Chinese martial arts! Grandmaster

Hanzhong, Wuchang Prefecture.

In fact, before the Japanese Kwantung Army infiltrated the Central Plains, when they landed in Guangdong and Guangxi, they only cooperated with Prince Ning, Li Mu, and Prince Shu, Li Chuang.

and,

In the beginning, the two armies of the Kwantung Army kept a low profile, unlike their current high profile.

Six months ago, when the Kwantung Army cooperated with Prince Li Ben of Han, they were defeated and forced to flee by Ximen Tang.

Therefore,
When the Kwantung Army first infiltrated the Central Plains, Prince Ning, Li Mu, and Prince Shu, Li Chuang, did not trust the Kwantung Army much.

Finally, the Kwantung Army provided a large amount of weapons and money, which persuaded the Prince of Ning and the Prince of Shu to cooperate with them.

That is,

When the Kwantung Army first entered Hanzhong, the situation was very passive for the Japanese, far less smooth than when they swept through Northeast China.

The fact that Dashanyan was able to occupy Wuchang Prefecture so smoothly this time was actually partly due to luck.

First, the defeat of Li Ben, the King of Han, left the entire Hanzhong region leaderless.

Secondly, Prince Ning, Li Mu, was in Xiangyang, and his relationship with Prince Shu, Li Chuang, was not harmonious.

Both sides remained on guard, and although no major conflicts occurred, they kept each other in check.

more importantly,
The Kwantung Army suddenly found itself cooperating with both Li Zicheng, the King of Shu, and Li Mu, the King of Ning. In addition, 300,000 Kwantung troops entered the Central Plains, making them a powerful and well-equipped force.

As a result,
The Prince of Shu and the Prince of Ning had no choice but to cede Wuchang Prefecture.

of course,

The two princes were not stupid; they naturally knew that Ximen Tang was determined to seize the Hanzhong region.

Allowing the Japanese to occupy Wuchang Prefecture would be more advantageous for the two feudal lords.

They wanted to use the power of the Japanese to counter Ximentang.

Dashanyan also wanted to use the power of the two vassal kings to disrupt the situation of the Daqian Dynasty.

Therefore, Dashanyan successfully captured Wuchang Prefecture in the Hanzhong region, and at the same time occupied Huangshi, Ezhou, Huangmei, Macheng, Xiaogan and other places.

The Kwantung Army never knew what it meant to be merciful when dealing with local government troops.

They recruited soldiers from the local government to serve as cannon fodder, and gathered together the remnants of Li Ben's army who had previously fled, turning them into puppet troops of the Kwantung Army.

In Xiaogan alone, nearly 50,000 troops were incorporated.

Therefore,
Although the Kwantung Army suffered heavy losses in the battle of Jiujiang Prefecture.

However, in Wuchang Prefecture, the number of the Japanese Allied Forces not only did not decrease, but instead increased dramatically, expanding to an army of 500,000.

The Kwantung Army fleet transported two batches of weapons from the Guangdong and Guangxi regions.

For a while,
The combined forces of the Japanese army in the Hanzhong region under Daisan Rock have greatly increased in strength.

In order to win over Prince Ning, Li Mu, and Prince Shu, Li Chuang, Da Shan Yan provided strong support to the two princes.

Simultaneously,

The Kwantung Army landed in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions and entered the Hanzhong region via a route, giving many benefits to Prince Li Hongyu, who was stationed in Guangfu City.

but,

Although Da Shanyan had occupied Wuchang Prefecture, he knew better than anyone that defeating Xi Mentang would be extremely difficult.

In terms of troop strength, although the Kwantung Army had grown to 500,000 men, the actual elite force of the Kwantung Army was only about 250,000.

Among them, the most elite troops of the Kwantung Army lost tens of thousands in the battle of Yangxin County.

Now, Ximentang has assembled an army of 160,000, strong and well-equipped, and also has a heavy brigade, making its combat power incredibly formidable.

The four generals under Oyama Iwao's command are Sakata Takeo, Oshima Yuutake, Sakuragi Kenzo, and Kishibe Fumio!

In terms of both the quality of its soldiers and the configuration of its weapons, it is no match for Ximentang.

therefore,

For the past few days, Da Shanyan has been feeling apprehensive.

