Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 512 My Department Has No Obstacles

Upon receiving Zhou Yunliao's intelligence, several of Nakano Noji's superiors immediately came to the map to examine it carefully.

"According to intelligence, the four divisions that broke out should have a strength of 30,000 to 40,000 men."

"Even excluding Zhou Yunliao's 110th Division, the force would still be close to 30,000."

“We only have one G column in this direction, and even with the addition of the Shaanxi Southern Brigade, our strength is less than 20,000 men.”

"If Huang Peiwu concentrates all his artillery fire, I'm afraid they won't be able to hold out."

At this time, the encirclement of Nakano had just been completed, and the encirclement in the southeast direction was not strong.

"We must spare no effort to resolutely crush Huang Peiwu's breakout, and at the same time, we must organize meticulously to ensure the success of the 110th Division's uprising."

"The family members of Comrade Zhou Yunliao in Hankou must be transferred immediately."

"The underground comrades are already working on this; they have already received Commander Zhou's family."

"That's good." *** nodded and asked, "Where's the G-level commander? Why hasn't he arrived yet?"

Just as the operations staff was about to make a call, Political Commissar Du of the G column strode in from outside.

"report!"

*** looked up, somewhat surprised: "Where's your hat? Are you trying to ask me for sick leave?"

It's almost December, and the weather is cold. If you ride a horse without a hat, you're bound to catch a cold.

"This wasn't a shortcut; we were just skimming over the enemy lines. My hat got blown off," Political Commissar Du said, a little embarrassed.

I was trying to take a shortcut, but I almost ended up getting myself into trouble.

"You idiot! Where's your ringmaster?"

"They went to the front lines, so I came over first."

Without wasting any words, he pushed the mini-map in front of Political Commissar Du: "We called you here to discuss this in person."

"Inside intelligence indicates that Huang Peiwu has concentrated four main divisions and intends to break out from your column's direction."

"The higher command has decided that Comrade Zhou Yunliao will lead the 110th Division in an uprising during the breakout."

"If the uprising succeeds, it will greatly reduce the pressure on your front lines. But besides the 110th Division, the enemy still has three main divisions. Can the G Column withstand them?"

Political Commissar Du immediately stood up: "Let me state my position first: I am personally prepared to burn my straw bedding!"

There is a custom among the people in the Central Plains that after a person dies, the straw mat they slept on will be dragged to the field and burned.

"I wasn't asking about you personally! I was asking if you can hold the position!"

Upon hearing this, Political Commissar Du fell silent. He truly dared not guarantee that he could hold off Huang Peiwu's three main divisions.

“If you have a problem, just say it. Have a seat,” he said.

After sitting down, Political Commissar Du said with some difficulty, "We haven't completed our in-depth defensive positions yet."

He waved his hand and said, "If the mobilization is sufficient and the command is proper, repairing the fortifications should not be a big problem."

"We only have six regiments, that's about it."

"No one has received any reinforcements." *** interrupted Political Commissar Du's complaint: "The I Column only has 5 regiments, and the B and F Columns together have less than 13,000 men."

"The commanders are aware of the ammunition situation. On average, each cannon fires only a few shells, while the ammunition for light and heavy machine guns is barely enough for one or two basic loads. We urgently need to replenish it."

"Stop complaining. So what if we're outnumbered? That's what you call a skinny dog ​​daring to poop on a tough turd!"

“Sirs, that’s not what I meant.” Political Commissar Du stood up again.

"None of us in the entire column are afraid of death, but if something goes wrong here, we simply cannot bear the responsibility!"

Nakano had finally managed to surround Huang Peiwu's army; if they were to escape, it would be an unforgivable tragedy.

"If you could give us two or three more regiments, or even just one, that would be fine!"

"We need people! There are only three of us! We'll go with you!"

"I've said it before! As long as we eliminate the main force of the enemy on the southern front, any cost is worthwhile!"

"Don't even mention your single column! Even if the Central Plains Field Army were wiped out, all the other units would still cross the Yangtze River and liberate all of China!"

Having said all that, Political Commissar Du said nothing more: "Please rest assured, Commander, the G Column guarantees to complete the mission!"

"Good! When you get back, find some sorghum stalks and stick them on both sides of the road to mark the special passage for the uprising troops."

"This uprising of the 110th Division is of great importance. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, we cannot allow them to enter the village for the time being."

"If anyone crosses the sorghum stalks, open fire immediately; if there is no mutiny, the G column will concentrate its firepower to eliminate the enemy following behind."

"As agreed, the uprising troops would tie a white towel or white cloth around their left arm."

"Understood." Political Commissar Du nodded.

Just as Political Commissar Du was about to leave, *** called him back: "Stay in your command position, don't always run to the front line."

"yes!".
After seeing Political Commissar Du off, the group had just returned inside when a operations staff officer put down his phone and came over.

"Commander, a report from the Xiaomazhuang position: the three field artillery battalions of the Second Division have arrived."

"Chen Chengxing?"

"Has the main force arrived, or...?"

There were only three field artillery battalions.

"It seems that the Second General is still not free from Pengcheng."

