Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 481 Then play music and then dance

Just as the Southern Army Corps was advancing rapidly towards Bianliang, Qiu Feng, unable to find the main force of the East China Field Army, once again spread out the red carpet in Wucheng.

At this moment, Qiu Feng had completely forgotten Chang Ruiyuan's reprimand and continued playing music and dancing.

However, this time it was only the officers of the Fifth Army and the county government officials dancing and having fun, while Qiu Feng himself just sat on the side watching.

The Wucheng County clown, who was dancing on the red carpet, felt a little uneasy when he saw Qiu Feng and his nurse sitting beside him, watching but not dancing.

So he immediately went over and said, "Hehe, Commander Qiu, you're not only a hero on the battlefield, but I've also heard you're a dance master. What brings you here today?"

"Thank you for your hospitality, Magistrate," Qiu Feng said with a smile. "During the suppression of the rebellion, I, Qiu, practiced frugality and self-discipline."

"However, military life is monotonous. Today, we have this opportunity to have some fun together, so I can be lenient."

"Oh my, Commander Qiu is truly a model of a general. I admire him greatly."

Just as the county magistrate was showering him with compliments, the staff officer of the Fifth Army walked over.

The county magistrate immediately recognized that there was a military secret to report, so he took his leave and went to the center of the dance floor to continue embracing the woman and dancing.

"Commander, our secret reconnaissance team has discovered the G Army's command post. Your judgment is absolutely correct. The G Army is indeed going to fight a decisive battle with our army in southwestern Shandong."

Qiu Feng nodded in satisfaction: "Go and read it to everyone. I want my subordinates and local gentry to experience my judgment."

"it is good."

The chief of staff stood up and called a halt to the crowd: "Stop! Turn the music down!"

When the music stopped, the group of people who were dancing looked at the chief of staff with some surprise.

"Commander Qiu asked me to read some good news to everyone in order to liven up the dance."

As he spoke, the chief of staff opened the folder: "Commander Qiu, we have discovered that the G Army's East China Field Army Command is located in the Chenji area between Caozhou and Lincheng. After repeated reconnaissance, we have confirmed that it is indeed there."

"After 24 hours of monitoring, the other side showed no signs of movement and appeared to be engaged in combat as we anticipated."

After the chief of staff finished reading, Qiu Feng stood up with a smile: "The time has come. In the Battle of Southwest Shandong, I want to capture a SY alive and show it to the Chairman."

The crowd in the dance floor applauded and cheered.

"chief of staff."

"exist."

"Immediately send a quartermaster to Bianliang to bring several cartloads of American ice cream, milk powder, Camel cigarettes, and Coca-Cola."

"Yes!"

Just as Qiu Feng was drinking cola and dancing, Chen Chengxing and C Zong had already entered the vicinity of Bianliang.

At this time, the defenders of Bianliang were unaware of the impending disaster, and the city's defenses were not yet fully repaired.

They simply demolished the houses outside the city, creating an open area nearly 100 meters wide, and then dug trenches and built some bunkers outside the city gates.

Within Bianliang City, there were the headquarters of the 66th Division, the 13th Brigade, and two local security brigades, plus artillery and logistics units, totaling more than 30,000 people.

Zou Yunzhang, commander of the 66th Division, set up his division headquarters and artillery battalion at Longting, a high point in the city, with his three subordinate regiments guarding the east and north gates respectively.

The security forces are responsible for guarding the core area of ​​the provincial government, as well as the south and west gates.

The city's defense was nominally the responsibility of Liu En, the provincial governor of the Guo Party, but the regular army was actually commanded by Zou Yunzhang.

Therefore, Liu En could not command a regular army, and Zou Yunzhang could not command a security brigade.

Having learned from their previous experience attacking Luoyang, everyone knew that when attacking major cities, speed was crucial; a single day of hesitation could allow the enemy to significantly strengthen their fortifications.

Therefore, upon arriving at the designated location, the main force did not rest but immediately prepared to engage in battle.

At this moment, the garrison in Bianliang City became anxious.

"Oh no, oh no, Commander Zou, why is the G Army suddenly charging at us!" Liu En's legs went weak with fear.

"Don't worry, Commander Liu, we have 30,000 troops garrisoning the city. They won't be able to take Bianliang in a short time," Zou Yunzhang said.

The defenders of Bianliang only know that a large force of the G army has appeared, but they are still unclear about the exact number of soldiers.

