Canteen System Assistance Notes

-——-----

Indeed, what Liu Helian and Zhou Bin were test-firing was a time-traveling MP5, or rather, an HK5A submachine gun. Following these bizarre requests, Liu Helian immediately considered the flagship product of the later German company "Black Pit." After establishing contact with the Dutch through the British procurement platform, United Defense Support, Zhou Bin, following the same pattern as the "General Liu" rifle, packaged the "original German design" he had requested from Liu Helian and delivered it to Prahran & Whitney Aerodynamics, with whom he had a partnership through the Otter and Beaver rifles. Zhou Bin also registered patents for the roller-locking and roller-delayed recoil features.

Armalite Firearms, a newly established subsidiary of China Resources, quickly completed trial production of this "Chinese weapon" thanks to its extensive technical documentation. Using common American walnut instead of injection-molded handguards and stocks, they successfully replicated this later-famous precision submachine gun, naming it the AR1.

On the range, without the UD1, it faced off against the Thompson M1928A1. Better accuracy, lighter weight, easier control, a slightly cheaper price tag at $209 thanks to its stampable casing, and even better resistance to dirt thanks to its sealed barrel... This weapon from the East utterly trounced the famed American "Typewriter," trailing only in rate of fire.

Comrade Zhou Bin obviously wants to continue this business.

"After the Dutch order was placed, Armalite's production line costs could be quickly spread across batches, further reducing the price of each rifle. Recently, the British also seemed to feel that the Thomson was too expensive and that they were losing money, so they came to inquire about prices. If we can gain access to the British market, the cost of each rifle could be reduced to $50.

"When the price drops, should we take some back home, or perhaps organize production?" Zhou Bin always considered the domestic situation when doing anything. "Comrade Xiao Liu, the actual performance of your weapon is quite good." "That's not necessary."

Upon hearing about the MP5 production plan, Liu Helian immediately shook his head and whispered, "After all, this thing has a complex internal structure and is quite troublesome to maintain. It's also much more expensive than the Type 81 and the Red October. It doesn't matter if it's made in the US, but if we make it ourselves, it probably won't be able to withstand large-scale consumption. Aside from the Urban Construction Department, the AR1 isn't a weapon suitable for large-scale warfare. The total number of submachine guns we're equipped with will be in the hundreds of thousands or millions. Bringing a few back is fine, but we definitely can't use them all."

However, this cannot always dampen the enthusiasm of our comrades.

Liu Helian thought about it and added a sentence.

"But in reality, the roller-delayed locking principle is quite versatile, and many rimless bullets are compatible. In the United States, fox and deer hunting are still quite popular, and rednecks also have a daily need to hunt coyotes and groundhogs, so the civilian firearms market is huge.

"We can coordinate with Pratt & Whitney to replace the ammunition for the AR1, enlarge the structure, lengthen the barrel, produce some hunting rifles and carbines, and put them on the market for trial." "Well, that's one idea."

One day in June 1940, at a moment that even Liu He himself was unaware of, a seed was planted that profoundly influenced the Second World War and even the history of light weapons development for a long time after the war.

Chapter 327: The Strange Soldiers (7) The Right Hand of the Free World

At the time, Liu Helian had no idea what kind of bizarre outcome his bizarre suggestion would lead to. However, for Armalite, since it was the boss's idea, they simply went ahead and implemented it. So, while expanding production to meet orders for the Dutch fixed-stock AR1 (also known as the MP5) and the British folding-stock version, Armalite began to "magically" modify the gun's structure.

After referring to the "prototype gun" shipped from China, the designers who had undergone the test of the American civilian firearms market quickly completed the boss's instructions. Because the roller locking and delayed recoil had good adaptability to rimless bullets, in the second half of 1940, the Armalite Company quickly developed the AR1 structure and produced the AR2 carbine, which began to be put on the market.

This hunting carbine, resembling the "G3" rifle of this time and space, comes in two versions, chambered for .220 Swift soft-point fox hunting cartridges and .30 OSavage soft-point deer hunting cartridges. Both cartridges are widely marketed in the United States and are suitable for hunting small game such as groundhogs, coyotes, and foxes, and medium-sized game such as wild boars and white-tailed deer. Their flat trajectory and excellent controllability make them well-suited for hunters with some hunting experience.

