Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Subtitle: Give the General Staff face, we'll get the real deal!
In the blink of an eye, another seven or eight days have passed.

The biting cold wind could no longer stop the growing festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year.

New paper-cut window decorations were pasted on the windows of every household.

Children, dressed in new clothes, chased and played in the alleys where the snow had not yet melted.

The Spring Festival is finally approaching, and there is no war in North China.

The people at the joint command headquarters also relaxed for once.

Chu Yunfei's office was filled with warmth and laughter.

At Chu Yunfei's invitation, Sun Ming returned to Changzhi from the Fifth War Zone to celebrate the festival with Chu Yunfei.

As for Qian Bojun, Fang Ligong, and the rest of the group, they didn't have time to return to Changzhi.

Qian Bojun needed to stay at the front line and strengthen vigilance during the Spring Festival to prevent the Japanese army from launching a surprise attack.

Fang Ligong, on the other hand, wanted to "go on a blind date".

The Second War Zone Commander Chu Xichun introduced him to a "wife" with decent conditions, so he took the opportunity to go and see her.

At this moment, in Chu Yunfei's office.

"Your Excellency, please try this."

Zhao Pengcheng carefully placed a plate of freshly cooked, steaming dumplings in front of Chu Yunfei, a proud smile on his face: "I heard from my sister-in-law the other day that you wanted to eat dumplings, so I specially asked the kitchen to find a chef to make these pickled vegetable and pork dumplings. Please try them."

Chu Yunfei smiled, picked up a piece, dipped it in the garlic and chili vinegar that Sun Ming had personally mashed, and put it in his mouth.

The delicious juice, accompanied by the unique aroma of pickled vegetables, instantly bursts on the taste buds: "Hmm, not bad, just right."

He nodded with satisfaction. In this war-torn year-end, having such a plate of hot dumplings was a gesture that warmed his heart.

Sun Ming, standing to the side, deftly poured warm yellow wine for the three of them, while complaining to Chu Yunfei, "Sir, you have no idea what kind of hardship I endured in the Fifth War Zone."

He put on a bitter and resentful look: "It's just chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns every day. My lips are practically on fire. I only realized after I'd been there for a while that chili peppers aren't just a strategic resource for the people of Hunan, but also for the Sichuan army. They lacked cotton-padded clothes, and many soldiers relied on chili peppers to keep warm. I was really looking forward to the New Year, thinking I could finally have some better food with you."

Chu Yunfei raised an eyebrow: "You've really worked hard, Pengcheng. Go and make arrangements later. Let Sun Ming have whatever he wants to eat. Also, after dinner, have Sun Weimou call me. What's the deal with the Sichuan Army's cotton-padded uniforms?"

"Your Excellency, we were well prepared for this matter. Back in late summer, clothing factories all over Shanxi were working overtime every day to produce clothing."

However, compared to the combat troops that need to be issued cotton-padded clothing, it is far from enough, with a shortage of at least 30,000 pieces.

Moreover, many local government staff are still wearing thin cotton-padded coats to this day, resulting in many people suffering from frostbite.

However, the winter clothing produced in the United States is already en route and is expected to arrive and be distributed to the front lines within two weeks.

Hearing this, Chu Yunfei nodded in satisfaction and looked at Sun Ming: "He who eats another's food is bound to do his bidding; he who takes another's money is bound to do his bidding. You've been with the Sichuan Army for so long, you must have made quite a few friends, right?"

Sun Ming chuckled: "Commander Sun, Commander Wang, Commander Liu—these are all people I like quite a bit. Coming back on this trip, I'm just helping them raise some issues..."

Chu Yunfei nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.

Sun Ming then looked at Zhao Pengcheng: "By the way, Pengcheng, tell me quickly, what big moves have happened at the joint command while I was away? I heard that a big meeting was held a while ago. Did Shancheng cause us some trouble again?"

Zhao Pengcheng glanced at Chu Yunfei, who was slowly eating dumplings, lowered his voice, and briefly recounted the contents of the expanded meeting a few days ago.

"When Commander Bai proposed the 'decisive battle on the Pinghan Railway,' the atmosphere immediately turned sour, and many officers' faces fell."

