Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Shexian County is located on the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains.

On the county road leading to Changhan Highway.

At this moment, the place is packed with people, and the sound of gongs and drums fills the air.

Upon receiving the notification, local residents, young and old, rushed from villages and towns all around.

They converge on both sides of the highway.

They waved all sorts of small flags in their hands.

His face was beaming with a genuine, simple, and warm smile.

They were waiting, waiting for a heroic army about to be deployed to the front lines—the 7th Army Group, the 61st Army!
Chen Changjie was even hailed by the media as an ever-victorious general.

The propaganda team organized by the Changzhi local propaganda department set up a stage by the roadside early on.

Behind the stage was a huge banner that had been made overnight.

"A warm farewell to the soldiers of the 61st Army as they embark on their mission to fight against the Japanese and achieve new merits!"

"The army supports the people, the people support the army, the army and the people are of one mind, who in the world can defeat us!"

The atmosphere was built to its peak.

Around 10 a.m.

Amidst the expectant gazes of everyone, a long steel dragon finally appeared at the end of the highway.

The soldiers of the 61st Army were dressed in brand-new grass-green uniforms, with the elite infantry regiment at the front wearing steel helmets.

Shouldering gleaming Shanxi-made Type 65 rifles, they marched in with orderly and vigorous steps, a grand and imposing procession.

They were originally composed of soldiers from Shanxi, Suiyuan and other places.

I already felt incredibly warm and pleased with the support of my hometown folks.

now.

Seeing this enthusiastic farewell scene, every soldier involuntarily straightened their back even higher.

Long live the Chinese nation!

Down with Japanese fraternalism!

Someone in the crowd was the first to start shouting slogans.

Instantly, a thunderous roar of slogans echoed throughout the entire valley.

The people brought boiled eggs, baked flatbreads, and sewn insoles.

They desperately tried to cram the troops into the marching ranks.

Although the soldiers were strictly disciplined and could not accept anything from the people, their faces still wore excited and proud smiles.

There were several young soldiers.

Even the enthusiastic atmosphere was so infectious that her eyes welled up with tears.

They felt a surge of heat rush from the soles of their feet to the top of their heads.

The pace of my feet quickened involuntarily.

I wish I could fly to the battlefield immediately and crush those damned Japanese devils, leaving them utterly defeated and without a single survivor!

And it was amidst this scene of deep bond between the military and the people, and of enthusiastic celebration.

No one noticed.

In an inconspicuous corner of the crowd, a man dressed in ordinary peasant clothes and wearing a tattered straw hat was silently observing everything with his cold, venomous eyes hidden under the brim of the hat.

He was also waving a small colorful flag in his hand, and his face was also beaming with a warm smile.

But in his mind, he was rapidly calculating the number of troops, their equipment, and their marching speed.

After the last of the main force disappeared around the corner of the road.

Then the man quietly turned around and squeezed out of the crowd.

They quickly disappeared into the distance.

Half an hour later, a top-secret, encrypted message was sent to Beiping via a secret radio hidden in a cave.

……

North China Front Army Headquarters.

Upon receiving this intelligence report from a Japanese spy in Shexian County, the duty officer of the intelligence department dared not be negligent for even a moment.

He didn't even have time to verify or confirm it a second time before sending the intelligence to the desk of the army commander, Okamura Yasuji, immediately.

Because everyone knows that this is exactly what Lord Okamura Neiji is most worried about right now!
Dang Dang Dang.

Rapid footsteps sounded.

"report!"

The intelligence officer barged into the office without even getting permission from Okamura Yasuji.

He noticed that Okamura Neiji's gaze was fixed on him.

The intelligence officer quickly stood at attention, bowed slightly, and held up the telegram with both hands: "Commander, we have just received the latest secret report!"

Okamura Yasuji did not blame the intelligence officer for his panic.

He grabbed the telegram.

He glanced at it once, and his expression changed drastically.

"Secret report: The main force of the 7th Army Group of the Chinese Army, the 61st Army, set off from Shexian this morning and is currently marching in a high-profile manner to the front line in Handan."

"Its troop strength is estimated to be at least 10,000, well-equipped, and in high spirits."

"The Seventh Army Group, Fu Yisheng's troops have also arrived?"

The Seventh Army Group made significant contributions to the anti-bandit operations in Northwest China.

