Sword: Heart of Iron

Chapter 205 Defending the Yellow River (6K-word chapter, 2K extra chapter added)

The captain's voice trembled: "What exactly do you want to do?"

Sergei didn't say anything. An internal affairs major walked over and kicked him in the stomach: "What are we doing?"

Why don't you ask yourself what you're doing first?

The Nationalist Army captain cried out in pain, collapsing to the ground clutching his stomach and groaning, "Ah! You're sabotaging our national defense operations!"

The major rolled up his sleeves, ready to punch him, but Sergei stopped him with his arm.

"We'll deal with him later. You go and stabilize the situation first."

The major snorted coldly, glancing at the Nationalist captain on the ground: "Coward! You're lucky today!"

Sergei turned to look at the shirtless Nationalist soldiers and waved to the internal affairs soldiers present:
"Get them all under control!"

Upon receiving the order, the internal affairs soldiers immediately took out ropes and stepped forward.

Upon hearing this, the Nationalist soldiers, who had been standing there dumbfounded and not understanding what was going on, erupted into chaos:

"This is what you are."

"We are from the New 8th Division, not the Japanese."

"No, you've arrested the wrong person!"

"let me go!"

The scene began to become chaotic. Sergei frowned and drew his sidearm from his waist.

"Snapped!"

The major, understanding the implication, charged forward with a submachine gun.
"All of you, behave yourselves! Put your guns down!"

Several Nationalist military police looked at each other, unsure of what to do, but gradually lowered their gun barrels.

Seeing that the situation was gradually stabilizing, Sergei put his pistol back down: "Where are the media reporters? Why haven't they arrived yet?"

The major, flashlight in hand, glanced at his watch and said, "Sir, we should be there soon. The road below is difficult, which has slowed our advance."

Sergei said "Oh," and walked to the edge of the dam. Moonlight shone down, and by the faint light, he looked at the rippling water.

"If the dam breaks, the people downstream will be in deep trouble."

Sergei muttered to himself.

Although he is not Chinese, he cannot tolerate such a thing happening in front of him, whether from the perspective of internationalism or humanitarianism.

"What a corrupt government."

A short while later, a group of media reporters arrived late and immediately began snapping photos of the scene as soon as they stepped onto the embankment.

Click!

The scene was well preserved; shovels covered in damp mud, piles of explosives, and a breach that had already been dug out were all visible.
The Nationalist soldiers, who were crouching on the ground and bound, all turned their heads and closed their eyes, whether because they couldn't stand the strong light from the flashlights or because they were ashamed.

Jiang Zaizhen also arrived with the reporter.

In order to monitor the progress of the dike breach and complete the task on time, he simply moved the division headquarters to the banks of the Yellow River. As soon as the gunshots rang out, he immediately noticed something was wrong.

With a dark expression, he walked up to Sergei, surrounded by a platoon of guards.

"Hello, esteemed Soviet gentleman!"

Why are you treating my soldiers like this?

He emphasized the word "Soviet Union" when he spoke.

Sergei didn't waste any more words with him. He took out his identification from his jacket pocket and waved it in front of him: "The Joint Provincial Garrison is on a mission to protect the Yellow River dike!"

Jiang Zaizhen's face was gloomy, her fingertips clenched so tightly they turned white:

"I'm sorry, we were just doing our official duties!"

Sergei spread his hands: "Then may I ask, whose orders are you following?"

"Of course," Jiang Zaizhen said, but immediately noticed the media reporters behind Sergei. "You have no right to ask about this!"

Sergei remained expressionless.

The major standing nearby took out a document: "This is an order issued by the Joint Provincial Garrison Command. It's in black and white, with a steel stamp and signature on it. Take a look for yourself!"

After saying that, he handed over the document.

Jiang Zaizhen took it and glanced at it.

The further down he looked, the more his brow furrowed.

The text on it was very dense and could only be barely read with the faint light of a flashlight.

The major, with his submachine gun slung over his shoulder, glared at him: "Have you finished reading? Stop dawdling!"

"Who exactly ordered you to dig up the Yellow River dike?"

Being publicly reprimanded by a major, with so many media reporters present, Jiang Zaizhen nearly lost her temper, but after weighing the pros and cons, she forced herself to suppress it and simply handed the documents back with a cold face.

"In that case, I'll leave this place to you."

"But I must take these soldiers with me!"

