Zhu Tian: Beginning to Cross the Changjin Lake

Yan Yongwang said: "I think you also know the importance of Zhangjiashan."

"I originally thought that we could easily take Zhangjiashan, but I didn't expect the enemy to launch a counterattack. The troops originally planned to attack suffered heavy losses, and now it has become more difficult to take Zhangjiashan."

"I previously thought it was unnecessary to send your most elite 65th Regiment to the Zhangjiashan battlefield, but now I have to change my mind."

"Of course, you can choose to refuse."

Jiro Kono thought to himself, if I refuse, won't you accuse me of disobeying orders?
However, Jiro Takano had previously thought that it would be best to go to Zhangjiashan, because as long as Zhangjiashan was captured, the defenders' outer defense line might be completely defeated.

Doing so would be equivalent to accomplishing a great feat.

Yan Yongwang had been holding on to Zhangjiashan, even at the cost of losing so many troops. Wasn't it just to grab the credit for conquering Hengyang?
What surprised Jiro Takano was why Wang Iwanaga changed his mind at this time and gave Zhangjiashan to them?

Takano Jiro hesitated for a moment, and finally said, "Since the general trusts us so much, we are willing to obey his orders."

Lieutenant General Iwanaga Wang said excitedly: "That's great. Mr. Kono is indeed the most loyal and brave warrior of His Majesty Tianhuang."

"I believe that with the 65th Regiment taking action, it will be easy to capture Zhangjiashan."

"But I still want to remind Mr. Gao Ye that the enemy we are facing this time is very difficult to deal with. They took advantage of the terrain and built highly targeted fortifications, which is extremely disadvantageous to the locust army."

"In order to capture Zhangjiashan, the Locust Army has paid the price of thousands of Locust Army warriors' lives, but now the Zhangjiashan position has changed hands several times and still cannot be taken."

"So Koya-kun must be careful."

Takano Jiro assured confidently: "As long as we have strong artillery support, their fortifications will not be able to stop the locust army's attack."

"We have enough confidence to take Zhangjiashan."

"Yoshi~!"

Yan Yongwang said excitedly: "I am very pleased that Gao Yejun has such confidence. I also believe that Gao Yejun will live up to everyone's expectations. If Zhangjiashan is captured, the credit for conquering Hengyang will go to Gao Yejun."

Takano Jiro quickly said: "Thank you, General, for giving us this opportunity. We will definitely do our best."

Yan Yongwang nodded in satisfaction, and then said: "I will also tell you the specific situation of Zhangjiashan and some of the experience we have summed up during this period. I will send a few people who are familiar with the situation to assist you in launching the attack."

Kono Jiro responded: "Hai! Thank you, General."

Iwanaga Wang nodded in satisfaction and said, "In this case, we don't have to change the plan. The general attack is still scheduled for tomorrow. We can't give the enemy any more breathing space. Do you have any objections, Mr. Kono?"

Takano Jiro said quickly: "I have no objection. Everything will be carried out according to the general's plan. We will resolutely obey your orders."

"Yoshi~!"

Yan Yong Wang smiled even more happily, and then said: "If the commanders of our locust army were as good as Gao Yejun, the holy war would not have become so difficult, and we would not have wasted so much time to capture a small Hengyang."

Takano Jiro quickly said politely: "General, thank you for your compliment. I am unworthy of your honor."

"In that case, we will be stationed at the frontier position of Zhangjiashan today, right?"

"Not bad!"

Yan Yongwang nodded and said, "The sooner the better. Make preparations in advance to avoid delaying tomorrow's attack."

"Hai!"

Takano Jiro replied respectfully, "Then I will go back and prepare immediately, and then go to the Zhangjiashan front. If the general has any other instructions, you can call me to inform me."

Yan Yongwang nodded with satisfaction.

Jiro Takano immediately turned around and left. After returning to his base, he immediately told his officers the news and asked the troops to rush to the Zhangjiashan front as soon as possible.

At this time, a Japanese officer said, "Your Excellency, the commander of the regiment, he has now given us the task of attacking Zhangjiashan. I'm afraid he has no good intentions!"

