The War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Begins in Songhu

Chapter 388 Killing Several Birds with One Stone (Seeking Monthly Tickets) (Bonus Chapter 4150 for Spreading Knowledge)

At 11:21 a.m., Hu Biao and his entourage, covered in sweat, hurriedly entered the temporary command post of the Fifth Army.

There's no other way! Gaofeng Pass is about 30 kilometers away from Kunlun Pass.

One section of the journey is a completely winding path that is very difficult to walk on.

Carrying a large amount of equipment and weapons, Hu Biao and his men were able to reach this place in just over five hours by forcing their way through.

To set an example, the men among them even carried heavy boxes along the way; if it weren't for their long-term training and improved physical fitness, they wouldn't have been able to keep up.

Upon entering the temporary command post, Hu Biao and his men discovered that several lieutenant generals and major generals were waiting inside.

After exchanging greetings, they learned that not only was Army Commander Du Yuming present, but also many high-ranking officers of the Fifth Army, including Division Commander Zheng, Division Commander Dai, and Division Commander Qiu.

It is said that after receiving news from Commander Bai that Hu Biao and Su Beidu had come to join the battle and would be in charge of the main attack, they all rushed back here.

During the introductions, Hu Biao and his men could clearly see that the Fifth Army soldiers had rather complicated expressions.

Fortunately, they were quite polite and warm, especially Commander Zheng and Commander Dai, who were very friendly.

Only when shaking hands, Qiu Qingquan, the newly formed commander of the 22nd Division, with his crooked mouth, barely touched Hu Biao's hand before immediately withdrawing it.

He glanced at Hu Biao sideways and snorted with a disdainful tone.

Hu Biao didn't care about this at all, because he could completely understand the thoughts of the people in the Fifth Army.

Soldiers, especially elite units like the Fifth Army of the National Revolutionary Army, naturally possess an air of arrogance and a belief that they are no less capable than any friendly forces.

Unfortunately, after many days of fierce fighting at Kunlun Pass, no significant progress was made.

Therefore, Hu Biao and the Northern Jiangsu Independent Regiment, this famous allied force that came to take over the main attack mission, naturally felt both grateful and quite annoyed.

Fortunately, most of them understood the seriousness of the matter and did not cause any trouble.

As for Qiu Qingquan's attitude? Hu Biao, who already knew his personality and behavior from numerous later sources, didn't care at all.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Du Yuming turned to Hu Biao and asked:

"Commander Hu, four officers, including Bai, Chen, Li, and Zhang, jointly sent a telegram, which clearly stated that the main attack in the next two days will be led by you and the Subei Independent Regiment, and the Fifth Army will provide unconditional and full support."

So how should this battle be fought? Please give your orders, as long as we can do it.

Upon hearing this, Hu Biao replied, "Wait a moment. Do you have a sand table showing Kunlun Pass and its surrounding terrain, as well as the current situation of the enemy and ourselves? Let's take a look first."

After receiving the answer, "Yes."

Hu Biao and the others hurriedly walked to a large sand table. After carefully examining the sand table for five or six minutes, a solemn expression flashed across their faces.

No other reason than that this was the first time they had seen the detailed terrain of Kunlun Pass and Jieshou Mountain since they crossed over.

Previously, we knew from historical records that this place was easy to defend and difficult to attack. In addition, the Japanese had built a large number of bunkers in advance, making it a tough nut to crack.

But when you see it with your own eyes, you realize how tough their bones are. No wonder the Fifth Army fought for half a month and lost more than 14,000 men before finally capturing this place.

There are two particularly challenging aspects.

The first place is Jieshou Mountain. This mountain is not very high, but at 461 meters, it is the highest peak in the vicinity. Once this place is occupied, it can be completely controlled with cannons and machine guns, and a large area around it can be attacked.

Before the Nationalist army launched its attack, the Japanese had already begun constructing a large number of fortifications.

Centered around twelve concrete fortresses, with three layers of barbed wire, numerous trenches, and firing positions, it formed a dense network of firepower with no blind spots from its elevated position.

There is no other way but to take lives and slowly but surely break through their defenses.