To enhance the added value of these rifles, Armalite offers a wide range of accessories, including comfortable and beautiful walnut stocks and handguards, handmade hunting scopes from companies like Bushnell, and the "rate selector" (a favorite among rednecks) who value martial virtue. In the United States, where the "Fully Automatic Weapons Ban" hadn't yet been enacted, the only restriction on the purchase of automatic weapons was the National Firearms Act, which restricted mail order purchases. Gun manufacturers and rednecks were quite liberal with their purchases, and even the 300-round version, which most people found difficult to control with automatic fire, still had many demanding the ability to fire continuously. As a company based in a capitalist country, Armalite naturally embraced the benefits and fully respected the rights of consumers.

This period can be said to be the golden moment of AR2 (also known as G3).

On the one hand, this semi-automatic rifle with soft shooting and excellent trigger feel has shown its magical power in major shooting ranges and hunting grounds. Although it cannot reach the most precise level, the AR2 in semi-automatic mode can quickly take down a large number of half-body targets or running wild boars, which brings huge advantages to hunters; on the other hand, although the American Sicilians have begun to change their form at this time, relying more on secret meetings and interest exchanges to solve their respective problems, there are still some remaining gangsters and "highway men" who will stir up violent public security incidents in a certain area.

This group somehow also took aim at this weapon—they purchased AR2s chambered for .220 Swift, discarded their original 10-round hunting magazines, and replaced them with third-party accessories that multiplied the capacity. This transformed them into powerful automatic rifles. They opened fire in various locations during postal robberies, overwhelming law enforcement, who were armed only with pistols and shotguns, and causing heavy casualties. During one shootout, the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) reinforcements only managed to suppress and kill the robbers by bringing in several BAR machine guns.

Around this time, in May 1941, Armalite had just lost the US Army's "Lightweight Self-Defense Weapon" competition. Although the ARS, chambered for the Caltrer. 0 (M1 Carbine) round, could achieve fully automatic controlled fire, a feat unattainable with the M1, boasting an effective range of 200 yards and improved accuracy, it was ultimately defeated by the Winchester M1 Carbine because its empty gun slightly exceeded the 2.5 kg limit, lacked the rifle-style grip favored by the Ordnance Department, and was slightly more expensive than the M1.

Then, in the multi-year US submachine gun competition, the AR1 (also known as the MP5) unfortunately lost to the Ordnance's favorite, the Hyde submachine gun. Although it outperformed its competitors in accuracy tests at the shooting range, experienced fewer malfunctions during fatigue shooting, and even managed to compete on price, it was ultimately defeated by the Ordnance because it couldn't use the heirloom .45 ammunition.

Under the double blow of negative public opinion and failed bidding, Armalite fell into the worst moment. They could only rely on FBI police AR2 automatic rifle orders and sporadic civilian orders to make a living, and production fell to a low point.

Just at this moment, a ray of luck emerged.

After being eliminated by the Army, these guns unexpectedly attracted the attention of the Marine Corps and successfully attracted the olive branch of the Marines: they became interested in this weapon that was easy to use, had fierce firepower and was easy to control, but had a range far greater than that of ordinary submachine guns, and proposed to customize a batch of AR3 and AR2 using military-standard full-jacket bullets for testing.

The test results were very positive. Compared to other humanoid beasts still using large bolts, the firepower of the soldiers using AR3s and AR2Zs was greatly improved. This improvement was crucial for the Marines. After all, in their common combat environments, the firepower they could obtain was limited, and they had to guard against friendly fire. The weapons in their hands were the few things they could trust.

It just so happened that Evans Fordyce Carlson, the Marine Corps attaché who had visited China, was compiling his "Industrial Cooperation Camp" and he praised these two automatic weapons.

直接在自己的13人班组内编入了3支AR3 (G3)，7支

The AR2 carbine and three Springfield Grenadiers formed a fully automatic firepower configuration. Under the command of Roosevelt's son, James Roosevelt, the thus-armed Workers' Battalion inflicted heavy casualties on the Japanese in the Pacific Theater, achieving remarkable military success.

