A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

Gui Shuaizhen stood on the eastern foot of Mufu Mountain, secretly admiring Song Hongfei's talent for war.

He knew that the Guanyinmen position and the Mufu Mountain behind it had been almost completely transformed by excavation, but from the front slope, there were almost no traces of excavation or obvious fortifications. The rocks and mountain terrain were used as much as possible, and a large number of fortifications were set up on the reverse slope and flanks. The defensive positions were mostly covered by camouflage, so it was not easy for the Japanese artillery to achieve the desired destructive effect.

Gui Shuaizhen said, "Such a defensive design is truly ingenious. All positions of our brigade should take this as a model, as long as the terrain conditions permit."

Song Hongfei and Qiu Yu'an exchanged a glance and said, "Under the guidance of the engineering battalion, all units of the brigade are working hard to construct according to this plan."

Gui Shuaizhen nodded, gazing at the towering Yanziji on the riverbank, and said, "Nanjing is the capital and the focus of international attention. There is no reason for it to be handed over to the enemy. Regardless of Commander Tang's deployment, it is our duty as soldiers to fight bravely to defend the country."

He withdrew his gaze from the distance and said meaningfully to Song Hongfei, "Yanziji is a strategic pass that has guarded the passage connecting the north and south of the Yangtze River since ancient times. It can be used for both advance and retreat, and we must keep it firmly in our hands."

Song Hongfei exchanged a glance with him and said, "Yes, I understand."

The sun was setting.

The sky was filled with rosy clouds, shimmering with light and color, dazzling and magnificent, incredibly stunning, possessing a unique and beautiful artistic conception.

The winter sun shines down, illuminating the red cliffs of Yanji and the surging river. Half the river is shimmering green, and the other half is red. The sky and water reflect the clear light, presenting a magnificent and enchanting "Yanji Sunset" scene, so beautiful that it is impossible to look away.

A gentle breeze stirs the shadows of the trees, and the blue sky, colorful clouds, and sunset glow are reflected in the river. Watching the magnificent sunset and admiring the sky full of clouds, one is so engrossed that one forgets to go home!

Two beautiful women, Liang Wanyi and Lin Shuyao, stood atop the Imperial Stele Pavilion at Yanziji, admiring the breathtaking scenery.

The scenery is picturesque, and the beautiful woman is just like the scenery.

As the three approached, they were all stunned by the scene before them, and the timeless lines "The sunset glows and the lone wild goose flies together; the autumn water blends with the vast sky" came to mind.

"The afterglow of the setting sun reflects on the beautiful woman, a sunset as beautiful as a painting, truly a beautiful woman and a beautiful scene!" Gui Shuaizhen patted Song Hongfei on the shoulder, "Brother Hongfei, you are quite lucky with the ladies."

Qiu Yu'an jokingly remarked, "These two beautiful ladies are truly the envy of everyone."

Song Hongfei said, "Please don't joke around, Shuyao is Wanyi's cousin."

"Oh—I see," Gui Shuaizhen and Qiu Yu'an said with smiles, "Isn't this making our relationship even stronger!"

Song Hongfei couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

Hearing the voices, Liang Wanyi and Lin Shuyao turned around. When they saw it was them, smiles appeared on their faces. Their smiles were truly captivating, even more so than the beautiful scenery around them.

Liang Wanyi smiled and said, "The 'Sunset Glow at Yanji' here truly lives up to its name."

"Not only the sunset at Yanji, but also the brocade-covered Xuanwu and the romantic scenery of Qinhuai are exceptional. I'll have Hongfei accompany you another day," Gui Shuaizhen said with a smile. "With a loved one by your side, even ordinary scenery becomes a picturesque landscape, making it a place you'll never want to leave."

Liang Wanyi said generously, "Captain Gui must be in a very good mood, speaking so eloquently and interestingly."

"Indeed, I am in a very good mood right now, all because your beloved's brilliant plan to defend against the enemy has exceeded my expectations!"

Gui laughed heartily: "The two lovers are deeply in love, and amidst the flames of war, this adds a touch of bloody romance! How could I not help them be together? Hongfei, please keep these two beauties company. You don't need to return to camp tonight!"

After saying that, he and Qiu Yu'an laughed heartily and left.

Song Hongfei said somewhat awkwardly, "Captain Gui is a bit outspoken, Wanyi and Shuyao, please don't mind him."

Lin Shuyao smiled and said, "I don't mind. You two can be all lovey-dovey and inseparable. I'll go over there and leave for a bit." With that, she was about to step out of the Imperial Stele Pavilion.

"Hey, what are you saying?" Liang Wanyi was extremely embarrassed, her face immediately turning slightly red.

At this moment, Song Hongfei said, "Shuyao, don't go. I have something to tell you."

Lin Shuyao stopped in her tracks, somewhat surprised, and asked, "What is it?"

Song Hongfei looked at the two of them and said, "The Japanese army is coming in strong, and the flames of war will reach Nanjing soon. Wanyi's family and property have already moved west. I want to ask Shuyao if her family has made plans to move west?"

A warm feeling welled up in Lin Shuyao's heart. She looked at him with a smile in her beautiful eyes and said with a light laugh, "Our family doesn't have as large an estate as Wanyi's. Small boats are easier to turn around. The whole family is together, so there's nothing to move."

Song Hongfei solemnly said, "We must not be careless. We should discuss with our families immediately and move as soon as possible. The Japanese are coming, and they are brutal and ruthless. Nanjing is in grave danger."

Lin Shuyao smiled again and said, "Didn't Commander Gui just say that you already have a brilliant plan to defend against the enemy? You will surely be able to defeat the enemy and repel the Japanese invaders."

Song Hongfei said, "In a critical situation, one can only try to protect oneself; defeating the enemy is far from easy."

Liang Wanyi's beautiful eyes darted around as she said, "Are the Japanese army really that hard to defeat? Aren't you known as an ever-victorious general? How long is this war going to go on?"

Looking at the two beauties before him, Song Hongfei felt heavy-hearted. He then gazed at the magnificent sky in the distance and said in a deep voice, "I'm afraid no one can believe that this war will be incredibly long and difficult."

Liang Wanyi smiled and said charmingly, "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Let me tell you, Shuyao's family business has already made arrangements to relocate westward. Their family isn't some small boat that's easy to turn around. They're known as the Flour King, Cotton King, Textile King, Cement King, Construction King, and so on, with all sorts of prestigious titles that resonate throughout Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. You just didn't know that. Their family had originally planned to leave Nanjing some time ago, but they stayed because they knew I was coming. This time, Shuyao's whole family and I will be going to Jiangcheng together."

"Oh dear, I didn't expect it to be exposed so quickly. You two are truly of one mind, united against outsiders," Lin Shuyao teased. Liang Wanyi blushed and was about to pinch her.

Looking at their playful and charming appearance, Song Hongfei could only smile bitterly, a strange feeling rising in his heart.

In the distance, the afterglow was like fire, and the setting sun was like blood, truly adding a touch of bloody romance.