Rebirth of the Republic of China: The Rise of China

At the Cantonese Army Headquarters in Guangzhou, Chen Jitang, the general manager, was standing in front of a huge map with longing eyes, imagining the huge benefits he and the entire Cantonese Army would bring to himself and the entire Cantonese Army after he sent troops to Guangxi and occupied the southeastern part of Guangxi.

Although the fiscal and tax revenue of Guangdong Province is equivalent to that of several Guangxi Provinces, Chen Jitang lacks sufficient reserve troops in Guangxi Province.Although the Second Cantonese Army that he sent has not yet entered the territory of Guangxi Province, with Lao Jiang's approval, he is full of confidence in the combat effectiveness of his Cantonese Army, and he seems to have seen the Second Army occupy Wuzhou and attack Nanning...

At that time, as the commander-in-chief of the Cantonese Army, with the generous fiscal and tax revenue of Guangdong Province, coupled with the huge population base of Guangxi Province and a steady stream of reserve troops, he will be able to build on the basis of the current three armies of the Cantonese Army. Expand several armies.Once he has more than five armies, Chen Jitang is confident that he may still be able to compete in the Central Plains with these soldiers under his command in his lifetime, and also take Lao Jiang's current position.

Although the idea is good, the Cantonese army that has been trapped in Guangdong Province, including the commander-in-chief of the Cantonese army, has ignored the ever-changing occupation outside the pass.More importantly, they don't understand their current opponent, the National Defense Forces. They don't understand that the National Defense Forces are a behemoth that even the central government forces need to worry about.

Facing the threat of the National Defense Forces naval fleet, although the central government in Nanjing made the decision to quickly withdraw from Guangxi, this decision was not notified to the commander-in-chief of the Guangdong Army with the approval of Chiang Kai-shek, who likes to kill with a knife.

In the words of Lao Jiang, it is absolutely impossible for the central government to make such great efforts to achieve nothing.Although it can't take too much advantage of the National Defense Forces.However, Lao Jiang, who is good at killing people with a knife, has unknowingly focused his attention on the Cantonese Army in Guangdong Province.

In the case of the Guangdong Army continuing to invade Guangxi Province.Rely on the sharp edge of the National Defense Forces to weaken the military strength of the Guangdong Army in Guangdong as much as possible.Prepare for the central government's next full occupation of Guangdong Province.

Therefore, Chen Jitang, the commander-in-chief of the Cantonese Army who is confident in occupying the southeastern part of Guangxi Province, is completely unaware that at this moment, he has been used as a gun by Lao Jiang who is far away in Nanjing.

Just when he was still having sweet dreams and seemed to see the wonderful scene of the Guangdong Army moving into the Central Committee, there was a sudden knock on the door from the office door.Chen Jitang, whose face was always covered by a smile, frowned subconsciously, and then ordered to the office door with a displeased face: "Come in..."

The office door was pushed open.The terrified adjutant rushed into the office like a frightened rabbit.Then, before Chen Jitang could speak, the terrified adjutant reported impatiently: "Commander-in-Chief, something happened... something happened to the navy..."

Chen Jitang, who still didn't realize that the danger had come to him, glared at the panicked adjutant in front of him, and roared with dissatisfaction: "Bastard, what can happen to the navy. Even if something happens, it's not as good as our Cantonese army." The military operation that is going on now... If there is anything, report it immediately..."

"Report to the Commander-in-Chief, something really happened to the Navy... From now on, our Cantonese Army no longer has a navy... 5 minutes ago, the Navy Command suddenly sent out a clear-coded telegram, and the naval fleet controlled by our Cantonese Army will start today. Begin to officially leave our Cantonese Army and join the National Defense Forces Navy combat sequence...."

At this time.Chen Jitang finally realized the seriousness of the problem.Grabbing the collar of the adjutant suddenly, he roared loudly: "What are you talking about? The navy is electrified and separated from our Guangdong army, and all join the National Defense Force... What do they want to do? Don't they worry that I, Chen Jitang, will immediately send the army to encircle the naval port and kill them Send them all to court-martial..."