But the officials in Washington strongly objected: "As Marines, with three "long-range firepower" units in a squad, how could they possibly hit anyone?" Furthermore, it was unseemly for a legitimate military unit to fight with shotguns and carbines. These bureaucrats not only prevented the Marines from applying the lessons learned from the Industrial Cooperatives, but also forced them to retain a higher proportion of full-power rifles and to remove all AR2s and convert them to BARs. Want to officially enter service? Armalite, load your little toys with 30-06 ammunition first, then we can discuss this!"

If the story ended here, Armalite and its various roller-delayed locking weapons would likely leave a significant mark in the history of the Western Allied light weapons during World War II, then gradually fade into obscurity. After all, weapons like the Mt Garand, M1 Carbine, and M3 submachine gun held a far greater position in World War II, becoming the "comrades, partners, and loved ones" of the vast majority of soldiers. The AR series weapons, seemingly born for elite troops, would ultimately be overshadowed by the millions of other weapons in circulation.

But things always change and unexpectedly.

One day in late 1941, a military attaché from Vichy France bought five AR2 hunting rifles at a gun store in the United States. He openly packed the rifles into boxes and loaded them onto a plane bound for Vichy France.

Soon, these rifles passed through many twists and turns and ended up in the hands of the notorious SS before being transferred to the 37th Research and Development Department of the Mauser Factory in Germany. Here, a Nazi researcher named Ludwig Folgrimmler narrowed his eyes and looked at this strange yet familiar American-made weapon with surprise.

The nickname "Mustache Spray Can" quickly began to spread within the Allied camp.

(Set weapon name comparison)

AR1: A submachine gun that uses 9mm bullets and has a 30-round magazine. It corresponds to the MP5 in this time and space.

AR2 is an automatic hunting rifle that uses a variety of hunting bullets, mainly versions that fire .220swif soft-point fox hunting bullets and .300Savag soft-point deer hunting bullets. It is similar to the 63 assault rifle in this time and space. The civilian version uses a 10-round magazine, and the military version uses a 20-round magazine.

AR3: Automatic carbine using M1 carbine, 20-round magazine, overhead firearm.

AR4: An automatic rifle/machine gun that uses .30-06 bullets. It was not a successful product and is very similar to the HK11 machine gun in this time and space.

Chapter 328 The Need to Change Thinking

1940 was a year when the situation of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression changed rapidly.

The Japanese army in North China and Central China was already showing signs of fatigue. Although they could still barely maintain their control areas, they had lost the motivation and ability to continue the offensive. Although the Eighth Route Army and the New Fourth Army could consolidate their bases outside the main transportation routes and core cities, they still lacked the skills and confidence to launch a comprehensive strategic offensive. Even the preserved fruits could rely on their unparalleled human advantages and the advantages of mountainous geography to make it difficult for the Japanese army to advance.

At this point, the War of Resistance had lasted for more than a year in a phase of stalemate.

After repelling the February Incident instigated by the National Army and thwarting the "decapitation" plan led by Tsuchida Heigo, the nomadic "red-headed" people who had traveled from the southeast corner of the country, fighting for survival and national justice, were finally able to sit down, throw a bag of tea or instant coffee into their mugs, and take a short break.

However, such leisure wasn't a luxury that could be enjoyed permanently during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. To some extent, "We're safe, temporarily..." could be considered a reflection of the situation: Having just poured hot water into his cup, Ah Bie quickly faced a new problem.

What shall we do next?

How to fight? Naturally, we must first drive out the Japanese and then defeat the reactionaries.

Since 37, starting with the Eighth Route Army, the Communists have maintained a firm grip on military struggle. Guided by the principle that "political power grows out of the barrel of a gun," the Eighth Route Army began promoting the highly effective June New Training Method and focused on developing basic industries and military-industrial systems. This strategy, emphasizing military struggle and supplemented by some "off-site assistance," led to a flourishing base area development, a qualitative change compared to previous periods.

So, some historical experience starts to become "less useful" here.

In the original era, due to the scarcity of material resources and the severe imbalance between the enemy and our forces, the three main forces of the Eighth Route Army advancing into the enemy-occupied areas of North China chose to localize their forces, breaking them up into smaller units to conduct operations. Guided by the concept of the Anti-Japanese United Front, they led guerrilla forces in a guerrilla war. This strategy successfully enabled the Eighth Route and New Fourth Armies to establish bases in the complex enemy-occupied areas behind enemy lines, gain a foothold, accumulate small victories into larger ones, and prevent the Japanese invaders from plundering resources to support their war. This strategy was a key factor in the ultimate victory in North China.