"That's good, that's good." Liu En wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"Liu, we still need your help with the emergency repairs."

"Commander Zou, rest assured, I have ordered everyone in the provincial government to mobilize, and they will conscript as many laborers as possible."

"That's good." Zou Yunzhang nodded.

Inside the headquarters, Chen Chengxing stood in front of a map of Bianliang City.

"The higher command has decided to launch a general offensive against all four gates and six passes of Bianliang simultaneously."

"Among them, our Second Division is responsible for the South Gate, the Great South Gate, the Small South Gate, the West Gate, and the West Gate on the east and south sides."

"Gentlemen, this time it's different from attacking Heluo. Bianliang is located on the Yellow River flood plain, which is advantageous for the enemy's reinforcements but disadvantageous for our army's assault."

"This determines our tactics: continuous demolition, continuous assault, no sacrifice required, and a swift victory."

"The field headquarters requested a week, the corps headquarters requested five days, but I think three days! Three days is enough for us to take Bianliang!"

"Do you have confidence?"

"Have!"

“Very good.” Chen Chengxing nodded.

"This attack on Bianliang is both an order from the field headquarters and an order from the central government."

"This is the first time we've attacked a provincial capital within the Great Wall. If we succeed, everyone will be happy; if we fail, the political commissar and I will both have to find a rope and tie ourselves to the military court."

"This battle can only succeed; failure is not an option!"

"If you have anything to say, say it upfront, don't make excuses later."

"Commander-in-Chief, Political Commissar, don't worry, the comrades will never let you kidnap them," Xu Wu said. "But I do have a problem."

"explain."

Who is the main attacking force?

Zheng Hua, Sun Xun, and Qin Sheng immediately chimed in, "Yes, yes, which is the main attack direction?"

"In this attack on Bianliang, based on the terrain and the enemy's command situation, there was no main attack or supporting attack."

"We and C are launching a multi-point attack simultaneously."

"Whichever city gate is blown open first will be the main direction of attack; whichever unit breaks through first will be the main attacking force."

“If you guys don’t live up to expectations and let C Zong get there first, then don’t complain about your fate.”

“I understand. The main attacker earned his title through his own efforts, and the rank was earned through his own hard work,” Xu Wu said. “That’s right,” Chen Chengxing nodded. “If you’re not competitive and don’t strive for victory, you’re not a soldier.”

"But I must remind you that you are all commanders of your respective units. In the course of the campaign, you must pay attention to coordinated operations and mutual cooperation."

"Don't worry, we're all on the same side, we'll definitely cooperate." Everyone nodded in agreement.

"I'm not talking about you cooperating with each other, I'm talking about the C column," Chen Chengxing emphasized.

The two general managers have been working together for many years, and with Chen Chengxing sitting here, no one dares to cause trouble.

What Chen Chengxing was really worried about was that after these arrogant and fierce soldiers stormed into Bianliang, they would wipe out the C Column's targets as well.

"Yes!"

Seeing that everyone understood, Chen Chengxing looked at Luo Ping beside him and said, "Political Commissar, say a few words."

"Okay, then I'll give you a brief explanation." Luo Ping nodded.

"Bianliang is the first provincial capital we have captured within the Great Wall. We must not only achieve victory militarily, but also complete political victory."

"Bianliang is both a garrison point and a supply point for the Kuomintang, so all spoils must be turned over to the public. This time is especially important."

"Each unit must establish a discipline inspection team, and all actions must be carried out under command."

"Go in with honor and come out clean!"

"You all heard what the political commissar said. Each company and platoon leader must pay attention to the new soldiers," Chen Chengxing emphasized.

If they were veterans of the Eighth Route Army, Chen Chengxing wasn't worried at all; they were politically reliable.

However, the Second Army had a large number of uprising fighters, especially the newly joined ones. Although their thinking had changed, some of their bad habits had not changed.

"Yes!" Everyone nodded.

Their attack on Bianliang is under the spotlight. If anything goes wrong, they won't be able to cover it up, and they might even be dismissed.

Just as the various units of the G Army were making full preparations, the two artillery regiments of the T Column also arrived at their designated positions.

With the addition of artillery from the Second Column and the C Column, more than two hundred cannons were already aimed at Bianliang City.

At this time, not only were the city defense fortifications of Guo's army not yet completed, but even the regular army and the security forces were arguing amongst themselves.

In the early hours of the morning, the latest city defense map of Bianliang was also delivered by comrades from the underground party.

