Chapter 36: Brother Ligong, we have no other choice but to attack!

"Colonel, this is indeed a golden opportunity. If we can follow through with the plan to deal a heavy blow to the 15th Independent Mixed Brigade, we can alleviate the pressure on the defenders at Xinkou. With the cooperation of the 14th Group Army, we might even be able to launch a full-scale counterattack!"

Fang Ligong was filled with admiration for Chu Yunfei’s operational deployment. "However, Colonel, with only the strength of one regiment, can we realistically manage to block enemy reinforcements while simultaneously detaching the main force of a battalion to participate in the encirclement and annihilation?"

"According to my intelligence... the enemy's firepower is not to be underestimated."

Chu Yunfei nodded, then explained, "The 15th Independent Mixed Brigade was formed from the former 2nd Division. Their soldiers are elite veterans who have undergone more than two years of systematic training. They are not merely an infantry brigade; their combat effectiveness is not much inferior to our own."

"Most importantly, the surrounding terrain offers us no advantage. In plains warfare, priority must be given to firepower!"

Even with his own colonel considering the enemy difficult to handle, Fang Ligong hesitated for a moment. "Colonel, should we request instructions from the Headquarters?"

Chu Yunfei acted as if he hadn't heard, continuing, "What I find most troublesome is their commander, Seiichiro Shinohara. He is no simple man. Unlike the commander of the Suzuki Brigade, Shige Yasu Suzuki, this opponent is not conventional."

Seeing that Chu Yunfei seemed to have "not heard" his suggestion, Fang Ligong wisely shut his mouth.

Chu Yunfei’s expression was grave. "With a madman like this, we cannot predict his actions. Therefore, we must force this battle into our own rhythm. There is only one way to seize the initiative."

Fang Ligong, Luo Weiguo, and Ma Keying all looked at Chu Yunfei.

"Attack!"

"Only through constant attack can we ensure that the initiative in this battle remains firmly in the hands of our 358th Regiment!"

Fang Ligong gasped and advised, "Colonel, this will inevitably lead to heavy casualties..."

"Brother Ligong, we have no other choice!"

"Please help me draft a telegram to Commander Wei, requesting that his 14th Group Army assist our regiment's offensive. We will cut off the 15th Independent Mixed Brigade’s logistics supply line and block their reinforcements no later than three o'clock tomorrow afternoon."

Chu Yunfei paused, as if pondering his wording. He hesitated for a moment before making a firm decision. "Ask Commander Wei to launch an attack with the main force of the Group Army against the enemy in front of them, striving to annihilate the main force of the 15th Independent Mixed Brigade and secure victory along the Xinkou line."

"Colonel..."

The Second War Zone Headquarters was as riddled with infiltrators as a sieve. Chu Yunfei dared not take that gamble. He would rather lead his thousands of brothers into a head-on clash with the 15th Independent Mixed Brigade than jump into a trap prepared by the Japanese after revealing his detailed plan.

After much deliberation, Chu Yunfei decided to give the higher-ups a vague heads-up. "Brother Ligong, whether Commander Wei will agree to our operational plan is another matter entirely."

"Let’s do this: send a telegram to the Second War Zone stating that we are undertaking a major military operation, but do not include the detailed plan in the telegram."

"Yes, sir!"

Soon, Battalion Commander Qian Bojun of the 1st Battalion, Battalion Commander Wu Ziqiang of the 2nd Battalion, Battalion Commander Zhuo Tianyu of the Replacement Battalion, Battalion Commander Liang Guoping of the Artillery Battalion, and Company Commander Bian Fucheng of the 1st Company of the 1st Battalion arrived outside the regimental headquarters courtyard.

"Report!"

"Come in!"

Hearing Qian Bojun’s voice, Chu Yunfei immediately put down his pencil and walked over.

"Colonel!"

Chu Yunfei returned the salute and glanced at 3rd Battalion Commander Luo Weiguo and Ma Keying. "You two come over as well."

