Bright Sword: Construction starts from southeastern Shanxi

It was precisely because of these major setbacks that the North China Front Army was always hesitant to launch large-scale campaigns, fearing that it would suffer heavy losses again.

But the situation can no longer be delayed.

Since the Locust Army and the Eighth Route Army entered a stalemate, the 389th Division of the Eighth Route Army implemented a series of tactics and policies in southeastern Shanxi and western Hebei.

This kept the locust army on the defensive in their battles.

Especially in rural areas, the locust army's activities are even more difficult.

The most troublesome thing is that any small-scale troops sent into the area controlled by the Eighth Route Army.

Almost no one survived, either they were completely wiped out or suffered severe damage, which made it difficult for them to move forward after leaving the city.

What's worse is that this situation is not limited to the 389th Division's defense area. Other Eighth Route Army bases have also begun to implement similar tactics on a large scale, and the areas controlled by the locust army are gradually being "eaten away".

For the North China Front Army, the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous.

"Cage policy" is the latest summary of the Eighth Route Army's tactics by the General Staff.

The Eighth Route Army did not attempt to launch a large-scale battle with the locust army, but instead adopted the method of "surrounding the cities from the countryside".

An invisible blockade was established outside the city, trapping the locust army in strongholds and along the railways. Once the locust army attacked, they would be surrounded and ambushed.

"If no action is taken, our troops will completely lose control of the countryside."

Tada Shun said in a deep voice, "Even the stronghold will be seriously threatened."

There was silence in the meeting room, and everyone knew what this meant.

To this end, Tada Shun had already planned a large-scale battle, intending to completely break the Eighth Route Army's "cage" of the locust army on the battlefield in North China and regain the strategic initiative.

He named this battle "Anti-Cage Operation".

He picked up his baton, pointed to the Zhengtai Railway on the map, and said slowly, "The entire battle will be divided into three phases."

“The first step is to ensure the smooth operation of the Zhengtai Railway so that the transportation and supply between the First Army and the North China Front Army can return to normal.

This is the foundation of the entire campaign; otherwise, we wouldn't even be qualified to fight."

At present, the 389th Division controls several key nodes on the Shotai Line, paralyzing the Japanese army's railway transportation system.

The Japanese army needed to first concentrate its forces to eliminate the Eighth Route Army strongholds along the railway one by one and restore the Japanese army's control over the railway.

"After the railway is opened, we will concentrate our superior forces to carry out targeted strikes against the Eighth Route Army bases along the route, especially those near the 389th Division. They must be completely destroyed."

This phase will involve large-scale mopping-up operations using heavy artillery, armored forces, and air support.

Launch a fierce offensive against the Eighth Route Army's mountain positions to ensure that it could no longer use the mountains for guerrilla warfare.

"Once the Eighth Route Army's base areas are destroyed, we will launch retaliatory 'mopping-up' operations to comprehensively weaken the Eighth Route Army's strength in North China and re-establish the locust army's control over the countryside."

The goal of this phase is not only victory on the battlefield, but also suppression through terror.

Completely destroy the Eighth Route Army's roots in North China, making it impossible for them to restore their organization and combat capabilities.

"For this operation, we can no longer rely solely on the strength of the North China Front Army."

Tada Shun paused, glanced at the generals present, and said in a low voice,

"I have submitted an application to the headquarters, requesting the Northeastern Kwantung Army to come south for support."

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the conference room.

The Kwantung Army was the elite force of the Locust Army, stationed in Northeast China, responsible for the control of Manchuria and defense of the north.

If a part of the troops from the Kwantung Army could be dispatched south, it would indeed greatly enhance the combat effectiveness of the North China Front Army, but it would also mean that there would be a gap in the defense of the Northeast.

Kasahara Yukio frowned and whispered, "What does the Kwantung Army say?"

"They haven't responded yet."

Tada Shun sighed.

"But I believe that the headquarters will carefully consider it. If the North China battlefield is completely out of control,

The consequences for the entire empire's strategy would be unbearable."

There was a brief silence in the meeting room.

Tada Shun raised his head, a cold light flashing in his eyes, and said in a firm tone: "This 'anti-cage operation' must succeed!

Otherwise, our failure in North China will become a disgrace to the entire empire!"

Everyone had complicated expressions. They all knew that the risks of this battle were extremely high, but there was no other choice at this point.

The battle for the Zhengtai Railway is about to begin.

Handan, outside a teahouse in the city.

A middle-aged man with a full beard was leaning against the doorway, holding a cigarette in his mouth. He squinted his eyes and looked around, like a frivolous idler.

There was a shrewd look on his dark face. His coat was wrinkled and the cuffs were almost worn out, but the Type 14 Nambu pistol at his waist was polished to a shine and he could take it out and play with it at any time.

He strode towards the teahouse as if he was going home.

The waiter at the door had sharp eyes and spotted the ancestor from a distance. He immediately greeted him with a smile, nodding and bowing as he approached:

"Master Li! What a rare guest! It's been a long time since I last saw you!"

"Hey, aren't you here?" The man grinned and winked at the waiter.

The waiter lowered his voice and said mysteriously:

"Hase-tai-kun has been waiting for you for a long time. Please come this way——"

The man waved his hand, flicked the cigarette butt onto the ground, crushed it with his shoe sole, and said with a smile:

"Alright, alright, I can find it myself. You don't have to wait on me anymore, or people will think I, Li Chishui, am some high-ranking official!"

After saying that, he pushed open the door of the teahouse as if he knew the place well and walked into a private room.

In the box

The room was filled with warm fragrance and the aroma of tea.

A short Japanese man wearing the uniform of a lieutenant colonel in the Japanese army sat upright. When he saw the person coming, he immediately stood up with a smile on his face and greeted him.

"Chishui-kun! Long time no see, I missed you so much!"

Li Chishui glanced at him and pursed his lips lazily.

He sat down, grabbed the teapot on the table and poured himself a cup. He shook the teacup in his hand and said slowly:

"Haha, Mr. Hase, we just met last month. Are you really in such a hurry?"

The smile on Hase Arata's face froze for a moment, then he waved his hand and said repeatedly:

"How can I not be anxious? Chishui-kun, have you forgotten our friendship? We are old friends!"

Li Chishui sneered and took a sip of tea. "Oh, Mr. Hase, your tongue is getting smoother and smoother. I think you can be a diplomat."

Hase Arata understood the sarcasm in the words, but didn't care.

He quickly stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Mr. Chishui, you can't just focus on doing business with other regiments and forget about our 61st regiment!

If you need anything, just ask us directly. We in the Osaka Division are absolutely honest in our dealings and never cheat anyone!"

After he finished speaking, a hint of anxiety appeared on his face.

There was a hint of inquiry in their eyes, as if they were afraid that this "familiar friend" in front of them had already forgotten them.

Li Chishui smiled slightly, gently put down the teacup, stared at Hase Arata meaningfully, and the smile on the corner of his mouth deepened a little.