We promised to develop a game called Candy Crush, what the hell is the Third Reich?

Chapter 180 [The Battle of Tashan] A Battle That Impacted the Nationwide Situation (7.1k words, two chapters combined)

at this time.

The netizens on Earth, looking at the map, listened to Mo Xiaomo's explanation based on the information and the map.

They also realized the importance of the Battle of Tashan; the battle line of only 8 kilometers had an impact on the overall situation.

The military forces of the six federations also shifted their attention from the battle situation in the game to the virtual map in the live broadcast room.

As the commentary unfolded, there were many surprised and puzzled comments in the live chat.

Now I suddenly understand why some people enjoy playing war simulation games!

[That's right, just this one point can have such a wide impact. I can't even imagine what would happen if we lost this place.]

"You guys actually believe that? If you can't break through here, can't you just go around it?"

Are all the people on the blue team idiots? Can't they even take a detour?

Seeing some netizens' questions, Tianji took over and zoomed in on the map of the Tashan area:

"Regarding the issue of taking a detour, the answer can be found on the map."

"As you can see on the map, apart from the narrow passage at Tashan, this area is a plain."

"It is surrounded by mountains to the northwest and the sea to the southeast."

"The Blue Force troops advancing eastward to provide support number over 10. How many ships would be needed to transport these 10-plus troops?"

"The fact that they did not take the waterway to the southeast indicates that the transportation capacity was insufficient at the time."

"Then look at the mountains to the northwest."

"Of course you can go around through the mountains."

"But then the problem arises: what about resupply?"

Upon hearing Tianji's words, some netizens from Earth who had never played war simulation games gradually understood as they looked at the map.

Tianji continued, saying:
"It is certainly feasible for more than 10 people to take mountain roads and detours to support Jinzhou."

"But we face two problems."

"The first was the Red Army's blocking force, which also set up positions on the mountains in the northwest."

“Even if you take a detour from there, you will be blocked.”

"The second problem is even more critical."

“Traveling on mountain roads is not as easy as on plains, so vehicles and other transportation equipment cannot be used.”

How will the weapons, equipment, ammunition, and rations for these more than 10 people be transported?

"More than 10 people carried rifles, artillery, and a load of dry rations, and then crossed mountains and valleys to support the Jinzhou area, while also being blocked by the defensive lines set up by the Red Army."

"And facing the red team's defensive line blocking them."

"The more than 10 troops on the Blue side had to hurriedly put down the dry rations they were carrying and the artillery they were holding."

"Then assemble the artillery and launch a counterattack."

At this point, Tianji shrugged.

Mo Xiaomo, standing beside him, stared wide-eyed:
"I can picture it; it's really quite tragic."

"So that's why we don't take a detour?"

"The mountains to the northwest and the sea to the southeast are impassable, leaving only the narrow plain passage of Tashan."

"Therefore, this is the key point that will determine the overall outcome of the war."

"Is this the legendary turning point in history?"

Tianji spoke up:
"almost."

"However, people have underestimated the importance of this battle."

"Whether the Battle of Tashan succeeds or fails will result in two outcomes."

"Let's look at the map first."

"First, after the successful Battle of Tashan, the eastward support force of more than 10 men was blocked outside Tashan."

"Without the support of the Eastward Advance Corps, the approximately 15 Blue Army troops besieged in Jinzhou will be completely annihilated."

"With the Blue Army forces in the Jinzhou area completely wiped out, the remaining Red Army forces will head north to launch a full-scale attack on the Shenyang area, followed by Changchun."

"The chain reaction it will trigger will cause the entire northeastern part of the [Republic] to fall completely under the control of the Red Party."

"After the Northeast was assigned to the Red side, it was equivalent to having a complete logistical support system."

"Next, by sending reinforcements southward from the Northeast, the liberation war of the Republic will proceed smoothly."

"This is the normal history of the Battle of Tashan, and also the history of the Republic in the Earth."

"Then let's work backwards."

"If the Battle of Tashan had not been held."

What chain reaction will this trigger?

Upon hearing Tianji's question, the viewers on Blue Star in the live stream were completely bewildered.

I really can't think of one.

However, I understood the explanation just now.

Now I'd also like to hear another possibility from Tianji's side.

Mo Xiaomo also asked curiously:
"What would that be like?"

Tianji smiled and said:

"It's very simple."

"Let's work backwards and look at the map again."

"Assuming the attack at Tashan fails, the eastward advance force will join forces with the Jinzhou forces."

"To counter-encircle the Red Army forces located in the southwest."

