Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 383 No Benefits? Then I'll Lie Down
After a brief half-day rest in Su County, orders came from the Field Command.

The counties in northern Shanxi have been captured, and the second phase of the mission has officially begun.

The Second Independent Detachment continued north along the Tongpu Road, preparing to encircle Yunzhong City.

As the main force of the G Army concentrated, Chiang Kai-shek's attention couldn't help but shift over there.

The geographical location of Cloud City is extremely important.

Inside the headquarters of the Jin-Sui Army, Yan Xishan was somewhat restless.

"Xingru, what did Chairman Chang say? Can he give us support?"

The only person Yan Xishan can count on now is Chiang Kai-shek.

Without outside help, his tens of thousands of men alone would be no match for him.

Even if they manage to hold out, Cloud City will become an isolated city.

"The Chairman has already sent a telegram to the Deputy Commander of the Twelfth War Zone," Yang Xingru said.

"I hope that Fu Sijin will send troops to support us out of consideration for our past relationship."

Yan Xishan was discouraged when Yang Xingru mentioned Fu Yi.

"If there were any considerations, the 35th Army wouldn't have left in the first place," Yan Xishan said helplessly.

The Jin-Sui Army, just by looking at the name, you know it wasn't limited to Shanxi.

However, under Chiang Kai-shek's manipulation, the Jin-Sui Army was divided up, and Fu Yi led tens of thousands of men to establish the Twelfth War Zone in Suiyuan.

If Chiang Kai-shek hadn't been so skilled with a sword during the War of Resistance, he wouldn't be trapped in Yunzhong City now.

"In addition to the support from the Twelfth War Zone, the Chairman said that in an emergency, he could airlift the main force to assist in the defense of the city," Yang Xingru added.

The telegram did not explicitly state this matter, but the meaning could be discerned from the words.

"I hope so," Yan Xishan sighed.

He knew the contents of the telegram, but he really didn't dare to place his hopes on it.

Just as Yan Xishan and Yang Xingru were discussing Fu Yi.

Fu Yi was also discussing the telegram sent by Chiang Kai-shek.

The telegram was a secret order, demanding that Fu Yi immediately send troops to attack Jining and lift the siege of Yunzhong.

At the same time, preparations were made for the next offensive against Guangning and Taiyuan, and then, in coordination with other units, to occupy the whole of North China.

Shanxi's geographical location was too important, and Chiang Kai-shek could not accept it being occupied by the Communist army.

"The Chairman is really not being polite!" Fu Yi slammed the telegram onto the table.

When I'm about to risk my life, do I think of him?
What did your Chairman Chiang Kai-shek say a few months ago when we applied for military aid?

The 12th War Zone had everything it needed: guns, artillery, and a wide variety of models from all over the world, as well as a diverse range of shells.

They've gotten so fat, they're not going to give them any more military aid.

Fu Yi couldn't help but curse whenever he thought about it.

Is that even human language? He's way too damn fat!

Including the puppet troops that were incorporated, the Twelfth War Zone now has less than 100,000 troops in total.

However, the weapons are truly all-encompassing, including American, Japanese, Soviet, and domestic weapons; there's nothing he doesn't have.

"Commander-in-Chief, the G Army is not to be trifled with," said Lu Ruifeng, commander of the 35th Army.

During the War of Resistance Against Japan, they cooperated with the Eighth Route Army on several occasions and were well aware of how difficult the Communist Party of China was to deal with.

"Of course I know that. I would never do something that doesn't benefit me!" Fu Yi said firmly.

The troops of the Twelfth War Zone are now mainly concentrated in Jiuyuan and Suicheng, which are not far from Yunzhong City.

However, Yunzhong City was not under his jurisdiction, so Fu Yi was unwilling to get involved in this mess.

If we save Cloud City, we will suffer heavy losses and gain nothing.

If we fail to save Cloud City, we will suffer heavy losses as well, and we might even be blamed.

He could never do something that harms himself to benefit others.

Seeing that Fu Yi was determined not to get involved, everyone in the Twelfth War Zone breathed a sigh of relief.

Chiang Kai-shek was furious after receiving Fu Yi's reply telegram.

"Damn it! This Fu Yi is disobeying orders!"

Seeing that Chiang Kai-shek was extremely angry, Guo Gui, the director of the Operations Department of the Ministry of National Defense, tried to calm him down:

"Chairman, it's not surprising that Fu Yi has all the habits of a warlord."

"If we want Fu Yi to send troops to reinforce Yunzhong, we'll probably have to offer him something in return."

"Does a Chairman like myself have to give bribes to command a theater commander?" Chiang Kai-shek said angrily.

What is the current situation?
He commands millions of elite troops!

The Guangxi clique is powerful and doesn't listen to reason, but you, a mere 12th War Zone, dare to make excuses?!

“Chairman, it’s just a mere official position and benefits. As long as we defeat the G Party, we can take all these things back with a flick of our wrist,” Guo Gui advised.

Guo Gui knew very well why Chiang Kai-shek couldn't command the various warlords.

After the Central Plains War, the country was nominally unified.

However, what Chiang Kai-shek did was not like what a leader should do; rather, it was more like what another warlord did.

If you don't treat others as your own, they can't possibly treat you as one of their own either.

"So what's your idea?" Chiang Kai-shek asked.

"I think it would be better to promote Fu Yi to the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Sui-Jin Suppression Headquarters, and place Yunzhong and even northern Shanxi under his jurisdiction," Guo Gui said.

Chang Kai-shek shook his head at Guo Gui's suggestion: "Yan Xishan will not agree."

Yan Xishan only has Yunzhong left. If this place is given to Fu Yi, he will have nothing left.

