Rebirth of the Republic of China: The Rise of China

The entire decisive battle lasted from six o'clock in the morning to three o'clock in the afternoon, and the nine infantry battalions ordered to attack returned to the mountain pass one after another.Of course, when they returned to the mountain pass, in addition to harvesting a large number of weapons and equipment on the battlefield, they brought back old prisoners of war who had been stripped of ammunition and weapons in teams.

As time passed, the barracks of the National Defense Forces, which had been empty for a day, became lively again.Crowds of old Maozi prisoners of war who still hadn't recovered from the shock began to transfer to the rear prisoner camp under special escort.The fate waiting for these prisoners of war is at least ten years of road construction career.

In Li Guosheng's eyes, the prisoners captured by the National Defense Forces in several consecutive foreign wars will enter the Far East after completing the improvement of the road and railway network in the three northeastern provinces, and start to improve the entire Far East, including the railway and road network in the Baikal region , so that the Lake Baikal region is no longer an isolated island outside the jurisdiction of the Wehrmacht.

Of course, among all the victories of this counterattack, apart from the tens of thousands of prisoners of war who gained the most, it was a large amount of various combat materials and equipment.

In order to wash away the humiliation he suffered in the Wehrmacht half a year ago, he gave Moscow Stalin an explanation.Although Commander-in-Chief Voroshilov only had an army of [-], the proportion and quantity of heavy equipment equipped by an army of [-] was the same as that of an army of [-].

The Soviet Far East Red Army with just 5 people has only 150 mm caliber heavy howitzers, and is equipped with more than 150 guns in three divisions, which is three times the usual number.As for field artillery and light howitzers with a caliber of less than [-]mm, there are as many as four or five hundred in total.

Although these artillery units were also hit by artillery fire at the beginning of the Wehrmacht attack, but.The small-caliber mortars and mountain artillery used by the National Defense Forces can't do anything to these heavy artillery. At most, they can destroy some ammunition piles piled up on the battlefield.so.In the battle to attack the Lake Baikal region, the Soviet army carried thousands of artillery pieces.Almost intact, it was handed over to the Thirteenth Army.

Of course, this is not the most important thing.

On the endless battlefield in the Far East, the most suitable arms for combat are undoubtedly armored and tank troops.

The [-] army commanded by Commander-in-Chief Voroshilov is not only equipped with three times the number of artillery of various calibers, but also equipped with three times the number of various armored vehicles.

The Far East Red Army has only one heavy tank division, two medium tank divisions, plus the tank regiments equipped by each main division.Without exception, all of them became trophies of the Wehrmacht.

Some people may say that when the Wehrmacht bombarded and the Red Army retreated.Tanks are not the best tool to protect them, why didn't they leave the barracks with the troops.After all, for a medium-sized tank weighing tens of tons, unless the heavy artillery shells fired by the National Defense Forces directly hit the tank body, there will be no damage to these tanks and the crew inside the tank at all.

In fact, it is not the case. After the low temperature of tens of degrees below zero in the Far East at night, these tanks that have stayed in the cold wind all night want to restart and make them move.It takes at least half an hour to warm up.Otherwise, no matter how powerful the old Maozi tanker is, he can't make the steel monster weighing tens of tons move at all...

Therefore, when the Nine Route Attack Forces of the National Defense Forces broke into their barracks.These tankers are still sweating profusely warming up the tanks.They didn't know that they had become prisoners of war of the National Defense Forces until the black holes of the National Defense Forces were aimed at their heads, and they would never have the opportunity to drive their tanks to escape.

A Soviet-made large-caliber artillery was towed by the car.When crossing the mountain pass position and entering one's own barracks.A Soviet-made medium tank with a huge roar.Heavy tanks, also under the control of the tankers of the Panzer Assault Battalion.Slowly drove into the barracks of one's own side, and then, neatly arranged in rows in the barracks.

As night fell over the land of the Far East again, the battlefield that had been noisy all day slowly returned to tranquility.Although Xiong Shaowen, commander of the No.13 Army of the National Defense Forces, has not rested for two days and one night, he is still standing at the headquarters full of energy after achieving an unprecedented victory again, waiting for the arrival of Chief of Staff Zhang Guoqiang.