"But they're still our own people after all. The fighting is fierce up ahead, and they still managed to squeeze out three field artillery battalions."

These three field artillery battalions had followed the Central Plains Field Army in numerous battles, and the people of the Central Plains Field Army were very familiar with them.

"Have them reinforce the G column immediately! They'll be responsible for counter-fire."

Although the Type 90 field gun was only 75mm in caliber, it was classified as a cannon.

On open plains, the full range advantage can be utilized.

The field artillery battalion was able to suppress the KMT's 105mm howitzers using its 13-kilometer range.

Such anti-artillery capability is exactly what Nakano needs most at this time.

During the daytime, the KMT troops used the 105mm howitzers' 10-kilometer range to bully the Central Plains Field Army's mountain artillery.

After finalizing things with Nakano, Zhou Yunliao immediately went to find Huang Peiwu.

"Commander, my 110th Division is ready. I request to be the vanguard and lead the way!"

There was no other way; if we marched alongside the other divisions, it would be too difficult to stage an uprising.

In addition to demanding a charge, Zhou Yunliao suggested, "Commander, instead of having four divisions advance side by side, why not have three divisions go first, and have one division serve as a reserve force?"

"My 110th Division is leading the way among the three divisions. If things go smoothly, the other divisions will quickly follow up and expand the results."

Zhou Yunliao moved Huang Peiwu once again.

Huang Peiwu patted Zhou Yunliao on the shoulder affectionately and said, "It has to be Brother Yunliao! You truly are a good classmate!"

"For this breakout, whatever you want, I'll give you! Tanks? Howitzers? Take your pick!"

"If possible, give me a few cannons," Zhou Yunliao said without much politeness.

"As you know, Sir, I only have a few Japanese mountain guns and infantry guns at my disposal, which is insufficient in terms of firepower."

Although the 85th Army was also a central army, it belonged to a collateral branch and was not well equipped.

Even the army's directly subordinate artillery only had one mountain artillery regiment with two battalions; the three divisions below it only had a few scattered cannons.

"No problem, I'll allocate a battalion of howitzers to you!" Huang Peiwu patted his chest and agreed.

"In addition, the eastern and western artillery groups will also provide you with fire support!"

"Thank you, Sir!"

"I have already sent plainclothes officers deep behind enemy lines. If I find any gaps, I plan to take advantage of the darkness to act ahead of schedule."

Zhou Yunliao did not plan to wait until daytime to set off, as visibility would be too good then, making it easy for accidents to happen.

"If you have the chance, seize it! You must act decisively!" Huang Peiwu affirmed. Opportunities are fleeting; you certainly can't follow the rules.

Huang Peiwu had high hopes for this breakout operation and was very confident in his arrangements.

No matter how strong the Central Plains G Army was, its forces were already scattered in all directions of the encirclement.

Moreover, the encirclement had just been formed, and with the powerful forces of four divisions concentrated on one point for a breakout, there was no reason why they couldn't break through.

After everything was arranged, Zhou Yunliao returned to the 110th Division and summoned all officers of battalion level and above to announce the decision to revolt.

Unlike previous uprising forces, the 110 was operated by an underground party committee for a long time, and the officers at all levels were very progressive in their thinking, with many even being underground party members.

Therefore, the decision to revolt was immediately and unanimously approved.

In the early hours of the next day, the four divisions responsible for the breakout continued to advance southeast in batches as planned. Zhou Yunliao led the 110th Division as the vanguard, far ahead of the other divisions.

The howitzer company sent by Huang Peiwu had long been under the control of the 110th Division's guard battalion.

After 20 years of lying low and years of meticulous preparation and planning, Zhou Yunliao had been waiting for this day for far too long, and he was far too well prepared.

Along the way, Zhou Yunliao kept sending good news to Huang Peiwu: "Commander, our troops are making smooth progress and the road is clear! Clear!"

Huang Peiwu was overjoyed to hear that the progress was going so smoothly.

If these four divisions can break through the encirclement of the G army, they can turn around and attack the G army.

At that time, whether they move southeast to join up with Li and Liu's army groups or launch a counter-encirclement against the G army at Jianduiji, the initiative will be in the hands of the 12th Army Group.

Huang Peiwu was in high spirits when he suddenly heard the shouts of the 118th Division's communications soldier over the radio.

"Lord! Lord! Our unit has been ambushed by the G Army's overwhelming firepower! We have suffered heavy losses! Heavy losses!"

As arranged, the 118th Division of the 18th Army was tasked with expanding the gains of the battle by following behind the 110th Division.

The impact of Zhou Yunliao's uprising was astonishing. Huang Peiwu's original plan was for four divisions to advance simultaneously.

If this plan is carried out, the ratio of troop strength between the two sides will be close to 3 to 1. In addition, the equipment of the Chinese army is far inferior to that of the Chinese army. This is something that willpower alone cannot stop.

As a result of Zhou Yunliao's actions, one division revolted, while another division remained in the rear as a reserve force.

Only two divisions remained to attempt a frontal breakout, significantly reducing the troop strength ratio between the two sides.

As for the combat mentality, due to the sudden disappearance of the 110th Division, the Kuomintang army was ambushed instead of launched a surprise attack, and its morale dropped significantly, making it impossible for them to devote their full strength to the battle.