Their main force remained in the Northwest for a year in order to suppress the bandits in the region.

Previous reports indicated that the 61st Army had departed from Suiyuan and deployed to the area surrounding Changzhi.

However, it did not participate in any of the previous battles.

The North China Front Army consistently assessed it as having lost its combat capability.

Now, not only have all the main forces of the 61st Army been mobilized, but their equipment also seems to have been completely upgraded.

His telegram requesting a transfer was still under review by headquarters.

Moreover, troops were transferred from outside the pass to the front lines.

Even if the railway is running smoothly, it will still take three days.

Shexian County is located near Handan.
Okamura Neiji immediately rushed to the map and stared intently at the location of "Shexian".

If Chen Changjie's fresh troops really do enter the battlefield from this direction...

Therefore, his already stretched forces, deployed in front of Handan, would inevitably be insufficient.

obviously.

In order to capture Handan.

In order to win this decisive battle in North China.

It appears that the Nationalist army in North China has mobilized all available troops.

House seemingly endless rain.

Just as Okamura Neiji was feeling terrified by this sudden turn of events.

Another one.

Another urgent battle report was also sent over.

"Report: The enemy forces in front of us, the 24th Division of the 76th Army of the Chinese Army, have ceased their infiltration into our flank. They have now turned around and are maneuvering at high speed towards the rear of our 8th Division, along the Guangzong-Pingxiang line. Their intention seems to be to cut off the rear of our 8th Division!"

"Nani?"

If Fu Zuoyi's actions made him feel threatened...

Therefore, the movement of the 24th Division directly exposed Chu Yunfei's overall combat intentions.

The 8th Division, the unit commanded by Shizuo Yokoyama.

It is the core and pillar of his entire Handan defense system!

It was also an indispensable main force of the North China Front Army.

Once the Eighth Division's retreat was cut off, it was surrounded.

Then, the entire Handan front will collapse!

Okamura Neiji felt a wave of dizziness.

He knew he couldn't afford to lose anymore.

The army of our brother country can no longer afford to lose.

The crushing defeat of Pyinmana.

This has already made General Staff completely disappointed with the Army.

If he were to lose the 8th Division, an elite force drawn from the Kwantung Army, in North China as well.

Then.

What awaits him is not just a simple dismissal.

He will become a sinner for all time in the entire Great Japan!
In an instant, fear gripped his throat like an invisible hand.

Okamura Neiji did not lack the desire to make thorough preparations in advance, but unfortunately, his forces were completely insufficient.

In particular, the fighting against the US military continues in the Pacific theater.

It was thought that with these nearly 300,000 Japanese and puppet troops, they could barely maintain a strategic balance.

But now it seems.

Okamura Neiji realized he was wrong.

The rapid deterioration of the Nationalist government's finances did not seem to affect the Nationalist army troops in North China.

They were already at a complete disadvantage, and it seemed they had fallen into a trap carefully set by Chu Yunfei.

The Japanese army in North China had completely lost the initiative on the battlefield!

"withdraw?"

A humiliating thought.

For the first time, it popped into Okamura Neiji's mind.

Perhaps, the wisest choice would be to proactively abandon Handan, consolidate forces, and retreat to Pingjin.
-

Soon, Chu Yunfei arranged for Fang Ligong to return to Longcheng to coordinate the transportation of strategic materials.

After a good night's rest, he began to take full control of the battlefield.

One after another, incredibly precise orders flew from the command center to every corner of the battlefield like snowflakes.

"Order: The 14th Reserve Division under Jiang Jinpeng (Party Affairs Department) must capture the enemy's Hill 114.3 by 3 PM today. The enemy forces on this hill are approximately a company size, and their firing positions should be located on the southeastern hillside. Take precautions to avoid them."

"Order: The 14th Reserve Division under Han Yunxiang (graduates of the Whampoa Military Academy) shall directly attack the city."

"Order: The 16th Reserve Division, under the command of Wu Dadan (a veteran of the Jin Army who once served as the commander of the guard regiment), shall infiltrate northward along the Xiaoqing River."

……

These orders were detailed down to each and every regiment.

The document clearly states not only the objectives of the attack but also the latest completion time.

The frontline commanders who received these orders were initially shocked, then overjoyed.

Everybody knows.