The strategy of "using water as a substitute for soldiers" was ordered by Chiang Kai-shek, and how to implement it was jointly formulated by Cheng Qian and Shang Zhen. Throughout the entire process, neither side could afford to offend a mere division commander like myself.

Even if Jiang Zaizhen had a hundred times the courage, he wouldn't dare to say it. He could only temporarily show weakness and keep changing the subject.

Sergei shook his head: "You can't take these soldiers with you. They violated the military regulations of the garrison area and must be taken back for trial!"

Jiang Zaizhen's brows were almost furrowed into a "川" shape:

"Military regulations for garrison zones? Never heard of them!"

"My unit belongs to the First War Zone and is not under your jurisdiction!"

Sergei raised an eyebrow: "Belonging to the First War Zone?"

"So, was your unit digging the Yellow River dike here under Commander Cheng's orders?"

The reporters behind her seemed like wolves smelling meat, pointing their cameras at Jiang Zaizhen and snapping photos in rapid succession.

Realizing she had misspoke, Jiang Zaizhen's face darkened: "I didn't say that!"

Sergei: "You said your unit belongs to the First War Zone and is under its jurisdiction!"

Jiang Zaizhen was speechless.

He looked at the group of people in front of him and immediately realized that from the moment he arrived, they had been deliberately trying to provoke him. They even brought out a "regulation" that he had never heard of before. Their intention was not to actually judge the soldiers, but to provoke him and lure him into a trap step by step.

Realizing this, he immediately sobered up, glanced at the guard beside him, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.

Watching the group leave, the major sighed, "Sir, are we just going to let them go like that?"

Sergei: "The task the commander gave us was to protect the dikes, not to incite internal strife. Detaining a major general without authorization is too risky!"

The major nodded:

"Pity"

Sergei turned to the group of reporters, a smile spreading across his usually stern face: "Gentlemen, I hope to see the relevant articles published in the newspapers tomorrow, is that alright?"

The reporters looked at each other in bewilderment.

It's already past midnight, and tomorrow's newspapers are probably already in print. Adding content now would be too late, no question.

It won't be published until tomorrow at the earliest.

Sergei frowned.

This request is indeed a bit excessive.
At this moment, Miss Manli, who was standing at the edge of the crowd, stepped forward and said, "Sir, if we can get back to Zhengzhou before dawn, perhaps we can, but we'll have to postpone the morning paper."

Sergei: "How long will it be delayed?"

Miss Manli thought for a moment: "It probably won't be released until tonight."

These words immediately caused an uproar in the room:

"The morning paper has been delayed and turned into an evening paper? How is that possible!"

"Madam, this..."

Sergei nodded: "Okay! I'll report to my superiors immediately!"

"I remember you, madam. You were very brave and courageous during the Battle of Linyi. I can't believe that a female reporter would travel with the army to take pictures inside enemy territory. May God bless you forever!"

Miss Manli smiled. She had visited the garrison's headquarters several times and was deeply impressed by this Soviet military advisor.

"Thank you for your praise. My country is being invaded, and this is what I should do!"

With one person taking the lead, the other reporters hesitated for a moment before echoing him:

"Perhaps we can try to postpone the morning paper to the evening."

"We can also rush to produce a special edition."

Sergei shook his head: "Let's postpone it until tonight!"

"We have brought a radio with us, so you can contact the newspaper now."

After taking over the Ministry of the Interior, he studied some public opinion knowledge slightly according to Wang Feng's instructions. Although it was only superficial, it was enough.

Compared to publishing a special edition, delaying the publication time is more likely to attract public attention.

When the people wake up tomorrow morning and find that no newspapers or media outlets in Zhengzhou have published a new paper, the momentum of public opinion will have already begun to build. The emotions that the people have been suppressing all day will be released the moment the paper is published in the evening.

The resulting public opinion impact is at least twice that of publishing a special issue.

Major: "Sir, what should we do now?"

Sergei: "Keep a close watch on this place. No one is allowed to approach except our people."

The major glanced at the Nationalist soldiers squatting on the ground: "Sir, what should we do with these people?"

Sergei thought for a moment: "Take them with you first, and wait for orders from the General Headquarters!"

The major tapped his heel: "Yes, sir!"

--------

6 month 5 day.

Zhengzhou City.

"Give me a newspaper!"

"Sir, there are no newspapers for sale today."