As soon as Chen Jitang's roar fell, this idea was completely shattered by the adjutant's next report.Under the gaze of Chen Jitang's red eyes, the adjutant hurriedly opened his mouth to report: "Commander-in-Chief, not only the Navy has electrified to join the National Defense Forces, but also the military port where the Navy is stationed and several coastal defense artillery towers have been occupied by the National Defense Forces... According to the Navy Command The received secret message showed that the army of the National Defense Forces occupying and receiving the naval port had an entire infantry division. Not only that, the naval fleet of the National Defense Army also sent a huge fleet with one cruiser and six destroyers to enter the naval port and headed towards Guangzhou. …”

Facing this worse news, Chen Jitang, who was still filled with righteous indignation just now, froze on the spot.And at this moment, as if in response to the adjutant's report just now, another combat staff officer with a frightened face pushed the door open and stood in front of Chen Jitang, speaking.

"Commander-in-Chief, the first regiment of instructors stationed outside the city of Guangzhou reported that a regiment of National Defense Forces was suddenly dispatched from the direction of Jungang, advancing towards Guangzhou City in a battle formation...according to investigations, although the National Defense Forces of this regiment were only There are more than a thousand people, but they are very well equipped... Not only are they equipped with a certain number of armored vehicles, but they are also equipped with a 75mm field artillery battalion. If the other side launches an attack on our regiment, under the attack of the Wehrmacht regiment, a regiment Up to five hours..."

"Is there any other news... Report it together..." Seeing the combat staff officer in front of him who was hesitant to speak, Chen Jitang continued to growl.

"Also... Several garrison battalions stationed on the riverside reported that several large-tonnage destroyers suddenly appeared on the Pearl River near the urban area of ​​Guangzhou. Judging from the flags hanging on the destroyers, all six destroyers that appeared belonged to the National Defense Forces If these destroyers provide effective artillery support to the ground forces of the National Defense Forces, our instructor group stationed outside Guangzhou may not be able to hold on for three hours, and it will completely collapse..."

"How did this happen? Can anyone tell me what happened here... Why did the Navy break away from our Guangdong Army and let the National Defense Army land from the military port... and why did the National Defense Army Navy fleet appear around Guangzhou City... .” Chen Jitang, who reacted from the astonishment, almost growled and asked his subordinates back.

Under Chen Jitang's glaring gaze, the combat staff officer said, "Report to the commander-in-chief, the staff's opinion is: the National Defense Forces are retaliating against our military operations in Guangxi Province..."

Seeing Chen Jitang with an unbelievable expression in front of him.The combat staff officer continued: "This time, our Cantonese army may have been fooled by the central government...according to the news. The real strength of the National Defense Force is far beyond what we know. The army. It also has an air force and navy whose combat effectiveness is not inferior to that of Japan and other powers. This time, our Cantonese army has mentioned the iron plate..."

After speaking, the combat staff officer directly sent the latest information about the National Defense Forces to Chen Jitang.

After reading the telegram, the last hope in Chen Jitang's heart was instantly shattered, and his face was gradually shrouded in despair.Facing the subordinates standing in front of him, he muttered to himself: "It's over, we're over...I really didn't expect that I, Chen Jitang, would be invisible. I have provoked such a big enemy..."

After finishing speaking, he asked loudly to the subordinates in front of him: "Bastard, since you already know that the National Defense Forces cannot be bullied, why didn't you report earlier... Now that the National Defense Forces are bullying you, tell me how to solve this predicament. We know that the Navy and Army of the Wehrmacht have moved to our side and may attack us at any time...."

"Negotiations, immediately negotiate with the National Defense Forces... through negotiations to resolve the current military dispute. Even if you pay a certain price, it will not be too late..." the adjutant subconsciously replied.

The deputy chief of staff standing next to the adjutant followed closely and said: "Commander-in-Chief, negotiation is one aspect. In addition to negotiation, we must also be prepared to fight... If the National Defense Forces do not agree to the negotiation. Our Cantonese Army must Be prepared to resist the invasion of the National Defense Forces. After all, Guangdong Province is already the last territory of our Guangdong Army. I can't afford to lose..."

"However, for the smooth progress of the negotiations, we must immediately show the sincerity of our Cantonese army to the National Defense Forces and order the front-line offensive troops to retreat immediately. Avoid contact with the National Defense Forces. At the same time, order the instructors stationed outside Guangzhou to be the first The regiment must pay attention to restraint and not cause unnecessary fighting..."

Faced with the powerful strength of the National Defense Forces shown in the intelligence, and facing the several destroyers cruising around the city of Guangzhou that might attack him at any time, Chen Jitang had already panicked. After listening to the suggestion of the deputy chief of staff, he almost didn't think He opened his mouth and reported: "The deputy chief of staff is right, I completely agree, immediately give orders to the frontline troops according to what you just said, quickly..."

