A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

Due to political interference, the best opportunity to launch an attack was delayed several times, and the Nationalist army, which had a numerical advantage, did not have an easy time. What was originally intended as a preemptive strike turned into an encounter battle in which the enemy was already prepared. The two sides fought fiercely, and after a hard-fought battle, the 87th and 88th Divisions finally captured places such as Shanghai University, Wuzhou Cemetery, Baoshan Bridge, and Bazhi Bridge.

The Japanese marines never imagined they would encounter such a fierce attack. The previously arrogant Japanese army attempted a swift victory, boasting of conquering China within three months. However, the Battle of Shanghai shattered their illusions. The National Revolutionary Army's soldiers, united in their hatred of the enemy and fearless in the face of death, completely stunned them. The Japanese troops stationed in Shanghai repeatedly requested reinforcements from their homeland.

The island nation's Tianhuang has ordered the formation of a Shanghai Expeditionary Army, with General Matsui Iwane as commander, to lead the 3rd and 11th Army's main force divisions to Shanghai for combat.

Subsequently, both sides continued to reinforce their troops, and the Battle of Shanghai intensified.

Originally, both sides only formulated small-scale local combat plans and adopted a wait-and-see approach. However, no one expected that the war would evolve into a fierce large-scale battle in which both sides committed heavy troops.

The Count of Verde cruise ship, operating the Venice-Shanghai route, is speeding across the Indian Ocean. As the battle for Shanghai intensifies, news has arrived that the island nation's navy will announce a blockade of China's coast and ports by the end of this month.

Captain Magnani ordered full speed ahead, minimizing stopovers at intermediate ports, and setting sail immediately after resupply, aiming to reach their destination before the Japanese navy imposed a blockade.

The massive "Count Verde" cut through the waves, racing against time, adding a tense atmosphere of impending war to what was originally a pleasant and comfortable luxury cruise for many tourists.

Song Hongfei was somewhat worried about the safety of his family. Although the Song family's residence was within the Shanghai International Settlement, its safety should theoretically be no problem. However, due to their special status and the current chaos of war, no one could guarantee that the Japanese devils wouldn't secretly plot against them.

When the cruise ship docked in Suez City, Song Hongfei sent a telegram home, the gist of which was that the Battle of Shanghai had begun and the situation was becoming increasingly critical, and the whole family should move west as soon as possible.

Song Hongfei knew that his father, Song Ziyu, had moved a large portion of the family's business to the west, but he was unsure whether his family members were still in Shanghai.

After the Japanese intelligence department launched "Operation Purple Sun" at the beginning of the year and the two sides engaged in an intelligence war, Song Hongfei had an in-depth conversation with his father, Song Ziyu. He suggested that his father actively respond to the national plan for the layout of modern industry and commerce and the call to build the southwest and northwest rear areas, and move the family's related industries westward as soon as possible to establish a presence in the inland hinterland.

Song Ziyu was a man of great principle and set an example by his own conduct. He used his influence and appeal within the Southeast Consortium to make connections, and a large part of the Southeast Consortium, especially the five major families, had already made arrangements to relocate their steel, machinery, mining, rubber, textile, transportation, and shipping industries to the inland areas. This inadvertently helped the country preserve a large number of modern industries when war came.

Until the outbreak of the Battle of Shanghai, these tycoons of national industrial and commercial capital in the Southeast financial group were all amazed by the Song family's keen insight and foresight, which further enhanced the Song family's prestige. Song Ziyu couldn't help but feel extremely proud to have such a son.

Because there were "blind spots" in long-distance communication between ocean-going ships and land-based radio stations at that time, and now cruise ships no longer follow the original itinerary and communication schedule in order to save time, not to mention that there are no public commercial radio stations on board, he could not expect his family to send telegrams to foreign ships.

Amidst his concern and worry for the war and his family, Song Hongfei tried to calm himself down. Surrounded by the vast ocean, there was nothing anyone could do, and thinking too much was pointless.

Song Hongfei, as usual, spent a long time studying the map.