As the sound of hurried footsteps reached Xiong Shaowen's ears, Chief of Staff Zhang Guoqiang walked in with a folder in his hand with a smile on his face.After paying a military salute to Xiong Shaowen, he opened his mouth and reported: "Army seat, great victory, great victory at Lake Baikal..."

"According to statistics, we found a total of more than [-] old Maozi corpses on the battlefield. Among all the dead Lao Maozi officers and soldiers, the highest rank was major general. In addition, three colonels were also killed by our artillery fire. Killed on the battlefield."

Like Li Guosheng, what Xiong Shaowen cares most about is not the number of enemies wiped out, but the benefits that can be obtained directly after the battle is over.Therefore, as soon as Zhang Guoqiang's voice fell, he impatiently asked the question he wanted to know the most.

"The captives, you know, these captives are the main force in our construction of the railway line from Lake Baikal to the three eastern provinces. The more prisoners we capture, the sooner we can open the railway line to the three eastern provinces, and we can get people from all over the world anytime, anywhere. The material and personnel reinforcements in the three northeastern provinces have truly connected the Baikal region with the three northeastern provinces..."

Zhang Guoqiang answered affirmatively: "Army seat, the number of prisoners is absolutely satisfactory to you: According to the statistics of various attacking troops, by the time all primary troops return to camp, we have captured more than 3000 prisoners of the Far East Red Army. According to the statistics of the Soviet Far East Calculated by the total strength of the Red Army’s attack this time, there are still at least 5000 Soviet Red Army scattered around us suffering from hunger. I can be sure that as long as we continue to attack tomorrow, at least 3 prisoners of war will be captured around us. By then , a total of [-] Soviet prisoners of war are absolutely indispensable."

Hearing this answer, a smile from the heart finally appeared on Xiong Shaowen's eager face.Facing Zhang Guoqiang in front of him, he said with a satisfied face: "Chief of Staff, [-] prisoners of war are [-] free labor. As long as we work harder, it will be enough to connect the railway line between Lake Baikal and the three eastern provinces before the snow melts next year." Give Xiutong. At that time, all kinds of living materials and combat materials from the three northeastern provinces can be continuously transported to our Lake Baikal. Of course, the various fish resources and animal furs that our Lake Baikal is rich in can also be continuously transported To the three northeastern provinces, and even within the customs. At that time, the entire Baikal region will change from a barren wasteland to an unprecedented huge treasure house...."

Chief of Staff Zhang Guoqiang followed closely and echoed: "Senior, the influence of capturing so many old Maozi prisoners of war is far more than that simple. Since I learned that the Soviet Far East Red Army is planning to invade our Lake Baikal. Live in Lake Baikal The 20 immigrants in the region began to panic. And now, our Thirteenth Army, without any advantage, not only smashed the conspiracy of the Soviet Far East Red Army, defeated it, but also captured tens of thousands of old Maozi prisoners of war..."

"I believe that once this matter is publicized, whether it is for all the soldiers of our Thirteenth Army or the hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the Baikal region, it will be an unprecedented great encouragement. With this news, we will form the National Defense Forces No. The 13th Army will get even more support from hundreds of thousands of local immigrants..."

"Not only that, in this counterattack, we seized thousands of artillery pieces of various types, thousands of tanks of various types, and military supplies of thousands of vehicles from the Red Army in the Far East of the Soviet Union. At the same time, it also gave me the No.13 army expansion and reorganization. Provided sufficient material and equipment guarantee. According to the establishment given to us by the general headquarters, at least in terms of heavy artillery and tank troops, we no longer need supplements from the headquarters, and we still have the rest to hand over Headquarters..."

There is an unprecedented and unprecedented victory in front of you.Xiong Shaowen, commander of the Thirteenth Army, and Zhang Guoqiang, chief of staff, began to discuss how to expand and reorganize the army based on this victory.What they didn't expect was that it was far away in Shenyang City, Liaoning.It is falling into an unprecedented dispute over the direct expansion of the [-]th Division of the National Defense Forces into the [-]th Army.