"Yes, Commander-in-Chief..."

After the deputy chief of staff left the office with a solemn expression, the slightly panicked expression on Chen Jitang's face showed no sign of calming down.In his eyes, even if the National Defense Force agrees to negotiate with him, several National Defense Force destroyers cruising around the city of Guangzhou have already advanced to the National Defense Army army around the city of Guangzhou.It was still like a sharp knife hanging over his head, giving him a fatal blow at any time, so that he had no room to fight back.

As a local warlord who was able to do a job well in the Republic of China and had an army of [-] in his hands.Although Chen Jitang has courage, behind the courage, he must first leave a way out for himself.Once the National Defense Forces do not agree to negotiate with him, once the Cantonese Army is defeated during the battle, what should he do...

Before the battle started, Chen Jitang, the commander-in-chief of the Cantonese Army, began to have this idea, which would undoubtedly have a huge impact on the morale of the entire Cantonese Army.However, as the commander-in-chief of the Guangdong Army, Chen Jitang had to go this way. As for the specific reason, Chen Jitang himself was to blame.

In Chen Jitang's eyes, Guangzhou City, as the hinterland of Guangdong Province, is far away from the Central Plains. Coupled with the naval fleet he owns, it is impossible for him to receive threats from major local forces in the country and the central government.

Under such circumstances, the three armies under the control of the Guangdong Army were all dispersed and deployed by Chen Jitang in northern Guangdong, eastern Guangdong, and western Guangdong. Only instructors directly under the General Command of the Guangdong Army were stationed, with less than 6000 troops.

In non-war years, there is absolutely no problem in maintaining the law and order in Guangzhou City with 6000 elites.However, once the city of Guangzhou is attacked, the [-] instructors may not even be able to deploy a complete line of defense around the city of Guangzhou.

That is to say, once the negotiation fails and Guangzhou City is attacked by the National Defense Forces, it is absolutely impossible to establish a complete line of defense outside the city and defend Guangzhou City with the help of the instructors stationed in Guangzhou City.At that time, the entire Guangdong Army Command will be attacked by the National Defense Forces and paralyzed.

Before the [-] Cantonese troops of the three main forces participated in the battle, the Cantonese Army headquarters under their command disappeared under the attack of the National Defense Forces... This is definitely not the result that Chen Jitang, the commander-in-chief of the Cantonese Army, wanted to see.

therefore.With the safety of his life and the threat to the headquarters of the Cantonese Army, Chen Jitang's first thought was to immediately move the headquarters to the [-]-strong Cantonese Army.In the event that negotiations are not going well.Command the troops to fight a good battle with the National Defense Forces instead of defending Guangzhou City.Turn yourself and the entire command into fat on the chopping block, and let the Wehrmacht handle it.

However, what Chen Jitang did not expect was that in the case of a serious shortage of troops, he, as the commander-in-chief of the Guangdong Army, took the lead to leave Guangzhou City. The remaining troops stationed in Guangzhou City still had the morale and confidence to continue to stick to Guangzhou City. Will the Wehrmacht, with superior military strength and superior firepower, fight to the death?

More importantly, Chen Jitang and the entire Guangdong Army Command left Guangzhou City.Impossible without troops for protection.Once Chen Jitang took away an infantry regiment, the defenders in the entire city of Guangzhou would drop by one-third directly, and the defenders' strength would become even scarcer.

Of course, when his own life and the safety of the Cantonese Army Command were threatened, Chen Jitang would not think about these issues, nor did he want to think about them.Because, only after their own safety and the safety of the headquarters are guaranteed, can the entire Guangdong Army have more capital to negotiate with the National Defense Forces.Even fighting.

Under the watchful eyes of the adjutant, Chen Jitang ordered decisively after 5 minutes of contemplation: "Adjutant, immediately notify all the staff members of the headquarters, and prepare for retreat immediately... I will give everyone half an hour to prepare. After half an hour, we must Withdrew from Guangzhou City and went to Zhaoqing to continue commanding troops to fight..."

The adjutant nodded silently.Continue to ask: "Commander-in-Chief, the General Headquarters will go to Zhaoqing to command the battle. I don't know which unit you plan to train the instructor to escort along the way... After all, the distance between Guangzhou City and Zhaoqing is still hundreds of kilometers. Not enough The security forces are escorting, and the security of the headquarters is likely to be threatened..."