Guess who was the first to stand up and speak?

Sun Ming asked curiously, "Who?"

"I guess, given General Fu Yisheng's composure, he probably won't be the one to stick his neck out."

The biggest losses in such a large-scale battle would definitely be suffered by the miscellaneous troops, who would inevitably worry that their unit designations would be cancelled by the mountain city.

Therefore, the first to object would inevitably be the commander of the ragtag army.

Among the army group commanders who came from miscellaneous military backgrounds, there were only a handful whose words carried weight. Could it be Commander Sun Zhen of the 22nd Army Group?

“No.” Zhao Pengcheng shook his head, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: “It’s Liu Maoen, Commander-in-Chief of the Fourteenth Army Group!”

Sun Ming was greatly surprised: "How could he be Commander Liu?"

Liu Maoen's identity is quite extraordinary. He is a veteran general of a non-military force, but now he commands the reorganized Central Army's elite troops.

It is precisely because he possesses a certain degree of united front value that his qualifications and background give his speech at the meeting more weight than those of purely loyal or miscellaneous generals.

But that's where the problem lies.

He no longer had any truly loyal troops under his command, and should have been walking on thin ice. How dare he charge into battle?
Could it be that Your Excellency instructed this?

Sun Ming subconsciously looked in Chu Yunfei's direction.

Chu Yunfei chuckled lightly: "Why are you looking at me? I didn't contact Commander Liu beforehand."

Zhao Pengcheng lowered his voice, mimicking Liu Maoen's unhurried tone: "Your Excellency overruled all objections and provided strong support when reorganizing the 14th Army Group, treating everyone equally and never showing any favoritism because of Commander-in-Chief Liu's background."

I remember Commander Liu first stood up, cupped his hands in front of the map, and said, "Commander-in-Chief Bai's vision is insightful and his strategy is grand. I, Liu Shulin, admire him."

“But,” Zhao Pengcheng changed the subject, “he continued, ‘But Okamura Neiji is now determined to be a coward, clearly hoping we'll run right into his trap. If we do that, what's the difference between that and willingly sticking our heads under his guillotine?’”

Sun Ming nodded slowly: "With Commander-in-Chief Liu setting this precedent, things will be much easier from here on out."

Zhao Pengcheng's tone became serious: "Immediately afterwards, General Fu Yisheng also spoke."

General Fu was not as tough as Commander-in-Chief Liu.

He said that Okamura Yasuji's move, seemingly passive, actually concealed a murderous intent.

Once our army launches a full-scale attack, it may appear aggressive, but in reality, it lacks the ability to conduct siege warfare.

After all the troops are transferred north, the area where the Fifth War Zone and the First War Zone meet will inevitably be vulnerable, which will leave the army with many weaknesses for large-scale operations.

The Japanese army only needs a detachment to cut off our rear, at which point our hundreds of thousands of troops will be trapped in a desperate situation, attacked from both sides.

"General Fu also said that this battle is not impossible to fight, but the time is not right. Although our army has begun reorganization and training and the strength of some combat units has greatly increased, these units are still a drop in the ocean compared to the overall strength of the National Army in North China. The number of heavy artillery, air force and other offensive weapons is still insufficient. We are far from being able to engage in a strategic decisive battle with the Japanese army. If we launch an attack rashly, the chance of victory is less than 30%."

Sun Ming nodded repeatedly as he listened.

Fu Yisheng's judgment was spot on.

Training is not only about improving the combat effectiveness of the troops, but also about increasing the authority of the officers.

Everyone knows that having troops is fundamental, but having troops that can fight is of paramount importance.

With their own troops about to undergo reorganization and training, and about to receive new equipment, it's time to send them out to fight a major offensive.
Isn't this blatantly sending their own people to their deaths while sending Huangpu Military Academy graduates down to the grassroots to reap the rewards?

Will their troops still be able to obey their commands then?

Factional issues and warlord ideology hinder Chu Yunfei, and will similarly hinder Bai Jiansheng and the General Headquarters.

"General Fu Yisheng's statement was unanimously accepted by everyone, and even Wang Zhonglian's troops in the Central Army held a supportive attitude."