The second location is the main battleground of Kunlun Pass, which is a plateau higher than the surrounding area.

Although the altitude is only a little over 300 meters, the terrain is treacherous, crisscrossed by rivers, and the roads are narrow, making it unsuitable for large-scale warfare. Therefore, even if Jieshou Mountain is captured, the subsequent attack on Kunlun Pass will not be easy. However, even so, it does not hinder Hu Biao and his men's determination to completely conquer the area within two days.

Only by taking advantage of the fact that the Japanese reinforcements have not yet arrived will there be a chance to recapture Nanning.

Just then, Du Yuming urged again, "Regimental Commander Hu, how exactly are we going to fight this battle? Why don't you tell us in advance so that our Fifth Army can prepare accordingly?"

There was no grand pronouncement or impassioned order-giving; Hu Biao simply stated:
"How do you fight? It's simple."

The entire newly formed 22nd Division, along with one regiment each from the 1st Honorary Division and the 200th Division, were mobilized to block the Japanese reinforcements, ensuring that not a single Japanese soldier was allowed to enter.

The rest of the troops just need to charge with us. We'll take one position, and you hold the other.

Then just keep charging with us until we completely capture Kunlun Pass.

After saying that, he raised an old-fashioned wristwatch on his hand and said, "Check the watch! The time is 11:34 now."

At 12:20, the entire army's artillery launched a full-scale bombardment of Jieshou Mountain, which lasted for 10 minutes.

At 12:30, our army will launch an attack on Jieshou Mountain. Your troops will immediately follow up and join the battle.

Are the above orders clear? If so, then we shall take our leave and prepare to organize our forces so that we can launch the attack when the time comes.

"The war is urgent. If I, Hu, have offended you in any way, I will personally offer you a toast and apologize after we have captured Kunlun Pass."

After saying that, Hu Biao led the others away from the military headquarters and headed to the troops who were resting outside.

Although he admired the performance of Du Yuming, Commander Zheng, and Commander Dai during the War of Resistance against Japan; he even wanted to have a good chat and a drink with these people.

However, before he set off from Gaofeng Pass, he personally signed a military order, in which the final deadline for taking Kunlun Pass was the day after tomorrow, that is, 6:00 AM on the 26th.

All things considered, they now only have 42 hours left.

With time running out, drinking and chatting can only be done after the game is over.

However, their hurried coming and going made them seem a bit too arrogant in the eyes of the Fifth Army.

Therefore, after they left, the members of the Fifth Army looked at each other, not knowing what to say for a moment. Qiu Qingquan smirked and was about to say something strange again.

Just then, a staff officer rushed in and immediately turned on a radio in the corner.

The content being played immediately attracted everyone's attention:

According to the Central News Agency, given that the fierce fighting at Kunlun Pass has lasted for many days without any significant progress, the Kuomintang generals Hu Biao and Regiment Commander Hu will lead a part of the Northern Jiangsu Independent Regiment to launch an attack on Kunlun Pass.

Regiment Commander Hu Biao has made a solemn pledge: he will capture Kunlun Pass within two days, or he will be subject to military law...

It's a bit surreal, isn't it? The attack hasn't even officially started yet, but the unit numbers and the military commanders' orders have been broadcast in advance.

All I can say is that this bizarre move came from the bald principal, who also thought it was a brilliant idea that killed several birds with one stone.

Firstly, Hu Biao and the Northern Jiangsu Independent Regiment's involvement in the attack on Kunlun Pass was something he didn't think could be kept secret from the Japanese for long; they might have already found out.

Therefore, there is no need to keep it a secret; it would be better to use this opportunity to boost public morale and public confidence.

Secondly, this operation can put Hu Biao and his men on a pedestal, motivating them to fight with all their might in the upcoming battle.

See? Hu Biao, your military pledge has now become known throughout the country. Everyone is eagerly awaiting your good news. If you fail to achieve your goal, don't blame the ruthlessness of military law.

Thirdly, even if Hu Biao and his men fail to capture Kunlun Pass within two days, they seem to be able to do something.

Killing Hu Biao outright wouldn't be necessary, but taking the opportunity to subdue this disobedient fellow would also be a good outcome...

(End of this chapter)