Bright Sword: The Flowers of War

Chapter 130 A Visitor
"Hideki Tojo?"

Naosaburo Okabe's gaze froze for a moment; this guy's reputation was no small matter.

A graduate of the 27th class of the Army University, he is a junior of Terauchi Hisaichi and is known for his tough attitude towards others.

Now serving as Chief of Staff of the Kwantung Army, he was rumored to be preparing to be transferred back to the mainland to serve as Vice Minister of the Army. This position was already within the core circle of the Japanese Army, capable of influencing the development direction of the Army and formulating strategic policies.

Upon hearing that it was this guy targeting Terauchi Hisaichi, Okabe Naosaburo's heart skipped a beat. He asked worriedly, "Commander, if that's really the case, then we're in trouble. You know, this guy has been very much in the Emperor's favor these past two years."

"So what if they're pleased? Soldiers rely on their abilities, not flattery." Terauchi Hisaichi waved his hand dismissively.

"This private has been in Manchuria for too long and has even forgotten the basic military knowledge. Although the 10th and 16th Divisions have suffered setbacks, it does not mean that we have failed. In Chinese terms, it is still unknown who will win."

"Pass on my order: the 5th Division, the 14th Division, and the 3rd, 9th, 13th, and 101st Divisions shall proceed to Xuzhou according to the original plan and must arrive at their destination before the 6th."

"Hai!" Naosaburo Okabe bowed and went to relay the order.

While the Japanese army was busy mobilizing its troops, the National Revolutionary Army was also jubilant.

News of the victory at Taierzhuang spread throughout the country at lightning speed, and even crossed the ocean to the United States, Europe and the world.

The whole country was jubilant. As the supreme commander of the Xuzhou Campaign, Li Zongren was in the limelight for a time, and countless reporters flocked to Xuzhou to interview this first-class general.

But unlike the ordinary people and reporters, the senior generals and military and political leaders knew perfectly well that the biggest contributor to the brilliant victory in the Battle of Taierzhuang was the security regiment that fought its way out of Nanjing.

Faced with such a battle-hardened unit, no officer could remain unmoved, as evidenced by the large number of officers from various regions who have quietly arrived in Xuzhou in recent days.

April 8th, Xuzhou Suburban Security Regiment Barracks

Two days ago, Su Yaoyang led his troops back to the barracks and began an intensive period of rest and recuperation.

Knowing history, he knew that although they had won the Battle of Taierzhuang, China's overall strength was still far behind that of Japan, and it would not be wise to devote all the country's strength to a decisive battle with Japan in Xuzhou.

Xuzhou was destined to be abandoned. What he needed to do now was to take advantage of these few days to reorganize the troops and gather the wounded veterans and officers from various hospitals to prepare for the escape.

That day, Su Yaoyang had just returned from inspecting the troops and was having lunch with Song Mei and Xiao Lu when Xu Dapeng came to report that Commander Li and Commander Bai's convoy had arrived outside the camp.

Upon hearing this, Su Yaoyang quickly put down his chopsticks and went out to greet them. Just as he reached the tent, he saw Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi walking together, surrounded by a large group of officers of all ranks.

Before they even got close, Li Zongren's hearty laughter rang out: "Mingxi... Jiansheng and I came uninvited this time, we hope we haven't disturbed you?"

Su Yaoyang quickly stepped forward and saluted the two men: "Greetings, Commander Li, Commander Bai, and all officers!"

Just as Su Yaoyang saluted the crowd, Song Mei and Xiao Lu also came out of the tent.

It would be impossible for them not to feel flustered when they first saw so many generals in their military uniforms.

Instinctively, they stood behind Su Yaoyang and followed suit, saluting Li Bai and the others, and said in unison, "Greetings, esteemed officers."

"Okay...okay..."

Song Mei and Xiao Lu stood side by side. Song Mei's posture was as upright as a pine tree, her phoenix eyes were slightly upturned, and her gaze carried a hint of aloofness.

She neatly tied her long, black hair under her military cap, which made her oval face look even more delicate.

Xiao Lu, standing beside her, was half a head shorter than her, her round almond-shaped eyes glistening with moisture, like a newborn fawn in the forest.

When the warm breeze brushed against her fluffy bangs, a small, light brown mole between her eyebrows could be seen trembling slightly with her breath.

Bai Chongxi looked at Li Zongren with admiration and said, "Now I understand why Mingxi insisted that you officiate their wedding. I wouldn't have been willing to do it either!"

Li Zongren also laughed and said, "I had no choice. At that time, Taierzhuang was on the verge of collapse, and this kid put on an air of 'the wind is howling and the Yi River is cold, I'm leaving and never to return.'"

I softened for a moment and asked him what his wish was. The kid immediately said that if he came back alive, he wanted me to be the officiant at his wedding. Do you think I could refuse?

Bai Chongxi chuckled: "Hey... wouldn't you call this taking advantage of someone in distress?"

Li Zongren couldn't help but laugh and said, "No, at best it's a self-inflicted injury ruse."

"Hahaha..." The generals standing behind the two burst into laughter after hearing this.

Although the Republic of China promulgated the Fourth Part (Family Code) of the Civil Code of the Republic of China as early as 1930, which clearly stipulated that the marriage system was monogamous.

However, the custom of polygamy in China, which has existed for thousands of years, has not disappeared so quickly, and many places still retain this old custom.

Therefore, although Su Yaoyang's desire to marry two girls at the same time does not comply with current laws, it is not uncommon.

At this moment, a burly man named Sun Lianzong came out and said to Su Yaoyang, "Mingxi... today Commander Li and Commander Bai have come specifically to fulfill their promise."

We're just here to join in the fun and take a look around. You wouldn't be unwelcome to us, would you?

Su Yaoyang knew perfectly well that his claim of coming with Li Zongren to propose marriage was just an excuse. His real purpose was that everyone was curious about why he had achieved such a brilliant victory in Taierzhuang, and they also wanted to find out about the security regiment.

He laughed heartily: "Of course not... You are most welcome, officers, please come inside."

After saying that, he gestured with his left hand, indicating that they should invite him.

Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi walked forward with their hands behind their backs, accompanied by Su Yaoyang, while the other generals followed closely behind.

"Sir... this is where our regimental headquarters is located. To the left is the infantry battalion's garrison, to the right is the tank company's garrison, and behind us are the supply battalion, vehicle battalion, and hospital."

As Su Yaoyang walked, he introduced himself to Li Zongren, Bai Chongxi, and other generals.

The group first arrived at the infantry camp. As soon as they entered the camp, they heard bursts of gunfire, which were the soldiers practicing target shooting.

Hearing the crisp and rapid gunshots, everyone became interested, and Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi were the first to walk to the shooting range.

They saw more than thirty soldiers lying on the ground, firing their rifles at a target a hundred meters away. The crisp, dense gunfire was deafening, causing everyone's expressions to change slightly.

(End of this chapter)