Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 2047, They're all thieves...

Songshan Airport.

Kujo Yuu's face was stern.

He already knew that fighting had broken out in Fuzhou.

After all, the two sides are very close.

The plane takes a maximum of 40 minutes to reach the airspace over Fuzhou after taking off from Songshan Airport.

If the navy's latest Zero carrier-based aircraft are deployed, it can take as little as 30 minutes.

However, Kujo Isao had no intention of making a move.

What does the life or death of the army's idiots have to do with the Empire's great navy?
The Navy has paid a heavy price for the Army's blunders. But in the end, they gained nothing.

Previously, Admiral Mineo Ōsumi deployed a large number of the latest Zero fighters to support the Army's Baka Operation, but suffered heavy losses.

This led to a secret directive from the Ministry of the Navy and the Naval General Staff that naval air force operations must be conducted with extreme caution.

Without an official order from the General Staff Headquarters, deployment is strictly prohibited.

"report!"

A communications officer arrived.

Kujo Yuu's eye twitched involuntarily.

They feared it was an order from higher-ups to move out. That would be troublesome. Another batch of people would die.

Fortunately, after reading the telegram, I secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The telegram was indeed from higher authorities. However, its content did not order them to take action; rather, it instructed them to exercise caution.

The underlying message is: don't act rashly. Absolutely do not send reinforcements. Otherwise, all the losses will be your fault.

"Reply! Military orders must be strictly followed!"

"Tie!"

Kujo Yuuto certainly wouldn't act rashly. Even if the entire army of Baka were wiped out, he would pretend not to know.

How many deer die in the army is none of my business.

Or rather, the more army deer die, the better.

However, if the navy loses its aircraft or its pilots are killed in action, it is its responsibility.

Admiral Mineo Ōsumi, a high-ranking naval officer, has become the target of public criticism and condemnation due to the heavy losses suffered by the naval air force.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Ōsumi Mineo will soon be relieved of all his substantive posts, retaining only some honorary titles.

The naval air force can no longer afford such losses.

"report!"

Another telegram arrived.

It was still a telegram from the General Staff Headquarters.

All naval warships were ordered to avoid Fuzhou.

Passage through the Taiwan Strait is not permitted. One must proceed southwards from the eastern waters of Taiwan.

He didn't say why. But Kujo Isao knew very well.

Just stay away from Fuzhou. Don't become an underling for those army idiots. Stay far away.

If you pass by Fuzhou and see the army idiots being beaten so badly, if you don't help, the army idiots will complain about you.

However, if I don't get close to Fuzhou at all, but rather from a great distance, then Lu Junmalu won't be able to file a complaint.

Do you expect me to send warships from thousands of nautical miles away to support you? Nonsense.

However, this is not the final plan.

The ultimate plan is for all warships to be withdrawn from the Chinese coast.

I'll stay far away. Out of sight, out of mind.

If the army idiots ask, just say they're all on missions in the distant ocean.

Anyway, Fuzhou isn't a strategic location. Whether we occupy it or not is irrelevant. You army idiots can decide for yourselves. Our navy won't get involved.

"Yoshi!"

Kujo Isao was completely relieved.

The navy will absolutely not intervene in the fighting in Fuzhou.

No matter how much you army idiots try to do, I will remain unmoved.

……

"what?"

"Something's not right with the Japanese warships!"

"Why does it look like they're retreating towards the open sea?"

"Weren't we here to reinforce Fuzhou?"

Zhang Yong was secretly puzzled.

Wang Jingjiu's worries seem to have come true.

The Japanese planes didn't come. Neither did their warships.

Not only did they not come, but the warships seemed to have deliberately sailed further away. It appears there's an outbreak of plague here, which is something to be very wary of.

I haven't figured it out.

Theoretically, this should be a good thing.

"Continue the attack!"

"Occupy the airport first!"

Since the Japanese planes and warships aren't coming, let's continue fighting.

The first target to control is Fuzhou Airport.

This airport is quite interesting. It was jointly built by both sides.

When the Japanese occupied Fuzhou, they didn't destroy the airport; they even tried to rebuild some facilities. The same thing happened when the Nationalist army occupied it.

It seems there's an unwritten agreement between the two sides that they might both need to use the airport. Naturally, they can't cause any disruption.