Before leaving, he and Commander Gui Shuaizhen carefully analyzed the situation and believed that the Training Corps would have to fight sooner or later. Although the Corps had taken the lead in completing the replacement of semi-automatic rifles and general-purpose machine guns and the corresponding organization and training, and was ahead of the Japanese army in light weapons, it could not compare in heavy weapons. The entire Corps only had one Bofors 75mm mountain gun battalion. It had no experience in fighting against a powerful enemy with modern land, sea and air all-round three-dimensional combat capabilities, nor had it conducted corresponding training in fighting against aircraft, tanks and heavy artillery.

Gui Shuaizhen said helplessly, "Even last-minute preparations can be effective, so we have no other choice."

He instructed Song Hongfei to immediately begin pre-battle training under modern warfare conditions throughout the entire brigade after returning to China, which made Song Hongfei feel a heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

Song Hongfei knew that the National Revolutionary Army had never conducted urban warfare training and had suffered heavy losses in the historical battles of Shanghai and Nanjing. He felt even more pressure and thought that training in street fighting had to be expedited.

On the cruise ship, he would often look at the map and think about corresponding training and combat plans.

Yu Zecheng, the head of the special security team accompanying Song Hongfei and the military attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Germany, was unaware of Song Hongfei's hobby and was very curious. Seeing Song Hongfei constantly marking and drawing on the map of the Songhu area, he laughed and said, "Even though we are thousands of miles apart, Commander Song is still very concerned about the war."

Song Hongfei said calmly, "The war has begun, so no matter where we are, whether we are north or south, young or old, we all have the responsibility to defend our land and fight against the enemy."

Yu Zecheng was momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond. If he hastily agreed, it would seem somewhat obsequious. These were the Chairman's words; who would dare to disagree? He could only nod somewhat awkwardly in agreement.

He looked at the map again and couldn't help but feel a deep respect: "Such standard and beautiful map work is better than anything my instructors at Whampoa Military Academy could do. The entire situation is clear at a glance."

This time, his praise was genuine and heartfelt. He thought to himself that the famous Song Hongfei was truly deserving of his reputation.

Yu Zecheng looked at the map again, filled with doubt. After thinking about it carefully, his expression changed, and he exclaimed in surprise, "Commander Song, will the war really continue to expand to this scale? Will the situation deteriorate to this extent?"

On the map, Song Hongfei drew two huge arrows at the mouth of the Yangtze River and Hangzhou Bay. Needless to say, the meaning was very clear: it indicated that the Japanese army was launching a large-scale landing at these two locations, forming a pincer movement.

Yu Zecheng felt a chill run down his spine. If that were the case, then the National Revolutionary Army in the Shanghai-Nanjing area was in danger. If they couldn't stop the Japanese army from breaking through to the flanks and depths, and their rear was cut off, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Yu Zecheng was already sweating profusely, and muttered to himself, "I heard from the news broadcast on the ship that the war is escalating and both sides are reinforcing their troops. But at present, the strategic focus of both sides is in North China. The current forces of both sides are far from sufficient for such a large-scale offensive and defensive battle in the entire Songhu area. How many troops will be needed?"

Song Hongfei secretly praised Yu Zecheng, whose analysis and judgment demonstrated a high level of military expertise.

"Expect the enemy to be well-rounded," Song Hongfei said. "War is the most uncertain thing. Commanders must consider things from the broadest perspective, think from the opponent's point of view, and consider how they will fight. Do not overlook any potential hidden dangers and anticipate all possible enemy situations. Only by anticipating the enemy's moves and calculating the dangers near and far can one have a foolproof plan."

Yu Zecheng was completely impressed and thought that Song Hongfei's reputation for being "good at fighting" in the entire National Army was indeed due to his real skills, and it was definitely not due to others' flattery or luck.

Song Hongfei returned to Shanghai at the end of August.

Just a few days ago, the island nation openly announced its plan to blockade the Chinese coastline.

However, to Captain Magnani's relief, the blockade plan only targeted Chinese ships, and his Italian cruise ship was naturally not included.

After the cruise ship arrived at the port of the concession, it docked without encountering any obstacles.

Gao Muyu, a member of the Military Commission's Attendant Office Guard Group, came to the dock to meet them. The two were very happy to see each other again.

Gao Muyu and Song Hongfei became quite familiar with each other. Although their military ranks differed significantly, they spoke to each other without any awkwardness or distance. Gao Muyu felt that Song Hongfei possessed a noble and elegant appearance and demeanor that made people extremely willing to be close to and obey him. Talking with him was a pleasant experience, like being bathed in a spring breeze.