Among these, the destruction and sabotage of roads is naturally the top priority.

Railways, highways, and pedestrian paths... Old China's poor natural conditions meant that these few remaining transportation routes were the main axes of the Japanese invasion. Wherever the roads extended, the Japanese army could often point its spearheads there. Although Japan was a weak imperialist country, its weak imperialist mule and horse divisions were still very powerful when the roads were clear.

Therefore, in this environment of struggle, the military and civilians in the anti-Japanese base areas developed a series of good habits for destroying roads. From digging up roads, to overturning sleepers, to using a combination of fire and sledgehammers to remove rails, historical experience, under the strengthened industrial base of the border areas, quickly upgraded to standard X-shaped road destruction trenches, standardized pull-type thermite rail-destroying kits, and the "ubiquitous" anti-infantry and anti-vehicle mines.

Take the railroad tearing movement as an example. In 39, the Jinsui and Taihang (historically Taiyue) bases, which were close to the southern section of the Tongpu Line, widely mobilized the military and civilians in a "railway tearing" campaign. It took one and a half months to tear off nearly 15 sections of rails, which was more than half of the achievement during the Hundred Regiments Campaign in the original time and space.

This time, they obviously did something even more outrageous. Under the protection of the main force, the local troops and mobilized masses in the two bases not only accepted the 43-kilogram-meter rails that met the national (government) standard, but also took away Yan Laoxier's 35-pound light rails, leaving no fasteners or spikes for the devils.

This "expanded" raid successfully disrupted the Japanese army's transportation, but it also had an unexpected consequence: the Eighth Route Army's mobility began to suffer. Eighth Route Army, ...

Once upon a time, the Eighth Route Army was stereotyped as being poorly dressed, armed with rifles with only a clip of ammunition, and their firepower peaked at mortars. Their light loadout of no more than 20 kilograms per person gave them exceptional cross-country and marching capabilities, making them both agile and lethal. This also gave rise to another kind of "stereotype"—the idea that the Eighth Route Army was born to cross mountains and rivers.

However, after enriching the troops' technical equipment through external purchases and self-production, the Eighth Route Army discovered somewhat embarrassingly that the light-armed troops relying solely on the 11th Route really had their own ceiling.

It was during this late stage of the "railway-ripping campaign" that in the Huozhou-Lingshi-Jiexiu area of ​​the southern section of Tongpu, a battalion-level unit of local troops, relying on people carrying things on their shoulders, was ordered to cross the mountains and intercept a retreating, partially staffed squadron of the Japanese army.

Due to the poor road conditions and limited carrying capacity, the battalion's support firepower of 60 was unable to carry a basic amount of ammunition, and the heavy machine guns were also insufficient.

Firepower and offensive capabilities have declined. This weakening has caused them to

During the blocking, the enemy in front was not quickly defeated. Instead, it maintained its organization and actively moved closer to another group of Japanese troops, defending on the ground, making it difficult to break through the temporary defense line they built.

Our corps-level troops, tasked with providing reinforcements and pursuit, were also slow to move due to the poor road conditions, resulting in the slow movement of their carts and mules. This made it difficult for the 100 reinforced troops sent by their superiors to keep up with the troops' marching speed, and the reinforcements were delayed. By the time the regimental commander decided to abandon the carts and horses and advance lightly, and arrived at the battlefield, the Japanese had already completed their fortifications and established a firm foothold. They fully utilized their firepower advantage, forcing our troops to attack several times, but suffered heavy losses and failed to succeed. Ultimately, with the Japanese reinforcements approaching, our army could only retreat after inflicting certain casualties on the enemy, giving up the opportunity to annihilate an entire squadron in an organized manner.

This was the common pattern of our army's battles with the Japanese army in the original time and space - although we seized the opportunity to annihilate the enemy during the movement, the enemy was not as panicked as the national army and eager to break out. Instead, they actively united with nearby friendly forces and defended on the ground. As long as our army's firepower and attack power were insufficient, the Japanese invaders would be able to hold on until friendly forces arrived to support them without collapsing, and eventually escape.