"Jinzhou has about 15 troops, plus more than 10 troops advancing eastward. They broke through the encirclement, so where will they go next?"

Mo Xiaomo said:
"Shenyang".

Tianji nodded and said:
"Yes."

"It's Shenyang."

"Assuming the siege of Jinzhou is lifted, the Blue Team will have approximately 25 troops in Jinzhou, which, together with the approximately 35 troops in Shenyang, will re-encircle the city and then turn to support Changchun."

"The Northeast will fall entirely into the hands of the Blue Party."

"But that's not the most important thing."

"What's the most important thing? Has any audience member guessed it?"

The comments section was flooded with all sorts of guesses, but none of them were right.

Mo Xiaomo was looking at the map when she suddenly spoke up:
"Tashan".

Tianji nodded and said:
"That's right, it's still Tashan."

"If Tashan is occupied by the Blue Party, the entire situation in Northeast China will be reversed. More importantly, the railway line connecting Shenyang and Beiping will be unobstructed."

"Jinzhou has 25 troops advancing eastward, Shenyang has 35 troops, and Changchun has about 10 Blue Army troops."

"The total number of Blue Army troops is about 70, and we assume that 10 will be left to defend."

"Once the railway line is unobstructed."

"Then, in the next three major battles, the 52 Blue Army troops besieged in Beiping will be able to escape because of this open railway line."

(Hypothetical diagram)

"Received support from nearly 60 Blue Team troops."

"Then the outcome of the Pingjin Campaign might be rewritten, and the liberation of the Republic would be severely slowed down."

"Once it slows down."

"Once those two superpowers react, it will be much more difficult for the Republic to break out of this predicament."

"That's why the Liaoshen Campaign is called the first of the three major campaigns of the Liberation War, and the Tashan Blocking Battle is of paramount importance."

As Tianji explained, the viewers in the live stream were filled with astonishment.

The military forces of the six federations also carefully examined the map, realizing that the chain reaction was truly enormous.

Mo Xiaomo exclaimed in surprise:

"Is that really how it is?"

"And if we fail to hold it, the consequences will be quite severe."

"Wait until those two superpowers react."

The situation is self-evident; it's likely that they will intervene militarily.

Mo Xiaomo is looking at the map:

"Fortunately, the red team is well prepared."

"The defense line in the Tashan area is tight."

"That's how we achieved the final victory."

Tianji nodded, looked at the information sent by Zhao Ming, and said:
"Compared to the European theater, the battles on the Republic's side are more complex, with every move having far-reaching consequences."

"If you only think about the first level, you might not even know how you failed."

"If it weren't for this information, I probably would only be able to see the first layer of the surface."

"Completely unaware of the importance of the Battle of Tashan."

"This is only because we have a clear view of the overall situation and have the information, which shows how skilled the chess player is."

The viewers in the live stream couldn't help but nod in agreement.

indeed.

They had the information and a clear map of the overall situation, which helped them gradually understand the explanation.

Commanding a battle is not something just anyone can do.
Who could have imagined that the Battle of Tashan would determine the outcome of the Liaoshen Campaign, which in turn would affect the entire national war situation?

They could never have imagined such a deep situation.

They weren't the only ones shocked.

At this time, the generals of the military of the six major federations were also studying the information released about the Battle of Tashan and the Liaoshen Campaign, as well as the national map.

The generals on the Great Xia Federation's side also frowned slightly.

Nothing else
Because initially, they didn't expect the Battle of Tashan to have such a significant impact on the overall situation, leading to such major changes later on.

Even if I had thought about it, I could only think of the third level.

The situation affecting Northeast China.

I never imagined there would be a fourth, or even a fifth, level of connection.
The video of Tianji and Mo Xiaomo's commentary on the Battle of Tashan has been circulating online.

Many Earthlings who hadn't paid attention before became curious after watching the video and searched for the Federation military exercise live stream.

As the number of people increases...

The Great Xia Federation quickly dispatched more personnel, including generals and advisors, to the live broadcast room to discuss the matter with Tianji and Mo Xiaomo.

This makes things much clearer.

Following the example set by the Great Xia Federation, other federations began to imitate it.

It was originally a live stream of the Battle of Luzon.

It gradually turned into an analysis livestream room for discussing the major battles of the Republic. Although there wasn't much detailed information on the battles, there was a timeline for the Republic.

And some players within the game can still find some newspapers.

People kept asking questions, and the host in the live broadcast room analyzed and answered them.

As night falls.

At this moment, the live streams of the six major federations are taking place within the game.

The outcome gradually became clear.

