The Qing Dynasty

Chapter 609: Incompetent Generals
As the number of troops had reached hundreds of thousands, Teng Yuzao referred to all departments under Chief of Staff Wei Jinghai as the General Staff. The Telecommunications Department was one of the departments, responsible for the sending and receiving of radio telegrams, as well as the new technology of radio decryption.

Since the radio codes are still in their infancy and the encryption means and methods are still in their infancy, it is not difficult to crack them. Under the guidance of Teng Yuzhao, not only have all the Japanese radio codes been successfully deciphered by the Telecommunications Department, but even the few high-power radio stations of the Russians are completely under the control of the Telecommunications Department.

Since even high-power radio stations have limited signal transmission distance, it is difficult to detect responding radio signals in Tianjin. Therefore, the General Staff now has three airships equipped with radio stations located over the Horqin grassland and the sea areas of Jinzhou and Weihai to monitor the radio signals of the Japanese and Russian armies 24 hours a day.

Zuo Baotian pointed to the hanging map and said, "Liaoyang is located about 50 kilometers south of Fengtian. It is not only a barrier for Fengtian, but also a hub for the southern section of the China-Eastern Railway connecting Lushun and Fengtian. Its strategic location is very important and it is a place that must be fought for by military strategists."

"According to the deciphered telegrams between the Japanese Manchurian Army Headquarters and their domestic base camp, after the establishment of the Japanese Manchurian Army Headquarters, they have begun to accelerate their attack on the Russian army."

"Based on intelligence, the Japanese Manchurian Army Commander-in-Chief Oyama Iwao judged that the Japanese troops in Ximucheng, Dashiqiao and Haicheng might retreat, while the number of Japanese troops in front of the Japanese First Army was increasing day by day."

"Iwao Oyama therefore believed that the Russians were trying to gather their forces near Liaoyang, so the Japanese 10th Independent Division and the 2nd Army would not encounter much resistance before advancing to the vicinity of Liaoyang."

"In order to capture Liaoyang as soon as possible, Oyama Iwao ordered his Second Army under Okubo to quickly occupy Gaiping and then Dashiqiao; he ordered Kuroki Tamemasa to immediately lead the Japanese First Army to quickly occupy the area from the North Watershed through Motianling to the vicinity of Bapanling."

"At the same time, Nozu Michitsugu's 4th Army's Independent 10th Division advanced to occupy the watershed on the Xiuyan-Ximucheng road, clearing the way for the three armies to attack Liaoyang."

"The Manchurian Army deployed by the Russian commander-in-chief Kuropatkin in the area around Liaoyang currently has 13 divisions, 155 infantry battalions, and 483 artillery pieces, while the Japanese only have nine and a half divisions, 106 infantry battalions, and 414 artillery pieces."

"Overall, the Russians had an advantage in terms of manpower and weaponry. Kuropatkin even declared in a telegram to his emperor reporting on the situation in the Far East that he would rather die than retreat from Liaoyang."

"According to our investigation, the Russians' military defense deployment before the battle with the Japanese was roughly as follows."

"The old Russian South Manchurian Group has more than 42,000 people from the First and Fourth Armies of East Siberia, with 106 artillery pieces under the command of the Fourth Army Commander Zarubaev. The troops are deployed on the right wing south of the Dashiqiao position that the Second Japanese Army must pass through."

"A regiment with only three battalions in Yingkou and the Liaohe Detachment will jointly cover the right wing of the old Russian South Manchuria Group."

"At the same time, we ordered the cavalry detachment commanded by Mishinko at the Qipan Mountain Pass to cover its left wing; the Second Siberian Army commanded by Zasulich, equipped with 72 artillery pieces, was deployed in the Ximucheng area where the Japanese 10th Independent Division must pass through; another 16,000 people, equipped with 76 artillery pieces, were stationed in Haicheng."

"The old Russian East Manchurian Group is mainly confronting the Japanese First Army. The old Russian Major General Kler commands the 26,000 men and 100 artillery pieces of the East Manchurian Detachment, which is deployed on the other side of the Lan River. Three divisions led by Gel Sheliman have already entered Liaoyang and Saimaji."

"In the past few years, Kampf's 20,000 troops have blocked the main roads from Liaoyang to Fengtian. Lieutenant Colonel Madritov commanded a makeshift, understaffed division of about 15,000 troops, stationed in the northeast of Jiangguan."

"The above East Manchuria Group is directly under the command of the Russian Manchuria Group Army Headquarters and is stationed in the main mountain positions leading to Liaoyang."

"In addition, the vanguards of the Russian East Siberian Tenth Army and the Seventeenth Army have already arrived in the Liaoyang area."

Teng Yuzhao interrupted Zuo Baotian and said to everyone with a smile.

