Zhu Tian: Beginning to Cross the Changjin Lake

At this time, the Japanese major general said: "Don't worry, Commander. According to your instructions, we have sent an elite mobile force to quietly bypass the enemy's rear, disrupt their rear, and cut off their retreat."

"These enemies are very cowardly. Once their rear is threatened, they will definitely retreat."

"In this way, the Locust Army can successfully repel the enemy's reinforcements."

Yokoyama Yong smiled and nodded, saying, "The defenders of Hengyang are looking forward to the arrival of reinforcements every day."

"Now that their reinforcements have arrived outside the city, they are suddenly repelled by the locust army. What will happen to these defenders?"

The Japanese major general said excitedly: "If they knew this news, they would definitely despair."

Yokoyama Isamu smiled and said: "People are afraid of having no hope, but they are even more afraid of their only hope being shattered."

"Then they will despair and lose their fighting spirit. That will be the best time for the locust army to capture Hengyang."

"Besides, the battle has lasted for such a long time. Although the locust army has paid a heavy price in casualties, the enemy has also suffered heavy casualties."

"Now they have been almost exhausted. If they lose hope, how can they resist the fierce attack of tens of thousands of elite locust soldiers?"

"Hai~! Your Excellency the Commander is wise." The Japanese officers present said respectfully.

Yokoyama Yong said seriously: "But we still have to speed up the progress and try to capture Hengyang City as soon as possible."

"Of course, before we capture Hengyang, we can't be careless. We must go all out and never give the enemy any chance to take advantage. After all, we have already wasted a lot of time."

"Hayi~!"

The Japanese major general responded respectfully: "Please rest assured, Commander, we will definitely be able to capture Hengyang as soon as possible."

Yokoyama stared at the sand table in front of him and sneered, "I never thought that our 11th Army would be forced into this situation by a mob. It is truly a great shame and humiliation."

"This time, I will start with the enemy's reinforcements. I will annihilate all of these hateful enemies."

The Japanese attacked Hengyang for a month but still failed to capture it, which resulted in Yokoyama Isamu being scolded several times.

Naturally, the old Japanese soldier Yokoyama Isamu was full of resentment and hated the Hengyang defenders. At this moment, the old Japanese soldier was thinking about how to take revenge and wipe out his previous humiliation.

……

Yang Jihe suddenly found Li Guotao and said anxiously, "Guotao, we just received an order from the commander to change our guard. The replacement troops will arrive soon."

"Are you so anxious?"

Li Guotao was a little surprised. The Japanese had temporarily stopped their offensive. Although he didn't know when they would attack again, even if they wanted to change defense, there was probably no need to be so anxious.

Yang Jihe shook his head and said, "I don't know the specific situation either. The commander just told us to go to the military headquarters immediately because there is a more important task for us."

Li Guotao was even more surprised when he heard this, as it was a more important task.

He really couldn't figure out what more important task could there be?
But since the order was given in this way, it must be a very important task.

Yang Jihe also saw what Li Guotao was thinking and explained, "I don't know the details either. When the troops change guard, we will go to the military headquarters and we will know everything after meeting the commander."

Li Guotao nodded and said, "This is the only way. Let's withdraw first so that the brothers can have a good rest."

However, thinking of the more important tasks, Li Guotao couldn't help feeling a little worried. He was afraid that it would be a luxury for the brothers to have a good rest.

Sure enough, not long after, a troop arrived to take over the Tianma Mountain position. There were about two to three hundred people, and these were troops who were replaced and transferred from other positions.

Li Guotao gave them a detailed introduction to the situation of the Tianma Mountain position, and told the troops that came to take over the defense all the experience he had summarized.

After giving clear instructions, Li Guotao led his troops away from Tianma Mountain.

While the brothers were resting in a temporary accommodation, Li Guotao and Yang Jihe hurried to the military headquarters to receive their mission.

After arriving at the military headquarters, they were told by the adjutant that the commander was in a meeting and asked them to wait for a moment.

Li Guotao was not polite either. He moved a chair over and sat down. He leaned back, closed his eyes, and said with a look of enjoyment, "It's a good opportunity to take a break."

I don’t know how long it was, but suddenly I heard footsteps.

Li Guotao suddenly opened his eyes and saw Commander Fang and Sun Mingyu walking in with several staff officers.

"Captain."

Yang Jihe next to him also fell asleep on the table. He had been on the front line all this time and had never had a good night's sleep. It was not an easy thing.

Yang Jihe stood up quickly.

Commander Fang smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work."

"Commander!"

The two men quickly stood up and saluted.

Commander Fang waved his hand and said, "Don't be polite, sit down and talk."

After Commander Fang and others sat down, Li Guotao and Yang Jihe also sat down again.

Li Guotao was still somewhat confused, so he asked impatiently: "Commander, you said you have a more important task for us, what is it?"

Commander Fang smiled and said, "It's a long story. Let me tell you slowly."

