Even if I'm a useless bum at Whampoa Military Academy, I'll be invincible in the War of Re

At Hill 203, the Schneider Mountain Artillery Battalion achieved victory in the exchange of fire with the Japanese. Although they lost four artillery pieces, they dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese artillery group.

With the suppression of the mountain artillery battalion, the Yangjialing artillery company survived and assisted the 71st Army in repelling the attacks of the 16th and 13th Divisions. The fighting was fierce on both sides.

Inside the 71st Army headquarters, Chief of Staff Chen Sunong reported in a deep voice:

"The 61st Division suffered more than 1500 casualties, and the 88th Division suffered more than 800 casualties. They lost two artillery pieces, nine heavy machine guns, and hundreds of other firearms."

Thanks to the full support of the Tiger Army's artillery group, the 323rd Division reported the loss of 11 artillery pieces and over 100 casualties.

Although my casualties were heavy, the results were brilliant. The Japanese suffered over two thousand dead and a large number of wounded. The Tiger Army destroyed more than 20 artillery pieces, rendering the Japanese afraid to fire.

Song Yingguo said emotionally:

"We will always remember Brother Yunwen's kindness. I will personally go to the 323rd Division to express my gratitude and discuss the next phase of the joint operation plan."

"Commander, are we going empty-handed? Should we prepare some gifts?"

Chen Sunong kindly reminded him that this was standard practice in the Nationalist army, but Song Yingguo had nothing of value and couldn't offer anything that would please Young Master Zhao, so he could only spread his hands and say:

"A gentleman's friendship is as light as water, Brother Yunwen shouldn't mind... Oh, I remember now, bring my two jars of treasured wine."

"Let the deputy commander keep an eye on things at the military headquarters for now, we'll set off immediately!"

After leaving the military headquarters, the two went straight to the 313th Division headquarters. Since it was in the rear, they only brought a guard platoon with them.

Upon learning of Song Yingguo's visit, Zhao Yunwen led Qiu Fengzi out to greet him. After exchanging greetings, they went into the command post.

After exchanging a few polite words, Zhao Yunwen ushered Song Yingguo and Chen Sunong into the command post. Song Yingguo then said directly:

"Brother Yunwen, how are the casualties among the brothers? This time the Japanese attacked like they'd gone mad. Thanks to your help, otherwise we really wouldn't have been able to hold them off."

"It's alright, Brother Yin Guo, you're too kind. Our two departments are interdependent, like lips and teeth; if one falls, the other will be in danger."

In the face of this national crisis, it is all the more necessary for us to unite as one and fight against the Japanese invaders.

"Brother Yunwen, I had some prejudice against you before, and I sincerely apologize to you for that. I also express my gratitude for your and the Tiger Legion's help in our time of crisis."

Zhao Yunwen patted Song Yingguo on the shoulder and said:

"Let's not beat around the bush, we're brothers. How's the situation over there? Are you managing to hold on?"

Song Yingguo's smile vanished, and he said in a deep voice:

"More than 2,000 people were killed or wounded, including more than 1300 who died in battle and 600 who were seriously wounded. Almost an entire regiment was wiped out, and a lot of equipment was also lost."

Of course, the Japanese suffered even greater casualties, with over two thousand corpses and a large number of seriously wounded. Nearly a thousand of them died under the Tiger Army's artillery fire alone.

"Brother Yin Guo, it was all thanks to the brave soldiers of the 71st Army that we achieved this victory. The Tiger Army was just the icing on the cake. Most of the results belong to you."

Song Yingguo intended to attribute the victory to the Tiger Army artillery group, but Zhao Yunwen politely declined, saying that artillery support was only an aid, and that the 61st Division had fought well, and he should not steal the spotlight.

323rd Division Commander Qiu Fengzi continued, saying:

"Please don't refuse each other, Senior Song, please sit down and talk first."

Qiu Fengzi was a graduate of the second class and a lieutenant general division commander, so he was qualified to be on friendly terms with them.

Chen Sunong, a third-term student, is a bit less qualified, but since he's a guest, he's allowed to sit at the table.

Major General Ma Weilan, the chief of staff of the 323rd Division, could only do odd jobs and provide support throughout the process.

In these extraordinary times, Song Yingguo didn't stand on ceremony and said after sitting down:

"Brother Yunwen, the task assigned to us by the headquarters is very difficult. The Japanese are determined to take Fujinshan. If the fighting continues like this, our small force will not be able to hold out until the required period."

In your opinion, what is the next step?

Zhao Yunwen dismissed all irrelevant people, leaving only a few key figures, before speaking:

"Fujinshan must be defended, but not to the death! The orders from headquarters must be carried out, but we cannot afford to wipe out all our troops."

Our strategic policy is a protracted war and a war of attrition, not a war of annihilation!

Holding out for forty days was just the command's operational plan; how many days they could actually hold out depended on the actual situation, but a bottom line could be set.

Once we have suffered more than half our casualties, the operational objective will be achieved. At that point, we will withdraw from our positions and retreat to deeper positions to intercept the enemy in stages.

Song Yingguo did not rush to express his opinion; instead, Chen Sunong said with concern:

"Won't Commander Bai blame us? He gave strict orders."