"Who do you think will win this battle, the Russians or the Japanese?"

Seeing Teng Yuzhao looking at him, Yang Shixiang hurriedly shook his hand and said.

"Marshal, although I have served as a counselor in the Vanguard Army, I am a complete layman in the use of troops in combat. You should let Kikuto, the assistant director of the Army Department's Preparatory Office, talk about this matter."

Xu Shichang, who was pushed out by Yang Shixiang, also said with a wry smile.

"Although I have worked in the Army Department, I was only in charge of the organization and weapon deployment of the new troops in each province. I am completely ignorant of the battle formations."

Seeing that Teng Yuzhao was still looking at him with a smile, Xu Shichang could only smile bitterly and said.

"If the Marshal insists that I express my opinion, I will do so reluctantly and give you my thoughts."

Seeing that he couldn't avoid it, Xu Shichang had no choice but to say, "Marshal, according to what Director Zuo said, I have roughly calculated that the Russians have more troops and artillery than the Japanese, and they obviously have the advantage."

"Besides, the Japanese had just been transferred from China to the outside of the Great Wall. After landing, they started fighting repeatedly and seemed to be exhausted."

"The Russians are already outside the Great Wall, and they should be well rested now. In my opinion, the Russians are more likely to win. I think the Russians will win."

Yang Shixiang and Xu Shichang nodded frequently in response to Xu Shichang's statement, and it was obvious that they also agreed with Xu Shichang's statement.

Teng Yuzao smiled bitterly and said, "In principle, Juren's judgment is reasonable and well-founded, but the progress of the war is not something you can accurately judge based on common sense."

"The course of war is ever-changing, and the slightest negligence can lead to total defeat."

Teng Yuzao looked at Liu Shijiu, Wu Peifu, Li Xianze and others, "You can also tell me what you think of the Russians' battle deployment."

Liu Nineteen suddenly said, "Marshal, we only know that the Russians are retreating frequently, but we haven't seen the battle report on the specific process."

"but."

Liu Shijiu hesitated and said, "No matter how I look at the Russians' deployment, I don't think they can withstand the Japanese attack so quickly. Moreover, I think the Russians are too cautious in their use of troops. Otherwise..."

Liu Shijiu's words immediately aroused Teng Yuzao's interest, and he said with a smile.

"Brother, go to the front and tell us what you think!"

"it is good!"

Liu Shijiu was not polite and immediately stood up and strode to the map in front.

"Marshal, there are several other adults."

Liu Jiujiu then turned his gaze to Wu Peifu and Li Xiance and said, "And you, I, Liu Jiujiu, am a rough man. If what I said is wrong, just pretend I didn't say it."

Teng Yuzao encouraged him with a smile, "Brother, I heard that you have memorized the Art of War by heart and have also completed the Beiyang Wubei Academy. You can no longer be considered a rough man." Yang Shixiang also smiled and said, "Liu Zhentong was a top-notch general under the Marshal when he fought against the Eight-Nation Alliance. If you dare to call yourself a rough man, then Juren and I, who are Jinshi Hanlin, will be even less valuable."

Xu Shichang also smiled and said, "What the Lianfu said is true, Liu Zhentong, don't be so modest."

Xu Shichang pointed at Li Xianze and Wu Peifu and said with a smile, "The troops of Liu Zhentong, Ziyu and Li Zhentong are the top main forces under the command of the Marshal. The Marshal has arranged all three of you to be close to the three northeastern provinces this time. It is obvious that he trusts you very much. Please ask Liu Zhentong to help us solve our doubts."

"Okay, in that case I'll tell you."

Liu Shijiu pointed at the map and said, "Judging from the Russians' pre-war deployment, they are bound to lose."

Although it is not clear yet that the Russian army will be defeated, at least the two sides have not yet engaged in a major decisive battle. It is just that the defense deployed by the Russian army before the war does not seem to be very advantageous, because they already know that the Russian army is being squeezed back to the vicinity of Liaoyang by the three Japanese armies.

Teng Yuzao nodded and said, "Go on."

Liu Shijiu continued, "From the Russians' pre-war deployment, it seems that they are frightened by the Japanese and are acting timidly."

"They have an advantage in both manpower and firepower over the Japanese, so they should adopt a more aggressive offensive strategy rather than a passive defensive one."

"If I were to command the Russian troops, I should rely on Liaoyang, build strong fortifications along the Dashiqiao and Haicheng South Manchuria Railway lines, fight against the Japanese step by step, and constantly consume their manpower."

"The main force will attack eastward and kill all the way from the Yalu River. The Japanese First Army, which has no strong rear support, will be surrounded and annihilated in the southeast area of ​​Motianling and Bapianling."