At the battle summary meeting, the comrades in the team sighed and lamented that if we had enough machine gun and mortar ammunition, or if the large-caliber artillery supported by superiors could be used, this group of Japanese invaders would never have escaped, and those comrades who bravely charged would not have died.

But there is no regret medicine in the world, no matter how painful it is, the comrades will not be resurrected. After completing the battle review, some cadres of the Jinsui and Taihang Military Regions jointly signed

A very counter-intuitive suggestion is made:

Each base area should refer to the comparison of the enemy's situation and our own. If conditions permit, it should mobilize cadres and the masses to build better and stronger roads in the base area.

This suggestion immediately sparked heated debate within the army.

After all, road traffic has long been an accomplice of the Japanese army's expansion of aggression. Destroying roads and traffic can often delay the Japanese army's attack and buy time for the transfer of masses and troop mobilization. If the base area has good roads extending in all directions, then wouldn't the Japanese invaders be able to directly attack the core of the base area, destroy the factories, mines and schools that were not easy to build, and smash the base area's assets to pieces? Simply for

The deployment of those "heavy weapons" requires taking such risks.

Isn't that a brain problem?

Many representatives held this view. They angrily denounced the "road-building faction" comrades, believing they were using a single example to generalize and even suspected of collaborating with the enemy. "Back then, when conditions were difficult, everyone wanted to have enough food and clothing, and a gun in hand, so they could fight against Chiang Kai-shek's bandit army. Now we have egg pancakes, denim fleece jackets, water-jet machines, and fancy machine guns, yet they still say we must have cannons, machine guns, and roads to fight. This kind of snobbish behavior is unacceptable!"

However, those who proposed building the road were clearly well prepared. They refuted the "sabotage faction" by saying, "If it were in the past, this statement would have been absolutely correct. But in our base area today, the roads may attract the Japanese, but they can also attract our own troops more quickly. A power-assisted truck can haul over 500 kilograms of ammunition on a flattened gravel road, and a three-wheeled motorcycle can tow a 100-ton or 75-ton mortar at a distance of 80 miles per hour! Moreover, if the road is built, the troops will not be able to block the enemy in the valley pass, and we will not be able to delay and harass the Japanese."

They even retorted provocatively, "Since you think asking for machine guns, artillery, and good roads is like being a spoiled brat, why not transfer all the heavy weapons to our unit? We will accept whatever comes our way!"

The debate quickly escalated, with newspapers from both the Jinsui and Taihang Military Regions publishing both sides' viewpoints and arguments. It became a major discussion that reached the Central Military Commission. Both sides engaged in a back-and-forth debate, each expressing their own views, and even held a special debate.

With roads, the Japanese army could bring in heavier field artillery and even send in armored vehicles and tanks to sweep the base, which would cause even greater damage!

Did the Japanese bring tanks to the countryside to carry out raids because they thought they had too much money? Their cavalry was so precious, why would they be willing to send tanks to carry out raids? Building roads will not only facilitate troop movements, but also facilitate travel and economic exchanges for the people in the base areas, increase the income of the military sub-district and the government, and further enhance our combat effectiveness!

This is all well and good, but if the Japanese invade our base, wouldn't all our efforts be in vain? No matter how much we produce or how well we develop our economy, wouldn't it all be taken away by the Japanese?

So what are we, the Eighth Route Army, doing for nothing? If the Japanese come to attack, won't we fight back? The Japanese are outnumbered, and when they attack our base, our friendly forces over there just poke them in the ass... Enough! All of you, go re-learn "On Protracted War"!

Spit flew everywhere, broad and crude principles mingled, and amidst this debate, more and more commanders and fighters finally began to gradually approach the core of the issue:

This isn't just a question of whether or not to build roads, but rather a question of whether we can keep our promise to the base areas. As strategic rear areas under construction, the control areas of the major base areas provide a steady stream of support for the development of the troops, while the troops, in turn, need to defend these "pots and pans." Some comrades feel that these are encumbrances, burdens, and things that will hinder the troops and facilitate the enemy's attack.

But more and more comrades have gradually realized that this is a new challenge.