"boom……"

"boom……"

The artillery fire was still very intense.

The 88th Army under Chen Munong was responsible for attacking the airport.

Army Group Commander Wang Jingjiu was also assisting with troop deployment from the rear, increasing forces at the front.

"Clap clap clap..."

"Da da da……"

The sounds of gunfire continued for over an hour.

The organized resistance of the Japanese invaders soon came to an end.

The remaining Japanese troops abandoned the airport.

"on!"

"on!"

The Nationalist ground forces took the opportunity to move in and occupy the area.

Actually, the fighting wasn't very intense from beginning to end. It was far less intense than the Battle of Nanchang.

The Japanese troops retreated quickly, clearly indicating they had no intention of fighting.

Radar maps showed that the Japanese troops were retreating towards the coast and gradually withdrawing from Fuzhou city.

That's good. This is the ideal outcome.

The Japanese invaders voluntarily gave up. There was no need for a desperate fight. Then Fuzhou was recaptured.

"Commander-in-Chief Wang, let's go to the front."

"it is good."

Zhang Yong drove Wang Jingjiu into the airport.

The Willys Jeep is really useful, especially on the battlefield after engagement. It moves around freely.

get off.

Look around.

The airport was found to be largely intact.

When the Japanese invaders withdrew, they did not engage in any destructive acts.

They probably think they'll fight back soon. And then the airport will still need to be used.

Activate the 5C communication center. Connect to Changsha Airport.

"Minister Min."

"Commissioner, please give your instructions."

"Send a squadron of DC-3 transport planes to Fuzhou Airport."

Fuzhou Airport?

Min Gang was somewhat surprised. Zhang Yong had taken over Fuzhou Airport?

Weren't they going to the Third War Zone? Why did they go to Fuzhou? Did they drive the Japanese invaders out of Fuzhou?
"Yes. Fuzhou Airport. Transport plane."

"Do we need to deploy fighter jets?"

"Need not."

Zhang Yong gave a clear answer.

There was a vague feeling that the Japanese invaders seemed to have some kind of tacit understanding.

It's like, if you don't attack me, I won't attack you either. Especially at Songshan Airport. We'll keep to ourselves.

Is it absurd? Yes, it is. But that's reality.

In war, anything can happen.

Songshan Airport likely belonged to the Japanese Navy, while the 20th Division belonged to the Army.

As long as I don't provoke Songshan Airport, the Japanese navy will probably really ignore this area. Even their warships are deliberately keeping their distance.

In that case, there's no need for fighter jets. Transport planes will suffice.

"Arrange for someone to come and take charge of Fuzhou Airport."

"clear."

Min Gang already understood Zhang Yong's meaning.

We will utilize Fuzhou Airport. However, we will not provoke the Japanese invaders for the time being, as it is unnecessary.

He had been secretly informed by Zhang Yong that the Japanese invaders' next move would be to advance into Southeast Asia, and their main force would no longer be deployed towards China.

"By the way, arrange for a few more Hawk-3 biplanes to arrive."

"it is good."

Min Gang recorded everything.

Zhang Yong ended the call. He then noticed that Devonte was approaching.

This American special envoy is actually very dedicated. He's been following Zhang Yong around the whole time.

"open!"

"open!"

He shouted with joy.

He kept looking around, seemingly quite satisfied with Fuzhou Airport.

He was an active-duty Marine Corps lieutenant colonel. He certainly had foresight. He immediately realized this was a very good forward operating base.

Most importantly, it could block the Japanese from advancing southward from the side.

Whether it was Japanese planes or warships.

All of them are within the threat range of Fuzhou Airport.

"Mr. Special Envoy."

"Zhang, taking off from this airport can cover many Japanese airports!"

"Yes."

"When did you organize a large-scale counterattack?"

"Under consideration."

Zhang Yong answered politely. He did not refuse.

He's learned to be evasive now. He just laughs it off.

The other party is no good.

Fortunately, Zhang Yong wasn't one of them.

The other side was determined to perish together with the Japanese invaders, shedding their last drop of blood.

This way, the other party can obtain the maximum benefit.

However, Zhang Yong also had his own agenda.

I want to send the Japanese invaders south to attack you.

