectly telling Hu Zongnan that Zhang Yong will pay attention to this matter.

If anything happens over there, let me know immediately. I'll handle it. I promise I won't let Okamura Neiji succeed.

In fact, the Air Force Command's map shows that the heavy weapons of the Japanese invaders in North China have not changed much.

Looking at the map, it appears that the Japanese had heavy artillery and tanks only near Beiping.

However, Zhang Yong's understanding of the Japanese invaders has now changed.

This means that the Japanese troops within China began to lighten their equipment.

Specifically, this manifested in the extensive use of independent mixed brigades and the deployment of Type 92 infantry guns.

Heavy artillery and tanks were transferred to the Southern Army.

As it turns out, up to this point in the war, the Japanese heavy weapons have played a very small role in the offensive.

Continuing the westward advance, the terrain is mountainous, making it difficult to move heavy weapons.

It can only play a certain role in defensive battles, especially in the defense of large and medium-sized cities, such as Beiping (Beijing).

For other tasks like sweeping up enemy positions, light weapons are sufficient.

The Eighth Route Army and a very small number of Nationalist troops in North China were mostly armed with light weapons.

Only a portion of the troops in the 13th War Zone had heavy weapons. But that wasn't enough for a counter-offensive.

Nothing.

As long as Zhang Yong is around, victory is assured.

With a system in place, surely we can handle the lightly armed Japanese invaders?
"Somebody come!"

"To!"

"Let's go to the front lines!"

"Yes."

Zhang Yong led his guard platoon to the front line.

They discovered that those puppet troops were quite cunning. They specifically targeted the 26th Army for a counterattack.

Clearly, they had realized that the 26th Army was the weakest. So, they deliberately picked on the weakest link.

"Commissioner..."

Qiu Shifa's expression was rather unpleasant.

He was, of course, dissatisfied with the performance of his troops.

But that's just the situation. He couldn't do anything about it. The troops' equipment and personnel quality were both very poor.

"What about the mortars?"

"Here……"

Qiu Shifa hurriedly led Zhang Yong to the artillery position.

Actually, it was shown on the radar map. Zhang Yong was just asking casually. Then he came over.

They are all brand new 81mm mortars. They were just issued.

Each army was equipped with a full thirty guns, along with a large quantity of ammunition. This also included the 26th Army.

However, it was clear that this artilleryman from the 26th Army was of very poor skill. He was completely incapable of supporting the front lines. The shells were all wasted.

Zhang Yong personally directed the operation, concentrating artillery fire for a devastating bombardment.

"boom……"

"boom……"

The dense explosions immediately engulfed the puppet troops.

The puppet troops who were counterattacking were instantly blown to pieces. In less than a minute, they were almost all killed or wounded.

Zhang Yong's expression was indifferent.

Pshaw, just a battalion of puppet troops. They're not even worthy of being called petty thieves.

Even two companies of Japanese soldiers, under such intense artillery fire, would still be forced to line up at the Yasukuni Shrine.

Unfortunately, the main force of the Japanese invaders never appeared.

There were only a very small number of supervisory teams. Just a dozen or so people, a small squad.

"on!"

"on!"

Zhang Yong ordered his troops to advance.

Simultaneously, move forward with the mortars. Continue suppressive fire.

Mortars are relatively lightweight. Two people can carry them. Once at the front line, they can be placed on the ground and fired.

"bang bang..."

"Boom boom..."

The continuous artillery fire was almost uninterrupted.

Some of the mortars moved forward. Others continued firing from behind.

Then the front shoots. The rear moves.

And so on and on.

The puppet army's positions were quickly torn apart.

Ha, a puppet army is still a puppet army, no matter how strong it is.

"idiot!"

"There is a situation!"

The Japanese invaders immediately realized something was wrong.

How did the weak and timid Nationalist army suddenly become so ferocious?

The artillery fire was so fierce and accurate, as if it had completely understood the Japanese army's defensive deployment.

All the shells landed in vital areas, causing enormous casualties.

The puppet troops were hit repeatedly and were almost stunned.

"Kill Jiji!"

"Kill Jiji!"

