Sword: Heart of Iron

Chapter 212 Eight Hundred Thoughts
Zhao Fangyuan: "Which column will the four tank battalions be assigned to?"

Song Wenjie interjected, "I think it would be more appropriate to assign them to the First Column, after all, they are our elite troops."

After a moment of contemplation, Zhao Fangyuan said, "I think it would be more appropriate to assign it to the Fourth Column."

"The commander said before that tanks are suitable for use in groups. In the battle of the Great Plains, the Fourth Column performed better than the First Column."

Song Wenjie did not speak again.

He has been out of the front line for a long time, and in this respect he is indeed no match for Zhao Fangyuan.

Wang Feng: "Why should we assign it to the infantry column?"

Zhao Fangyuan scratched his head: "I heard from Lao Xie that their tank units are all division-level support units, and there's no such thing as them being independent armies yet."

Wang Feng shook his head: "Don't compare us with the Soviet Union. They have a strong military production capacity and no shortage of production resources. Even if they are assigned to division-level units as supporting firepower, they can still achieve remarkable results. But we are different. We should use our best resources where they are most needed!"

"These four newly formed tank battalions will be organized into two armored regiments and will be temporarily placed under the direct command of the General Headquarters. Once the military industrial capacity has developed, they will be organized into separate armored columns."

Zhao Fangyuan: "Sir, what are the specific staffing details?"

As they spoke, he and Song Wenjie looked at each other, bewildered.

Currently, China's tank forces are small in number and have a poor track record, making them unreliable for reference.

Wang Feng lowered his head and thought for a moment.

Germany is the most representative country in terms of independently forming armored forces. A tank battalion has about 70-90 tanks, and a two-battalion armored regiment has a total of about 150 tanks.

They are incredibly wealthy.

If this standard is followed, given the current capabilities of the First Vehicle Factory, it's unclear how long it would take to produce four tank battalions.

It seems like it will never happen!

It's practically impossible to cross the river by feeling for stones.

Wang Feng thought for a moment: "A tank battalion consists of three companies, each equipped with 14 tanks. If arranged this way, each tank regiment will have at least 84 combat vehicles."

As he spoke, Zhu Jun counted on his fingers.

"84 tanks, at the fastest it would take two regiments four months, that's almost nine months."

"Sir, we really can't keep up with the production schedule!"

Wang Feng looked at Song Wenjie: "The production capacity of the vehicle factory must continue to expand, so as to arm our armored forces as soon as possible!"

How much capacity surplus is there currently?

Song Wenjie: "If civilian industries reduce production, a lot of money can be freed up, but migrant workers are involved in the finances, and doing so could easily lead to a fiscal deficit."

Wang Feng frowned.

Can migrant workers switch to military industry?

Thanks to the support of the National Policy Tree, the civilian industry in Changzhi has developed very rapidly. Now, its products are sold throughout Changzhi and have become the economic pillar of the entire garrison's logistics system.

It's really not a good idea to make a cut here.
Song Wenjie added, "Sir, with continuous battles on the front lines, our finances are already somewhat strained. Now that Puyang and Heze have just been recaptured, we need a large sum of money again. Not only can civilian industries not reduce production, but we also need to continue to seek larger markets!"

Zhao Fangyuan interjected, "Aren't there enough people in Puyang and Heze?"

Song Wenjie shook his head: "I'm afraid it won't work. The economy in the plains is more self-sufficient. Although the two places seem to have a large population, the actual number of people who can consume industrial products is very small. We still need to control some large cities and commercial areas, such as Zhengzhou."

Wang Feng nodded: "I'll think of a way to deal with the market issue in the near future, but military production absolutely cannot stop. Even if we have to go out on the streets to raise funds, we must raise enough for the military expenses!"

Song Wenjie touched his heels together and saluted: "Yes, sir!"

------

1938 6 Month 9 Day.

Early in the morning, Wang Feng received a telegram from Zhengzhou.

Zhao Fangyuan exclaimed with delight, "Sir, we succeeded!"

"With the fall of Lanfeng and the advance of the Japanese Fifth Division towards Kaifeng, public opinion continues to escalate. The First War Zone has already missed the best opportunity. Last night, the Chairman left Zhengzhou by special plane. The plan to use water as a substitute for troops to block the Japanese army has probably been abandoned!"

Wang Feng rubbed his eyes: "Any news from Cheng Qian?"

"Tell Sergei not to let his guard down and to keep a close watch for a while longer."

Zhao Fangyuan pulled out another telegram: "Sir, this was sent last night. It should be from Commander Cheng."

Wang Feng took it and glanced at it.

[If you wish to wear the crown, you must bear its weight. Since you have prevented the dike from breaching, you should think of defending the land behind you.]

Wang Feng smiled and crumpled the telegram in his palm.

Zhao Fangyuan: "Sir, what does he mean by this?"