"At the very least, we must encircle and annihilate the Japanese First Army once it enters the vicinity of Benxi Lake, and then quickly return to support the Liaoyang defenders."

"If we are more radical, we can use the Siberian reinforcements that keep coming, and then go straight to the Haicheng Dashiqiao line, outflank the Japanese Second and Fourth Armies that are attacking Liaoyang, and wipe out the three Japanese armies that have landed in one fell swoop."

As soon as Liu Shijiu finished speaking, Li Xiance and Wu Peifu immediately applauded vigorously, obviously they agreed with Liu Shijiu's statement.

"it is good!"

Teng Yuzao excitedly slapped the armrest of the sofa and laughed.

"Brother, if the Japanese's Dashan Yan learns of your battle plan, he will probably break out in a cold sweat."

"Not bad! Very good!"

Liu Shijiu felt a little embarrassed by Teng Yuzhao's compliment and said quickly.

"Marshal, I just said this casually. If there is anything wrong, please correct me."

Liu Shijiu said this as he walked back to his seat.

Teng Yuzhao was very happy that Liu Shijiu could think of these things. He had already discovered that Liu Shijiu was no longer a fierce general who only knew how to fight and kill.

Teng Yuzao said, "I agree with what Liu Zhentong said, that is, the old Russians are scared by the Japanese, and there is another point you may not know yet."

"The commander of the Russian army outside the Great Wall, Kuropatkin, was firmly opposed to going to war with the Japanese when he was the Minister of War in the country."

"He believed that once the war with the Japanese invaders broke out outside the Great Wall and in North Korea, the Russian invaders would be exhausted due to the long battle line."

"However, as an anti-war activist, he was eventually sent to the Far East by their Tsar."

Teng Yuzao's explanation shocked Xu Shichang. "This Kuropatkin had no confidence in this war from the beginning, so why let him be the commander-in-chief?"

Teng Yuzao smiled and nodded, saying, "Their Tsar is not qualified!"

Teng Yuzao went on to say, "Due to Kuropatkin's lack of confidence and their intelligence not being as good as the Japs', he overestimated the strength of the Japanese army."

"From his deployment, he was always worried that the Japanese army would outflank the South Manchuria Group from the left wing. Kuropatkin actually decided to withdraw the South Manchuria Group from Yingkou and Dashiqiao to Haicheng when the Japanese Second Army attacked, hoping to buy time for the Siberian Seventeenth Army to assemble in Liaoyang."

"However, according to the intelligence intercepted by our telecommunications department, Kuropatkin's plan was strongly opposed by the Russian Far East Navy and Army Commander-in-Chief Alexeyev."

"Alexeyev asked the South Manchuria Group to take resolute and decisive action in the main direction leading to Lushun. Before that, the East Manchuria Detachment should take an offensive posture to repel the Japanese First Army to eliminate the threat to the depth of the Russian Manchurian Army Group."

"Alekseyev, the admiral of the navy, ignored the facts and strongly interfered with Kuropatkin's command, wanting to launch an attack on the Japanese on two fronts at the same time."

"As a result, Kuropatkin had to transfer troops from the South Manchuria Group to the East Manchuria Group according to Alexeev's request. At the critical moment when the Japanese Second Army was about to attack Dashiqiao, less than a division of troops and 96 artillery pieces were withdrawn from the reserve troops stationed near Dashiqiao to reinforce Lieutenant General Kler's East Manchuria Detachment."

Wu Peifu said, "Although Alexeev's command was blind, Kuropatkin is not very good either. Since the troops are being transferred to the east, they should have drawn more troops to destroy the Japanese First Army with more superior forces in one fell swoop."

"He only pulled out less than one division of troops, and it was obvious that he only wanted to deal with Alexeev. In the end, not only did the strength in the east not increase significantly, but the troops in the south were also weakened. It was obvious that he was not pleasing both sides and would gain nothing in the end."

Li Xiance also smiled and said, "This Russian commander is hesitant and has committed a major military taboo. I also think he will fail in the end."

Teng Yuzao nodded and said, "Yes, although Kuropatkin ordered the commander of the East Manchurian Army, Kler, to flexibly seize the opportunity to turn to the offensive and recapture the watershed position occupied by the Japanese Independent Tenth Division, in the end they still returned empty-handed."

"Next, let Director Zuo continue to report the battle situation to everyone."

The reason why Teng Yuzao wanted to conduct this kind of face-to-face seminar-like battle situation report was very simple. He always believed that the generals under him did not have enough understanding of modern warfare. After all, the foundation of the Beiyang Military Academy was much worse than that of the West.

Even in terms of understanding of modern warfare, it is inferior to the Army Officer School run by the Japanese.

Teng Yuzao wanted to take advantage of the Russo-Japanese War to let these generals experience modern warfare.
(End of this chapter)