The newspaper buyer was somewhat alarmed: "No newspapers? Have the Japanese attacked so quickly?"

The newsboy shook his head vigorously: "Not yet. I don't know why, but there haven't been any newspapers for sale in the entire city of Zhengzhou this morning."

The newspaper buyer asked, "What about the Central News Agency? Don't you have any either?"

"What happened?"

The newsboy gave a wry smile: "No."

"I hope everything will be alright. As you know, sir, there are no newspapers for sale today, and I might go hungry."

Hearing this, the newspaper buyer felt a pang of pity and, after thinking for a long time, took out a piece of paper money from his pocket:
"I'll give you the money first, consider it a reservation for tomorrow."

The newsboy paused for a moment, then quickly bowed:

"Thank you, sir. I will definitely save you a copy as soon as the latest newspaper comes out!"

The sudden absence of newspapers in Zhengzhou was quite disconcerting for those accustomed to reading the morning paper, and the matter quickly became the talk of the town.

"Hey, do you think the Japanese are going to invade?"

"No way, didn't they say yesterday that the Japanese are far from Zhengzhou?"

"Could it be that the newspaper has already moved out?"

"possible!"

"No, no, no, my nephew works at a newspaper. I just saw him!"

"."

First War Zone Command.

Cheng Qian stared coldly at Shang Zhen and Jiang Zaizhen standing in front of him, his face dark.

"What exactly is going on?"

"Hasn't Wang Feng already arrived in Puyang? Why is he still interfering in the Yellow River matter!"

Shang Zhen didn't speak, but glanced at Jiang Zaizhen.

"Sir... I don't know either."

Seeing the other party refuse, Cheng Qian flew into a rage, standing up abruptly: "Idiot! Haven't I repeatedly emphasized that the dike breaching operation must be carried out secretly? Who leaked the information?!"

Jiang Zaizhen shuddered and stammered, unable to speak.

Dong Yingbin strode in, saluted, and said, "Reporting, sir! The newspaper has investigated and found out."

Cheng Qian immediately asked, "What exactly happened?"

"So many reporters went to the dam breach site yesterday, and all newspapers are suspended today. Is this actually related to the dam breach?"

Dong Yingbin walked to Shang Zhen's side: "The Military Intelligence Bureau investigated the reports and media outlets such as the Central News Agency, and they are indeed related to last night's events."

"Wang Feng personally sent telegrams to these media outlets, requesting a delay in the publication of the news reports so that the events of last night could be published."

Cheng Qian: "How come they're so obedient!"

"Immediately control public opinion and prohibit newspapers from publishing any reports about the breaching of the Yellow River dikes!"

Dong Yingbin looked troubled: "Sir, they acted faster than us. These newspapers and media outlets are now under the control of the provincial garrison. Our people can't get in at all, unless..."

Cheng Qian: "Unless what?"

"Explain yourself clearly!"

Dong Yingbin: "Although they have control of the newspaper office, they have very few soldiers. We might be able to force our way in, but..."

Cheng Qian took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

If troops are allowed to force their way in, bloodshed is likely to break out. Public opinion is already in control, and the whole city of Zhengzhou is talking about it. If gunshots are fired near the newspaper office, things will become even more complicated.

It will only become darker and darker.

Moreover, the newspaper office is controlled by the garrison, which is a very important matter. If things really escalate, Cheng Qian is not sure how Wang Feng will respond.

Cheng Qian: "What about the printing plant?"

Dong Yingbin shook his head: "It's too late."

Cheng Qian slammed his hand on the table: "What on earth is going on! How can there be so many garrison soldiers in Zhengzhou?"

Dong Yingbin: "You should ask the Military Intelligence Bureau about this."

Seeing the other party's indifferent attitude, Cheng Qian was quite angry: "You can go out now and continue to keep an eye on the situation inside the city!"

Dong Yingbin said "Oh" and left the room without saying anything more.

He and Cheng Qian were already at odds, and after the "using water as a substitute for troops" strategy was proposed, Cheng Qian resolutely carried out the Chairman's orders, which exacerbated their differences.

Dong Yingbin knew in his heart that he was just a chief of staff, and going against the supreme commander of the theater would not end well.

But I don't care anymore.

Rather than enduring ideological differences, it would have been better to retire and return to one's hometown, where one could live a more carefree life.

Cheng Qian continued, looking at the two men: "This incident is no small matter. The Chairman is already aware of it, and his special plane will arrive in Zhengzhou at noon. You should think about how to deal with it!"