Wang Feng stood up and stretched: "Cheng Qian is telling me that if we want to stop the Yellow River from breaching its banks, we have to stop the Japanese invasion. Otherwise, if Wuhan falls, I'm afraid I'll bear half the responsibility!"

Zhao Fangyuan gritted his teeth: "This is outrageous!"

Wang Feng waved his hand: "They're just desperate. Don't worry about them for now. Sometimes, enemies don't necessarily come from outside!"

"Where is Brigade Commander Chen of the 386th Brigade?"

Zhao Fangyuan glanced down at the time—6:34.

"It'll probably be this afternoon."

"Sir, our troops have all withdrawn. We are currently taking stock of the remaining combat supplies. The detailed data will not be available until noon."

Wang Feng: "No rush. We've finally come home, let's give the brothers a family visit leave in batches first!"

Zhao Fangyuan saluted: "Yes!"

----------

in the afternoon.

At the field firing range.

Wang Fenghui chose this location for the meeting.

Before the jeep had even come to a complete stop, Brigade Commander Chen saw Wang Feng and a group of officers, as well as a brand-new heavy artillery piece of a style he had never seen before.

"crunch~"

The sound of brakes rang out, and Brigade Commander Chen jumped out of the car. Wang Feng immediately came forward, smiling and extending his hand.

Brigade Commander Chen saluted: "Commander Wang, it's been a long time!"

Staff Officer Li, standing nearby, also saluted: "I've heard so much about you!"

Wang Feng: "I haven't seen you for a while. I heard that your 386th Brigade has been causing quite a ruckus in Shanxi! There's a saying that goes something like, 'They're specifically targeting the 386th Brigade!'"

Brigade Commander Chen laughed heartily: "That can't compare to you, Commander Wang! I've heard about your efforts to stop the Yellow River from breaching its banks. Your merits are for the present and for future generations!"

"During the general meeting, our division commander specifically said that in the fight against Japan and the salvation of the nation, we should learn more from your garrison. You are brave and capable, truly meritorious!"

Staff Officer Li interjected, "And it's not just once or twice; whenever there's a division-wide operational meeting, they're bound to mention it."

Wang Feng didn't say much, but the two of them, singing in unison, made Zhao Fangyuan and the others very happy.

Regardless of whether it's true or false, nobody likes to hear flattery.

Wang Feng turned to the side and pointed to the heavy artillery displayed nearby: "You two have come from afar and must be tired from your journey. Before we get down to business, why don't you take a look at our latest artillery?"

Brigade Commander Chen glanced at the cannon behind Wang Feng, feeling somewhat shocked:
"Commander Wang, this caliber is at least 150 millimeters, isn't it?"

Wang Feng: "Commander Chen, what do you think of the Shanxi-made Type 1938 155mm howitzer?" This is the latest research and development achievement of the First Artillery Factory. It is already a mass-produced model, a copy of the French Schneider M1928 155mm howitzer. It is similar to the Japanese Type 96 150mm howitzer. They can almost be said to be from the same lineage. It is lighter than the German howitzer, but of course, its range is also shorter.

Even with a focus on increasing the range during the design phase, it only reaches 13.4 kilometers.

However, it also far exceeds the 12-kilometer range of the Japanese Type 96 150mm howitzer.

It also adopted a separate-loading shell, which, as the name suggests, means that the gunpowder is divided into four propellant charges, resulting in lower manufacturing costs. At the same time, because the propellant charges are larger, its power in actual combat far exceeds that of the Japanese Type 96 howitzer.

Its mobility is also acceptable.

Due to the increased caliber, the combat weight reached eight tons, twice that of the Type 96 howitzer.

To offset this negative impact, the designers put in a lot of effort to make it so that it could be disassembled into two parts, the gun carriage and the gun barrel, and pulled by mules and horses. Even in poor road conditions, it could achieve a speed of eight kilometers per hour.

Brigade Commander Chen reached out and stroked the gun mount, his eyes almost overflowing with affection: "This gun is really good, really good!"

"With such a powerful weapon, how can we not destroy the Japanese invaders!"

Wang Feng looked at Zhao Fangyuan: "Fire two shots, let Brigade Commander Chen hear the sound!"

Zhao Fangyuan saluted: "Yes!"

Wang Feng turned around: "Brigade Commander Chen, Staff Officer Li, please move to the rear to take a look."

Brigade Commander Chen nodded: "I've heard for a long time that your garrison can produce its own weapons. Li Yunlong often complains to me that the Type 38 rifles we captured are not as good as your Type 24 rifles, hahaha!"

Staff Officer Li: "That's right, you guys have really spoiled Li Yunlong's palate. Commander Wang, you've got to take responsibility for this!"

Wang Feng realized what was happening.

Wow, there was a hidden meaning in his words all along!

"No problem, no problem. As long as the cooperation is agreed upon, everything else is negotiable!"