This is the course of history. It cannot be changed.

and so……

Haha.

You're all going to get a beating!
By the end of next year, the Japanese invaders will be stabbing you with their bayonets.

"Zhang, you have a plan?"

"Have."

Zhang Yong nodded very seriously.

Devont was immediately filled with hope. His stay at the Chinese National Government was actually for many tasks.

One of them was to coordinate and organize the Chinese army to launch a counterattack against the Japanese and tie them down.

If we can use the strength of others to stop the Japanese, that would be best.

"Zhang, tell me."

"We are preparing to organize aircraft to bomb the Japanese mainland."

"When?"

"Hopefully it can be done next year."

"Really?"

"Of course. I hope it's as soon as possible. It all depends on when your B-17 bombers arrive."

"Uh……"

Devonte was immediately speechless.

B17 bomber?
Why did we suddenly bring this up?

silence.

Quiet.

Zhang Yong gave a slight, cold smile.

Wanting a horse to run but not to eat grass? That's a joke.

Without B-17 bombers, how could we bomb the Japanese mainland? The B-10 and SB-2 couldn't reach it.

Only the B-17, with a range of 3,000 kilometers, can cross the ocean.

"Zhang, this matter needs to be considered."

"No problem. We can wait."

Zhang Yong's attitude was good.

Of course you can wait.

The Japanese will start working on it by the end of next year.

We're not in a hurry.

Anyway, we're in a strategic stalemate right now.

But the Philippines' McHale is currently standing on the crater.

"Zhang, we can consider providing assistance..."

"What kind of aid?"

"In terms of money."

Devonte answered very readily.

Giving money is possible. But giving B-17 bombers is unlikely.

Or rather, it's simply impossible.

Because the US Army Aviation also needs it. It's impossible for it to be exported.

Even the British don't have a chance of getting their hands on B-17 bombers for the time being. How much less likely are the Chinese?
"Regarding the money, you should discuss it with our committee."

Zhang Yong took it in stride.

They pulled and hit each other. They gave each person a sweet treat after each beating.

This is how powerful figures in ancient times did it.

The bald man himself was the same. Now Zhang Yong has gradually learned it as well.

"no!"

Devonte's reaction was very strong.

He had no intention of discussing money with Jiang. No matter how much money he was given, it would all be embezzled.

Of the billion dollars, probably less than a hundred million could actually be used to fight the Japanese. The rest went into the pockets of the Song and Kong families.

Furthermore, officials at all levels of the Kuomintang and officers of all ranks in the National Revolutionary Army are all parasites and cannot be trusted at all.

"Why?" Zhang Yong asked knowingly.

“They’re all thieves. They’ll just pocket the aid.” Devont was very blunt.

Zhang Yong: ...

It turns out someone had already said that.

I thought it was invented by Truman.

They're all thieves...

Haha. No wonder the bald guy was annoyed.

I'm also very unhappy if anyone insults me, Zhang Yong, like that.

Hesitant to speak.

Pretending to be intentional or unintentional.

"Actually, it's not like there aren't people in China who can be trusted..."

"Who? Who are you talking about?"

"Don't limit your vision to the Kuomintang..."

"You mean, red molecules?"

"Hey, I didn't say anything. Don't overthink it."

"them……"

But Devonte has begun to think about it seriously.

Zhang Yong knew the other party had taken his words to heart and might actually consider it.

Because he, Stilwell, and Marshall were all essentially from the same lineage. Their positions were basically the same.

Everything is done in the interests of the United States. It doesn't matter who the other party is.

Stilwell felt that the KMT was no longer effective and that it would be better to arm the KMT army.

This touched a nerve with the bald man. He absolutely refused to agree.

In the end, they still managed to get rid of Stilwell.

But he soon followed in his own death.

Zhang Yong left quietly.

You don't need to worry about the rest.

It's up to Devonte to do whatever he wants.

"Commissioner".

Wang Jingjiu came over.

Zhang Yong nodded. This was his way of greeting him.

He basically guessed what the other person wanted to say, so he spoke in advance.

"You want large-caliber artillery?"

"Yes……"

"But those heavy artillery pieces are very difficult to move! The mountain roads are impassable."

"I use it around Fuzhou."

"Okay. I'll arrange a heavy artillery regiment for you."

