Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Changjin Lake, a Hundred Battles, a Hundred Victories

Chapter 238 Chen Ming's Wedding, Gifts from All Sides!
In addition to the upgrade of the 107 rocket, Liu Xianfeng also reported a project progress update to Chen Ming.

Liu Xianfeng pushed up his glasses and spread out the technical drawings in front of Chen Ming.

"Sir, the improvement of the 107 rocket has reached its limit. Its range, accuracy, and power have all reached the ceiling under the current technological conditions."

He tapped the data on the blueprint with his finger: "The ratio of cast iron shell to propellant has been adjusted seventeen times, and there is less than three percent room for improvement."

Chen Ming nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the densely packed parameter table.

"I understand. So what's your next plan?"

"Individual rocket launcher".

With the enthusiasm unique to technologists shining in his eyes, Liu Xianfeng took out another stack of design drawings from his briefcase.

"This is the future anti-armor weapon for infantry, the best weapon to deal with Japanese tanks on the battlefield, but its development difficulty is far greater than that of the 107mm rocket."

He explained in detail: "The 107 rocket is essentially a propellant plus a cast iron shell. The manufacturing process is simple and suitable for mass production."

"But the individual rocket launcher is a combination of precision mechanics and high chemical energy munition system."

Liu Xianfeng's fingertips traced the cross-sectional view on the drawing.

"The launch tube alone requires high-pressure resistant seamless steel pipes. Although our steel plant laboratory has successfully produced one, there are still many difficulties in mass production."

Chen Ming picked up a blueprint, which depicted the internal structure of a rocket launcher.

"What about armor-piercing rounds? I remember mentioning in the last report that we needed metal jet armor-piercing technology."

“That’s right, the commander remembers it very clearly.” Liu Xianfeng nodded.

"Armor-piercing projectiles require precision shaped charge liner and special explosive charge to form a metal jet that penetrates armor."

"We are testing the effects of copper and aluminum pharmaceutical molds, but the stability of explosive forming is not yet ideal."

Chen Ming remained silent for a moment, then walked to the window.

In the arsenal's yard, workers are loading a new batch of 107mm rockets.

He knew these weapons had proven their value in numerous battles, but faced with the increasingly fortified armor of Japanese tanks, the troops needed more effective individual anti-armor capabilities.

"We have to do it, we absolutely have to."

Chen Ming turned around, his tone resolute.

"If you need any support, just apply to the logistics department. Personnel, equipment, and funding are all readily available."

He walked up to Liu Xianfeng, his gaze resolute:
"If we can develop rocket launchers, our soldiers will no longer have to use their flesh and blood to fight against the Japanese armor."

"This will not only reduce casualties, but also change our tactics."

Liu Xianfeng, slightly excited, sorted through the blueprints: "Thank you for your support, sir! We will definitely overcome the technical difficulties as soon as possible."

Chen Ming patted him on the shoulder: "Remember, practicality and reliability are equally important."

"What soldiers need are weapons that are simple to use and durable on the battlefield, not just sophisticated instruments in the laboratory."

"Understood! We will balance performance with practical needs."

After seeing Liu Xianfeng off, Chen Ming continued to ponder the tactical value of the rocket launcher.

Although the independent detachment was equipped with some anti-tank guns and machine guns, these weapons were heavy and had poor mobility, making it difficult to deploy quickly with the infantry.

In urban warfare and complex terrain, anti-tank guns have difficulty adjusting their firing angles quickly, while rocket launchers can attack from any angle, truly achieving a qualitative leap in infantry anti-armor capabilities.

Anti-tank guns are responsible for long-range interception, while rocket launchers solve close-range engagements—the two complement each other perfectly.

After inspecting the arsenal, Chen Ming spent the next few days traveling between various military units, reviewing their troops and adjusting combat deployments.

On the parade ground at dawn, soldiers were conducting tactical drills.

Chen Ming stood on the observation platform, carefully observing every tactical maneuver through binoculars.

The infantry squads coordinated better than last month, and the transfer and cover of machine gun fire were also smoother.

"The First Battalion's advance was still a step too slow."

Chen Ming pointed out the problem to his chief of staff.

"The coordination between infantry and machine gun fire needs to be further strengthened."

Tell He Jianxin that this issue must be resolved within a week.

"Yes, sir!" The chief of staff quickly took notes.

In the afternoon, Chen Ming arrived at the artillery position.

The anti-tank guns were concealed in carefully camouflaged positions.

"The camouflage is good, but the speed of relocating the position is still not fast enough."

Chen Ming counted the time on his pocket watch.

"The Japanese tanks won't give us ten minutes to slowly move their guns."

Tell the anti-tank battalion that its relocation speed must be reduced to less than six minutes within three days.

"Sir, isn't this request too high?"

The anti-tank battalion commander looked troubled.

"Will the Japanese give us a chance to bargain on the battlefield?"

Chen Ming countered with a question that left no room for argument.