"The teacher's first regiment is stationed outside the city of Guangzhou. It is too late to transfer to the city. The third regiment of the teacher is stationed around the headquarters. There is no need to make preparations. It can set off immediately.... Immediately order the third regiment of the teacher to prepare for departure guards Prepare to go to Zhaoqing with the headquarters..."

"Teacher one or two regiments, under the unified command of the instructor teacher, to defend the city of Guangzhou..."

The headquarters of the Cantonese Army plus the corresponding logistics staff is 600 people, plus more than 500 people from the third regiment of instructors, a total of [-] people left Guangzhou City. Even if Chen Jitang wanted to hide, he would not possible.

Therefore, as soon as Chen Jitang withdrew from Guangzhou City, a rumor began to spread in Guangzhou City: "The National Defense Forces are about to attack Guangzhou City, and Chen Jitang, the commander-in-chief of the Cantonese Army, fled without a fight and has already abandoned Guangzhou City... .”

"What, it's impossible for Chen Jitang to abandon the city of Guangzhou... Besides, everyone knows that the National Defense Forces are stationed outside the customs and in Shandong Province, so how could they appear in Guangdong Province, which is thousands of miles away..."

"You don't know this. If you don't believe it, you can go to the river to see. The naval fleet of the National Defense Force has already approached Guangzhou City and may launch artillery shells at Guangzhou City at any time. As for the National Defense Army Army, it has already landed from the Guangdong Navy Naval Port. Now, a regiment of elite National Defense Forces has approached the city of Guangzhou, and may launch an attack on the city of Guangzhou at any time..."

As these rumors spread like a plague in Guangzhou, hundreds of thousands of people in Guangzhou immediately became panicked.Some wealthy businessmen in Guangzhou, who were too deeply involved with the Cantonese Army, faced the rumors that became more and more true, faced with the destroyers of the National Defense Forces cruising in the Pearl River, and faced with the fact that Chen Jitang had evacuated Guangzhou City, they directly began to prepare for the evacuation of Guangzhou City. Before the National Defense Forces actually entered Guangzhou City, they withdrew from Guangzhou City.

As for the [-]st and [-]nd Regiment of Instructors left by Chen Jitang in Guangzhou City, especially the [-]st Regiment of the Instructors of the Cantonese Army that was confronting the two battalions of the Marine Brigade, after learning that Chen Jitang had already evacuated Guangzhou City, Guangzhou City was about to be destroyed. After the news that the brothers in the same trench had been abandoned by Chen Jitang.The morale of the entire army plummeted to the bottom.

Even in the face of the continuous encouragement of the chief, some instructors, officers and soldiers who live in Guangzhou and are deeply afraid of being implicated, are already prepared in their hearts to retreat at any time and take off their military uniforms.

Facing the already chaotic troops, the commander of the first battalion walked into the headquarters with an almost livid face.Then, he complained to the commander in front of him, who also had an ugly face: "Tuan Zuo, this battle is almost impossible...Now the brothers are rumoring that the commander-in-chief has abandoned Guangzhou City, and we who were left in Guangzhou City have already Become an abandoned child in the hands of the commander-in-chief. Today, I came here rashly, just to confirm whether the commander-in-chief really abandoned us... You know, the soldiers of the National Defense Forces standing in front of us are not only equipped with a dozen unstoppable armored vehicles The chariot is also equipped with dozens of large and small mountain artillery. If the commander-in-chief has really abandoned Guangzhou City and us, then there is no need for the National Defense Forces to attack, just one artillery fire, and the soldiers will completely collapse..."

The head of the regiment who also looked very ugly replied: "First battalion commander, to be honest, I don't know what the commander-in-chief thinks. After the commander-in-chief sent us a sticking telegram before leaving, we lost contact. …”

Hearing the leader's answer, the last hope in the first battalion commander's heart was immediately shattered, and he said to the leader with a look of despair: "Your regiment, you still don't understand such a clear thing... To put it bluntly, we people are all defeated by the commander." The commander was abandoned... You have seen the equipment of the National Defense Forces. With such powerful firepower and assault capabilities, what is the difference between leaving us to defend Guangzhou City and sending us to death. Commander-in-Chief, since the commander-in-chief no longer wants Guangzhou City, why should we Still want to stay here to die...retreat, for ourselves and for the more than 1000 brothers under us, is it possible that the regiment will just watch us be buried in the attack of the National Defense Forces for no reason." (To be continued...)