After all, in North China, Class A combat units often undertake the most arduous tasks.

"Before, because of Commander Tang, they didn't get any benefits and had to risk their lives for the ragtag army, so naturally they were unwilling."

"In addition, Commander He Zhuguo and General Guo from the First War Zone also highly approved of it."

"It's fair to say that no general in North China wanted to lead his troops to test just how tough Okamura Yasuji's turtle shell really was."

Sun Ming nodded in understanding, then looked at Chu Yunfei: "So how did Shancheng respond?"

Chu Yunfei swallowed the dumpling in his mouth, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and then slowly said, "I took into account everyone's opinions and sent a telegram back to Shancheng."

"In the telegram, I clearly stated that the Nationalist Army in North China firmly supports the strategic decision of the General Headquarters." Chu Yunfei's tone shifted, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "Regarding the specific timing and method of the 'general offensive,' I believe that it should be decided by my joint command based on the actual situation at the front."

"I proposed a compromise."

Chu Yunfei continued, "We will not launch a full-scale offensive, but we can launch a limited offensive operation aimed at depleting the enemy's manpower."

"Our current important task is to continue to complete the reorganization and training of the troops."

"We can seize the opportunity to launch a few fairly successful annihilation battles in the Anhui direction."

“Anhui?” Sun Ming raised an eyebrow. “Theoretically, that area should be considered the territory of the New Guangxi Clique. After all, in order to secure the Guangxi Clique’s full support for the War of Resistance, the Chairman made relevant agreements with Commander Li and Commander Bai.”

Chu Yunfei did not answer the question directly.

In his eyes, there is no such thing as whose territory a piece of land belongs to.

The land and living space will forever belong to the Chinese people who have lived here for generations, not to any warlord or leader.

"Our main forces along the Pinghan and Jinpu railway lines will continue to maintain a strategic standoff, focusing on small-scale harassment and infiltration, accumulating small victories into a major victory, and constantly depleting the enemy's troops and resources."

"to be honest."

Zhao Pengcheng chuckled and summarized, "Actually, we're still sticking to the same old routine: 'You do your thing, I'll do mine.'"

"The mountain city wants to save face, so we'll give them the face of 'currently launching a general offensive,' but how to deal with the real issues is still up to us."

"I plan to bleed that old tortoise Okamura dry before we can have a real strategic showdown. Before that, we just need to keep accumulating tactical victories."

After listening, Sun Ming exclaimed sincerely, "Brilliant!"

"Your Excellency, your move was truly brilliant!"

"Faced with pressure from the mountain city, we not only withstood the pressure from the mountain city, but also avoided a complete breakdown in relations. We also took this opportunity to unite our miscellaneous troops and central army units, and firmly grasped the initiative on the battlefield in our own hands!"

Chu Yunfei smiled but didn't take it. Instead, he turned his gaze to the sky outside the window, which was decorated with fireworks. His tone carried a hint of worry that was hard to detect: "I'm afraid the headquarters won't have a peaceful New Year this year."

Zhao Pengcheng and Sun Ming exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of doubt in each other's eyes.

"Sir," Zhao Pengcheng guessed, "are you still worried about the situation in the Sixth War Zone?"

ten days ago.

Chief of Staff Lin Wei sent the warning telegram to the Sixth War Zone in the name of the North China Joint Command, but the reply was not satisfactory.

Chen Cixiu, commander of the Sixth War Zone and concurrently Minister of Military Affairs, replied earnestly, expressing his gratitude for the reminder and promising to be on high alert. However, his words revealed a hint of disapproval.

From the perspective of the command, the Japanese 11th Army had just experienced a change of commander and was severely weakened, making it impossible for them to launch a large-scale offensive in the short term.

Moreover, Yokoyama Isamu had no prior "achievements" to begin with.

When he served as commander of the Fourth Army, it was still the Kwantung Army, which had hardly fought any battles.

In Chen Cixiu's view, Chu Yunfei's "reminder" was somewhat of an overreaction.

"Commander Chen probably didn't really listen to what we said, and the troop deployment hasn't been adjusted accordingly."