"Train! Train until you meet the standards. I need soldiers who can win battles, not just a ceremonial guard that can only perform drills."

As night fell, Chen Ming was still studying maps at the command post.

Under the oil lamp, his fingers moved between Guihua, Jining, and Baotou, occasionally marking them with a pencil.

"How are the logistical preparations going?"

Without looking up, he asked the logistics minister who had just come in.

"1,500 tons of grain have been transported to designated locations, ammunition reserves are sufficient, and medical supplies are also in place."

Logistics Minister Li Zhu handed over a list.

"This is the supply distribution plan for each unit. Please review it, sir."

Chen Ming carefully reviewed the list, occasionally offering suggestions for adjustments.

"The cavalry detachment's horse feed has increased by 10 percent, as they need to undertake long-distance raids."
The special forces units are issued double the base load of ammunition, especially grenades and explosives, and 50% more fuel.

The grim atmosphere of impending battle permeated the troops, and every soldier could feel the urgency of time.

If the soldiers and horses are not moving, the grain and grass will go first.

The logistics department was also mobilized, concentrating grain supplies at designated locations to prepare provisions for the army's upcoming battles.

In mid-October, a battle plan was sent to headquarters.

The headquarters leaders jointly signed the "Operational Preparation Order," which clarified the operational objectives of the independent detachment.

The operational plan was simultaneously submitted to the rear.

Two days later, Chen Ming's fiancée, Cheng Qingrong, arrived at the front line.

"With so many of our personnel being moved around, the Japanese must have noticed something amiss."

"After all, there must be plenty of traitors and Japanese intelligence agents in the base area, so we need to reassure the Japanese."

"Spread the word that I, Chen Ming, am getting married, and that important figures will be attending. This troop mobilization is for security purposes."

Chen Ming gave the order.

"Yes."

This was a plan that had been made long ago.

Given the current size of the Independent Detachment, it would be impossible for them to completely conceal large-scale troop movements from the Japanese spies.

Using Chen Ming's marriage as a reason could ease the Japanese soldiers' tense nerves.

Given Chen Ming's age and rank, it's normal for important figures to attend his wedding, so being on high alert is to be expected. Even if it doesn't lower the Japanese's guard in the standoff area, it will at least lull them into a false sense of security.

After all, with the highest-ranking military officer of the Independent Detachment getting married at this time, it's impossible for the entire Independent Detachment to be engaged in combat.
The news of Chen Ming's upcoming marriage was spread on Chen Ming's orders.

The first to receive the message was Shancheng, which was sent by Chen Ming himself.

The gist of it is: I, Chen Ming, am getting married, so I'm sending you a telegram to let you know. Please accept this as a token of my appreciation.

It's just a matter of sending a telegram, it doesn't cost any money. If the mountain city gives a congratulatory gift, even if it's just a silver dollar, it's still a profit.

Not giving anything wouldn't be a loss for Chen Ming; his main purpose was to spread the news of his marriage.

With the intelligence network in the mountain city so thoroughly damaged, sending a telegram to the mountain city was equivalent to sending it to all forces across the country.

The Japanese soldiers naturally received this message as well.

mountain city.

"Chen Ming is getting married, and he even sent the message personally?"

The battalion commander received the telegram from Chen Ming and was somewhat puzzled.

It's no wonder he felt strange; our army generals never send telegrams to the mountain city when they get married.

Chen Ming specifically sent a telegram to Shancheng, making it the first case of its kind.

This made the captain think more deeply.

"This is not their usual practice. Could it be that there is some special meaning behind it?"

He had always wanted to win over Chen Ming, offering prices that would be hard for ordinary people to refuse, whether it was power, wealth, fame, or beautiful women, Chen Ming accepted without hesitation.

But this time, a telegram suddenly arrived, announcing his marriage.

"Could it be that Chen Ming suffered some injustice over there and has other ideas?" the captain wondered.

It's understandable that he thinks this way; having reached his current position, he's seen far too many examples.

In his view, Chen Ming is very strong now, but he is still the captain of the independent detachment, so he must have his own ideas.

Sending this message to him might be a way of conveying a signal.

The chief of staff cautiously suggested, "Perhaps it's just a courtesy call?"

The captain shook his head: "No, Chen Ming never does anything meaningless."

"Prepare a generous gift immediately and send someone to deliver it. While you're at it, sound him out and see if there's any hidden meaning behind it."

Second Theater Command.

Commander Yan also received news of Chen Ming's upcoming marriage, but the source was not the Independent Detachment, but rather Shancheng.

In fact, he already knew about it before the battalion commander even learned of it.

He responded quickly. As the commander of the Independent Detachment, which is currently the most prominent detachment in Shanxi Province, Chen Ming would certainly not ignore the marriage of Commander Yan.

After all, the two sides had done several transactions together and had some acquaintance.

We went to the mountain city together, and we even took the same plane both ways.

It was just a gift, it didn't cost much, and for Commander Yan, a businessman by nature, it was worth it.

