Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 304 The Youngest Regimental Commander
"Brigade Commander, Political Commissar, we have received intelligence from outside sources."

"The Japanese troops in the surrounding counties are making unusual moves, and it is highly likely that they will start another sweep."

Upon hearing Xu Wu's report, Chen Chengxing and Luo Ping both became serious.

Since it's reported to the brigade headquarters, it must be a large-scale mopping-up operation. If it's just a small-scale mopping-up operation, each regiment can handle it on its own.

"The Japanese devils really never have a moment's rest. Even though they're fighting with the Americans, they still have the mind to carry out sweeps," Luo Ping said.

For a considerable period after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the mopping-up operations not only did not decrease, but actually increased.

From 41 to the present, in the Zhongyunshan area alone, there have been nearly a hundred sweeps of squadron-level or larger scale, and about ten sweeps of battalion-level scale.

However, the Japanese mainly carried out raids in areas with easy roads.

They did not choose to venture deep into the mountainous areas where the main force of the Eighth Route Army was located.

After all, the Japanese army's daily sweeps were mainly aimed at disrupting the development of the Eighth Route Army.

With only a small mopping-up force, they were unable to have any significant impact on the main force of the Eighth Route Army.

However, if the Japanese launch a large-scale mopping-up operation, they will definitely go into the mountains, and their main objective will be to sweep away the base areas.

"I'm afraid it's because of the fighting in the Pacific that the Japanese are waging even more frantic mopping-up operations," Chen Chengxing said from the side.

The Japanese and the United States were fighting in the Pacific and needed a lot of material support.

If the Japanese-occupied areas are unstable, how can they obtain supplies?

"Have all units prepare; I estimate this sweep will be quite large," Chen Chengxing said to Xu Wu.

An unstable occupied territory requires a large number of Japanese soldiers to garrison.

Even if the Japanese only wanted to transfer troops to fight in the Pacific, they would first sweep through the enemy's rear areas.

After all, only when the occupied territories are stable can they significantly divert troops to support the Pacific.

"Alright! I'll send the message to all the units right away."

A few days later, the Japanese launched a large-scale mopping-up operation.

Because of the previous incident involving the Yamazaki Battalion, the Japanese now dare not operate with small-scale units.

Each branch of the army had at least a thousand Japanese soldiers and their collaborators.

This resulted in large gaps between each group of Japanese soldiers.

Unless they were particularly unlucky enough to encounter the enemy head-on, each Eighth Route Army unit could easily jump to the outer lines with the help of local militia and civilians.

Inside the Taiyuan Command Headquarters.

Yoshio Shinotsuka frowned as he looked at the reports from the various units.

The troops have been in the mountains for two days, but so far they have only reported less than 20 battles, and all of them are small-scale battles.

This is northwestern Shanxi and the Taihang Mountains.

There are countless Eighth Route Army soldiers in the mountains, yet they've only fought 20 battles so far?

This shows only one thing: the Eighth Route Army all fled, and they even took civilians with them.

Because in the battle reports submitted from various places, they did not find any civilians in the Eighth Route Army's base areas.

It was obvious that the Eighth Route Army was once again employing the scorched-earth policy.

"Yamaoka-kun, order all units to slow their advance, expand their search area, and maintain a tight encirclement."

This large-scale sweep was launched to improve security in the occupied areas, not for tourism.

If they simply wander around the Eighth Route Army's base areas, even if they can disrupt the Eighth Route Army's production activities, it won't be of much use to the Locust Army.

"Hai!"

"Kujou-tai-kun, shouldn't we slow down our advance?"

"Didn't the higher-ups say to expand the search area?"

Li Chao, the commander of the 12th Regiment of the 8th Mixed Brigade of the puppet army, approached Kujo Yuji, the commander of the 3rd Infantry Battalion of the 4th Brigade of the Japanese army, and said.

Li Chao has discovered that after receiving the telegram from his superiors, the troops' advance speed has not only not slowed down, but has instead shown a tendency to increase.

This greatly alarmed Li Chao.

What are you trying to do? You think a small infantry battalion of only 500 men can penetrate deep into the Dayun Mountains?
Isn't that just courting death?

"Li Sang, based on my judgment, the main force of the Eighth Route Army should have already moved to the outer line, and the interior of Dayun Mountain is not dangerous."

Unlike Li Chao's panic, Kujo Yuji remained calm.

Based on his experience, whenever such a large-scale mopping-up operation occurred, the main force of the Eighth Route Army would break through at the first opportunity.

However, the local guerrilla units and command posts of the Eighth Route Army often remained within the encirclement.

If I can launch a swift surprise attack on Hongniwan this time, I will most likely find the command post of the New Second Brigade.

If I can achieve a great victory, I will be promoted to colonel and captain immediately.

A 28-year-old regimental commander—he was the youngest regimental commander in the Japanese army!

I will surely be recorded in the history of the Locust Army!

Thinking of this, Yuuji Kujo smiled.