This is a signal that Commander Chu has fully accepted command of the battle.

In an instant, the offensive pace of the entire North China Joint Command accelerated dramatically!

What was originally a protracted and brutal battle has turned into a series of precise and efficient "surgical" strikes.

The National Revolutionary Army's shells always "accidentally" hit the Japanese army's most critical command posts and ammunition depots.

The National Revolutionary Army's charges always seemed to "just happen" to appear at the weakest points in the Japanese defenses.

Under Chu Yunfei's micro-management, which could be described as "divine insight".

The Japanese defenses began to crumble and be breached inch by inch.

In particular, the 76th Army was under the greatest pressure.

Li Tiejun received news that Fu Zuoyi's troops were about to "steal credit".

After receiving such "nanny-level" command from Chu Yunfei.

I will never dare to be negligent or selfish again.

He commanded his troops and launched the most intense general offensive since the start of the war!

The 8th Division, a former elite unit of the Kwantung Army.

Under the frenzied and relentless attacks of the 76th Army, which seemed to be on steroids, the enemy suffered repeated defeats and heavy casualties.

They had no choice but to once again shrink their defensive line to the due north.

The vast majority of their troops were even holed up inside the city of Handan.

Under Chu Yunfei's micro-management, the Eighth Division suffered repeated defeats.

The whole thing is in a state of barely surviving.

Meanwhile, in the direction of Anyang, the 12th Army, commanded by Sun Tongxuan, arrived.

The overall situation on the battlefield has undergone a fundamental reversal.

The arrival of fresh troops gave the frontline forces a greater advantage in manpower.

This former Northwest Army unit is now barely managing to retain seven-tenths of its strength.

Chi Fengcheng, Ma Fawu, and Sun Tongxuan were three units that all had the blood of the Northwest Army flowing through their veins.

Under Chu Yunfei's unified command, for the first time, they formed a powerful force.

They launched a full-scale counterattack against their direct enemy, the elite 5th Division of the Japanese army, and the newly formed puppet 5th Army that had just defected!
……

Anyang Frontline, Provisional Command Post of the Eastern Expeditionary Column.

Ding Wei, Kong Jie, and Li Yunlong, three old comrades-in-arms, were arguing endlessly around a simple map.

"I think we should know when to stop!"

Kong Jie pointed to the map and said with a serious expression, "Our mission is to launch a night attack on the Japanese flank, create an opportunity for friendly forces, and then switch to a defensive posture."

"Now, we have exceeded expectations in this mission. The Japanese 7th Independent Mixed Brigade has been crippled by us, and the offensive of the 5th Division has also been contained."

Since we have not received any further attack orders, we should remain in place, consolidate our positions, and observe the situation.

Ding Wei nodded in agreement.

"What Lao Kong said makes sense."

"Never pursue a desperate enemy; this is a cardinal sin in warfare. Although the Japanese 5th Division has temporarily retreated, its main force is still intact."

“If we pursue them too closely, they might turn around and bite us.”

"If we were to venture too far into enemy territory and get surrounded, it would be a huge loss."

However, after hearing this, Li Yunlong slammed his hand on the table and glared with his bull-like eyes.

"Bullshit! What the hell is this 'don't pursue a cornered enemy' nonsense!"

He pointed to the map.

The red arrow representing the Japanese 5th Division was retreating.

Li Yunlong paused for a moment, glared at his two old comrades, as if he was organizing his thoughts.

Then, spitting as he spoke, he exclaimed, "Look at this! How can this be considered a desperate enemy?"

"This is clearly a mad dog whose leg we broke. It's not that it doesn't want to bite, it's that it can't bite anymore!"

"Even if the combat effectiveness of three armies is poor, they still have a lot of men fighting. With 30,000 guns chasing after him, what kind of power can he possibly retaliate?"

"Isn't this the perfect opportunity for us to kick a dog when it's down?"

"A chance to win is fleeting!"

"If we can join forces with Chi Fengcheng and Ma Fawu's troops and charge forward in one go, even if we can't annihilate the Fifth Division, we can at least cripple it and severely damage it."

Li Yunlong looked at Ding Wei and Kong Jie, his eyes burning with an almost frenzied desire for victory.

"Think about it! When have we ever had such a rich and powerful battle before?"