"I'm sure you all know that we have received accurate information. Our reinforcements have arrived outside the city and are continuing to advance towards Hengyang according to the original plan."

"The nearest troop to Hengyang is less than thirty miles away, and is still approaching."

Upon hearing this, Yang Jihe said excitedly: "That's great! Once the reinforcements arrive, Hengyang will be relieved in no time."

Li Guotao, who knew the result, did not dare to be so optimistic. He just smiled and looked at Commander Fang, waiting for him to continue.

At this time, Li Guotao also guessed that this mission should be related to reinforcements.

Hengyang has been under siege for many days, and now for the defenders, there is really nothing more important than reinforcements.

Commander Fang continued, "Yes, as long as the reinforcements can arrive in Hengyang smoothly, the siege of Hengyang can be lifted."

"We have fought for so long, and we finally see hope of victory."

"If reinforcements don't arrive, I'm afraid our 10th Army will really be completely destroyed in Hengyang."

"Fortunately, reinforcements have finally arrived."

"Back to business."

Commander Fang took a sip of water and continued, "We have already contacted the reinforcements. After discussion, we decided to send a troop out of the city to meet them."

"Although the Japanese have temporarily stopped their attack on Hengyang, some of them are even packing up their things and seem to be retreating."

"But according to our guess, they have not given up and are still doing their best to block our reinforcements."

"In this case, it will be difficult for the main force to enter the city. If we can send a troop to support them, we can at least find a way out. Even if we can only support a small force to enter the city, it will be a great help for us to defend Hengyang."

"Once our troops are able to enter the city, the Japanese will completely give up, and then the siege of Hengyang will be lifted."

When Commander Fang was halfway through his speech, Yang Jihe had already understood that the so-called more important task was to let them go out of the city to provide support.

Li Guotao naturally understood it a long time ago, but facing the heavy encirclement of the Japanese troops, it was not easy to leave the city.

Commander Fang went on to say: "I also understand that this mission is extremely difficult, and it can even be said that it is a life-or-death struggle."

"We discussed it carefully for a long time, but we couldn't find a more suitable candidate."

"If there is one person who can complete this task, it must be you, Li Guotao. So we decided to let Guotao lead a small group of elite troops out of the city to provide support."

"We must find a way out of the enemy's encirclement, get out of the city, and meet up with our reinforcements."

Yang Jihe said with a worried look on his face: "I'm afraid this task is not that easy."

"After all, the Japanese are not stupid. It is too difficult to get through their layers of defense and reach the outside of the city to meet up with the reinforcements. This is simply an impossible task."

Commander Fang said helplessly: "If there is really no other way, I don't want to take the risk."

"But if the reinforcements can't enter the city, it will be difficult to relieve the siege. If we continue to waste time like this, we really won't be able to hold on."

Li Guotao said thoughtfully: "This mission is indeed too dangerous. I'm fine."

In fact, Li Guotao also roughly guessed the intention of General Fang, which was to prove to the reinforcements that if we can go out, you can come in. We will lead the way for you, and then what can you refuse? As long as reinforcements can be brought back, even if it is only one regiment or even only one battalion, it will be extremely beneficial to the current Hengyang defenders.

First of all, the number of Hengyang defenders is decreasing, and more importantly, morale. The brothers also need reinforcements to boost morale.

Otherwise, if things continue like this, everyone will gradually collapse.

Li Guotao didn't have anything to worry about, but for such a life-threatening mission, it would be better to select soldiers who would volunteer to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Commander Fang continued, "Given the current situation, we are unable to mobilize too many troops for the time being. After discussion, we decided to mobilize a death squad of more than 100 people to carry out this mission."

"Life and death depend on this! We have to give it a try no matter what."

Li Guotao glanced at Yang Jihe next to him, and then said, "I have no objection."

Yang Jihe also said: "I have no objection either."

General Fang was overjoyed when he heard this and said, "I believe you can definitely complete the task. Hengyang depends on you."

Li Guotao said: "I think we can recruit a group of people from our first battalion first, and all of them will volunteer to participate. If the number is not enough, we can draw people from other troops."

"Also, I'll go alone this time. Our team leader will stay behind, just in case."

Yang Jihe said quickly: "How can that be possible..."

Li Guotao interrupted Yang Jihe and said, "We need someone from the 568th Regiment to stay and take command."

"It would be better for you to stay."

"Although the Japanese have temporarily stopped their attack, we cannot be careless. If they suddenly launch another attack, the front line will be in danger, and the troops left behind may support the front line at any time. We cannot do this without someone in charge."

"Besides, this mission is a life-or-death one. We only have so few people left in the 568th Regiment. We can't risk the lives of all our brothers!"

"We should also leave some seeds for our regiment so that we can rebuild the troops in the future."

Yang Jihe said quickly: "Then you stay, I will lead the death squad out of the city."

Li Guotao smiled and said, "This mission is of great importance. I don't think you can do better than me. You should stay."