Jiang Zaizhen: "Is the Chairman coming?"

"This is Officer Cheng."

Cheng Qian interrupted him: "If you have something to say, go talk to the Chairman. You should go back first!"

Jiang Zaizhen was speechless and looked at Shang Zhen beside her: "Sir?"

Shang Zhen kept his eyes fixed straight ahead, without saying a word.

----------

August 6 at noon.

A military aircraft landed at Zhengzhou Airport.

The boarding stairs were lowered to the side, and all the senior generals of the First War Zone stood below, looking at the cabin door in unison. The atmosphere was unusually solemn.

A group of soldiers stepped out first, their movements perfectly synchronized, and stood in a line near the aircraft.

Cheng Qian looked over.

They were armed with American weapons, with Thompson submachine guns slung across their shoulders, and even their physiques looked a size larger than those of ordinary soldiers.

It is undoubtedly the Chairman's bodyguard.

After a long while, a guard leaned out of the cabin door and waved to Cheng Qian.

"Commander Cheng, the Chairman wants to discuss something important with you!"

Cheng Qian lowered his head and quickly boarded the plane.

Upon entering the cabin, one sees Chiang Kai-shek leaning back with his eyes closed, resting. Sitting beside him are He Yingqin and Chen Cheng.

Cheng Qian stood at the cabin door and called out softly, "Chairman."

Chiang Kai-shek slowly opened his eyes and glanced at the door: "Songyun, come and sit down."

Cheng Qian quickly agreed, "Yes."

The guards turned around and quickly left the cabin.

Only four people remained on the entire military aircraft.

Chiang Kai-shek sat up straight: "Songyun, what exactly happened in this incident?"

"Speak clearly!"

Cheng Qian truthfully said: "According to my investigation, Wang Feng most likely knew about this matter in advance. When he was still in Lanfeng, he had been planting so-called 'internal affairs soldiers' in Zhengzhou City, which were similar in nature to spies."

He Yingqin frowned and immediately said, "Did you receive advance notice?"

"This is impossible!"

As he spoke, he looked at Chiang Kai-shek:

"Chairman, this strategy of 'using water as a substitute for soldiers' has only been formulated recently, and very few people know about it. Even if Wang Feng could receive the news, it is impossible for him to plant spies in Zhengzhou so early!"

Cheng Qian nodded: "This matter is indeed strange, but that's the conclusion of the First War Zone Military Intelligence Bureau's investigation."

He Yingqin: "The results of the Military Intelligence Bureau's investigation may also be wrong!"

Chiang Kai-shek frowned and tapped his cane on the floor: "Alright! Now is not the time for us to pass the buck!"

"Cixiu, what do you think of this matter?"

Chen Cheng thought for a moment and said, "Chairman, in my opinion, the most urgent task is to quell public opinion. As long as the relevant events are not published in the newspapers, there is still room for redemption!"

Cheng Qian: "But nowadays, all the newspapers and media outlets in Zhengzhou are under Wang Feng's control."

Chiang Kai-shek could no longer tolerate it and said sternly, "This Wang Feng! He has ruined my grand plans time and time again, and is arrogant and disrespectful. He is a traitor to the Party and the country!"

"Once he comes to Chongqing, I will deal with him severely!"

He Yingqin quickly said, "Please reconsider, Chairman. Severely punishing Wang Feng is probably not appropriate."

Chen Cheng echoed, "Wang Feng should indeed be punished, but not now. The Battle of Wuhan is imminent, and he is now an anti-Japanese hero. If something happens to him, I'm afraid the army will be in a state of panic!"

Chiang Kai-shek had a cold face.

What the two men said was true. The current situation was awkward. It was he who needed Wang Feng to fight the Japanese and protect his own life and property, not the other way around.

Even if we're going to discard the bow after the birds are all shot, we have to wait until all the "birds" have been shot before we talk about it.

"Then why did I even transfer him to Chongqing!"

"If we don't deal with him now, how can we continue digging the dam?"

Chiang Kai-shek looked exhausted. He hadn't slept well for the past few days since the order to breach the dike was given, and he made several phone calls a day, waiting for news of a successful flood release.

But what awaited them was a devastating piece of bad news.

Chiang Kai-shek: "Songyun, you bear the primary responsibility for this matter."