"Back then, that Sakata Regiment, a single damn regiment, was able to break through the defenses of an entire army group."

"Now, we have the opportunity to cripple and defeat an elite Class A division of the Japanese army!"

"What is this concept?"

"This is an opportunity for our Eighth Route Army to once again make a name for itself in North China and even the whole country!"

"'The Eastern Expeditionary Column defeated the Fifth Division' and 'The Eastern Expeditionary Column assisted friendly forces in repelling the Fifth Division's attack'—these are two completely different concepts!"

"If we win this battle, who will dare to look down on our Eighth Route Army in the future?"

"Who dares to say that we only know how to hide in the mountains and fight guerrilla warfare?"

His words were so inspiring that they made Ding Wei and Kong Jie somewhat tempted.

However, Ding Wei was ultimately the supreme commander of this operation.

He had to be responsible for the safety of the entire column.

Launching such a large-scale pursuit operation without orders from superiors is a serious violation of discipline.

Just as he was hesitating and struggling with his conscience.

A communications soldier lifted the tent flap and handed over an urgent telegram that had just been received!
Ding Wei glanced at the end of the telegram.

Chu Yunfei, North China Joint Command.

Ding Wei's heart skipped a beat.

He then unfolded the telegram and quickly read it through.

Then he also raised his head quite quickly.

Looking at Li Yunlong and Kong Jie, who also looked nervous, he revealed a wild and excited smile.

He slammed the telegram heavily on the table.

"There's no need to argue."

"Chief Advisor Chu has already made the decision for us."

The orders on the telegram were concise yet powerful.

"Order: The 12th Army under Sun Tongxuan, the 30th Army under Chi Fengcheng, the 40th Army under Ma Fawu, and the Guizhou Eastern Expeditionary Column, immediately launch a full-scale counter-offensive against the enemy in front of them: the puppet newly formed 5th Army under Sun Dianying and the Japanese 5th Division!"

At the end of the telegram, there was a supplementary sentence that made Li Yunlong's blood boil and his voice roar with excitement.

"This pursuit will not have a set end line! There will be no limit to the targets!"

"Completely, it's up to the commanders of each unit to decide!"

In short, only stop fighting when you can no longer fight!
-

Dragon City, thousands of miles away.

In the headquarters of the Second World War Zone Commander, Acting Commander Chu Xichun was frowning over another matter.

On the table in front of him, there were no maps or battle reports, but rather a mountain of logistical supply requests.

"There is a shortage of 35 million rounds of various types of bullets."

"There is a shortage of 150,000 shells of various types."

"There is a shortage of approximately 36,000 sets of winter clothing."

"Medicine, gasoline, shoes, bandages, etc."

Chu Xichun looked at the rows of shocking demands.

I could only feel my temples throbbing.

Shanxi has indeed had a bumper harvest this year.

The newly reclaimed land and newly built water conservancy projects have made the granaries of Shanxi Province more abundant than ever before.

However, a bumper harvest in one province cannot make up for the deficit nationwide.

Because of years of war and natural disasters.

In other provinces across the country, this year's harvest has been rather mediocre.

Maintaining operations in North China was already the limit, and Chu Xichun had no good solutions for the requests for help from the southern provinces.

As for weapons and ammunition, they are in dire need.

Despite Chu Yunfei's planning and the technical assistance from the US and the Soviet Union.

The military industry system in Shanxi and even North China has made great strides.

All the arsenals.

Now, it's basically two shifts of twelve hours each.

The machines ran day and night, and the workers worked overtime to maximize production.

However, the production rate still cannot keep up with the rate at which supplies are consumed at the front lines.

The battle of Handan was fought far too quickly and fiercely.

Every day, tens of thousands of shells and millions of bullets are consumed on the front lines like flowing water.

At this rate, let alone Chu Yunfei's so-called third-phase strategic counter-offensive, it's impossible.

If it continues for another ten days or half a month.

The Nationalist army throughout North China will likely be forced to halt its offensive due to running out of ammunition.

A staff officer in charge of logistics reported with a worried look, "All our inventory is gone."

"Right now, whatever is produced in the arsenal is immediately loaded onto trucks and sent to the front lines."

Chu Xichun waved her hand irritably.

He was certainly aware of these circumstances: "I've brought you here so you can think of a solution."

at this time.