After learning that Ximentang had occupied Chongyang, Chibi, and Jiayu, they feared that he would directly attack Wuchang Prefecture.

After Dashanyan occupied Wuchang Prefecture, Prince Ning, Li Mu, and Prince Shu, Li Chuang, both sent people to meet with Dashanyan, and the three parties reached an agreement to form an alliance.

After the defeat of the Kwantung Army in the Battle of Jiujiang Prefecture.

Da Shanyan wanted to lead his army out of Wuchang Prefecture and find another place to settle down.

However, after Ximentang captured Chongyang Prefecture, he did not send troops further.

After waiting for several days, Da Shan Yan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when he saw that Xi Men Tang hadn't made any move.

He decided to wait and see how things developed.

in fact,

At the beginning, after the 300,000-strong Kwantung Army infiltrated the Hanzhong area, Oyama Iwao was full of ambition.

The Great Qian Dynasty was in disarray.

If Ximentang can be defeated, then the Eastern Empire will directly occupy the entire Daqian.

Prince Ning, Li Mu; Prince Shu, Li Chuang; Ninth Prince, Li Hongyu; and even Guan Qilin from the Western Regions, Tibet, and the Great Grasslands, all fought their own battles and wanted to break with the Great Qian Dynasty.

For the Kwantung Army, these Daqian troops were not a concern.

When Ximentang occupied Jiujiang Prefecture, Dashanyan thought that Chen Jie would pursue Hong Chaoge.

However, to everyone's surprise, Ximentang did not pursue them at all, but instead changed direction and planned to attack Wuchang Prefecture directly.

but,

Worrying won't solve the problem.

Ximentang wants to attack Wuchang Prefecture, so he has to find a way to deal with it.

therefore,

Da Shanyan summoned his four generals to discuss the matter.

Should they fight a decisive battle against Ximentang in Wuchang Prefecture, or abandon Wuchang Prefecture and retreat to Xiangyang Prefecture?
If we were to fight, Ximentang's firepower would be too overwhelming, especially their heavy armored brigade with tanks; we simply couldn't stop them.

The battle of Jiujiang Prefecture left a psychological scar on Dashanyan.

If the Kwantung Army were to engage in a direct confrontation with Ximen Tang, they would have no chance of winning.

However, retreating to Xiangyang Prefecture was clearly not a good strategy.

It should be noted that Xiangyang Prefecture had hundreds of thousands of troops under Prince Ning, Li Mu, and Prince Shu, Li Chuang.

Although the two feudal lords were constantly fighting and not united.

However, once the Kwantung Army occupies Xiangyang Prefecture, the two feudal lords will definitely put aside their past grievances and will not agree to the Kwantung Army retreating to Xiangyang.

After the four generals gathered, Oyama Iwao explained his concerns and plans to everyone.

Takeo Sakata spoke first:
"General, I have already sent men to infiltrate Ximentang's territory to gather information. Ximentang has mobilized 160,000 troops in Xianning Prefecture."

"However, the commander Aman led 50,000 troops and was stationed in Xianning Prefecture, unable to hold them back."

"'Prince Qian' Chen Jie led an army of 110,000 men toward Wuchang Prefecture."

After hearing what Sakata Takeo said, Oyama Iwao became very worried.

The 110,000 elite troops of Ximentang were far fewer in number than the Allied Forces of the East.

but,

In the battle of Jiujiang Prefecture, Dashanyan witnessed Ximentang's fighting prowess firsthand.

At this time,

Oshima Yuu said, "The artillery of the West Gate is too powerful. Their steel legion can easily destroy our bunkers."

"After several battles in Songjiang Prefecture, Jiujiang Prefecture, and Qingdao, Shandong, and even the battles of the three fleets in the waters of the Kyushu Five Islands, our Kwantung Army still has no good tactics to defeat this powerful Daqian army."

"This time, the main force of Ximen Hall is attacking Wuchang Prefecture. It will be very difficult for us to defend it."

Kishibe Fumio had never fought Nishimendo head-on before.