"Yes, sir!"

The group gathered around the table. The oil lamp did not provide much light, and there was no electricity in the courtyard. At first, it was difficult to see clearly, but after half a minute, their eyes adjusted.

"As you can all see, the current situation of the enemy and ourselves is marked on the map."

"Although the Japanese forces are at the height of their momentum and possess superior numbers, we are in the shadows. They do not realize that our main force has already moved right under their noses."

Qian Bojun requested to fight, "Colonel, this is an excellent opportunity. If we seize this moment, we have a strong chance of dealing them a heavy blow!"

Zhuo Tianyu also expressed his urgency, "Colonel, let's do it!"

Wu Ziqiang and Liang Guoping looked on with burning eyes, clearly indicating their stance. As for a rugged Northeasterner like Bian Fucheng, he was already eager for action. If not for the fact that he was only a company commander and it wasn't his place to speak directly, he would have likely been shouting for battle long ago.

With the soldiers united, the morale was ready to be utilized!

Chu Yunfei immediately issued the combat deployment: "I am making the following arrangements!"

"Company Commander Bian Fucheng of the 1st Company, 1st Battalion!"

"Here!"

Chu Yunfei paused and traced an offensive route on the map. "Using your 1st Company as the core, organize a dare-to-die squad to infiltrate the city. There is a passage previously blown open by the reconnaissance platoon. Your mission is to recover the heads that the Japanese have hung on the south city wall."

"Once successful, withdraw from the county seat immediately. After retreating two hundred meters outside the city, fire three red signal flares into the sky."

"Yes, sir!"

Chu Yunfei paused and turned to look at the Artillery Battalion Commander, Liang Guoping. "Artillery Battalion Commander Liang Guoping."

"Here!"

"Once the observers see the signal flares, open fire with full intensity. Shell the Japanese inside the city to cover the retreat of the dare-to-die squad."

1st Battalion Commander Qian Bojun suggested, "Colonel... should we conserve some mountain gun shells to provide cover for the attacking troops at daybreak? The heavy mortar company should be able to handle the support mission..."

Chu Yunfei looked at Bian Fucheng. Seeing Bian Fucheng nod slightly, Chu Yunfei immediately agreed. "Very well. Qian Bojun, I am placing the heavy mortar company under your command."

"The 1st Battalion will shoulder the main attack. However, time is short. I can only give your battalion six hours. By twelve o'clock tomorrow, at any cost, you must take Yuanping City."

Qian Bojun stood tall and saluted. "Colonel, rest assured. I, Qian Bojun, will lead the charge myself. Six hours, and Yuanping City will be ours!"

"Excellent!"

Chu Yunfei gave Qian Bojun his full trust and command authority.

"3rd Infantry Battalion Commander Luo Weiguo, Cavalry Company Commander Ma Keying."

"Here!"

"I order you to assist the 1st Battalion in launching the offensive on Yuanping County!"

"Yes, sir!"

Chu Yunfei paused and emphasized, "Know shame!"

Luo Weiguo took a firm step forward and saluted. "Yes, Colonel! I guarantee that this battle will demonstrate the might of our 3rd Infantry Battalion!"

Ma Keying stood to the side, stunned for a moment, then added, "Colonel, the same goes for our Cavalry Company!"

Chu Yunfei then turned to look at Wu Ziqiang. "2nd Infantry Battalion Commander Wu Ziqiang."

"Here!"

"Proceed to the line at Hanzhuang and Shuigouzi to construct defensive fortifications. Block enemy reinforcements and prevent the main force of the 15th Independent Mixed Brigade from retreating north!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Replacement Battalion Commander Zhuo Tianyu."

"Here!"

"I am placing the 4th Infantry Battalion under your command. Lead your troops to Daoniudian to build a defensive line. Coordinate with the 2nd Battalion to form a pincer formation and block enemy reinforcements!"

"Yes, sir!"