Moreover, Fu Yi used to be Yan Xishan's subordinate, but now he has become his superior. How can Yan Xishan face people?

"At this point, does Yan Xishan's opinion still matter? If he doesn't want to become a stray dog, he has no choice but to agree."

Guo Gui didn't care whether Yan Xishan agreed or not; the most important thing now was to get Fu Yi in.

Chiang Kai-shek was still undecided and looked at the Chief of the General Staff beside him. "Brother Cheng, what's your opinion?"

“Chairman, I agree with Director Guo’s opinion. As long as Fu Yi is willing to attack Jining, everything is negotiable,” Chen Chengbo nodded and said.

As far as the Party-state is concerned, it doesn't matter who controls Yunzhong, as long as it's not in the hands of the G Party.

“Alright, then send a telegram to Fu Yi!” Chiang Kai-shek finally nodded.

For the sake of the Party and the country's great cause, Yan Xishan has no choice but to suffer injustice.

"Okay! Okay!"

Looking at the telegram that had been sent, Fu Yi was finally satisfied.

The Twelfth War Zone is located in a barren area, including Jiuyuan and Suicheng.

These places are vastly different from the Cloud Basin.

The senior officers of the Twelfth War Zone were also excited when they learned that northern Shanxi had been assigned to them.

They also didn't want to eat sand on this vast grassland.

"Sir, when do you plan to send troops?" Lu Ruifeng asked.

"This matter should be addressed sooner rather than later," Fu Yi set the tone.

We absolutely cannot let the G army occupy Yunzhong, otherwise, the order issued by Chairman Chang will become nothing but empty talk.

"Ruifeng, you will be in charge of the eastward advance. The 4th Provisional Cavalry Division and the 6th Provisional Cavalry Division will be the vanguard, attacking Zhuozishan from the left and right. The 35th Army will follow up and cooperate," Fu Yi said.

Zhuozishan Town is located 50 kilometers west of Jining and serves as the western gateway to Jining.

To attack Jining, we must first take this place.

Just as the 35th Army was assembling, Fu Yi also sent a representative to the G Army.

Because they had cooperated many times during the War of Resistance against Japan, Fu Yi felt that there was some affection between them.

Therefore, his plan was to feign an attack on one side while secretly advancing on another.

On the surface, they sent representatives to negotiate and persuade the G army to withdraw.

In reality, it was a feint, gathering tens of thousands of troops and advancing towards Jining in two separate routes.

"Fu Yi is really dreaming. He wants to reap the benefits at this time."

Mr. Liu watched Representative Fu Yi leave and shook his head speechlessly.

According to the central government's plan, Suicheng and Jiuyuan were also included in this offensive.

It's just that the time isn't right yet, so we haven't gone to fight them.

"When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it with earth," the political commissar said.

"Just have Ji Ning's troops keep a closer eye on things."

"If Fu Yi insists on getting involved in this mess, don't blame us for dealing with him in advance."

Now that all the troops are in place, they really have no time to waste chatting with Fu Yi.

"Sir, we have a basic understanding of the situation with the G Army."

Yang Xingru walked into the Cloud City Command Center with a document in her hand.

"The G army currently has 5 brigades and 1 independent detachment on the outskirts of Yunzhong."

"According to the latest intelligence, the Second Independent Detachment has passed Jinshatan and is now advancing towards Huai County."

Upon hearing that the Second Independent Detachment was heading towards Huai County, Yan Xishan's expression turned serious.

Thirty-five kilometers past Huai County, you'll reach Yunzhong.

"Xingru, the 403rd Regiment in Huai County is in danger," Yan Xishan said.

"what do you mean?"

"Withdraw from the 403rd Regiment!" Yan Xishan said solemnly.

The 283rd Division was considered to be of good fighting strength in the Jin-Sui Army, but it only lasted for less than three days.

If the Second Independent Detachment reaches Huai County, the 403rd Regiment will have no chance to escape.

After thinking for a moment, Yang Xingru said, "Since we're going to withdraw, why don't we also withdraw the 402nd Regiment from Kouquan back to Yunzhong?"

Kouquan is located in the middle of Huai County and Yunzhong, and its defenses are much weaker than those of Huai County.

If Huai County is not defended, there is even less reason to keep Kouquan.

"As you say," Yan Xishan nodded, "Let the First Cavalry Division and the Second Cavalry Division be responsible for the support."

Every soldier in the Jin-Sui Army is extremely valuable.

In the southwest direction of Huai County, a force of tens of thousands marched forward in a grand procession.

Xu Wu rode his horse back from the front.

"Commander, the vanguard has entered Huai County and has not found any enemy troops."

"It seems Yan Xishan is determined to defend Yunzhong City to the death," Chen Chengxing said.

Although he didn't get to eat the Jin-Sui Army in Huai County, Chen Chengxing was somewhat disappointed.

However, this was not unexpected by Chen Chengxing.

Yan Xishan was, after all, someone who was able to make a name for himself during the warlord era.

Even if military capabilities can't keep up with the times, it doesn't mean they can't see the situation clearly.

Sitting in the Willys Jeep, Chen Chengxing gave the order:

"The main force has moved into Huai County and is awaiting further orders."

In addition to the Second Independent Detachment, the Jin-Sui and Jin-Cha-Ji Military Regions dispatched a total of 5 brigades and 3 regiments of their main forces.

They have now eliminated many strongholds on the outskirts of Cloud City and formed a de facto encirclement of Cloud City.

The Second Independent Detachment arrived late and, having fought its way from south to north, ate quite a bit of meat.

Therefore, the task assigned to the Second Independent Detachment by the Field Command was to serve as the general reserve force.

After all, we can't let our brother units travel hundreds of miles, then just go around in circles and go back.

(End of this chapter)