"Thank you!"

Wang Jingjiu was overjoyed.

He did indeed want heavy artillery. Because Liu Jianxu had it.

His relationship with Liu Jianxu was indeed not good. He was genuinely envious of the other's possession of so many heavy artillery pieces.

Zhang Yong arranged for the delivery.

What was delivered was a French-made 105mm heavy cannon, the kind with a range of 20 kilometers.

The tonnage of this artillery meant it could never leave Fujian Province. No road could withstand its weight. Unless Wang Jingjiu built the road himself.

But it's clear that Wang Jingjiu doesn't have that ability. Neither does the entire National Government.

Building a highway from Fuzhou capable of transporting six-ton ​​artillery pieces would be so costly that even a bald man like himself would find it difficult to afford.

It's not as simple as just cutting through a mountain. The hardest part is building the bridge. It needs to be a large bridge made of reinforced concrete. Who can do that?
The most critical issue is that there might be dozens, even hundreds, of such bridges...

"Suddenly..."

"Suddenly..."

The tractor laboriously pulled the heavy artillery over.

It only became easier after we entered the airport area. The airport itself was quite flat.

"Commander-in-Chief Wang, here you go."

"Thank you!"

Wang Jingjiu's eyes lit up.

A heavy artillery regiment. Twelve 105mm heavy cannons.

His 10th Army Group had finally gained some strength. It had begun to have its own heavy artillery.

Due to the rugged roads and difficult transportation, there were no heavy artillery pieces in the entire Third War Zone.

This included Shangguan Yunxiang's 32nd Army Group.

But now, he, Wang Jingjiu, has it. And it's still twelve gates.

Unfortunately, the heavy artillery could only be used near Fuzhou and could not be transported to other places.

Zhang Yong continued to arrange deliveries.

Twelve German-made 88mm anti-aircraft guns were delivered.

Their purpose is to protect Fuzhou Airport. In reality, it's just for show.

More often than not, it was to let Japanese spies see that the area was protected by anti-aircraft guns. They were told not to bother them unless absolutely necessary.

If you really want to come here to die, then you've asked for it.

These 88mm guns weigh over five tons each, making them very difficult to move.

Relocating outside of Fujian Province is not possible at the moment.

In the afternoon, three Hawker 3 biplanes appeared over Fuzhou Airport and then landed.

They were all remotely guided here by Zhang Yong.

After a successful landing, it was confirmed that there was no problem with the airport runway.

Subsequently, the DC-3 transport planes that arrived later landed one after another.

The transport plane carries key personnel from various positions at the airport, including communications, logistics, security, and fuel supplies.

In short, those who arrived were all staff needed by the airport.

After landing, they took over Fuzhou Airport in an orderly manner and got it back into normal operation.

Of course, this is not an easy task. It takes time.

"report!"

"Commissioner, your humble servant Liu Guoyun is reporting for duty!"

An Air Force lieutenant colonel arrived.

Zhang Yong knew the other person. In fact, they were quite familiar with each other.

Liu Guoyun. Min Gang's deputy. He has always worked at Changsha Airport. He is considered to be in his prime.

He graduated from the sixth class of the Whampoa Military Academy and the first class of the Central Aviation School. His academic background is very distinguished.

"From now on, Fuzhou Airport will be in your hands."

"Yes."

Liu Guoyun readily agreed.

He was naturally happy to be operating independently for the first time.

Who wouldn't want to own their own piece of land?

But there are only so many airports in China, and each one is in a specific position...

Now look what's happened; the commissioner has dug another hole. This little radish of his can finally grow up independently.

"Go!"

"Yes!"

Liu Guoyun immediately organized personnel and began work.

Zhang Yong assisted from the side.

As long as the airport is functioning normally, he can fly to any part of the country at any time. His mindset is naturally very positive.

He was not afraid no matter where the Japanese invaders attacked from.

I thought something bad would happen in Tianjin, but nothing did.

For several days in a row, no news came from Hu Zongnan. This indicated that nothing serious had happened.

The Japanese troops withdrew from Fuzhou and regrouped towards the port. However, they did not retreat immediately; they were still struggling.

then……

Keep attacking!

We must drive the Japanese invaders out.

because……

He, Zhang Yong...

We need this port!
[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)