Gao Muyu asked, "Brother Song, should we go straight back to Beijing? Or is there another arrangement?"

Song Hongfei said, "Could you help me find out if the Training Corps has come to Shanghai to participate in the battle? Where is their position? Also, there's something else I need to do. I need to find a place to call home and ask about the situation there."

Gao Muyu thought for a moment and said, "Then let's go to the A liaison point in Shanghai of the Constable's Office first. We can get news about the Training Corps from there, and Brother Song, you can make a call from there."

Song Hongfei nodded: "Alright then."

At contact point A, Song Hongfei made a phone call to his home at 139 Seymour Road. The housekeeper, who was staying at the house, answered the phone. The housekeeper had been with the Song family for many years, since Song Hongfei's grandfather's time, and had a very deep bond with the family.

Upon hearing that it was Song Hongfei, the butler was very excited: "Young Master Hongfei! You're back from Europe?"

Song Hongfei: "It's me, Uncle Li. I just got back to Shanghai. How's things at home? Are you home?"

Butler Li said, "Everything is fine at home, so there's no need to worry. Master and Madam have moved west and are now in Beijing. When they received your telegram, Master said not to let Young Master Hongfei worry, so he took the whole family to Beijing. Most of the family's assets have also been transferred."

Song Hongfei finally felt relieved, and then asked with concern, "Why didn't Uncle Li leave with his family?"

Butler Li laughed heartily, "I am overjoyed to hear the young master's words. The Song family has always been people of great loyalty and righteousness. I followed the old master in my early years, and the Song family has always treated me well. I am deeply grateful. The master has also repeatedly urged me to move west with him, but this is the Song family's ancestral home, and it needs to be kept alive. There are still many properties in Shanghai that cannot be moved, and they need someone to manage them here. Young master, there is no need to worry. Aunt Rong is here too. She is in charge of daily necessities and food. Although the war has started, everything is still fine."

Song Hongfei felt a surge of warmth in his heart and said with emotion, "Uncle Li, please give my regards to Aunt Rong."

Aunt Rong is a servant in the Song family. She came with Song Hongfei's grandmother as part of her dowry and has been with the Song family for many years. She has also been with the Song family since the passing of Old Madam Song.

"Haha, Aunt Rong is listening right here." Butler Li laughed loudly again. "Hey, hey, hey, you old woman, don't try to steal the phone from me!"

The microphone was filled with the sounds of constant arguing:

"Move aside! Let me talk to the young master."

"No, no, it's getting late, you need to hurry up and cook!"

"Give it to me, and get out of my way!"

Song Hongfei smiled knowingly, feeling a warm glow in his heart, and said, "Hello, Aunt Rong! How are you feeling? Please take good care of yourself!"

Aunt Rong's voice came through the receiver, already choked with sobs: "Young Master Hongfei! You still remember this old woman? I'm doing well, I—I—, Young Master Hongfei, please take good care of yourself. With all this war and chaos, you leading troops into battle, this old woman is constantly worried sick—"

Then came Butler Li's voice: "Hey! You old woman, how can you talk like that! Young Master Hongfei is a pillar of the nation, and good fortune will surely come his way!"

Song Hongfei was deeply moved and said, "Uncle Li, Aunt Rong! Don't stay here. Move west with your families as soon as possible."

Aunt Rong's choked voice came through; she could no longer speak.

Butler Li said excitedly, “Young Master Hongfei, please don’t worry anymore. How could our great China be afraid of those petty Japanese devils! Back when Young Master Hongfei was practicing martial arts, this old man also learned a few moves from Old Man Xu, ha! Even now, a few idlers can’t get close to me! Young Master Hongfei is a pillar of the nation, a man who leads troops into battle. This old man can’t help you much, but I hope that Young Master Hongfei will take good care of himself! Don’t worry about this old man and woman anymore. We will pray to God for the young master.”

The old man Xu mentioned by Butler Li was the mysterious old man who taught Song Hongfei martial arts when he was young. Warm memories from many years ago resurfaced, bringing him great comfort.

Song Hongfei was deeply moved, and a strong sense of warmth welled up in his heart.