He always felt that others were exaggerating, making exaggerated claims about Ximentang's fighting strength.

then,

Kishibe Fumio curled his lip in disdain and said:

"Even if Ximen Tang's fighting strength is strong, so what? Don't forget that we have 500,000 troops stationed in Wuchang Prefecture."

"With an army of 500,000, including 250,000 elite Kwantung Army soldiers, defending the city, are we afraid of their 110,000 men?" "Even if they possess heavy weapons capable of destroying bunkers, our Japanese field artillery is now in service. Why should we be afraid of them?"

"Oshima-kun, you haven't become a coward because of the defeat in Jiujiang Prefecture, have you?"

"Please, General, grant me 200,000 troops. I will personally go to Xianning Prefecture and annihilate them all!"

"Our Kwantung Army is the most powerful army in the world, how could we be afraid of the Daqian army?"

Kishibe Fumio was one of the bravest generals under Oyama Iwao, fearless and extremely skilled in martial arts.

He held an unwavering belief that the Eastern Empire was a world power, so how could it possibly be no match for an army of the Great Qian Dynasty?
After hearing what the other person said, Oshima Yuu was a little unhappy. It was as if he was afraid of dying.

He said in a deep voice:
"Lord Anbian Wenxiong, you must understand one thing: pride comes before a fall!"

"You have never fought against the main force of the Ximen Hall, so you don't know how terrifying they are."

"The weapons, equipment, and personnel quality of Ximentang's army are far superior to those of our Kwantung Army."

"It was no accident that they were able to seize the capital of the Great Qian Dynasty."

"Chen Jie is now leading an army of 110,000 to attack Wuchang Prefecture. Although the number of troops may seem small, we have no advantage in the face of their powerful firepower."

"Therefore, I suggest that while we are defending the city, we must leave ourselves a way out so that we can retreat at any time if we cannot win."

Fight if you can win, retreat if you can't!
Yuu-Take Oshima's fighting philosophy has always been this: he has never liked to engage in a life-or-death struggle with his opponents.

After the battle of Jiujiang Prefecture, Oshima Yuutake felt that he could not win, so he immediately arranged for Oyama Iwao to retreat.

And you know what? His fighting strategy has saved him many times.

Sakata Takeo said in a deep voice:
"That's easy for you to say. Once war breaks out, where will we retreat to?"

"This is the Great Qian Dynasty. Once Wuchang Prefecture falls, we will have nowhere to escape. Prince Ning, Li Mu, and Prince Shu, Li Chuang, will be watching the show from the rear. As soon as we are defeated, they will be the first to shoot at us."

Oshima Yuutake wanted to refute, but for a moment, he didn't know how to start.

The four people kept expressing their opinions and sharing their views.

but,

However, they could not reach a consensus, as everyone had their own opinion, and each opinion had its own logic.

Seeing that the argument was proving fruitless, Anbian Wenxiong looked up at the large rock and said:
"General, what do you suggest we do next?"

Upon hearing this, all four immediately stopped arguing.

There's no point in continuing the debate; ultimately, it depends on General Ōyama Iwao's decision.

Although Oyama knew that Nishinodo's fighting strength was terrifying, and that the Kwantung Army was no match for him.

but,

He came to the Hanzhong area from the Northeast Headquarters of the Kwantung Army with the aim of depleting Ximentang's forces, so he naturally could not retreat.

If he were to retreat without a fight, he would be unable to answer to Emperor Meiji.

not to mention,
He has a more important mission.

To be honest, after Dashanyan occupied Wuchang Prefecture, he didn't want to leave easily.

The 300,000-strong Kwantung Army has infiltrated the Hanzhong region, determined to turn the Great Qian Dynasty upside down.

therefore,

Daiyama Iwao decided that no matter what, he had to have a decisive battle with Simon.

then,

Da Shan Yan took a deep breath and said in a deep voice:

"This battle is unavoidable; we must fight!"

"What everyone said makes a lot of sense. We cannot underestimate our enemy. Although Ximen Tang only has 110,000 troops, we will not gain any advantage in a head-on confrontation."

"If we continue to garrison Wuchang Prefecture, we will be in a very passive position."

"After Ximen Tang has captured Chongyang, Chibi and Jiayu counties, his next step will be to attack Wuchang Prefecture."