"Sir, we have too few men; I'm afraid we are no match for them."

Looking at the confident-looking Yuuji Kujo, Li Chao felt worse than if he had swallowed a fly.

Don't worry about whether the Eighth Route Army is the main force or not. This is the new Second Brigade. Do you think you can just mess with them?

"Hehe. As long as the main force of the Eighth Route Army is not here, I am not too worried about the headquarters and guerrillas of the New Second Brigade alone."

"With the Third Battalion plus the 12th Regiment, we can complete the surprise attack."

In Kujo Yuji's view, the more than 500 locust soldiers plus the 700-800 locust auxiliaries were enough.

Moreover, even if it doesn't succeed, as long as you don't fall into a trap, you are absolutely safe.

The Yamazaki Battalion was completely annihilated because it was besieged by the main force of the Eighth Route Army.

"."

Li Chao was at a loss for words.

He was truly grateful to Yuuji Kujo for thinking so highly of the 12th Division.

After all, sometimes even Li Chao himself looked down on his useless subordinates.

"Brigade Commander, we have received a report from the 213th Regiment."

“An enemy force was advancing rapidly eastward along the highway through Yangjiazhuang and Xizhuang. At dusk, it encountered the guard force of the 213th Regiment in Wujiagou.”

"The two sides have exchanged fire," Xu Wu reported from the command center.

"Wujiagou? The Japanese are planning to enter the base area from Laolong Mountain."

Luo Ping immediately located Wujiagou on the map.

"But what do the Japanese mean by this?"

Luo Ping understood the Japanese soldiers' thoughts, but he didn't understand their actions.

There are many Japanese troops sweeping through northwestern Shanxi, with tens of thousands in the Zhongyun Mountain area alone.

But the only information we've received so far is that this one unit has suddenly moved forward.

This is very unusual.

"I think the Japanese are quite clear; they're probably after us," Chen Chengxing asserted.

"Damn it, are those Japanese devils so desperate for credit?!" Xu Wu exclaimed in surprise.

"Brigade Commander, should we call the 213th Regiment and have them drive the Japanese back?"

Since the Yamazaki Battalion was completely annihilated, no battalion-level force has been able to freely enter or leave the Eighth Route Army's base area.

Moreover, this is the case throughout northwestern Shanxi. Where did this hothead come from?

"No, it's rare for the Japanese to advance alone, and their forces are not large."

"I think we should play along, let them penetrate deeper, and then wipe them out in one fell swoop!"

The fact that the Japanese dared not venture too far into enemy territory alone was a good thing for the other units.

However, for a powerful force like the New Second Brigade, it has both advantages and disadvantages.

Since the Japanese changed their plans and began to besiege Zhongyun Mountain from their strongholds.

Although the various units have developed smoothly and are already at full strength, they are still lacking in some equipment. If they can defeat this enemy force of over a thousand men, the equipment problem will be basically solved.

"Xu Wu, send an order to the 213th Regiment, instructing Qin Sheng to lead the 1st and 2nd Battalions to monitor the Japanese movements near Xiaoliu Village."

"The 3rd Battalion of the 212th and 213th Regiments, as well as the county militia brigade, shall stand by near Hongniwan."

"Since the Japanese want to come, let them come," Chen Chengxing ordered.

"Yes!"

"Baka yarou! How could the Eighth Route Army appear in this place?!"

Yuji Kujo was furious, his teeth itching with rage, as he looked at the Eighth Route Army soldiers blocking his only way.

He knew that if he went another 2 kilometers, he would enter the core base area of ​​the Eighth Route Army.

"Sir, if we start fighting here, our whereabouts will be exposed. Should we retreat?" Li Chao suggested.

It's just a sweep, making money is the main thing, why risk your life?

“No, we still have a chance.” Yuji Kujo directly rejected Li Chao’s suggestion.

"Commander Li, order a battalion to launch an attack in coordination with the First Company!"

"This"

"Excuting an order!"

"Sigh!" Li Chao sighed helplessly.
"Fire!" Yuji Kujo drew his command sword.

"Kill the chicken and give it to me!"

"Da da da" "Da da da".
"Tuoci, please!"

The Japanese First Company, along with the puppet army First Battalion, launched an attack on the position of the 8th Company of the 213th Regiment.

Even if the puppet soldiers were unwilling, there was nothing they could do.

Right now, half of the heavy machine guns in the Kujo Battalion are pointing at them.

"The Japanese are coming up, get ready to draw the bowstring!" The Eighth Company Commander put down his binoculars.

As a shield unit for the Dayunshan base area, Qin Sheng placed the 8th Company in this location at the beginning of the large-scale mopping-up operation.

A few days was enough time for the Eighth Company to complete the construction of its field fortifications.

"Boom!" "Boom!"
After the Japanese soldiers entered the minefield, several soldiers suddenly pulled the wires in their hands.

The Japanese soldiers were instantly engulfed by an explosion.

"beat!"