At dawn, the attack officially began.

The howitzer regiment of the T column and the artillery of the two columns opened fire simultaneously, their firepower directly covering the entire city of Bianliang.

After a barrage of firepower, the Second General launched a fierce attack on Bianliang.

In the Nanjing operations room, Chen Chengbo reported:
"Chairman, since last night, the Shandong and Henan armies have launched simultaneous attacks on strategic locations such as Bianliang, Shangdu, Pengcheng, Haizhou, Yanzhou, and Quancheng."

"The G army launched a large-scale multi-pronged attack along the Pinghan Railway, Jinpu Railway, and Longhai Railway, which is unprecedented in recent years."

"What are their true intentions?" Chang Ruiyuan asked.

"Well, to accurately determine the true intentions of the G army, we probably need to see how the battlefield changes in 24 hours."

The sudden large-scale attack by the G army was unprecedented, and Chen Chengbo couldn't figure out why it was for, so he dared not draw any conclusions.

After all, if it's settled, things are fine; if it's not settled, we'll have to watch the drama unfold.

After hearing Chen Chengbo's words, Chang Ruiyuan was speechless. What difference did it make whether he said anything or not?
"Liangzhen, what do you think?" Chang Ruiyuan looked at Yu Liangzhen.

"I think the main intention of the G army's move is to seize Yanzhou, luring our army to turn north, so as to relieve the pressure on the G army in southwestern Shandong."

Yu Liangzhen was not like Chen Chengbo; he was utterly loyal to Chang Ruiyuan and answered every question he was asked.

"Hmm." Chang Ruiyuan nodded: "You're only a quarter right."

Chang Ruiyuan then offered his analysis: "The G army's multi-pronged attack must have some tricks up its sleeve. Their attacks from all sides are entirely a deceptive tactic."

"A feint to the east while attacking the west, a feint to the south while attacking the north! This is entirely to cover up the true intention of the G Army in southwestern Shandong to fight against my Qiu Feng Corps."

"Where is the main force of the G Army that crossed the river now?" Chang Ruiyuan asked.

"According to reconnaissance, the East China Field Army headquarters is still in the Caozhou and Lincheng area, and is currently in a standoff with my Qiu Corps," Chen Chengbo reported.

"Hmph, everything else is moving, but this place remains still. This is like trying to hide something obvious!" Chang Ruiyuan said confidently.

"He was outmatched in attacking Yanzhou; attacking Haizhou was a bluff; attacking Bianliang was a feint; and attacking Shangdu was utterly absurd."

"G Army's true intention is still to target Qiu's army!"

"Chairman Chiang is brilliant!" Yu Jishi said. "After the Chairman's analysis, the actions of the G Army are completely clear."

"Yes, immediately order Commander-in-Chief Gu to send the 72nd, 83rd, and 25th Divisions to southwestern Shandong at top speed and complete the southwestern Shandong campaign within a limited time!"

"Yes!"

However, before Chang Ruiyuan could give the order, a servant came in.

"report!"

"A telegram from Chairman Chiang Kai-shek, Liu Enji, the resident representative in Henan."

"read."

"The G army is launching a fierce attack on Bianliang. The outer defenses have already fallen, and the four gates and six passes are in dire need of help. We earnestly request that the elite Guo army be dispatched immediately to relieve the siege of Bianliang."

Upon hearing Liu En's telegram, Chang Ruiyuan's expression changed drastically. He was somewhat relieved that the telegram had arrived in time.

The situation in the Battle of Bianliang deteriorated so rapidly that the G army could only have deployed a large number of its main forces.

This means that none of my previous analysis was correct.

Chang Ruiyuan never expected that the G army would have such a big appetite, actually daring to set its sights on Bianliang.

If Bianliang were lost, the political and military consequences would be enormous.

"Liangzhen, amend the telegram." Chang Ruiyuan decisively amended the order.

"I order Qiu Feng's army to immediately jump out of southwestern Shandong and rush to the aid of Bianliang from east to west!"

"I order the Hu Zi Special Forces to rush north from Runan to reinforce Bianliang."

"I order General Qu Jieming to lead the 72nd Division, the 75th Division, and the newly formed 21st Brigade to form the Qu Corps and reinforce Bianliang along the Longhai Railway to the west."

"I hereby order General Pengcheng to supervise all units and order them to arrive by a specified time. Anyone who disobeys or delays will be subject to military law!"

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)