This question was clearly asked on behalf of Song Yingguo; they needed to know Zhao Yunwen's attitude.

Zhao Yunwen's tone remained as firm as ever:

"When a general is in the field, he may not be given orders. As long as we do our best, we will have no regrets about the country and the nation. We do not need to be responsible to any one person."

Zhao Yunwen had already expressed his opinion, so Song Yingguo could no longer sit idly by. Seemingly having made up his mind, he loudly proclaimed:

"I have no objection. Let's do as Brother Yunwen says. Our two departments are of one mind and move in unison."

Zhao Yunwen instantly looked at him with higher regard. Song Yingguo was a well-known "hawk and hound general," and it was truly remarkable that he could act according to the circumstances.

"Very good, it's settled then. The 71st Army will be the main force. Since we have reached a consensus, the 36th Division, as a reserve force, cannot be moved."

My suggestion is to have them retreat several hundred meters, strategically position themselves in an inverted V-formation, and then launch a surprise attack when the Japanese pursue. This would both eliminate the Japanese vanguard and stabilize the position, buying time for the main force to deploy its defenses in depth.

Song Yingguo, a veteran general, instantly understood Zhao Yunwen's tactical intentions. His eyes lit up, and he excitedly said:

"If this is the case, tragedies like those in the later stages of the Battle of Shanghai can be avoided."

The northern foothills of the Dabie Mountains stretch for hundreds of miles, forcing the Japanese army to rely on the main road. As long as we deploy our defenses in stages and launch layered attacks, we can continuously wear down the Japanese and slow their advance, achieving the same effect as holding Fujin Mountain to the death.

Zhao Yunwen smiled with satisfaction. It was easy to talk to smart people. A general not only needs to be tough, but also flexible, brave and resourceful.

"Brother Yin Guo, this matter is settled. We haven't reached that point yet. To achieve the tactical objectives of the second phase, we still need to cripple the 16th and 13th Divisions before that."

There were no shortcuts; it was a matter of confronting the Japanese head-on, relying on the advantageous terrain and fortifications of Fujin Mountain to continuously wear them down, with the Tiger Legion and the 71st Army advancing and retreating together.

Song Yingguo stood up, slammed his hand on the table, and shouted:

"Alright, it's settled then. You and I, brothers, will take good care of those two wolves, the 13th and 16th Divisions, at Fujin Mountain. We, the sons of China, don't need to mobilize to fight those two beastly divisions."

Just do it!

Zhao Yunwen also clapped his hands in agreement:

"Damn it, fuck the hell out of him!"

Everyone laughed heartily, their minds made up. They then gathered together to discuss some details until someone's stomach started to rumble, and they realized it was well past lunchtime.

Zhao Yunwen ordered hot food to be served, four dishes and a soup, and everyone ate heartily. Song Yingguo finished two cans of luncheon meat in one go.

If this were in later generations, even cats would dislike it, but now it would definitely be considered a delicacy, especially suitable for replenishing energy during high-intensity combat.

Song Yingguo licked his lips and said:

"This is from the United States, it's even more fragrant than the Japanese canned beef."

Song Yingguo's thoughts were written all over his face. Chen Sunong turned his face away in embarrassment. After all, Song Yingguo was a lieutenant general, and he was ashamed to be associated with him.

Zhao Yunwen waved his hand and said:

"Yu Yan, since Brother Yin Guo likes it, prepare a few boxes and take them with you when they leave. They can eat it as a midnight snack when they stay up all night."

Song Yingguo rubbed his hands and said:

"How could I possibly trouble Brother Yunwen to spend money again? Look, I only brought two jars of wine. You're just eating and taking things..."

Despite the polite formalities, he didn't refuse. Young Master Zhao was wealthy and powerful; a glimpse of his wealth through his fingers was enough for him to eat and drink his fill. He had benefited from this at school quite a bit.

Because it was wartime, Song Yingguo did not linger. He came carrying two jars of wine, and left with large and small packages, requiring more than a dozen mules and horses.

Medicines more valuable than gold, first-aid kits that money can't buy, compressed biscuits, canned luncheon meat—they returned home laden with their purchases.

"Brother Yunwen, I am ashamed!"

Zhao Yunwen patted him on the shoulder and said:

"Brother Yingguo, you're too kind. Young Master Zhao will pay the bill!"

After Zhao Yunwen finished speaking, he couldn't help but burst into laughter. They all recalled how, after the victory of the Eastern Expedition, a group of old comrades went to a tavern in Guangzhou to broaden their horizons. At that time, Zhao Yunwen had patted his chest and boasted that "Young Master Zhao will pay the bill for everyone." Everyone cheered in unison. Among them were Shu Kang, Ying Guo, Hu Shoushan, Du Yuming, Guan Yudong, Jiang Xiangyun, Xu Xiangqian, Yu Liangzhen, Huang Wei, Fan Hanjie, and many other celebrities that Zhao Yunwen could think of.

It seems that Sun Wulang was forgotten to be invited at the time...

After seeing Song Yingguo off, Zhao Yunwen's attention returned to the battlefield. He knew the Japanese wouldn't give up easily.