Cheng Qian's heart skipped a beat. He had already anticipated this while waiting for his flight.

"Yes, Chairman."

Chiang Kai-shek looked out the window: "'Using water as a substitute for troops' must be carried out. Now we need to think of a way to handle these matters properly."

Chen Cheng: "Chairman, we can frame the Japanese."

Chiang Kai-shek: "Alas, this is the only way. The deployment of defense works in Wuhan will take time. In any case, we must breach the Yellow River dike and set up water barriers to slow down the Japanese advance."

"As for Wang Feng, Songyun, you should handle it personally and tell him not to let momentary anger ruin the overall situation of the War of Resistance!"

Cheng Qian stood up: "Yes!"

Chiang Kai-shek sighed repeatedly, filled with worry.

There were some things he didn't tell his subordinates.

With the war raging so fiercely, the only remaining prosperous and influential metropolis in China was the three towns of Wuhan. He knew that as long as he controlled Wuhan, the last major metropolis in China, he could continue to attract the attention of the whole country and even the world.

He could still declare to the outside world that China had not perished, that the central government still existed, and that he was still leading the Chinese people in resisting the Japanese invasion.

If Wuhan falls, all of this will vanish.

----------

night.

The city was packed with people, and almost everyone in Zhengzhou was scrambling to grab a newspaper.

"Using water as a weapon?"

"The Yellow River is releasing floodwaters!"

"Someone actually wants to breach the Yellow River dike! Is this guy even human?!"

"Whose orders were given?!"

Under the dim streetlights, students and workers spontaneously flocked to the streets, holding colorful flags with slogans written on them, and walked hand in hand toward the headquarters building of the First War Zone.

"Defend the Yellow River!"

"Oppose breaching the dike!"

"How are such actions different from those of the Japanese pirates, or from those of the imperialist powers!"

Shouts rose and fell, one wave higher than the next. As the commotion grew louder, the march became increasingly crowded. Student representatives stood on a truck, waving a large flag.

"Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid!"

"The power of the masses is boundless. What we should truly fear are these imperialist lackeys who disregard human life!"

"Defend the Yellow River!"

The dim streetlights shone on their faces, and the people in the march looked resolute. Everyone was united as one, and no matter how the police tried to drive them away, they gritted their teeth and kept moving forward.

In the past, large-scale mass demonstrations were all held to defend class interests and national dignity.

This time, the breaching of the Yellow River dike involved a large number of people and had a wide impact. Even the police who came to suppress the demonstration were not doing their jobs properly, and some of them even took off their uniforms and mingled in the demonstration.

Everyone is fighting for their right to live!
At this time, the First War Zone Command was almost empty.

After leaving the military airport, Cheng Qian rushed to Puyang to personally persuade Wang Feng.

Chief of the General Staff Dong Yingbin stayed at home early, observing everything that was happening outside with indifference. He did not advocate "using water as a substitute for military force" in the first place, and it was even less likely that he would lead the suppression of the mass movement at this time.

As for Chiang Kai-shek, He Yingqin, and Chen Cheng, they never left the military airfield from beginning to end.

"Execute Jiang Zaizhen!"

"Investigate the traitors thoroughly!"

The noise outside grew louder, but the arrival of night did not stop the mass demonstration.

With the streetlights dim, the people spontaneously lit torches. If Wang Feng were to switch his view to the overhead view at this moment, he would see a fire dragon swirling in Zhengzhou, threatening to burn down the First War Zone Command.

As the number of participants in the march increased, the police gradually gave up on suppressing the protests, but instead kept retreating while wielding water cannons.

"Chief, what should we do?"

The bureau chief sighed, "Without the army coming, we simply can't control the situation with our small force. Let's retreat."

The young officer hesitated: "The headquarters is right behind us."

The bureau chief glanced at him and said, "Hmm, that makes sense. Since you're so eager, you can stall for time here while the rest of us go and ask our superiors."

The young officer hesitated for a moment, then looked back at the approaching parade and followed after seeing the chief and other officers walking further and further away.

With such a low salary, why risk my life?
The veteran officer asked doubtfully, "Chief, is it really okay for us to just leave like this?"

Director: "Don't walk too fast, the higher-ups might be watching. And there are so many torches here, be careful not to start a fire!"

"Using water as a weapon, it would be strange if it didn't arouse public anger!"

"We need to hurry and bring my mother back from the countryside."

(End of this chapter)