This caused the pressure on the G column to drop sharply, and all the firepower was concentrated on the 118th Division.

Huang Peiwu was greatly surprised to hear the report from the 118th Division.

Huang Peiwu immediately grabbed the walkie-talkie and shouted loudly to Zhou Yunliao: "Changjiang! Changjiang! Where are you?!"

"Wuhan! Wuhan! Our unit has arrived in Zhangzhuang! The journey is unimpeded!"

"The 118th Regiment that followed you was subjected to intense firepower from the G Army! The casualties were heavy!" Huang Peiwu shouted.

He wanted to ask about the current situation of the 110th Division.

Upon hearing that the 118th Division had been attacked, Zhou Yunliao, who had been moving freely just moments before, suddenly fell silent.

After a moment of silence, just when Huang Peiwu thought there was a communication problem, Zhou Yunliao suddenly shouted again:

"We're surrounded by the G army! Requesting reinforcements!"

"Our guide is dead! We have no idea where the troops are!"

After saying this, the 110th Division's radio station suddenly went completely silent again.

"Yangtze River! Yangtze River!"

How many enemies are you facing?! What's the current situation in your unit?

"Yangtze River! Can you hear me?! If you can hear me, please respond! If you can hear me, please respond!"

"Yangtze!"

However, no matter how Huang Peiwu called out, Zhou Yunliao never responded again.

After putting down the microphone, Huang Peiwu's expression became unusually serious.

"The 110th Division is in trouble!"

Zhou Yunliao's sudden loss of contact must mean he was under heavy attack by the main force of the G army.

"Order the 118th Division to intensify its attack! The 110th Division must be rescued!"

Huang Peiwu judged that the G army's fierce resistance was definitely aimed at digging out and annihilating the 110th Division, just like they had done with the 74th Division.

However, at this point, both Huang Peiwu and the two divisions that followed the 110th Division in breaking out were completely bewildered.

Faced with the resolute resistance of the G column, the Guo army fought desperately until dawn, but still failed to break through a passage.

The once invincible artillery group was unable to unleash its full power due to the countermeasures of three field cannons.

Looking at the 110th Division, which had disappeared without a trace, Huang Peiwu could only hope that they had managed to break through on their own and that they had not been completely annihilated.

As the 12th Army Corps broke out and retreated, the G Column immediately called the Field Headquarters.

"The ringmaster is resting; I'm on duty."

"How's the situation?"

"Completely blocked the enemy's breakout?"

"Good! Immediately repair the fortifications to prevent the enemy from making a comeback."

"How's the Third Regiment? How many people are left?"

The 3rd Regiment of the G Column was responsible for blocking the enemy at the front line, and their task was the most arduous.

"What?! All of them sacrificed?!"

The entire Yasi fell silent.

Half a minute later, the commander spoke again: "Whether it is an officer or a soldier, the body must be cleaned thoroughly and wrapped in a white cloth. There is no room for carelessness. You must check it yourself."

After failing to break out, the 12th Army Corps returned to a defensive posture.

However, the mid and jungle players, lacking heavy weapons, had a tough time dealing with Huang Peiwu's tenacious defense.

Just as Huang Peiwu was holding out and waiting for reinforcements, Chang Ruiyuan suddenly sent a telegram.

"Officer, the Ministry of National Defense has received intelligence that Zhou Yunliao, commander of the 110th Division of the 85th Army, has surrendered to bandits in Luoji. The Chairman has ordered us to investigate and reply immediately."

“That’s absolutely impossible.” Huang Peiwu shook his head.

"Commander Zhou is a man of great principle and would never surrender to the G army. They just suffered losses during their breakout and are temporarily unable to make contact."

“I will draft the telegram myself,” Huang Peiwu said, picking up paper and pen.

Commander Zhou was cut off and lost contact for a time.

It is judged that the division, due to unfavorable circumstances, broke through and turned southeast, or encountered another attack by the G army, and the losses are unknown.

According to Commander Wu, Division Commander Zhou and other officers at all levels have a long history in the army and there is absolutely no truth to the claim that they surrendered to the Communist Party.

This is likely propaganda from the G army, a common tactic used to mislead and deceive. I am writing to reply only after thoroughly investigating the facts and reporting back.

However, the very next day after Huang Peiwu confidently sent this telegram, he suddenly saw this Commander Zhou in the newspaper.

A huge photo appeared in the newspaper, and Zhou Yunliao was smiling so brightly.

[Xinhua News Agency, Huaihai Front, December 5]

Zhou Yunliao informed Huang Peiwu's officers and soldiers:

Laying down your weapons is the only way to survive. Our officers and soldiers, having realized this, have resolutely launched an uprising. We hope that you will stop resisting as soon as possible and lay down your weapons. The G Army's policies have already proven effective, and your lives will be absolutely guaranteed.

In a hurry, I cannot say everything I wanted to say.

Respectfully submitted by Zhou Yunliao.

Looking at the newspaper in his hand, Huang Peiwu's face turned ashen, and his hands trembled involuntarily.

(End of this chapter)