Sun Ming frowned as well: "His mind is full of the reorganization of troops in South China right now. He has no interest in dealing with the Jianghan Plain. Besides, the 128th Division is a ragtag army. It has six combat brigades under its command. Its equipment and weapons are poor, and its personnel are complicated. Commander Wang is also a troublemaker. Commander Chen may well be trying to take this opportunity to seize the designation."

Even with differences in political ideologies and stances, it is ultimately China's own defense capabilities that suffer the loss.

There are some things he can remind you of, but he can't force you to do.

After all, the Sixth War Zone is not under the control of the North China Joint Command.

Everything he could do has been done.

The rest is up to General Wang Jinzai and the Sixth War Zone to decide their fate.

Thinking of this, Chu Yunfei said with a hint of helplessness, "I hope I'm just overthinking it."

Outside the window, a burst of firecrackers went off, accompanied by cheers from children, bringing the atmosphere of New Year's Eve to a climax.

however.

Beneath this peaceful and joyous surface, a massive storm is quietly brewing on the Jianghan Plain, thousands of miles away.
Nanjing, the headquarters of the China Expeditionary Army.

The cold winter sun pierced through the heavy curtains and slanted across the huge battle map, but it brought no warmth whatsoever.

The Tokyo headquarters was very disappointed by the previous surprise attack on Nanjing.

Tianhuang inquired several times, wanting to know exactly what was going on.

But who can explain it?

Even though the Japanese army carried out retaliatory mopping-up operations against the New Fourth Army around Nanjing, so what?

His face has already been slapped to pieces; he won't regain his dignity through impotent rage.

Commander-in-Chief General Shunroku Hata stood silently before the map, like a statue.

His back view, in the dim light, looked particularly old and tired.

The reports of failure, like the Siberian cold front at this very moment, are blowing towards them from all directions.

In the Pacific Ocean, the meat grinder on Guadalcanal finally stopped turning.

Japan's army and navy sacrificed the lives of 20,000 brave soldiers, dozens of precious ships, and more than 600 warplanes, only to suffer a complete defeat and a humiliating retreat.

It should be noted that since the start of the war in the interior of China, the Japanese Army Air Force has never lost so many aircraft.

The losses suffered by Japan in just one year of war with the United States far exceeded the estimates of the Japanese General Staff.

Currently, control of the sea and air in the Solomon Islands has changed hands.

The United States will inevitably launch its strategic counter-offensive next.

The situation on the Southeast Asian battlefield is equally precarious.

As a rising force on the battlefield, Song Xilian's army group, like a sharp dagger, shattered the fraternal front in southern Indochina.

Currently, the Japanese army can only control a portion of Indochina and the Philippine Islands.

Clearly, the brother country's "southward strategy" has long been a dead letter.

The entire battle situation has fallen into a comprehensive and irreversible disadvantage.

The shadow of defeatism, like a plague, spread throughout the entire expeditionary force.

They desperately needed a victory, even if it was just a minor tactical one, to revitalize their already shattered morale.

"Gentlemen."

“Brother Country, there is no way out.” Hata Shunroku’s voice was slightly low and tinged with weariness: “We must win a victory on the Chinese battlefield, even if it is a victory with a smile.”

His gaze swept over every senior officer present.

Ultimately, the responsibility fell to the newly appointed commander of the 11th Army, Lieutenant General Isamu Yokoyama.

Yokoyama Isamu's operational plan had been approved by the Expeditionary Army Headquarters and also received the approval of the Imperial General Headquarters.

This is the operational meeting.

Actually, I made these dumplings just for this plate of vinegar.

Yokoyama Isamu stood up abruptly from his seat, his posture ramrod straight, his eyes sharp as knives.

His angular face was etched with a burning desire and ambition to prove himself.

"Commander!" He strode to the map and began to explain the battle plan that had been brewing for a long time in a voice full of confidence and power.

"In order to restore the prestige of our 11th Army and to completely crush the enemy's will to resist, our army has formulated the 'Jiangbei Annihilation Campaign' operational plan!"

He picked up a baton and pointed to the fertile delta region on the map, surrounded by the Yangtze and Han Rivers.

