You were tasked with guarding the Sihang Warehouse, and you brought out a Tiger tank?

Not just positive.

After suffering heavy losses in a direct confrontation, the Japanese 68th Regiment also attempted to outflank the enemy.

But to their dismay, they discovered that the two ragtag groups they had initially thought were easy targets turned out to be tough nuts to crack.

Zhang Wenzhong's regiment on the east side and Li Dadao's regiment on the west side, although small in number, each regiment had only a few hundred soldiers.

But they occupied advantageous terrain, were armed with brand-new Hanyang rifles, and each company was equipped with several Maxim guns and mortars.

In critical moments, Lin Feng's 120mm heavy mortar is always there to provide "on call".

The moment the Japanese soldiers showed their faces, they were hit hard by the intense firepower.

What's even more despicable is that Lin Feng fully utilized his advantages of having many engineers, landmines, and explosives.

During the day, Japanese engineers risked their lives to clear mines and had just cleared a path.

At night, Lin Feng's sappers crept up and not only patched up the mines, but also used a variety of mines, including booby traps, bounding mines, and tripwire mines.

This back-and-forth torture completely destroyed the morale of the Japanese soldiers.

After three days of fighting, the 68th Infantry Regiment of the Japanese 3rd Division was basically destroyed.

More than half of the troops were killed or wounded. One of the majors, who was in a bloodthirsty frenzy, was shot in the head by a sniper from Lin Feng's side while leading the charge.

The worst off was the 5th Independent Tank Battalion, which was assigned to the 3rd Division.

Their regimental commander was currently crying to the divisional commander, Fujita Susumu, and refused to cooperate with the infantry attack any longer.

"Division Commander, we can't fight anymore! We really can't fight anymore!"

The tank regiment commander pointed to the only four Type 4 medium tanks that were still operational behind him, his voice trembling:

"The Chinese army on the other side is simply a monster. They have tanks, anti-aircraft guns that fire directly, tank defense guns with extremely high penetration, and even large-caliber machine guns that can penetrate the armor of Imperial Army tanks."

"I had two whole medium tank squadrons, more than twenty Type 89 medium tanks, and now only these few remain."

"Is this a trip to war? It's a suicide mission!"

Keep in mind, this was in 37.

This is not like the Hans and the Soviet Union in the later stages of World War II, where hundreds or thousands of tanks would clash in a single battle.

The loss of more than a dozen medium tanks in a single battle was a devastating blow for the Japanese army at that time.

Although the Japanese industrial capacity was stronger than that of Daxia, it couldn't withstand such exploitation.

-----

Another day passed, at the headquarters of the Shanghai Expeditionary Army.

General Matsui Iwane sat at the head of the table, his face ashen.

Standing before him were two high-ranking Japanese officers dressed in general's uniforms, with command swords at their waists and two five-pointed stars on their collar insignia.

One of them was Fujita Susumu, the commander of the 3rd Division, who was bowing his head with a look of shame on his face.

The other was Yoshizumi Ryosuke, commander of the 9th Division and the top dog of the Kanazawa Division. He was glancing at Fujita Susumu out of the corner of his eye, with a faint hint of mockery on his face.

"Fujita-kun."

Matsui Iwane spoke, his tone chilling:

"It's been three days. A full three days. Your 3rd Division not only failed to capture the North Station, but also suffered heavy losses, with even the 68th Regiment being decimated."

"That Chinese man named Lin Feng is still standing on the ruins of the North Station, stepping over the corpses of the Imperial Army and mocking our incompetence."

Matsui Iwane slammed his fist on the table and roared:

"Do you know what people are saying outside? Those idiots in the navy are laughing at us, and the foreigners in the International Settlement are laughing at us too."

That regimental flag was a disgrace to the 149th Regiment and to the entire expeditionary force.

For the past three days, I've dreamt of that flag flying over the Chinese positions; it feels like a slap in the face.

The Japanese's unique "culture of shame" began to spread wildly.

For them, defeat might be acceptable, but being repeatedly humiliated by a ragtag army was worse than death.

"The only way to avenge this humiliation."

Matsui Iwane stood up, drew his command sword, and slashed it fiercely at the location of the North Station on the map:

"It's about completely annihilating this 'Honorary 1st Brigade,' personally beheading Lin Feng, and using his blood to wash away the shame of having the regimental flag stolen."

