Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 553 The Final Battle That Will Decide Fate? Chu Yunfei, Lost in Thought! (Please Subscribe)
The interrogation room was somewhat dimly lit.

Sun Ming slowly and methodically organized the intelligence he had collected.

The big-faced officer Liu Ruiyang stood aside and whispered the situation: "This gang of bandits previously operated in an area that covered the entire western Henan and even the southern Henan region. They were the largest band of mountain bandits in the area, covering several hundred kilometers."

"The leader is called Li San. Because he fought against local troops for many years and managed to survive, he earned the nickname 'Sky Leopard'."

"As for the other bandits in western Henan, they are mostly itinerant bandits who at most harass the local people, but would never dare to attack military vehicles."

"Continue the investigation."

Sun Ming tossed the materials onto the table and waited quietly.

Liu Ruiyang nodded slowly, signaling his men to continue greeting the guests.

Sun Ming closed his eyes and rested, leaning back in his chair.

In the distance, the shrill screams and curses of Li San and his companions could be heard incessantly.

Not a moment.

A soft snoring sound came from inside.

Liu Ruiyang looked thoughtfully at Sun Ming in the chair.

Goodness, I have no idea how tired I am.

It's unbelievable that I could sleep in a place like this.

"Boss Liu, shall we continue the interrogation?"

"Interrogate him. We must find out everything. Let him tell us things we've never heard of before."

"Yes!"

As the interrogation continued...

Sun Ming was also very distressed.

After another three hours, there was still no progress.

He turned his head to look at Li San in the interrogation room.

Optimus Prime has been tortured into becoming like Hakimi.

They recruited a lot of people, but none of them brought anything of value.

"Commander Sun, from what he said, it seems that the person who was in charge of liaising with the Japanese and the people from Yamashiro was that small-eyed clerk."

Sun Ming felt somewhat helpless upon hearing this and immediately turned around to ask, "What about the advisor?"

Liu Ruiyang shrugged, looking somewhat helpless: "They were blown up."

"Why bring this up when you know he was blown up? Do you think you can piece him back together and make him talk?"

Liu Ruiyang, who was in charge of the interrogation, smiled awkwardly and did not reply.

Sun Ming said with a hint of helplessness, "Keep interrogating him. It doesn't matter if he lives or dies. Let's see if he can give us what we want."

"This humble servant is dull-witted and does not know what Commander Sun wants him to say?"

Use your brain more.

"Yes Yes Yes."

"Commander Sun, are you going to report on your work first?"

"Your Excellency is waiting; who would dare to be negligent?"

Liu Ruiyang escorted Sun Ming all the way to the gate of the Fifth War Zone prison.

Only after Sun Ming had gone far away did they set off to return.

Today it is today.

The battle at Baiyun Mountain ended two days ago.

With the support of the air force, the 125th Division of the Sichuan Army suffered more than 200 casualties before successfully encircling and annihilating the nearly 2,000 bandits of Baiyun Mountain.

It is conceivable that these bandits active in the Henan region had already become quite influential.

Suppressing bandits in Baiyun Mountain.

It wasn't a large-scale operation, but it mobilized an entire Sichuan Army infantry division.

Clearly, this was from Li Zongren's perspective.

The bandits of Baiyun Mountain are no longer something the local security forces can handle.

We must strike hard and deploy our main forces.

Logically speaking, it would be difficult for Li Zongren to explain why he did not send troops to suppress the bandits, but Tang Enbo happened to be stationed in the surrounding area.

Everyone knew that Li Zongren couldn't command Tang Enbo.

Neither Chu Yunfei nor Chang Ruiyuan could possibly use this objective fact to justify their actions.

What surprised everyone most was when the battlefield was cleaned up.

Even Chu Yunfei was quite shocked.

Although he was well aware that the bandit problem in Henan was quite serious.

The size and number of this bandit army can also be clearly seen from the three-dimensional combat map.

