Soldiers Assault: Starting from the 7th Steel Company

Chapter 233 Black Wind Valley

Long Kaifeng now felt deeply ashamed whenever he saw Chen Jiang. If it weren't for Chen Jiang's idea, they would probably all have been prisoners of war, which would have been a laughing stock for all time, and the brigade might even have been disbanded.

"If you have an idea, just say it. I'm willing to listen to you."

In the past, you couldn't buy these words even from Long Kaifeng. But things are different now. The C Brigade has suffered heavy losses. All of its heavy tanks have been declared "destroyed," and even the mechanized infantry battalion has only managed to break through with a small force. The main force has suffered heavy losses.

To put it bluntly, the brigade's main combat strength has been severely damaged, making it difficult for it to achieve anything in the subsequent battles. What awaits Long Kaifeng is undoubtedly a "storm" from his superiors.

"Brigade Commander, Political Commissar, look!" Chen Jiang compiled all the information he had recently gathered, constructed a complete two-dimensional battlefield situation map, and then projected it onto the white wall in front of him.

"After the Blue Team thwarted our surprise attack, their main force is now heading south along Highway 72. I think they are most likely trying to retaliate in kind."

"You mean, they're here to launch a sneak attack too?" Long Kaifeng and Li Haiguang asked in surprise at the same time.

Following Chen Jiang's directions, they saw the Red Army's forward command post, a place where many leaders gathered.

"If it were me, I would order a portion of the main force heading south to attack westward, holding back our nearby troops, and then send out a rapid reaction force to continue southward at top speed to raid the enemy's command post!"

Long Kaifeng knew that Chen Jiang was adept at "black tiger stealing the heart" and was very skilled at raiding other people's command posts. He wanted to follow suit this time, but he messed it up.

"Then let's report to headquarters immediately!"

"No, we can't report it!" Chen Jiang rejected Long Kaifeng's suggestion.

"Why?" Li Haiguang was also a little confused. They discovered that the enemy had attacked the command post, but they didn't report it?
“This intelligence is still just my guess. If we report it like this, what will the leaders say if they ask, ‘What is your basis for this?’ Are we supposed to just say it’s a guess?” Chen Jiang understood that the leaders were already very disappointed that the first phase of the C Brigade’s mission had not been completed well. Reporting an analysis based on guesswork now would only make things worse for them.

Upon hearing this, Long Kaifeng rubbed his hands anxiously: "Then what do you suggest we do? We can't just stand by and watch the Blue Army succeed! If the command post is really destroyed, our Red Army is doomed to lose this exercise! And our C Brigade will be even more guilty!"

Chen Jiang walked to the situation map and pointed to an area that the main force of the Blue Army would inevitably pass through on its southward advance: "Brigade Commander, Political Commissar, look here—Black Wind Valley. This is a vital passage on Highway 72, with steep slopes on both sides, making it very suitable for ambushes."

"You mean we should ambush them?" Li Haiguang immediately understood Chen Jiang's plan.

"Yes! We can't just wait and rely on others; we must take concrete actions to build a solid barrier for the command post!" Chen Jiang's eyes were sharp. "Although our main force has been damaged, we still have some combat power left. More importantly, we still have a batch of newly issued anti-tank missiles and man-portable air defense missiles in our logistics warehouse, which were originally intended for trial deployment! We can immediately organize a rapid-mobility ambush force to advance to Heifengyu and set up an ambush."

He paused, looked at Long Kaifeng and Li Haiguang, and said firmly, "If the Blue Army really sends a rapid deployment force to launch a surprise attack, we will meet them head-on at Heifengyu. This will protect the command post and prove our judgment in actual combat. Even if the Blue Army doesn't come, it will just be a combat readiness mobilization and field infiltration training. At most, it will be considered a misjudgment, but our proactive defense attitude will be positive, and no one can find fault with it."

Long Kaifeng's eyes lit up, and he slammed his fist on his palm: "Good! This is a good idea! It makes sense both ways! Deputy Brigade Commander Chen, you really have a quick mind!" He was now truly convinced of Chen Jiang's abilities.

Li Haiguang nodded in agreement: "I think it's feasible! We shouldn't delay, so let's mobilize the troops quickly. Is there enough time?"

Chen Jiang smiled slightly, "I've already ordered them to come over. They're probably almost here now."

Long Kaifeng and Li Haiguang were both taken aback upon hearing this, and then they turned their heads sharply to look outside the command center.

Sure enough, a deep and dense roar of engines came from afar, and several bright headlights pierced the night as they approached.

A well-trained unit was driving into the open area in front of them in an orderly manner. Before the vehicles had even come to a complete stop, the soldiers, dressed in camouflage and fully armed, had already jumped off the vehicles and begun to assemble quickly. There was no unnecessary noise, only the officers' short commands and the soft metallic clanging of equipment.