"According to intelligence, the enemy forces facing us, the Sixth War Zone of the Chongqing Army, are deployed as follows: its 128th Division is entrenched in the area centered on Fengkou."

Its 118th Division deployed its defenses around Xinchang; another part of its Sixth War Zone Advance Army was on standby near Bailu Lake.

The three divisions form a defensive perimeter, appearing secure, but in reality, their forces are dispersed, presenting an excellent opportunity for our army to defeat them one by one!

"To ensure the surprise and secrecy of this operation, the troops participating in the first phase of the operation began to secretly assemble in designated areas in early February."

"As of yesterday, February 13th, all troops have been assembled and all preparations for the attack have been completed!"

"Our forward command post has also advanced to Puqi, which is less than 80 kilometers from the front line!"

As he finished speaking, an operations staff officer stepped forward and began to read out the specific objectives of the operation in a flat tone:

"The objective of this operation, officers, is: first, to capture and annihilate the stubborn enemy entrenched in the Jianghan Delta region."
Second, to occupy strategic locations on the south bank of the Yangtze River;

Third, thoroughly improve and strengthen the overall strategic posture of our 11th Army!

"To achieve the above objectives, our military's operational policy is as follows!"

"First, our army will use a portion of its forces to feign a large-scale attack on the outskirts of Changsha in the Ninth War Zone, creating the illusion of a decisive battle, and firmly drawing the attention of Xue Yue's main force and the Chongqing command to the Xiangbei front!"

"at the same time!"

The operations staff officer's baton suddenly moved north and slammed down on the 128th Division's defense zone.

"Our main force will cross the river secretly with overwhelming force, and first capture and annihilate the enemy's 128th and 118th Divisions located on the left and north banks of the Yangtze River!"

"To prevent the enemy from fleeing to the other side of the Yangtze River, another part of our army will simultaneously move westward along the south bank of the Yangtze River to block all crossings and completely cut off their escape route to the south!"

"The main force participating in this battle is our army's most elite 13th and 40th Divisions!"

"In addition, the 17th Independent Mixed Brigade and a part of the puppet army are cooperating in the operation, and they have an absolute advantage in both manpower and firepower!"

This is a typical Japanese army tactic.

A textbook example of the "feint-penetration-encirclement and annihilation" tactic.

The plan was very meticulous.

Their determination was immense.

This is Yokoyama Isamu's usual fighting style: even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit.

"Very good, but is it worthwhile to mobilize such a large number of troops, given the resources consumed compared to the gains?"

"If the enemy reinforces Jiangbei, it will be extremely disadvantageous for us if we get into a stalemate."

"Regardless of the outcome, taking the first city with overwhelming force will greatly boost the morale of our troops!"

Praises rose and fell.

Lieutenant General Masazo Kawabe, Chief of the General Staff of the Expeditionary Army, remained cautious.

He pushed up his glasses and asked a crucial question: "Yokoyama-kun, the key to the success of your plan lies in whether the feint attack will be effective."

The Chinese army is cunning and deceitful. Once they see through our intentions and prematurely withdraw their forces, or reinforce our main force north of the Yangtze River, we will likely be caught in a bitter battle.

Yokoyama Isamu wore a confident smile.

The plan has already been approved.

The generals from the North China Front Army who attended the meeting were unaware of these matters.

They instinctively wanted to question whether the 11th Army could achieve victory.

After all, the Japanese army in the interior of China does not have many resources available at present.

The 11th Army's proactive offensive would inevitably increase resource consumption, which would correspondingly reduce the amount of military supplies that the North China Area Army could obtain.

Kawabe Masazo actually wanted to give Yokoyama Isamu a chance to explain his strategy:

"Gentlemen, don't forget what day it is recently?"

"It's the traditional Chinese New Year—the Lunar New Year!"

Yokoyama Isamu's voice was full of contempt and sarcasm: "On this holiday they will lay down their weapons and lower their guard."

Some officers would take leave to reunite with their families, while soldiers stationed in the area would drink and dine together!
Their army, from top to bottom, will fall into the most lax and complacent state of the year!

Yokoyama Isamu's tone became even more resolute: "Now is the perfect opportunity for our Locust Army to launch a surprise attack." (End of Chapter)