It was just a small number of a few thousand people.

They actually accumulated such an astonishing amount of wealth on Baiyun Mountain.

According to Sun Ming and his team's inventory and estimation, the stockpiled gold, silver, jewelry, and other items amounted to nearly four million yuan in national currency.

Among them was 500,000 silver dollars.

Converted to current purchasing power, it's roughly $800,000, equivalent to arming a US-equipped infantry regiment.
These things certainly couldn't have been obtained by robbing ordinary people, as Henan was a notoriously poor region during the Republic of China era.

If it really came from scraping the ground.

Kong Xiangxi had to admit defeat when facing Li San.

In addition, a large number of rifles and light machine guns were seized, and even four grenade launchers were found.

Judging from the serial number and production year alone, it should be a new product that was just produced in recent years.

It is obvious that the Japanese were involved in this.

It's just unclear how the Japanese learned about Zhao Pengcheng and his group's itinerary.

"Little Li."

"Yes, sir, please give your orders."

Chu Yunfei handed the document in his hand to the guard beside him: "Have someone deliver this to Commander Li and pass on a message for me, saying that I'd like to ask for his opinion and see if there are any problems with the distribution of the spoils of war."

"Yes!"

Chu Yunfei after completing the initial distribution of the spoils.

It was immediately buried again in another document.

This document contains recommendations for reorganizing the 22nd Group Army of the Sichuan Army.

Wang Shijun ultimately chose to believe Chu Yunfei.

He then reported his idea to Sun Zhen, the commander-in-chief of the 22nd Army Group of the Sichuan Army.

After hesitating for two days, Sun Zhen...

Ultimately, a decision was made, and a secret telegram was sent to Chu Yunfei.

In short, they tried to trust Chu Yunfei and believed that he would give them the respect they deserved.

originally.

This matter will be handled by Zhao Pengcheng.

Chu Yunfei was in charge of overseeing the entire operation.

Currently, Zhao Pengcheng is still lying in a military hospital due to his injuries.

Chu Yunfei could only work non-stop, and he barely slept for two days.

Doing everything personally is a huge test for his body.

"Cough cough cough~!"

I heard a familiar cough coming from inside the room.

Sun Ming, who had just returned to the headquarters, also felt a pang of anxiety.

He immediately strode forward and pushed open the door: "Your Excellency, it's me."

Chu Yunfei quickly looked up at him, "Sun Ming, how did the interrogation go?"

From Sun Ming's perspective, Chu Yunfei's dark circles looked rather heavy at this moment.

His whole body exuded a sense of exhaustion.

It's very likely that he hasn't slept for a long time.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, Li San's testimony points to the Japanese army and the mountain city, but when we were investigating, we were missing a key witness."

Upon hearing Sun Ming's words, Chu Yunfei immediately asked, "Dead?"

Sun Ming nodded: "He died from a stray bullet while attacking the mountain, and was later hit by artillery fire. His body was never found."

"According to Li San's confession, we sent people to the wooden cabin where the so-called special envoy was supposedly staying, but both the body and the clues had been burned to ashes in the fire." "We were unable to find any relevant clues on the mountain."

"Clearly, the people behind this don't want us to investigate further."

"Should we consider investigating from the perspective of intelligence leakage? If we follow that direction, things will become clearer."

Chu Yunfei nodded: "Let Rui'an investigate. This matter is probably much more complicated than we think. We can't let this affect our military reform progress."

What troubled the two of them the most was not just the lack of clues.

Rather, no one can rule out suspicion.

The Japanese army was naturally pleased to see Chu Yunfei mired in the quagmire of factional struggles in the Fifth War Zone.

It would be best to delay the reorganization work in the Fifth War Zone as much as possible.

This way, they will have more breathing room.

Shanxi Province.

Yan Laoxi orchestrated this attack, perfectly exploiting Chu Yunfei's protective nature.