Brigade Commander Chen smiled, stood on the slope, and gazed into the distance:

"Commander Wang, our Eighth Route Army actually has two of these large-caliber heavy cannons as well."

Wang Feng raised an eyebrow: "Oh?"

Did the Eighth Route Army also have heavy artillery?
what's the situation?
Brigade Commander Chen: "After the Battle of Taiyuan, the morale of the Jin-Sui Army plummeted. The troops fled to southern Shanxi, and some even went directly to the Lüliang Mountains. What were originally powerful weapons for attacking fortified positions became burdens. They simply pushed more than ten heavy artillery pieces into the Hutuo River."

"Upon hearing of this, my unit immediately dispatched troops to salvage the artifacts, and in the end, they managed to retrieve ten artillery pieces!"

Wang Feng nodded; it seemed that such a thing had indeed happened back then.

The routed soldiers scattered and fled, and the news that there were cannons in the Hutuo River naturally spread like wildfire.

However, because they had seized production equipment from the Taiyuan Arsenal and were in a hurry to return to Changzhi, and because it was far from the Hutuo River, they did not pay much attention to the matter.

Unexpectedly, those cannons were eventually salvaged by the Eighth Route Army.

"Then congratulations to your department!"

Brigade Commander Chen sighed: "Alas, among the ten artillery pieces salvaged, there are two 150mm heavy guns produced by the Taiyuan Arsenal. Unfortunately, they are severely damaged and cannot be used due to a lack of spare parts."

Wang Feng feigned doubt: "Can't you use it?"

Logically speaking, these are all military secrets. The fact that the other party brought this up in this setting today makes one wonder about their motives!

Brigade Commander Chen nodded: "The damage to the two 150mm heavy guns was relatively minor. The most serious damage is to the remaining eight 75mm mountain guns, which will probably require major repairs."

Wang Feng frowned.

Artillery overhaul?

Could this be included in the negotiation terms later?
The two 150mm heavy guns and eight 75mm mountain guns are not difficult to repair. Given the current production capacity, even if the factory operates at full capacity, it would not take more than a week to repair them.

Wang Feng followed up by asking, "So how did you handle it?"

Brigade Commander Chen: "Originally, we wanted to exchange those two 150mm heavy guns for spare parts for 75mm mountain guns with the Jin-Sui Army, but we haven't reached a final decision yet."

Wang Feng responded with an "Oh".

It seems the other party really came prepared.

Regardless of which division salvaged these ten artillery pieces—whether it was the 129th or the 115th—they would eventually be handed over to headquarters. As a brigade commander, he knew all this so well; Wang Feng would never believe that he hadn't made any prior preparations.

While the two were talking, the artillery below had already prepared to fire.

Zhao Fangyuan raised a colorful flag to signal.

Wang Feng slightly raised his hand, indicating that it was ready to fire.

The Eighth Route Army had already secretly placed its bargaining chips on the table, while their own side had begun to flex its muscles.

He spent the entire night thinking about this unusual negotiation.

The stated purpose of the negotiations was to invite Nosaka Sanzo to China, but it's a real shame that such a valuable opportunity was wasted for this slightly larger bargaining chip.

Coincidentally, the Eighth Route Army thought the same thing!

"It's so much more efficient to work with smart people!"

Wang Feng muttered to himself.

"One high-explosive shell!"

"preparation!"

"put!"

"boom--!"

A 155mm grenade was fired and landed heavily two kilometers away, causing an explosion that instantly pulverized more than ten wooden targets, sending them flying everywhere.

Chief of Staff Li clicked his tongue in amazement and put down his binoculars: "The power of just this one cannon is enough to take out an entire regiment of ours!"

Brigade Commander Chen saw it clearly as well.

Unlike Staff Officer Li, who came from humble backgrounds, he, like Wang Feng, graduated from the Whampoa Military Academy and received a more advanced military education, making him more aware of the role of artillery in war.

If it were truly a matter of seniority, Wang Feng would still have to call him "senior" while he would address him as "junior."

However, almost no one calls it that anymore.

Wang Feng turned his head: "Gentlemen, how powerful is our cannon?"

Staff Officer Li's eyes were practically glued to the screen.

The largest caliber artillery I've ever seen in the military is only 75 millimeters.

This is the first time I've ever seen a 155mm heavy cannon.

Wang Feng: "Officer Li?"

Staff Officer Li snapped out of his daze: "Excellent, excellent!"

Brigade Commander Chen: "If Li Yunlong sees this cannon, there'll probably be a huge commotion!"

The three of them laughed.

Wang Feng glanced down at the time—16:23.

Having flexed their muscles, the subsequent negotiations should go much more smoothly.

Wang Feng: "Gentlemen, it's getting late. It's time to talk about serious matters. This way, please!"

Zhao Fangyuan ran over quickly, stretched out his arm, and pointed to the jeep: "Please come with me, both of you!"

(End of this chapter)