"Comrade Commander, the anti-aircraft artillery battalion of the armored regiment has been ordered to proceed."

"Comrade Commander, the reconnaissance battalion of the armored regiment has been ordered to arrive."

"Comrade Commander, the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion has been ordered to proceed."

Looking at this elite force that seemed to have fallen from the sky—a whole regiment of soldiers!—Long Kaifeng was both surprised and delighted: "You...you were prepared all along?"

Chen Jiang nodded, his tone calm yet undeniably firm: "When I judged that the Blue Army might launch a surprise attack from the south, I realized that time was of the essence. If we waited for reports from all levels and meetings before issuing orders, it would be too late. So before I came here, I notified all units to bring anti-armor and anti-aircraft weapons and assemble here immediately, under the guise of a brigade mobilization."

He glanced at his watch: "It seems they're moving faster than expected."

"Deputy Brigade Commander Chen, this is all thanks to Captain Tang's real-time navigation," Zhong Yiming replied with a grin, wiping the sweat from his face.

He was eventually transferred here to serve as the battalion commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and he brought his troops with him this time.

"Sir, just give the orders on how to fight!"

Zhao Dazhi and Zhao Zhenguo also rushed over; it could be said that the entire team had come.

Li Haiguang couldn't help but exclaim, "What a brilliant word 'prepare'! Anticipation, preparation, pre-assembly! Deputy Brigade Commander Chen, your foresight is truly remarkable!"

The slight unease Long Kaifeng felt at this moment due to the preemptive deployment had long been replaced by immense joy and relief. He patted Chen Jiang on the shoulder forcefully: "Well done! This unit is now our C Brigade's last hope for turning the tide! So, how do you plan to carry out this ambush?"

Chen Jiang strode to the situation map, picked up a laser pointer, and said, "Brigade Commander, Political Commissar, time is of the essence, so I'll get straight to the point."

"If the Blue Army really wants to launch a surprise attack, its rapid reaction force will definitely be lightly equipped and highly mobile, likely consisting mainly of light armored vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles, with a small number of light tanks as the assault force, and perhaps armed helicopters for air cover or reconnaissance."

"The terrain at Heifengyu is narrow, and the highway has a noticeable 'S' curve there, which will inevitably reduce vehicle speed. Therefore, I suggest:"

"First, we will send out reconnaissance troops to set up observation posts on the high points on both sides of Heifengyu to closely monitor the northern section of Highway 72 and ensure early warning."

"Second, the anti-aircraft artillery battalion and the detachments carrying man-portable air defense missiles shall immediately be concealed and deployed on the reverse slopes of the hillsides on both sides of Heifengyu, specifically to target enemy helicopters launching low-altitude attacks! Knock out their aerial eyes and fangs!"

"Third, the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and all anti-tank forces, as the main force of the ambush, will be deployed in echelons along the favorable terrain on both sides of the 'S' curve to form a crossfire network! Once the enemy convoy has fully entered the ambush zone, we will strike its head, cut off its tail, and sever its waist! We must disable its leading and rear vehicles as soon as possible, so that they cannot advance or retreat!"

"Fourth, the Information Support Battalion will implement electronic jamming when the battle begins, interfering with the enemy's communication and command systems, preventing them from contacting long-range fire support or coverage from the rear for a short period of time!"

Chen Jiang spoke clearly and logically, quickly and firmly, clearly having given it considerable thought.

“Alright! We’ll do it your way!” Long Kaifeng said without hesitation. Now was no time for delays. “Political Commissar Li, you stay at the brigade headquarters and maintain contact with higher command. Deputy Brigade Commander Chen, I’ll go to Black Wind Valley with you!”

"Yes!" Chen Jiang and Li Haiguang replied simultaneously.

The order was given swiftly, and the newly assembled troops immediately began operating efficiently. Soldiers quickly boarded the vehicles, and one after another, the armored vehicles kicked up clouds of dust, heading straight for Black Wind Valley like swords drawn from their sheaths.

The convoy sped through the night; now it was a race against time, and of course, a bit of luck as well.

Inside the car, Long Kaifeng looked at the composed Chen Jiang beside him and couldn't help but ask, "Chen Jiang, are you so sure the Blue Army will come?"

Chen Jiang gazed at the scenery rushing past the window and slowly said, "Brigade Commander, nothing is certain on the battlefield. But based on the Blue Army commander's style, the logic behind their previous actions, and the current battlefield situation, I think they will definitely come, because that's the easiest way to defeat the Red Army. Even if they don't come,"

He turned his head, his eyes shining brightly in the dimly lit carriage. "The existence of our rapid response force is also a flexible barrier, ready to support other directions at any time."