This opportunity allows us to send troops from the Second War Zone to other war zones, thereby increasing the influence of the Second War Zone and the Shanxi region.

In addition, the Fifth Theater Command could not rule out suspicion.

Whether it was the local Sichuan Army or the Northwest Army.

Even the Jiangling Army of the Northeast Army, whom Chu Yunfei had not yet visited.

Even the Fifth War Zone Command, represented by Li Zongren, the Guangxi clique.

All of these could potentially push this matter forward.

They even formed a tacit understanding.

After all, Chu Yunfei was doing a job that offended everyone.

No one can guarantee that Chu Yunfei's reorganization won't affect their military power.

As for the mountain city...

There are far too many people who would love to see Chu Yunfei suffer a setback.

Chen Cixiu, He Yingqin, and even other war zone commanders were essentially competitors with Chu Yunfei.

They are, in a sense, rivals.

Especially as He Yingqin gradually lost power, Chen Cixiu regarded himself as his number one enemy.

Just thinking about this made Chu Yunfei's head ache.

There are still too few people we have available.

Military affairs in the Second World War zone were very busy.

The people I trained back then are basically all busy with important tasks.

Zhuo Tianyu was the only one who was relatively free.

He even sent him to study at the Army University.

This resulted in him only having Zhao Pengcheng and Sun Ming as truly capable individuals.

"Your Excellency, are you really planning to prioritize the reorganization of the Sichuan Army?"

Chu Yunfei nodded slowly: "We originally planned to prioritize adjusting the Second Army Group, but we've run into this situation."

"The Second Group Army is slightly stronger in combat capability than the 22nd Group Army of the Sichuan Army."

"Moreover, they are currently on the front line of the fight against the enemy. I am worried that if the news is leaked, the Japanese army may use it as a pretext to launch a targeted attack."

"understood."

"This is a list of personnel in various positions in the Sichuan Army, along with their backgrounds, education, and combat experience."

Chu Yunfei rubbed his slightly throbbing temples: "This matter should have been handled by Pengcheng, but he is currently recovering in the hospital, so I have no choice but to let you take charge."

Sun Ming nodded slowly: "The situation of the Sichuan Army is quite complicated. It will probably take at least half a month to summarize and readjust. Moreover, if possible, it would be best to communicate and discuss directly with Commander Sun Zhen."

"Okay, I'll let them know, and you can go directly to the post."

"Yes!"

Chu Yunfei then added, "Be careful after you get there. We're already a thorn in the side of many people, and no one knows where the danger will come from. We need to be extra careful about the food we eat."

"Your Excellency, has something happened?"

Chu Yunfei nodded slowly: "A guard company soldier sacrificed his life as a result. The entire Fifth War Zone Command is currently conducting a round-the-clock search. Nobody knows whether they can catch him or not."

Sun Ming said with some helplessness: "People used to say that our Second War Zone Command Headquarters had become the Japanese's home base, and now the Fifth War Zone Command Headquarters is the same way."

"If this were at the very beginning of a war, it would be understandable for these people to have opportunistic motives. But now that we have a complete strategic advantage, these people..."

As Sun Ming spoke, he sighed, "Going down a path to the bitter end..."

"Those who betray their country and nation, no matter who they are, do not deserve sympathy or respect."

Chu Yunfei put down his pen and emphasized with a serious expression: "This kind of person is my enemy, Chu Yunfei's enemy, your enemy Sun Ming's enemy, and the enemy of all the soldiers of our National Revolutionary Army."

"Yes, Your Excellency, I understand!"
-
Towards Siam.

Bangkok, inside the headquarters of the Japanese Army's Thai-Burma Area Army.

Commander General Terauchi Hisaichi stood with his hands behind his back, like a silent stone statue, before the huge battle map.

On the map, the blue arrows representing the Chinese Expeditionary Force have been marked with their respective attack directions.

obviously.

The Japanese army was aware of Du Yuming's approximate attack direction and battle plan.