Takano Jiro sneered and said, "It's just because Zhangjiashan is difficult to fight, he is willing to leave this hard bone to us. Maybe he wants to see us laugh at him."

At this time, a Japanese lieutenant colonel said: "According to what I have learned, Zhangjiashan is the most difficult to attack and is also the enemy's defensive focus. Previously, the 120th and 133rd Regiments took turns to fight for more than ten days, but they were unable to capture a small Zhangjiashan."

"The Locust Army lost thousands of troops for this, so Zhangjiashan is no small matter. Colonel, do not underestimate the enemy."

Takano Jiro said nonchalantly: "In my opinion, the reason they failed to take Zhangjiashan is simply because of their stupidity and incompetence."

"It's just a small hill, and we have a regiment of soldiers. No matter how difficult it is, how difficult can it be?"

"The worst that can happen is that we will lose a few hundred soldiers, but if we can capture Zhangjiashan, we will have made a great contribution. We want to use this opportunity to let them all see that it's not that Zhangjiashan is difficult to capture, but that they are too incompetent."

"Don't worry, everyone. As long as we work together, we will surely achieve great success in this battle."

"Hayi~!"

"Go to the Zhangjiashan front immediately."

"Hayi~!"

……

Just when the Japanese 65th Regiment took over the frontier position of Zhangjiashan, Li Guotao's st Battalion also received an order to change guard.

Because the First Battalion had been holding out in Zhangjiashan for several days. Although the Japanese did not launch an attack for a few days, the soldiers of the First Battalion were already exhausted, and it was time to change guard.

Therefore, the military has issued an order to change guard, and Li Guotao and his men withdrew from the Zhangjiashan position.

Before leaving, Li Guotao explained the situation in Zhangjiashan in detail to the brother troops that were to take over the defense, and then he led the troops to evacuate Zhangjiashan and retreat to the rear to rest and wait.

Li Guotao also came to the military headquarters with Yang Jihe.

Commander Fang was also very happy to see Li Guotao, and warmly invited Li Guotao and Yang Jihe to sit down.

Commander Fang smiled and said to Li Guotao: "Guotao! You are really good! You have made great contributions again this time."

Li Guotao smiled and said, "You are too kind, General."

Commander Fang waved his hand and said, "You have fought very well in Zhangjiashan these days. Not only have you defended your position, but you have also taught the Japanese a lesson."

"And the tunnel warfare you invented is also very good. Combined with our current fortifications, it will be enough for us to hold out for a longer period of time."

"And I also heard that the Flying Thunder Cannon you invented is extremely powerful. It played a crucial role in the counterattack on Hill 227.7 and Hill 221."

"You are such a genius!"

Commander Fang really didn't expect that a soldier he picked up at random would turn out to be such a versatile person. He definitely hit on a treasure this time.

As the saying goes, it is easy to get thousands of soldiers but difficult to find a good general. Such talents are even harder to find even with a lantern.

Li Guotao said somewhat embarrassedly: "Commander, you are exaggerating a bit. I feel embarrassed."

Yang Jihe said with a smile: "You! There is no need to be modest. The commander does not praise others easily. Since he praises you so much, it proves that you really have the ability."

Commander Fang smiled and said, "That's right. Guo Tao is indeed a rare talent. With your assistance, we will have more confidence in defending Hengyang."

"I have already ordered that all positions that have the conditions and are suitable for digging such tunnels should hurry up and dig tunnels. The more the better."

"With these tunnels and other defensive fortifications, it won't be so easy for the Japanese to capture Hengyang City."

"Now, if we hold on for one more day, we will have one more hope of victory."

"And the flying thunder cannon you developed can just make up for our lack of artillery firepower."

"I also ordered everyone to collect all the oil drums in the city and make as many as possible. As long as they are used properly, this stuff will be enough to give the Japanese a hard time."

Li Guotao said: "Although the Flying Thunder Cannon is powerful enough, it still has some shortcomings."

"First, the shooting accuracy is not enough, and the range is short. We have tested it, and the longest range is only about 200 meters."

"There is also a certain risk of explosion, and there is no better way to improve it for the time being."