In the eyes of many veteran officers of the National Defense Forces, although the [-]th Division under the command of Xiong Shaowen achieved considerable results in the battle against the Soviet Union half a year ago.However, after all, this force was formed by an army entirely from Sichuan.In terms of loyalty, it is worth scrutinizing.More importantly, Xiong Shaowen was promoted to lieutenant-general commander again within a few months of his tenure as major-general division commander.This made the other dozen or so senior military officers who were promoted to lieutenant general this time very unwilling.

I spent several years as a major general and division commander before being promoted step by step to lieutenant general commander.As for Xiong Shaowen, he only served as a major general for half a year, and was directly promoted to lieutenant general after obtaining less than half of his combat achievements.

Thinking of the huge gap and contrast, many veteran heroes who had followed Li Guosheng from the beginning began to express some heartfelt dissatisfaction with Li Guosheng.

The General Command of the National Defense Forces faced increasingly serious disputes within the National Defense Forces. As the chief of staff, Jiang Baili had to come to Li Guosheng to give Li Guosheng a reminder.After all, the current national defense force is no longer tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of people, but a huge group with millions of soldiers. It is very likely that a small matter can plunge this military group into crisis.

Facing the commander-in-chief Li Guosheng in front of him, Jiang Baili did not hesitate at all, and said bluntly: "President, I believe you have heard the rumors outside. To tell you the truth, I also think that at this time the [-]th Division will directly It is too urgent to expand into the Thirteenth Army, after all, the Nineteenth Division has only been established for half a year."

"What's more important is the rank of Xiong Shaowen of the [-]th Division. He was a colonel a year ago. It took only one year to change from a colonel to a senior colonel, and then to a major general and division commander of the main field division. A few lieutenant generals... This kind of promotion speed not only created a precedent for our National Defense Forces, but also created a precedent for the entire Republic of China. Therefore, I think that until Xiong Shaowen's troops have achieved enough results and achievements to be promoted, they will not be promoted for the time being. Xiong Shaowen's military rank allows him to temporarily serve as the acting commander of the [-]th Army Major General..."

Looking at Jiang Baili with a sincere face in front of him, Li Guosheng did not answer immediately, but asked Jiang Baili: "Chief of Staff, do you know why I didn't plan to send reinforcements to Xiong Shaowen after the Lake Baikal area was attacked by the Soviet Far East Red Army? "

Jiang Baili replied with a puzzled face: "Boss, haven't you already explained this question to me? Before the Soviet Far East Red Army did not replace the entire Far East Red Army command system, even if the Soviet Far East Army came with another [-] troops, it would not be the opponent of the [-]th Division." . . . "

Speaking of this, Jiang Baili subconsciously cast a look of admiration at Li Guosheng, and continued: "Speaking of this matter, I really admire you, sir. When the commander among the Soviet prisoners of war was released, I was still wondering Why did you issue such an order at the beginning: "Only return the political commissars of the Soviet Army and young officers who have no combat experience. They are good at suppressing counter-revolutionaries." Now, it seems that you have already thought of today's scene. As long as the Soviet Red Army Headquarters continues to let this batch The political commissars and officers will continue to stay in the commanding forces of the Far Eastern Red Army. The combat effectiveness of the Far Eastern Red Army will never be improved because the command system is too rigid."

Li Guosheng nodded in approval first, then shook his head.Jiang Baili replied in front of him: "Chief of Staff, I believe that Xiong Shaowen can stop the Soviet offensive and keep the Lake Baikal area. However, in addition to this idea, I have another consideration, which is to give Xiong Shaowen a great military exploit.... .”

"Think about it, given the special strategic location of the Lake Baikal region, the garrison of one division can never meet the needs of the war. Therefore, it is imperative for us to expand the [-]th Division into the [-]th Army. Since the [-]th The division has not yet reached the standard for expansion, so I will send the combat achievements to the [-]th Division so that they can meet the standard..."

"More importantly, after this battle to defend the Lake Baikal region, the Thirteenth Army, which we are about to expand, will invisibly evolve into the patron saint of hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the Baikal region. Only in this way, the Baikal region The 20 soldiers and civilians can really help us defend the Lake Baikal region and develop the Lake Baikal region into our west gate."