Yang Jihe thought, you are not polite at all, but what you said is also true.

However, Yang Jihe was still a little worried and let Li Guotao take the risk alone.

Li Guotao smiled and said, "Don't worry, I won't run away with your people."

Yang Jihe was amused by this joke.

At this time, Commander Fang said, "What Guotao said makes some sense. It would be better if one of you two stays behind."

"But this matter should be decided between the two of you."

"Go back and prepare as soon as possible, and leave the city tonight before dark."

"We have already contacted the reinforcements. After you leave the city, head to the Wuliting area and meet up with the reinforcements."

"Yes! Promise to complete the mission!"

Afterwards, Li Guotao and Yang Jihe left the military headquarters together. On the way back, Li Guotao repeatedly persuaded Yang Jihe.

In the end, Yang Jihe had no choice but to agree to stay.

Yang Jihe sighed helplessly and said, "If you encounter any danger along the way, you must first try to save your own life."

"As the saying goes, if you keep the green mountains, you will never worry about lack of firewood. Only if we survive can we continue to fight the Japanese invaders."

Li Guotao smiled and said, "Don't worry, I value my life very much and I won't joke with it."

Yang Jihe smiled slightly and said nothing more.

After the two returned to their temporary residence, they immediately informed everyone of the news.

What surprised Li Guotao was that the soldiers of the first battalion were very eager to sign up for the suicide squad.

Almost everyone is vying for the first place, without exception.

Li Guotao repeatedly stressed that this mission was of great importance and a life-threatening one.

But still no one backed down, which made Li Guotao very pleased.

Chen Jianghe even said: "During this period, we were trapped in an isolated city. Although we killed a lot of Japanese soldiers, the battle was too frustrating and meaningless."

"Instead of wasting time like this, it's better to go out and try your luck. Even if I die on the battlefield, I'd rather die in glory."

It seems like these guys have been driven crazy. Come to think of it, those who are still alive in the battalion are all heroes, and naturally there are no cowards among them.

Li Guotao and Yang Jihe discussed it and decided to select only 80 people from the first battalion, and then apply to their superiors to transfer a group of people from other troops. More than 100 people would be enough to complete this task.

Because we have to pass through the Japanese defense line, having too many people may not be a good thing.

Their main task this time was to explore the way for the reinforcements, to find the best route, preferably to bring the reinforcements into the city, and also to provide a simpler attack route for the large army.

As the matter was of great importance, the military did not dare to delay and soon forty soldiers drawn from other troops rushed to the first battalion’s base.

Li Guotao asked them to rest early and prepare to set off at night when it was dark.

Li Guotao had no time to rest. He and Yang Jihe and others were studying the map and the marching route.

Because the Japanese blockade was very strict, even though it was just a small force of more than a hundred people, it was not easy to infiltrate.

Wuliting is located in the south of Hengyang, about thirty miles away from Hengyang City.

Li Guotao said: "The distance is not too far, but not too close either."

"Normally, this distance should be reachable in half a day."

"But we must bypass the enemy's layers of defense and avoid them as much as possible. With our limited number of troops, if we are discovered or even entangled by the enemy, we will definitely be doomed."

"We don't know how far we will have to go if we take this detour, and we don't know some of the specific details."

"So when we take action, we must race against time to ensure that all the brothers are well fed and well-rested, and retain enough physical strength. This is the most basic thing."

"Also, are all the Japanese uniforms ready?"

Yang Jihe said: "Everything is ready."

Li Guotao nodded slightly and said, "If necessary, we can also disguise ourselves as the Japanese and get through."

Yang Jihe said: "But this is still a bit risky. Once it is exposed, it will be over."

Li Guotao smiled and said, "Don't worry, I will make proper arrangements based on the actual situation. No matter what, this mission must be completed."

"We must try to get to Wuliting before daybreak. Once daybreak comes, we will be more easily exposed."

After discussing with each other, they decided on a route that they believed to be the safest and most reliable. Just in case, they also selected two alternative routes, and tried their best to take all possible situations and emergencies into consideration.

Everything is ready, we just have to set off after dark.

……

Yokoyama Yong stared at the sand table in front of him and asked in a cold voice: "What's the situation at the front line?"

A Japanese major general said: "We have mobilized our forces to stop the enemy with all our strength, and sent troops to attack the enemy's reinforcements. We will take the opportunity to defeat them as much as possible while they are still unstable."

"In addition, our flanking mobile force has already gone around the enemy's rear and launched an attack."

"We won two battles and two victories. We defeated two enemy units, one of which was their logistics supply unit, and seized a large amount of supplies."

"In addition, we basically controlled several important traffic routes behind them, which cut off their retreat."

"This is not enough!"

Yokoyama Isamu said seriously, "We must intensify our offensive and make them feel the danger. They may be surrounded and annihilated by us at any time. Only in this way will they retreat."

"All units must go all out and launch an attack."

"Ha!" (End of this chapter)