Commander Fang said: "That's better than nothing. This thing is powerful and can destroy ordinary fortifications. That's enough."

"If used in defense, it can also rely on its powerful force to cause heavy casualties to the enemy's group charge."

"We are short of artillery right now, so we have no choice but to use this thing."

"So as long as it is used properly, it can still play a significant role. For example, in the counterattack on Hill 227.7 and Hill 221, wasn't this thing very useful?"

"Anyway, you've done a great job by making this thing, and you've helped me a lot."

"In the Battle of Hengyang, you should be credited with the first merit."

Li Guotao quickly said, "Thank you, Commander. I really don't deserve this honor."

Commander Fang waved his hand and said, "Don't be polite. You deserve this." "I have reported this to the higher-ups and asked for your commendation."

"The military will also send a telegram to commend your battalion, especially you, Li Guotao, for your repeated outstanding achievements. The military has decided to reward you with another 50,000 yuan."

"All officers and soldiers of your 568th Regiment will also receive corresponding rewards."

"Thank you, Commander!"

Li Guotao and Yang Jihe hurriedly expressed their gratitude.

Fifty thousand oceans is not a small sum, and these are personal rewards to Li Guotao.

However, Li Guotao is just a passing visitor in this world, and it is probably difficult for him to bring these oceans back to his original world.

Therefore, Li Guotao was not very interested in this money, although this thing was very valuable in later generations. Even in this world, fifty thousand oceans was not a small sum.

So Li Guotao planned to leave the money to his brothers, especially the families of the martyrs who died on the battlefield.

In this era, the country is poor and weak, and people have a hard time. I believe this money should be able to save many people.

Commander Fang smiled and said, "No need to thank me. I just said that this is what you deserve."

"In fact, I should thank you. Thank you to all the soldiers of our 10th Army. It is because of your bloody fights that we can hold on until now."

"I also believe that with you here, we will definitely achieve the final victory."

Li Guotao said: "General, don't worry. As long as we hold on, we will definitely win the Hengyang defense battle."

Commander Fang nodded and said, "That's right. As long as we continue to hold on, reinforcements will surely arrive in time, and there will be hope of holding Hengyang."

Li Guotao said: "As long as we can hold Hengyang, we can crush the Japanese's strategic intentions. In this way, the Japanese will be one step closer to defeat."

"The Japanese are already on the verge of collapse. Judging from the current trend, they can't hold out for much longer. Now they are just struggling to survive."

Commander Fang smiled and said, "I didn't expect you to have some understanding of the international situation."

Li Guotao smiled and said, "I usually read some newspapers, so I know a little bit."

After a few people chatted for a while, Commander Fang smiled and said, "Well, you have all worked hard this time, go back and have a good rest."

"Yes!"

Li Guotao responded and then said, "Commander, the Japanese haven't launched a large-scale attack in the past few days, but they are determined to take Hengyang."

"We have stopped for a few days just to rest and gather strength. I estimate that the Japanese will launch a new round of general attack soon."

Commander Fang nodded and said, "That's what I guessed too. I have ordered the garrisons in various places to step up their alert and be ready to fight at any time."

"You have just withdrawn and are still serving as a reserve force for the time being, but you must also be ready to be deployed to the battlefield again at any time."

"It is foreseeable that the next battles will become increasingly difficult."

"Yes!"

The two then left the military headquarters.

On the way back, Yang Jihe said to Li Guotao: "When do you think the Japanese will attack again?"

Li Guotao said: "The Japanese definitely don't want to wait any longer. I estimate it will only take two days."

Yang Jihe nodded slightly and said, "Our forces are limited. Although we have just withdrawn, we cannot guarantee that we will not be pulled to the front line again."

Li Guotao sighed slightly and said, "Now that things have developed to this point, we have no choice but to grit our teeth and persevere. Persistence is victory."

"Reinforcements will surely arrive."

"As long as we can hold out until reinforcements arrive, Hengyang will be safe."

Yang Jihe nodded and said, "No matter what, we have to try to hold on for a while longer."