Hearing this, another trace of worry appeared on Jiang Baili's face.He asked Li Guosheng: "Boss, if you do this, you don't have to worry that the Thirteenth Army will slowly evolve into a small warlord independent of the National Defense Force after it has penetrated into the hearts of hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the Baikal region. , Lake Baikal is too far away from us...."

Li Guosheng replied indifferently: "Chief of Staff, you don't worry too much. As long as the officer rotation system implemented within our National Defense Forces does not change, the Thirteenth Army will always be the Thirteenth Army under our National Defense Forces. As for Lake Baikal you mentioned The region is too far away from us, and I believe it won't take long for this issue to be resolved."

"According to the recent development direction of the government. Once the construction of the road and railway network in the three northeastern provinces is completed, in order to better develop the Far East and Lake Baikal. Hundreds of thousands of free laborers gathered in the three northeastern provinces will go to the Far East and will connect the Baikal region The Trans-Siberian Railway will be fully connected. Of course, if possible, this group of road builders will build a new railway network in the Far East to completely connect the major cities in the Far East with railways.”

Just as the two continued to discuss something, a hasty knock on the door suddenly reached their ears.Before Li Guosheng could speak, the figure of Adjutant Li Mengjie flashed into the office and appeared in front of the two of them.

Seeing Jiang Baili's eyes sweeping towards her instantly, Li Mengjie's cheeks immediately turned red because of her recklessness.Li Guosheng, who was sitting in front of Jiang Baili, was not so polite. Jiang Baili, who was sitting in front of him, said without hesitation, "Meng Jie, what is it, you are so anxious..."

Although the relationship between the two is no secret at the top of the National Defense Forces, and has been recognized by Li Guosheng's wife Lan Ruoxi.However, this relationship is not obvious after all.Hearing Li Guosheng calling her so affectionately in front of outsiders, Li Mengjie's flushed face became even redder.After glaring fiercely at Li Guosheng, he said, "President, Chief of Staff, the Thirteenth Army has just sent us a good news..."

"After two consecutive days of fighting, the [-]th Army completely smashed the Soviet Far East Red Army's invasion of Lake Baikal with only one division, and once again achieved unprecedented results... This is the [-]th Army Commander Xiong Shaowen and Chief of Staff Zhang Guoqiang. The victory telegram sent jointly by individuals, and the battle report is also in the victory report..."

After quickly reading the telegram that Li Mengjie handed over, a smile from the heart appeared on Li Guosheng's face, and he said excitedly to Jiang Baili in front of him: "Chief of Staff, I really mean that Cao Cao and Cao Cao will be here soon. Who else in the army dares to criticize. If he has the ability, he will go to the Lake Baikal area, use a division of troops to block the attack of the [-] Soviet Far East Red Army, and eat it cleanly... "

Hearing what Li Guosheng said, Jiang Baili, who was full of expectations, also took the telegram and began to browse it quickly. In less than a minute, the expectant expression on Jiang Baili's face was covered by excitement.Facing Li Guosheng, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Boss, I can assure you that with such military exploits in hand, no one has any reason to object to the expansion of the Nineteenth Division..."

Li Guosheng nodded, and directly ordered: "In this case, Chief of Staff, immediately report the results of Xiong Shaowen's troops to the entire army, and award the [-]th Army of the National Defense Army the honorary title of 'Steel [-]th Army'. At the same time, remember that the [-]th Army Once for collective first-class merit, once for individual first-class merit for Commander Xiong Shaowen of the Thirteenth Army, once for personal first-class merit for Chief of Staff Zhang Guoqiang..."

"Yes, Chief..."

As the title of "[-]th Iron and Steel Army" spread within the National Defense Forces, all the senior military officers of the National Defense Forces who complained about the expansion of the [-]th Army a day ago all shut their mouths without exception.

Because, in the face of criticism and dissatisfaction from himself and others, Xiong Shaowen directly told himself with the bloody and huge results that the Thirteenth Army definitely did not rely on the trust of the commander-in-chief Li Guosheng to be expanded, but through bloody battles. Get an expansion.....(To be continued..)