He turned his head, his gaze sweeping across the faces of Fujita Susumu and Yoshizumi Ryosuke:

"The main force of the 9th Division has arrived. Now, I'm giving you a chance."

"Between the two of you, who can take over the North Station? Who can put Lin Feng's head on my desk?"

Fujita Susumu suddenly looked up, his eyes bloodshot: "Commander, please give me another chance. Even if the entire 3rd Division is wiped out, we must take the North Station!"

Not to be outdone, Yoshizumi Ryosuke stepped forward and said loudly, "Commander, the 9th Division, as an elite force from Kanazawa, excels in siege warfare. Since the 3rd Division is... somewhat exhausted, why not entrust this task to us?"

The meaning behind these words is quite clear: if your 3rd Division is incompetent, then stop occupying the position without doing anything; watch my 9th Division put on a show.

The two glanced at each other, their gazes meeting in mid-air, sparks seemingly flying.

This is an internal competition, a competition that stakes on the honor of the division.

"very good."

Matsui Iwane nodded in satisfaction. This was exactly the effect he wanted—a wolf snatching food.

"No need to argue. This time, I'll use the lion to hunt the rabbit."

"Fujita-kun, Yoshizumi-kun, your two divisions, one on the left and one on the right, will launch a pincer attack on Zhabei simultaneously."

"in addition……"

Matsui Iwane narrowed his eyes, and his mustache trembled violently above his lips:

"I have ordered that the entire 5th Independent Field Heavy Artillery Brigade be assigned to your command."

"I'm going to turn the North Station into a real sea of ​​fire, and see if Lin Feng is really made of iron."

5th Independent Field Heavy Artillery Brigade.

Fujita Susumu and Yoshizumi Ryosuke both gasped in surprise, then were overjoyed.

That's a strategic artillery unit equipped with 150mm heavy cannons and even 240mm howitzers; they're usually treated like precious treasures.

With this level of firepower support, let alone a city ruin, even an iron mountain could be leveled.

"Hey, we'll definitely cut off this man's head."

The two roared in unison, their voices filled with murderous intent.

-----

In late October, the autumn rains became even colder and more biting.

But for the defenders on the Zhabei defense line, what was even more biting than the cold wind was the relentless bombardment that nearly overturned the ground.

The Japanese 9th Division, as expected of an elite force from the Hokuriku region, displayed a ferocity in battle that was completely different from the 3rd Division.

They didn't use any fancy maneuvers; they just launched a direct, hard-line assault, using artillery shells to clear the way and human lives to fill the gaps.

The first to bear the brunt was the renowned German-equipped 88th Division, which was defending the flank of the North Station.

Sihang Warehouse, the headquarters of the 88th Division.

The phone rang incessantly, like a death knell, and the staff officers went in and out anxiously.

"Commander, the 264th Brigade can't hold on any longer; its casualties have exceeded 50%."

"Commander, the 262nd Brigade has called. The Japanese have dropped poison gas bombs in the direction of Bazhiqiao. They are requesting gas mask support."

Commander Sun stood in front of the map, the glass of red wine he used to show off was nowhere to be found.

He was pale, his forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat, and his gleaming riding boots paced anxiously in place.

"Hold on, make them hold on for me."

Commander Sun roared into the phone, but his voice betrayed a weak, blustering tone: "Tell them that anyone who dares to retreat without my orders will be court-martialed."

After hanging up the phone, Commander Sun grabbed his military cap from the table, his hands trembling.

"Damn it, this war is unwinnable... If we keep fighting, my entire fortune will be wiped out!"

He was a protégé of the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy, and a favorite of the top leadership.

But that doesn't mean he's willing to risk his life and capital for this ruin.

If the 88th Division is wiped out, what will Mr. Sun rely on to maintain his standing in the military? Will he become a commander without troops?

"Commander..." The chief of staff cautiously leaned closer, "The Japanese offensive is too fierce. The 9th Division is like a mad dog. If we don't retreat soon... we might be surrounded and wiped out."

Commander Sun's eyes flickered, and finally he gritted his teeth, his eyes starting to gleam again.

He's getting ready to run away.

"Withdraw! Order the troops to retreat south under alternating cover."

(I'd like to ask for a small gift again, like the free gift from watching GG.)