"Put-put-put" "Put-put-put"
Yuuji Kujo, watching his troops struggling in the rear, showed little emotion.

Landmines were a common tactic used by the Eighth Route Army, and Yuji Kujo had anticipated this.

However, landmines can only be used once; the next attack won't be so troublesome.

A dozen minutes later, the First Company and the First Battalion of the puppet army, which had participated in the attack, retreated in a somewhat disheveled state.

"Li-san, send another battalion to assist the Second Company in the attack!" Yuji Kujo gave the order again.

"Kujou-tai-kun, do you want to take a break? Otherwise, the heavy machine gun might overheat," Li Chao suggested.

"Previously only half of the heavy machine guns were firing, now we just need to rotate them."

"Go and prepare," Yuuji Kujo said firmly.

"Oh dear!" Li Chao felt extremely distressed.

In just the last ten minutes or so, the first battalion has already suffered seventy or eighty casualties.

These are all important tools for making a living and accumulating wealth.

Faced with the relentless and unstoppable attacks of the Japanese, the soldiers of the Eighth Company didn't waste any words and chose to fight to the bitter end.

Seeing the troops retreating again, Yuuji Kujo continued to give orders:
"Li Sang, have the 3rd Battalion of the 12th Regiment continue the attack. The Locust Army will provide cover."

"Hi!"

"Huh?" Li Chao scratched his head, sensing something was off.

"Sir, which company will the Third Battalion coordinate with for the attack?" Li Chao asked cautiously.

"This time, the locust army will only provide cover and will not participate in the attack." Kujo Yuuji said without turning his head.

"Sir, with the firepower of the 12th Regiment alone, I'm afraid we won't be able to break through the Eighth Route Army's defenses in a short time," Li Chao said.

“I have my own plans. Carry out the order,” said Yuji Kujo.

Yuji Kujo was well aware of the strength of the 12th Regiment.

Not only is it impossible to break through the defenses in a short time, but if it weren't for the locust army here, the 12th Regiment would probably have run away long ago.

Yuji Kujo led the 12th Regiment not because he valued their combat strength, but because he treated them as expendable resources.

Seeing the expressionless face of Yuuji Kujo, Li Chao had no choice but to go to the Third Battalion.

"Third Battalion Commander, the Locust Army will provide cover in the next battle; the rest is up to you."

"We absolutely cannot let the 12th Regiment lose its prestige, understand?" Li Chao said, winking at the Third Battalion Commander.

"Huh? Themselves?"

"Ah, I understand, I understand!"

The battalion commander was stunned for a moment, then quickly realized what was happening.

A few minutes later, the puppet troops, under the cover of Japanese heavy machine guns, launched another attack.

However, an attack involving the Japanese and an attack without the Japanese were not even in the same league.

The Eighth Company easily defeated an attack by a battalion of puppet troops.

The company commander even had time to smoke a cigarette.

"Company commander, what do you think those Japanese are thinking? It's getting late, what are they wasting time here for?"

"I can't read minds of the Japanese, so who knows what they're thinking?"

"But I think the Japanese probably don't plan to continue fighting today."

"Comrades! Save your bullets! It's not worth wasting them on these traitors!" the Eighth Company Commander shouted.

The Second New Brigade is currently short of ammunition.

Under duress from the Japanese, the puppet troops took turns fighting.

The soldiers of the Eighth Company deliberately let the puppet troops get close enough to attack them.

On the one hand, the reloaded ammunition they had was too far away to hit accurately, and on the other hand, the soldiers were preparing to clean up the battlefield after dark.

If they were too far away, the puppet troops would take the weapons and ammunition back with them.

After nightfall, Yuuji Kujo finally ordered a halt to the attack.

Just as Li Chao breathed a sigh of relief, Yuuji Kujo called him over.

"Li Sang, you need to allocate two platoons of troops to send back the seriously wounded soldiers of the Locust Army and the Locust Coalition Army."

"The rest of the troops, follow me and advance."

When Li Chao heard the news of the turnaround, he thought that Yuji Kujo was planning to retreat.

"Sir, since we're going back, there's no need to specially allocate troops; we can all go together."

"Who said we were going back? I've decided to continue the raid on Hongni Bay!" Yuji Kujo said solemnly.

"A surprise attack? How can there be a surprise attack?" Li Chao was dumbfounded.

Weren't they blocked outside by the Eighth Route Army?
“The Eighth Route Army is blocking our way here, but that doesn’t mean there’s nowhere else we can go,” Yuji Kujo said confidently.

"This time, the troops are carrying mortars, so we can easily cross the mountain."

The Eighth Route Army can block the mountain pass highway, but can it really block the 10-kilometer-long Laolong Mountain?
The troops could easily find a relatively flat area and cross it directly.

"This"

Li Chao couldn't understand why Kujo Yuji was so fanatical.

However, since Yuji Kujo had already given the order, Li Chao had no choice but to obey, no matter how much he didn't understand it.

(End of this chapter)