The Japanese invaders finally launched a counterattack.

Two companies of Japanese soldiers charged forward frantically. Their movements were extremely fast.

Objectively speaking, the speed of the Japanese troops' charge was indeed very threatening. The Japanese troops were also physically quite capable.

The "pig-charge" was a very outdated fighting style. But the Nationalist army was even more outdated.

Without strong firepower, it's actually very difficult to stop a pig-like charge. They'll often be overwhelmed.

"not good!"

"The Japanese invaders are charging up!"

Sure enough, Qiu Shifa's expression turned serious.

He was very aware of the ferocity of the Japanese invaders' reckless charges. They were terrifying.

Often, the main lines of defense would be overwhelmed, leading to a complete rout.

Two companies of Japanese soldiers, three or four hundred men, were enough to chase down and attack an entire regiment of the National Revolutionary Army. He subconsciously glanced at the commissioner beside him.

The commissioner remained completely silent.

They seemed completely unconcerned about the Japanese invaders' reckless charge. They treated them as if they were invisible.

"bang bang..."

"bang bang..."

Only mortars were firing rapidly.

One shell after another was fired from the barrel. A continuous stream.

Although those artillerymen who came to the field later in life didn't have much technical skill, they were strong!

Moving and launching shells is no problem at all.

Thirty mortars are enough.

"boom……"

"boom……"

The shells exploded inside the Japanese troops' ranks.

Clusters of firelight appeared almost continuously, sometimes even overlapping each other.

Dealing with two companies of Japanese invaders was a piece of cake.

Zhang Yong didn't need infantry.

The enemy can be basically dealt with by simply using mortars.

I feel great.

I can't beat the big shots right now, but I can handle those weaker opponents.

For example, two companies of Japanese troops. It was a piece of cake for them. The fact that he used thirty mortars was actually giving them a lot of credit.

"boom……"

"boom……"

With the violent explosions, the number of Japanese invaders continued to decrease.

Although it's a mortar, its explosive power is considerable, especially in remote, desolate areas.

Without fortifications, even lying on the ground is of little use.

One or two explosions are fine. But more than that...

"idiot……"

"We've been tricked..."

The Japanese commander behind him had a grim face.

It judged that the opposing Nationalist army had most likely changed commanders.

In less than an hour, the Nationalist army was completely different.

However, the lower-ranking officers of the Japanese army were not familiar with the name Zhang Yong.

It wasn't until the battle situation was reported up the chain of command that the newly appointed commander of the 20th Division, Hiroshi Taniguchi, realized a very serious problem.

possible……

perhaps……

perhaps……

It was Zhang Yong who arrived.

Who is Zhang Yong? It's him.

A very taboo name.

A name that inspires fear and dread.

A name with a strong historical connection to the 20th Division.

The 20th Division was twice severely damaged by Zhang Yong.

The last time, in Yuncheng, the details were even more vague and shrouded in mystery.

To this day, Hiroshi Taniguchi still doesn't know exactly how many men the 20th Division lost in Yuncheng.

No one dared to say it.

The whereabouts of the division commander at the time, Shichida Ichiro, were also unknown.

In the end, the General Headquarters readjusted the troops and replenished the 20th Division. At the same time, Hiroshi Taniguchi was appointed as the commander of the 20th Division.

"chief of staff."

"exist."

"Has Zhang Yong come to the Third War Zone?"

"Who?"

The chief of staff is a novice.

Although he didn't hold a military rank, he lacked battlefield experience.

It did not know Zhang Yong's name.

Hiroshi Taniguchi: ...

Forget it. I'll just have to figure it out myself.

The main task of the 20th Division's deployment to Fuzhou this time was actually to rest and recuperate.

After rest and recuperation, they will be transferred to the Southern Army's combat sequence.

After all, the 20th Division is a veteran division.

Despite suffering heavy losses multiple times, it remained organized as a two-brigade, four-regiment force, without any restructuring.

Howitzers and other artillery have also been replenished. A total of thirty-six. The core members of the heavy artillery regiment all come from other units.

Originally, Hiroshi Taniguchi thought there should be no war in Fuzhou.

Even if there were, they would be guerrilla raids.