"Report!" A combat staff officer strode in, his voice trembling slightly with urgency: "The third and fifth battalions of my border garrison have made contact with the vanguard of the Southern Route Army of the Chinese Army!"

The enemy's artillery fire was exceptionally fierce, our troops suffered heavy losses, and the defensive line was on the verge of collapse!

Terauchi Hisaichi didn't turn around, but simply let out a muffled "Hmm" from his nose.

Another intelligence officer rushed in: "Commander!"

"According to the intelligence that our undercover agents risked their lives to transmit, Du Yuming, the commander-in-chief of the Southern Route Army of China, has moved his command post forward to the Mawlamyine line!"
Its Fifth and Thirteenth Corps are continuously assembling towards our border. The United States now has two armored brigades in Myanmar, and they are very likely to serve as the main force for the next assault on our defenses.

"enough."

Terauchi Hisaichi finally spoke slowly, his voice hoarse and tired, yet carrying an undeniable authority.

He turned around, his bloodshot eyes sweeping over all the panicked officers in the command post.

Lieutenant General Haruki Isayama, Chief of Staff of the Thai-Burma Army, stepped forward and solemnly advised, "Commander, the Chinese army is at its peak, while our army has just suffered a defeat and morale is low. In my humble opinion, we should temporarily avoid their advance and consolidate our forces."

"Temporarily avoid their attack?"

Terauchi Hisaichi sneered and interrupted him: "King Isayama, tell me, where else can we retreat to?"

"Are we just going to retreat to the outskirts of Bangkok and wait for Chinese soldiers and American tanks to roll right up to our noses?"

Terauchi Hisaichi slowly walked to the battle sand table: "Does Chu Yunfei think that he can completely drive the Imperial Japanese Army out of Southeast Asia with just a few local victories?"

"He underestimates me, Terauchi Hisaichi, and he overestimates himself!"

A fierce, wolf-like glint rekindled in Terauchi Hisaichi's eyes.

He knew perfectly well that simply defending and retreating would only lead to being devoured by the expeditionary force.

Since there is no way to retreat, then we will not retreat!

He turned abruptly, his baton pointing like a sharp sword at the mountain defense line on the map, located in northern Siam and blocking the expeditionary force's route.

"Banlong and Dafu line!"

PS: As shown in the picture.

Terauchi Hisaichi's voice suddenly rose, filled with the madness and determination of a gambler: "This is the graveyard of the Chinese army!"

He drew a clear red line on the map with his baton: "Gentlemen, please look!"

"Banlong is located at a mountain pass, with insurmountable cliffs on both sides, and only a narrow dirt road is passable."

"The Chinese army's tanks and heavy artillery are completely useless here! They can only line up like a long snake and crawl into the pocket we've prepared for them!"

“And Dafu.”

His baton moved backward and pointed to a town southeast of Banlong Pass, "This is the only water source and transportation hub in the area."

If we can maintain control of this area, our main force can outflank them from the mountains on both sides, cutting off their retreat and completely trapping them in this rainforest!

"This is a natural, perfect meat grinder!"

Terauchi Hisaichi's face revealed a ferocious smile: "Du Yuming wants to be a hero, a hero who conquered Siam?"

"Then I will stay here and prepare the grandest funeral for him!"

"Give me the order!"

Terauchi Hisaichi's gaze swept over every officer present, his voice quite calm: "Order! All retreating troops, immediately halt your advance! According to the original battle plan, in units of divisions, assemble at full speed along the Banlong-Tapu line!"

"Order the 18th Division, the 33rd Division, and all other units still capable of fighting."

"Construct fortifications on the spot, dig deep trenches, and take advantage of the terrain to block and delay the pursuing Chinese troops."

Terauchi Hisashi paused, a mad glint in his eyes: "This battle will be a strategic decisive battle that will determine the fate of the entire Southeast Asia!"

(End of this chapter)