Long Kaifeng nodded heavily and said nothing more. He understood that sometimes fighting was a matter of luck, and throughout history, many famous generals had an element of gambling involved.

Winning a bet makes you a great general; losing a bet makes you a laughingstock.

Thanks to the strong navigation support provided by Tang Xinyi's information support team, the progress was very smooth.

When the troops arrived at Heifengyu, it was still dark.

Under the cover of the dense forest, the troops quickly moved into their positions as planned. Camouflage nets were spread out, gun barrels were quietly raised, and anti-tank missile launchers were aimed at the road. Everything was proceeding silently and tensely.

"Without my order, no one is allowed to make a sound. If you have a fart, hold it in; if you have a poop or pee, just do it in your pants!" Chen Jiang issued an extremely strict order.

Long Kaifeng wholeheartedly agreed, adding, "Whoever violates battlefield discipline is a historical sinner of Brigade C!"

With such strict orders from the two brigade commanders, who would dare to move?

The mosquitoes, snakes, and ants in the mountains and forests could not deter everyone's determination and confidence to turn the tide!

Time passed by minute by minute.

Long Kaifeng, lurking in the bushes, could even hear his own heartbeat.

He glanced at Chen Jiang beside him, who was also draped in camouflage netting. The latter was intently watching the distant road ahead, his expression as calm as ever.

Suddenly, Chen Jiang heard the reconnaissance unit's suppressed excitement through his earpiece: "Report! Target spotted! Blue Army convoy, approximately a reinforced battalion in size, mainly composed of wheeled armored vehicles and light tanks, with about a company of tanks mixed in. They are speeding south along Highway 72 and are expected to enter the Black Wind Valley area in fifteen minutes! No helicopters spotted in the air."

"Continue monitoring." Chen Jiang responded in a low voice, then looked at Long Kaifeng with a knowing smile on his lips, "Brigadier, the fish have finally arrived."

No helicopters? Ha! These guys are really arrogant.

However, it's hard to say for sure. It's very possible that their air force is not far from here, and it wouldn't be difficult for them to send reinforcements by plane.

Long Kaifeng's spirits lifted, and he immediately whispered the order over the communicator: "Attention all units, the prey is about to be caught in the net! Do not fire without orders! Repeat, do not fire without orders!"

The entire Black Wind Valley seemed to fall into a deathly silence, with only the rustling of the mountain wind through the trees. But beneath this silence lay the soldiers' taut nerves; a net of death had already been quietly cast.

Suddenly, the Blue Team's convoy stopped.

Inside the Blue Army command vehicle, the commander frowned as he leaned out to examine the steep, densely vegetated hillsides on both sides.

Years of combat and exercise experience have instilled in him an almost instinctive vigilance.

The canyon was unusually quiet; even the common birds seemed to have disappeared.

"Search platoon, advance 200 meters and scout the slopes on both sides." He would rather spend a few more minutes eliminating risks than let the entire unit walk headlong into a trap.

The command was executed swiftly.

Several Blue Army soldiers jumped off the armored vehicle at the head of the convoy and cautiously advanced into the canyon in tactical formation.

On the ambush site, the hearts of all the soldiers of Brigade C were in their throats.

The scouts are operating right under our noses. If even one soldier gets too nervous or makes a sound, we will be exposed immediately, and all our efforts will be in vain!
Fine beads of sweat appeared on Long Kaifeng's forehead as he looked at Chen Jiang. Chen Jiang's gaze was fixed on the Blue Army's reconnaissance squad, his lips pressed tightly together. He shook his head silently again, signaling absolute patience.

"Lynx, Lynx, have you reached the designated location?" Suddenly, the Blue Army commander heard a call from the enemy headquarters through his headset.

"Report to Mountain Eagle, Lynx is passing through Black Wind Valley!"

"Lynx, what are you doing? Black Wind Valley is still a long way from the designated location, and it's almost dawn. It'll be terrible if we get spotted!"

The headquarters' urging was giving the Blue Army commander a headache, but as the other side said, any further delay would really miss the opportunity.

"How's the search ranking? Answer me quickly!"

"Everything is normal! Over!"

Thanks to the composure of all the officers and soldiers of Brigade C, the Blue Army's advance force did not detect anything unusual.

The Blue Army commander finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had wanted to conduct further reconnaissance, but time was too tight. With such a large force, it would be very easy to be exposed if it got light.

Therefore, he could only sigh and order the troops to pass quickly.

The first few armored vehicles entered the "S"-shaped bend, but had to reduce their speed due to the terrain.

The moment when most of the blue team's vehicles had entered the bend, and the rear of the convoy had just completely disappeared into the ambush zone—

A cold glint flashed in Chen Jiang's eyes, and he uttered a single word decisively into the microphone:

"beat!"

(End of this chapter)