It's a trivial matter.

Not worth mentioning.

Those puppet troops can be dealt with.

But now, Zhang Yong has arrived. That's no small matter. It could be fatal.

According to the information it possesses, Zhang Yong's arrival could have earth-shattering consequences. It's possible the 20th Division will suffer another setback.

"chief of staff."

"exist."

"Immediately send a telegram to headquarters to inquire whether Zhang Yong has arrived in the Third War Zone..."

"Tie."

The chief of staff was unaware of the situation.

It genuinely didn't know who Zhang Yong was.

Within the Japanese army, this topic was generally not brought up proactively, unless it was inquired about privately.

This taboo name has become associated with plague, evil, and malevolence. It has become the new Yamata no Orochi, or something even more wicked.

The chief of staff turned and left, but quickly returned.

His expression was very strange.

"Commander, the Nanjing Expeditionary Army Headquarters has sent us a situation report..."

"What content?"

"They say Zhang Yong has already arrived in the Third War Zone, and we should be careful..."

"Nani?"

Hiroshi Taniguchi's expression changed.

He hurriedly grabbed the telegram and quickly scanned it.

Damn!

really!

Zhang Yong really came.

He's in the Third War Zone!
The Nanjing Expeditionary Army Headquarters has already suffered losses.

idiot!

I'm going to be in trouble.

Zhang Yong has clearly set his sights on Fuzhou.

Without Zhang Yong's backing, the Nationalist army would not have been able to launch a counterattack against Fuzhou.

They don't have that kind of courage.

But now, Zhang Yong has given them courage.

"chief of staff."

"exist."

"Immediately withdraw your troops and concentrate them near the port. At the same time, contact ships."

"Commander, this is..."

The chief of staff didn't react immediately. He heard it, but didn't understand it.

Gathering at the port? What for? Contacting ships? Is this a retreat? Wait a minute. Does the division commander mean to flee without a fight?

impossible……

How can it be……

We are the dignified 20th Division...

We are a veteran division, a standing division of the Empire...

"Evacuate at any time."

"what?"

The chief of staff was stunned once again.

It's hard to believe that the division commander would say something like that.

He was stunned for a moment.

Hiroshi Taniguchi said sullenly, "Zhang Yong is here; something big is going to happen."

"Who exactly is Zhang Yong?" the chief of staff asked, confused.

"Don't ask who he is. In short, we need to be prepared. Otherwise, we might be wiped out."

"Nani?"

The chief of staff's mouth gaped open. He was speechless with astonishment.

completely annihilated?

By Amaterasu Omikami, how could this be...?

"Excuting an order!"

"Tie!"

Hiroshi Taniguchi was already getting impatient.

It's okay if you don't know who Zhang Yong is. I do. I need to protect myself.

If I had a full-strength division, with all its personnel here—25,000 men—I might dare to take a chance.

The problem is that I currently only have one division headquarters, one infantry brigade, and one artillery regiment.

That infantry brigade wasn't at full strength yet. New recruits hadn't been fully replenished.

All in all, it's less than 10,000 people.

What can we use to compete with Zhang Yong?
Thirty-six strategies, walking is the best strategy.

Anyway, Fuzhou isn't a strategic priority.

Previously, the Japanese army had occupied the area multiple times, and then abandoned it on its own initiative on several occasions.

This time, it seems there's nothing wrong with giving up on my own initiative.

however……

"report!"

"Urgent telegram from headquarters!"

The communications section chief rushed over.

The telegram was presented directly to Hiroshi Taniguchi.

Hiroshi Taniguchi's heart sank. His eyelids twitched. He realized something was wrong.

Ruined……

Something bad is about to happen...

A call from headquarters at this time can't be good.

He slowly reached out and took the telegram. He glanced at it. His vision blurred. Sure enough. It was no good. It was very likely destined to perish here.

General Headquarters ordered the 20th Division to keep Zhang Yong occupied and tied down in Fuzhou.

The headquarters did not disclose the specific reason.

Hiroshi Taniguchi didn't want to know either.

Now, it only focuses on one thing—

20th Division...

Is it all going to end again?

[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)