"Therefore, I have decided to hold the decisive battle in Hanyang Prefecture."

"Between Hanyang and Wuchang, there is only a river separating them. To block Ximentang's heavy weapons from the steel legion, we need to cut them off by water."

"Also, I have some good news to share: the Chiba clan of the Eastern Ninja Sect has arrived!"

The decisive battle of Hanyang!

After listening, the four Kwantung Army generals had no objections.

In truth, everyone knew that this battle was inevitable sooner or later.

Originally, Da Shan Yan wanted to fight Xi Men Tang to the death in Jiujiang Prefecture.

but,

In the Battle of Ruichang in Jiujiang Prefecture, the Kwantung Army suffered a major defeat.

Dashan Rock has now set up the main battlefield in Hanyang, which can be considered a compromise.

Hanyang Prefecture and Wuchang Prefecture are separated by the Yangtze River.

If Ximen Tang wants to attack Hanyang, he must cross the river and fight.

Because the Kwantung Army stationed in Ezhou Prefecture blocked the river, Ximentang's warships could not pass through Ezhou to reach Wuchang Prefecture.

therefore,

The four felt that Da Shan Yan's arrangements were perfectly fine.

Across the Yangtze River, not only can Ximentang's artillery be restricted, but also Ximentang's steel legion.

Seeing that the four of them agreed with his tactical plan, Daisan Iwa nodded and said:
"It's decided then! Oshima-kun, Sakata-kun, you will each lead an army of 100,000 and begin crossing the river tonight to garrison Hanyang Prefecture."

“King Anbian, lead 100,000 men to bypass Qingshan District and clear all ferries from the river.”

"I will lead the remaining troops of the Kwantung Army with Sakuragi-kun and cross the river from Hongshan District."

"Within half a day, the three armies joined forces in Hanyang Prefecture. In the time to come, we will fight a decisive battle with Ximen Tang in Hanyang Prefecture!"

The four men stood at attention, saluted the mountain rock, and said, "Hai!"

Although the distance between Hanyang Prefecture and Wuchang Prefecture is not far, it is only separated by the Yangtze River.

but,

It was not easy for Daiyama Iwao to withdraw the Allied Forces from Wuchang Prefecture to Hanyang Prefecture.

Fortunately, all the ferries had been prepared beforehand and connected to form a pontoon bridge on the river.

Sakata Takeo and Oshima Yuu's army immediately set off to cross the river and enter Hanyang Prefecture to set up defenses and garrison.

at the same time,

Oyama Iwao and Sakuragi Kenzo crossed the river via Hongshan District, while Anbian Wenxiong led an army of 100,000 men to cross the river via Qingshan District.

The three armies can cross the river separately, which will not only speed up the crossing, but also allow them to seize all the ferries between Wuchang Prefecture and Hanyang Prefecture.

The next morning.

The Kwantung Army scouts in Wuchang Prefecture had already received intelligence that Ximentang's army had set off from Xianning Prefecture and entered Jiangxia in Wuchang Prefecture.

Upon hearing the news, Da Shanyan and the four generals secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, Da Shanyan arranged for people to evacuate Wuchang Prefecture a day in advance; otherwise, once Ximentang entered Jiangxia, a major battle would have begun immediately.

Next, the special forces vanguard team of Ximentang began preparing a ferry to cross the river.

Oyama Iwao decided to go into battle immediately.

With no ferries available, Ximentang's army of 110,000 men could not be assembled in a short time.

If we go into battle now, we will definitely be able to give Ximentang a good beating.

to be frank,
Although Dashanyan had suffered losses at the hands of Ximentang.

But now, he also wanted to see just how strong Ximentang's fighting power really was.

"Lord Chiba Teru, all I can do is lure 'Prince Qian' Chen Jie to the Yangtze River."

Whether your 'Chiba Clan' of the Ninja Sect can succeed in the assassination depends on your strength.

Da Shanyan stood on the city wall of Hanyang Prefecture, looking up at Wuchang Prefecture across the Yangtze River, and muttered to himself.

Regardless of the final outcome of this battle.

As long as the Chiba clan of the Ninja Sect can complete the assassination mission and kill Prince Qian, Chen Jie, any cost is worthwhile. (End of Chapter)