"Prepare some gifts to send over, something a little more expensive, and also send some flower-shaped steamed buns as a congratulatory gift."

Other units that had dealt with the Independent Detachment, such as the Northern Route Army, also sent a congratulatory gift.

Meanwhile, cadres from various base areas who had good relations with Chen Ming also sent congratulatory gifts.

Even though I can't come in person, I want to send my heartfelt wishes.

Chen Ming's teacher also sent him a congratulatory gift. The gift was light, consisting of a calligraphy scroll that read "May you have a happy marriage for a hundred years" and a fountain pen, but the sentiment was deep despite the small gift.

Having witnessed Chen Ming and Cheng Qingrong's relationship from meeting to marriage, I naturally want to congratulate my student on her wedding.

At the North China Expeditionary Army Headquarters, Okamura also received news that Chen Ming was getting married.

Okamura hated Chen Ming to the core, a formidable enemy of the North China Expeditionary Army, and wished he could get rid of him as soon as possible.

Upon learning of Chen Ming's marriage, Shancheng also sent people to offer their congratulations.

Okamura went to great lengths, activating a long-buried mole and infiltrating the group that went to the Independent Detachment's base to offer congratulations.

There was only one goal: to assassinate Chen Ming at the wedding, no matter the cost.

This is his only chance right now. The independent detachment has been managed by Chen Ming like an iron barrel, and there is usually no chance to infiltrate it.

Now that he finally had a chance to have an outsider infiltrate the area, he had to seize the opportunity and eliminate Chen Ming in one fell swoop.

As for why not send troops to take advantage of this opportunity to attack the Independent Detachment?

Doesn't Okamura want to? He simply doesn't have the strength anymore.

Following the continued setbacks in the Pacific theater, General Staff ordered the continued redeployment of some of the elite troops from the North China Expeditionary Army, with an estimated 50,000 men to be redeployed.

Okamura had no intention of carrying out this order, because if these troops were withdrawn, the situation that was still manageable would gradually collapse.

But it was an order from headquarters, and he had no choice but to obey.

So now, Okamura is not only unable to organize troops for an offensive, but even defending his existing territory is a struggle.

He can only pin his hopes on assassination now, rather than military success.

The news of Chen Ming's upcoming marriage quickly spread throughout the mountain city and to all factions.

Beneath this news were the various units of the independent detachment that had already been secretly reassigned.

Something's brewing beneath the surface!
He Jianxin's First Brigade was secretly transferred to Liangcheng County.

Ding Wei's First Independent Brigade was secretly transferred to Horinger County.

Kong Jie's reinforced second battalion also participated in the offensive operation and was mobilized to Xinghe County.

The special forces detachment, together with He Jianxin's reinforced first brigade, were on standby in Liangcheng.

The cavalry detachment operated in the northeastern part of Guihua.

The remaining three brigades operated around Jining.

It can be said that this time the Independent Detachment has put all its strength into preparing for a surprise attack, aiming to capture the two cities of Guihua and Jining in one fell swoop and cut off Baotou.

The Japanese 3rd Tank Division is currently stationed in Baotou. This division has more than 180 tanks and 60 armored vehicles.

There were also twelve 75mm field guns and twelve 105mm howitzers.

It is a very formidable enemy.

However, after several months of continuous attacks on the Japanese supply lines by Ding Wei's and Xu Desheng's troops, the supply lines were successfully maintained.

This tank division did not have enough fuel to sustain its long-term operations.

Chen Ming's goal this time is to capture Guihua and Jining, and completely cut off the supply lines to the Baotou area.

After capturing Guihua and Jining, this Japanese division
Taking advantage of the Japanese tank division's lack of fuel, they trapped the enemy in Baotou.

They adopted the tactic of besieging the enemy's stronghold and attacking reinforcements, continuously eliminating the Japanese forces supporting this division.

At that time, the hundreds of kilometers from Baotou to Datong and Wucheng, the closest strongholds of the Japanese, will become the graveyard of this Japanese tank division.

Once this tank division is captured, there will be very few Japanese troops in the entire North China region that can threaten the Independent Detachment.

In order to achieve the strategic deployment, Chen Ming mobilized all the elite troops under his command that he could mobilize.

Currently, the defense tasks within the base area of ​​the independent detachment, apart from key areas such as the arsenal, are mainly focused on other areas.

In other areas, local armed forces donned military uniforms and pretended to be the main force, with other units providing joint defense.

It can be said that if the Japanese were to attack the base of the Independent Detachment, Chen Ming would not have enough strength to completely defend it.

This is a gamble, but Chen Ming is unprepared and has a good chance of winning.

P.S.: Sorry, I'm stuck on writer's block. I've sat in front of the computer for three hours and haven't been able to write a single word. I promised at least 8,000 words, but I can't manage that. Next, I need to write the campaign. Ugh, can anyone help me with this writer's block?!

(End of this chapter)