War, a whole new problem.

Can the People's Army still defeat the enemy and defend the fruits of the people's labor in this new environment? Now it is a question of whether to build roads. Next, we will encounter various problems such as external operations, offensive operations against large cities, and even strategic decisive battles in field environments.

Can we adapt to the objective conditions in an ever-changing environment and move towards new victories?

Unfortunately, the enemy would not be swayed by the will of the Eighth Route Army, nor would the Japanese invaders wait for the Eighth Route Army to fully gather its thoughts and prepare before launching a war. In August 1940, as intelligence gradually gathered, the new objectives of the new commander of the North China Expeditionary Force, Itagaki Seishirō, gradually became clear. A large number of Japanese troops began to intensively mobilize and prepare around a certain area:

Zhongtiao Mountain.

Chapter 329: Dark Clouds Over the City (1) Worries of the Eighth Route Army

The Eighth Route Army had long been prepared for Itagaki Seishirō's attempt to seize Zhongtiao Mountain.

-After a while, you will receive a summary of the results of the Japanese intelligence line.

With the help of computers, the cost of deciphering Japanese military codes is quite low and timely enough.

Itagaki's strategic plan was almost an overt one—to alienate or lure Yan Laoxi into surrender, thereby dismantling the nominal government of Shanxi Province. Although this plan of luring him into surrender ultimately went awry and became a plan of annihilation, it ultimately seemed to have achieved a similar effect—the Second War Zone was abolished, Yan Laoxi was placed under house arrest in a mountain city, and the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army became a historical symbol.

At this time, based on the most basic strategic thinking analysis, if the First War Zone troops of the National Army entrenched in Zhongtiao Mountain can be eliminated, then the Japanese army will be able to free up at least 2 to 3 divisions of troops in Shanxi Province. The divisions that were originally needed to monitor the hundreds of thousands of National Army troops can be withdrawn to participate in the encirclement and mopping up of the Eighth Route Red Army.

Compared with the base areas that had been attacked for several years but failed continuously, and the main force of the Eighth Route Red Army that had been captured many times but never succeeded, attacking the National Army with clear intelligence, clear deployment and slow response was obviously a sure-win business.

"During the February Incident, Wei Junru did not obey the damned Chiang Kai-shek's orders to create friction and suppress bandits, and fought with us. In fact, he also sent liaison officers

It is said that we should put aside our differences and face the outside world together to avoid the Japanese invaders taking advantage of the situation.

enter."

In the cafeteria conference room, General Zhu addressed the assembled attendees and those participating via video conference. This novel device allowed remote personnel to participate in central discussions, a highly suitable solution given the vast distances between the various bases. "This is a good thing; the Chinese people should unite to resist foreign aggression." But this didn't suit that damned Chiang Kai-shek. Comrades in Shancheng brought us Chiang's order: transfer Wei Junru to the position of Director of Foreign Affairs of the General Office of the Military Commission, and send him to India to study the military development methods of England, a global military power...

Good fellow, this wasn't just exile to Qiongya and Lingnan; this kick was a promotion in name only, a surrender in reality, sending Wei Junru to the other side of the Himalayas! Now, the Zhongtiao Mountains are commanded by Zhang Benyao—his military prowess was praised by Chiang Kai-shek, who said his son resembled me."

"We've also changed our personnel here, from Li Heling of the 21st Unit of the Guangxi Army to Chi Fengcheng of the 30th Army sent by the Central Military Commission. I suspect it's some kind of scheme by Chiang Kai-shek's bandit army and the Guangxi warlords." "Xu Lao Hu, who's in the border region of Hubei, Henan, and Anhui," Xu Yuanqing added, "anyone who's been transferred from their original unit to study abroad is basically banished to the cold palace! Well, at least they're not imprisoned in a dark concentration camp like General Yang Zhongxiang did. For Chiang Kai-shek, that's probably a sign of his kindness!"

Everyone was silent. The Xifeng concentration camp in Guizhou Province, where Chiang Kai-shek had imprisoned a number of patriots, was far from the border region, and there was no base nearby to support them. Rescuing patriots was not as exhilarating as beating up the reactionaries during the February Incident.

