xymnovel Chapter 194 Li Jianghe's Decision: Striking the Japanese in the Butt
Chapter 194 Li Jianghe's Decision: Striking the Japanese in the Butt
"As for the attack on Fujin Mountain, it was the Japanese 13th Division and the infamous Imperial Guard Division."
This Guards Division, though called a division, actually has a total strength of over 50,000 men and is also equipped with a dedicated tank regiment. Its firepower is extremely strong; stopping them will undoubtedly be a tough and fierce battle.
After introducing the Japanese army's deployment, he looked up at the group of generals in the room and asked in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, what strategies do you have for dealing with the enemy?"
The two troops under Sun Lianzhong's command were not actually well-funded.
The 30th Army, with the Northwest Army as its backbone, was severely understaffed. The two divisions combined had only a little over 18,000 men, and heavy firepower was even more scarce.
Song Xilian's 71st Army was an elite force in the Central Army, with a total strength of over 35,000 men and a considerable number of artillery units attached, making it the main force in the defense line.
Finally, there was Li Jianghe's third column.
This elite force, centered around armored units, still numbers nearly 40,000 even after some of its troops were previously withdrawn. Its firepower and mobility are unmatched in the entire theater of operations.
As Li Zongren had said before, Sun Lianzhong never intended to pin Li Jianghe's troops to the front line for defensive warfare. Instead, he intended to use them as the sharpest blade and the core force for mobile operations and counterattacks.
But at that moment, Sun Yuanliang spoke again.
He crossed his arms and said with a forced smile, "I've long heard that Commander Li's Third Column is known as invincible, having never been defeated in more than ten battles against the Japanese. I think it would be better to send the Third Column to defend Gushi, to set an example for our 71st Army, and let us learn how to fight the Japanese."
These words, ostensibly flattering, were actually a ploy to push Li Jianghe into a dangerous defensive position, concealing a hostile intent.
Li Jianghe frowned, about to retort, when he heard Song Xilian shout coldly and speak first.
"Commander Sun, you should shut up when it's not your turn to speak."
Song Xilian glared coldly at Sun Yuanliang, his tone stern, effectively silencing him.
After speaking, he turned around, looked at Sun Lianzhong in the main seat, stood up abruptly, saluted, and spoke with unwavering resolve:
"Commander-in-Chief, our 71st Army is willing to take over the Fujinshan defense line! We are determined to stop the attack of the Japanese 13th Division and the Imperial Guard Division. We will hold the position as long as we are here!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Chi Fengcheng immediately stood up, his back ramrod straight, and shouted back defiantly:
"Commander-in-Chief, our 31st Division is willing to take over the defense of Gushi County! We will definitely hold back the offensive of the Japanese 6th and 10th Divisions and will never retreat a single step!"
Sun Lianzhong looked at the two of them with a very satisfied expression on his face, and his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, was finally at ease.
He finally turned his head, his gaze landing on Li Jianghe, and asked with a smile:
"Jiang He, what are your unit's plans?"
Li Jianghe walked to the map, his gaze sweeping over the Japanese army's attack route. He then looked up at the crowd and spoke slowly, his tone calm yet firm:
"Commander Sun, I hope that the units defending the front can hold off the Japanese offensive for at least a week."
I will lead the Third Column to outflank the Japanese army from the rear, seek an opportunity to annihilate a portion of the invading Japanese forces.
"To annihilate a portion of the Japanese invaders?"
Upon hearing this, all the generals in the room were stunned, their faces filled with disbelief and shock.
After all, this time the invaders were not just a scattered regiment of the Japanese army, but four elite divisions, including an over-strength Imperial Guard Division with more than 50,000 men.
Li Jianghe's audacity in declaring he would annihilate this entire Japanese army was truly astounding.
Seeing the shocked expressions on everyone's faces, Li Jianghe nodded with certainty, his tone resolute:
"That's right. Once our troops outflank the Japanese forces, we will surely be able to seize the opportunity to annihilate a portion of the Japanese army and completely disrupt their offensive rhythm."
In his view, the northern foothills of the Dabie Mountains are mostly open plains, which is the most suitable terrain for his mechanized troops to carry out operations.
As long as the main force of the Japanese army is tied down by the frontal defenses, all their attention will be drawn to the Nationalist troops who are holding their ground, and the supply lines and flank defenses in the rear will inevitably be exposed with many flaws.
What Li Jianghe had to do was to lead the Third Column, the sharpest dagger, precisely into the Japanese army's weak point and win a great victory.
Upon hearing this, Sun Yuanliang's lips curled into a mocking smile, and he slowly spoke, arms crossed:
"I had long heard that Captain Li was unconventional and unorthodox in his military tactics, and now that I have seen him, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved."
They actually thought they could wipe out the elite Japanese army with just a few tens of thousands of our men.
In the end, he couldn't help but burst into laughter, and everyone present could clearly hear the disdain and skepticism in his laughter.
Most of the other generals in the room respected Li Jianghe, but they also felt that his plan was too audacious and almost impossible to complete.
Chi Fengcheng quickly came over, grabbed Li Jianghe's arm, and whispered anxiously, "Please..."
Chi Fengcheng quickly came over, grabbed Li Jianghe's arm, and whispered anxiously, "Please..."
"Jiang He, this time the situation is different."
"The Japanese have too many troops, and I've heard they've specifically equipped themselves with a large number of anti-tank weapons this time, specifically targeting your Third Column. You'd better think twice."
But Li Jianghe's expression remained unwavering. He turned to look at Sun Lianzhong in the main seat and solemnly said:
"Commander, if you trust me, please make sure that each unit holds the front line for a few days to keep the Japanese invaders' attention."
I, Li Jianghe, guarantee with my life that my troops will surely achieve a decisive victory against the Japanese flank and rear, and will not fail your trust.
Sun Lianzhong sat in the chair, his brows furrowed, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table, his mind in turmoil.
According to his original plan, Li Jianghe's Third Column was to be used as the general reserve force of the war zone, to support wherever the defense line was in danger, and also to be the main force for the subsequent frontal counterattack.
But now that Li Jianghe is leading the main force to the Japanese flank and rear, it means that the only troops he can mobilize on the front are the 30th Army and the 71st Army.
These two units, at most, only have a little over 60,000 men, a considerable portion of whom are new recruits who have only been there for a little over a month. Their combat effectiveness is nowhere near that of veterans.
After a long silence, Sun Lianzhong slammed his hand on the table, finally making up his mind. He looked up at Li Jianghe, his eyes filled with trust:
"Alright! Jiang He, I believe in you! We all believe in you! My Second Army Group will buy you this week right here on the front lines!"
Even if we are wiped out, we will never let the Japanese advance an inch!
Li Jianghe knew that Sun Lianzhong was under immense pressure when he made this decision.
He was willing to give himself this complete trust because of the battlefield miracle he and the Third Detachment created in the Battle of Taierzhuang.