"Given the current situation, it shouldn't be a problem for us to hold out for another ten days or half a month."

Since the Battle of Hengyang broke out, the 10th Army has held out for more than twenty days.

But only Li Guotao knew that they had to hold on for at least 47 days, which meant that not even half of the time had passed.

The challenges ahead are still huge, and it will be difficult to win this battle.

The 10th Army's manpower will become less and less, and the situation will become more and more dangerous.

However, given the current situation, Li Guotao didn't have any better solution. He could only grit his teeth and continue to hold on, relying on defensive fortifications to block the Japanese attack.

After Li Guotao and Yang Jihe returned, the kitchen staff had already prepared the meal.

The logistics department sent a large batch of fish. The siege had lasted for more than twenty days and all the meat in the city had been eaten up, but there were still quite a few fish.

Because there were many ponds nearby, some bombs inevitably fell into the ponds during the bombing by the Japanese planes, killing many fish.

Therefore, the defenders caught a lot of fish and distributed them to various troops to improve their food.

In order to reward the First Battalion, the Logistics Department also sent a lot of fish to the First Battalion, including braised fish and delicious fish soup. Such food was considered quite good in that era.

The first battalion retreated to the rear, and the brothers could finally relax and have a good sleep.

When they were at the Zhangjiashan position before, the brothers were always nervous even when they were sleeping, and they turned a blind eye.

……

At the same time, the Japanese 65th Regiment replaced the troops of the 116th Division and arrived at the front line of Zhangjiashan.

Jiro Kono stood at an observation post, holding a telescope and observing Zhangjiashan in the distance.

Takano Jiro frowned and said, "I really can't understand why the locust army spent thousands of troops to take down such an inconspicuous hill."

“It’s just unbelievable.”

Jiro Kono really couldn't understand. Even if the people in the 116th Division were a bunch of trash, they wouldn't have fought like this.

A Japanese officer next to him said, "Colonel, the enemy's defense system is very disadvantageous to the attacking locust army."

"Fortunately, the cliffs of the two highlands ahead have basically been blown down, making it much easier for the locust army to capture these two small highlands."

"And now that our artillery has become stronger, I think the 65th Regiment should be able to take Zhangjiashan easily."

The Japanese officer who spoke was from the 116th Division. He stayed behind to help Takano Jiro understand the situation at the front. He was somewhat dissatisfied with what Takano Jiro had just said.

Takano Jiro sneered and said, "You mean to say that we are here to take advantage of the situation?"

The Japanese officer said, "That's not what I meant."

"Hmph~!"

Jiro Takano snorted coldly, but he was extremely dissatisfied in his heart. Now he seemed to understand Iwanaga Wang's intention.

If they can't take Zhangjiashan, it's naturally because they are incompetent.

If they took Zhangjiashan, Yan Yongwang would probably say that it was because they had previously consumed the defenders of Zhangjiashan and destroyed their fortifications, and it was natural for the 65th Regiment to take Zhangjiashan.

Jiro Takano cursed in his heart: This old fox.

But no matter what, Takano Jiro has already accepted the order, so he naturally has to do his best to capture Zhangjiashan.

Although Jiro Takano is a little arrogant, he does not want to waste the lives of his soldiers in vain. These people from the 116th Division are still useful. He needs them to help him understand the situation on the mountain and avoid pitfalls.

The people from the 116th Division told Jiro Takano everything about the situation on the mountain and some of the experiences they had summed up.

Jiro Takano and his staff studied the sand table for several hours and finally became convinced that they could successfully capture Zhangjiashan at the cost of only a few hundred people.

As long as we can capture Zhangjiashan, it will be worth it even if it costs a few hundred casualties.

Takano Jiro then said, "Report to General Wang Iwanaga immediately and tell him that everything is normal. We will launch a general attack on Zhangjiashan tomorrow, on time, according to the original plan."

"My 65th Regiment will go all out and try to capture Zhangjiashan as quickly as possible."

"Hayi~!"

A Japanese officer nearby responded respectfully and turned to convey the order.

Nothing happened that night. By the next morning, the Japanese were ready for a general attack. (End of this chapter)