A confidential clerk, carrying a telegram, strode in.

"Sir, urgent telegram from the Military Commission!"

Chu Xichun took the telegram and frowned even more deeply.

telegraph.

It was sent by Chen Cixiu of the Ministry of Military Affairs, inquiring about the current state of logistics on the North China battlefield.

His words were filled with worry.

After all, this major battle was a hasty response.

If it weren't for Okamura Yasuji's greed and blinded decision to launch an attack on the 40th Army...

According to Chu Yunfei's original plan.

Originally, there was only one mixed brigade in Handan, so it was naturally easier to fight.

With the continuous support of the Kwantung Army.

The operational plan would continue to be adjusted as the Japanese army made changes to its deployment.

This great battle.

Chu Yunfei originally estimated that it would take at least until the 40th Army was reorganized.

Even the 22nd Army Group was completely reorganized.

By that time, it would be at least winter, and then it would take another two or three months for the supplies in the rear to accumulate.

It was enough to meet the needs of at least two campaigns, or even until the latest batch of Soviet aid arrived.

This is when the struggle for control of the area surrounding Handan will officially begin.

They are now.

It's like using a fist that's not fully prepared to fight a premature final battle.

Chu Xichun handed the telegram to Fang Ligong, who was standing next to her.

"Commander."

Fang Ligong said with a wry smile, "Now that Lord Yun has decided to start the war ahead of schedule, I have adopted a conservative attitude and a relatively cautious view."

"At that time, I also privately advised Yun Gong that we should proceed steadily and not be in a hurry to achieve results."

"Now it seems," Fang Ligong shook his head, filled with emotion, "Yun Gong knows better than anyone what the situation is like below."

Yes.

How could Chu Yunfei not know what was going on?

Chu Xichun looked at the map.

The various forces in North China are launching an overwhelming offensive against the Japanese army.

A complex and indescribable emotion suddenly welled up inside me.

There was admiration, worry, and a lingering fear.

He figured it out.

Chu Yunfei, the commander who always manages to create miracles, is taking a huge gamble this time!
He intended to create a false impression through this "bluffing," seemingly reckless and frenzied attack.

A false impression: "Our army is well-trained and well-supplied, and has accumulated enough strength to achieve victory in one battle!"

Chu Yunfei knew very well that they were not fully prepared.

However, he also gambled that the Japanese on the other side were also unprepared.

Chu Yunfei, who had some understanding of the Pacific War, knew that at this moment, the Japanese 2nd Division and 38th Division were launching an attack on Henderson Field on Guadalcanal.

The headquarters' attention was still more focused on the Pacific theater.

after all.

No matter what the Nationalist army does, they won't attack their homeland, right?

Having just suffered a series of crushing defeats in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, the Japanese General Headquarters could no longer withstand an even heavier blow from the complete annihilation of the main force of the North China Area Army!
Chu Yunfei was betting that Okamura Yasuji, that cunning old fox, no longer had the courage and determination to stake the entire North China Area Army on a final battle against him!
If he made the wrong bet.

Okamura Yasuji was like a mad dog driven to the brink of desperation, fighting the Nationalist army in North China to the bitter end.

So, at worst, the attack will fail.

The Nationalist army withdrew its fists and temporarily retreated to a defensive posture.

For the Japanese army to succeed in its attack, it would naturally have to pay a bloody price.

After all, the Nationalist army had superior troop strength, was fighting on home soil, and had smooth supply lines.

It is also possible to request the Eighth Route Army forces in Shandong and other places to take the initiative to attack behind enemy lines and disrupt enemy transportation lines.

by that time,
Given the equally strained logistical capabilities of the Japanese army, they are also incapable of launching another large-scale counterattack.

Even if we retreat to Shanxi at best, so what?

The worst outcome of this high-stakes gamble is simply returning to square one.

What if you win the bet?

Then we can achieve a huge victory with minimal cost!
I've figured this out.

Chu Xichun felt nothing but admiration.

There was no command to learn from in the Battle of Handan-Anyang; it is clear that this battle was entirely a political decision.

Chu Yunfei dared to gamble everything at crucial moments to seize that seemingly slim hope of victory.

It was his decisiveness as the chief advisor of the military training department and deputy commander of the North China Joint Command.

How will others learn? (End of Chapter)