"General Yang's former subordinates will likely take advantage of Wei Junru's transfer abroad to be targeted by Chiang Kai-shek this time." General Zhu pointed to the Zhongtiao Mountains on the map. "It's in Zhongtiao Mountains that Sun Shutang's Fourth Army is reportedly planning to move to Henan Province. They've already got quite a few Military Control Commission spies stationed there. They're probably moving first before taking action to eliminate the 'communist elements' among them."

"That Chiang Kai-shek deserves death. He's a complete wretch on the battlefield, but he's got plenty of tricks up his sleeve off the battlefield. I wonder what's going on in his head." Hearing that Chiang Kai-shek was still expertly practicing the 'art of imperial power' despite facing such a formidable enemy, General Peng's temper finally gave way. He slammed the table and cursed, "If we could defeat the Japs with these kinds of tricks, we'd have landed on the Japanese mainland long ago."

"That won't do. The Japanese won't obey Chiang Kai-shek's orders. You need Chiang Kai-shek to wear glasses and sit in the Torii Imperial Palace in Tokyo—or, in other words, you need to replace him with Itagaki Seishirō."

This amusing remark lightened the atmosphere, but soon returned to its previous solemnity. After all, Itagaki Seishirō was not Chiang Kai-shek, and the Japanese were not the Nationalist army. Based on the intelligence currently gathered, the scale of the Japanese campaign preparations was truly massive.

As the main body of the Japanese occupation forces stationed in Shanxi Province, the Japanese First Army was almost mobilized in its entirety: the 37th Division and the 41st Division stationed in southwest Shanxi, the 65th Division (formerly the 16th Independent Mixed Brigade) and the 58th Division (formerly the 9th Independent Mixed Brigade) stationed around Jinyang City, and even the 36th Division, which had previously lost a regiment and its attached forces, had completed its recruitment and joined the battle.

Parts of the 21st Division and most of the 27th Division, directly under the North China Expeditionary Army, along with the 4th Cavalry Brigade, a mobile force stationed near Zhengxian, were also deployed along the main railway lines in North China to the vicinity of Zhongtiao Mountain. Urban construction departments and railway workers' Red Guards in Baozhou and Shimen reported that the Japanese army had transported "long-barreled heavy artillery" and "tracked armored vehicles."

Furthermore, tracking, intelligence reconnaissance, and statistical analysis of the southbound 27th Division revealed that this three-unit division significantly outnumbered its troops and equipment, even surpassing the four-unit divisions such as the 110th. Analysis by the Intelligence Department led comrades to believe that a special unit, with an unknown designation, might be lurking within its ranks, traveling south by train alongside the Japanese army.

(Baozhou is Liu Bei's hometown and the location of Hebei University, known as the City of Boots; Shimen naturally needs no introduction)

Thus, based solely on the number of troops assigned, the Japanese army deployed over eight divisions, totaling over 140,000 men. While it was impossible for every Japanese unit to deploy its entire force, leaving behind garrison and security forces to maintain suppression and deterrence over the surrounding bases and guerrilla zones, the total force deployed by the Japanese army exceeded 100,000 men, making this a truly major battle.

Moreover, because the information was so confidential, the Japanese army used human intelligence to transmit it. Even with the ability to intercept wireless and wired telegraphs, the Eighth Route Army still couldn't accurately predict when the Japanese army would launch an operation. "It's not enough to just sit here and complain about Chiang Kai-shek."

The Chairman's voice boomed from the back of the conference room. "Comrades, do you all know what Chiang Kai-shek is like? Even now, after all, we're still under the same roof, the KMT and the CCP cooperating and united in the fight against Japan. And we just took a punch from him. Compared to before, when he directly raised his butcher knife, he's much more lovable today. Seeing him 'bearing humiliation' like this, if he knew you were talking about him behind his back, he'd definitely be called a jerk."

"Well, we've been pushing it off all day. Health is the capital of revolution, so of course we need to eat dinner now. Once we're full, we can talk about other things later!"

The kitchen brought roujiamo (Chinese steamed buns), baozi (stuffed buns), and mutton soup. Meanwhile, the shared conference interface in the meeting room changed, revealing an electronic military map divided into counties and districts, shared with all attendees. The spies in the background adjusted the flags and markers representing the troops, returning the battlefield to its original state.