Faced with the landing of more than 6 US federal troops on the island, as well as bombing by hundreds of warships and aircraft, it would have been impossible to defend it under normal circumstances.

But
MacArthur's landing on the island became the key to turning the tide for the various federations.

The Great Xia Federation emerged victorious first.

The camouflage and sniping skills honed through constant battles with the 'White Death' became the key to victory at this moment, as MacArthur was found landing on the island.

An eight-man sniper team, which had been lying in wait for a long time, simultaneously took aim at 'MacArthur'.

The outcome is self-evident.

The Great Xia Federation was the first to trigger the death cutscene for MacArthur.

Following them were the Free Star Cluster Federation and the Slavic Energy Federation, who subsequently made similar moves.

However, the Slavic Federation was a bit reckless and lacked technical expertise.

Therefore, the Free Star Cluster and the Great Xia Federation triggered a death cutscene, while the Slavic Federation triggered a cutscene of MacArthur retreating while clutching his arm.

However, it didn't cause much of a stir.

Everyone's attention is now focused on analyzing the campaign of the Republic.

Because many netizens on Earth discovered this.

Compared to the overwhelming force of armored vehicles on the European battlefield, it was purely a war of attrition.

On the battlefield of the Republic, one often takes one step forward while planning three steps ahead, but this is only what you can see. In places you can't see, the enemy may have planned five steps ahead.

It's more fascinating than any game of chess.

soon.

The rankings were announced that evening.

There has been virtually no change.

However, the Slavic Federation's overall score improved from second to last to third place.

The East Asian United Federation has fallen from third to last place to second to last.

Although it didn't generate as much buzz as the commentary on the Battle of Tashan.

However, MacArthur's defeat cutscene also sparked a discussion, which concluded that one shouldn't be too cocky.

Next came the discussion about tomorrow's "Tashan Blockade Battle".

After all, it was expected that the six federations could defeat MacArthur, but after today's various analyses, netizens on Earth are somewhat worried about whether their own soldiers can defeat the Republic.

The next day.

With the start of the official live streams from the six major federations.

The soldiers all entered the game as well.

In the official live stream room of the Great Xia Federation, Mo Xiaomo and Tianji looked at the six Federation soldiers who were ready on the screen and said:
"Alright, the long-awaited Battle of Tashan is finally here."

"We can see that all the soldiers in their respective rooms in the six federations are ready."

"Ready to begin at any time."

"The commanders of the six federations have already received their orders."

"It's starting!" As Mo Xiaomo's voice fell, the commanders in the rooms where the six federal forces were located also chose to begin.

The screen flashed.

Soldiers from the six federations entered their respective [Tashan Blockade Battle] instances.

The camera then shifted to the command centers of the six federations.

Tianji explained:

"We can see that the current perspective is focused on the command center."

"It looks like they're going to be live-streaming how to break through [Tower Mountain], huh?"

At the entrance of the command center.

Suddenly a messenger came running up, holding a translated telegram in his hand.

The scene suddenly switched to CG.

It was a conference room with the Kuomintang flag hanging in the air. A huge battle map was hanging on the wall, and the man standing in front of the map slowly looked up.

The CG camera followed the man's gaze to the location of Tashan on the map, and then a Fenghua accent rang out:
"The 54th and 62nd Armies shall immediately launch a general offensive against Tashan!"

"If we fail to capture Tashan, the army will resort to four measures!"

The last word "thing" had a sharp ending, and the walking stick in the man's hand slammed heavily on the ground, as if hitting the hearts of the viewers watching the live stream.

hiss--

Yesterday I was so focused on analyzing the red side that I completely forgot about the blue side.

Now, seeing how much the man in the CG values ​​Tashan, it's clear he knows Tashan's weakness.

Think about it too.

The red side has already calculated to such a high level, so even if the blue side is not at the same level, it can't be much worse.

As the CG scene ended.

The scene then cuts back to the respective command centers of the six federations, where the commanders of each federation are ordering their troops to launch an attack.

The telegram the soldier just delivered was clearly the order from the man in the CG scene.

As orders were issued one after another.

The scenes in the six federal live broadcast rooms also became the front line.

at this time.

In the game, the sky had just begun to brighten, and the Liaoxi region in October was still shrouded in the chill of autumn.

Beryl, the brigade commander of the Free Cluster Federation's special operations brigade, received orders and led his soldiers to the front-line trenches, peering through binoculars at the distant positions:
"How could a position on such a vast plain, with no natural defenses, be captured by more than 10 men?"

Just how incompetent is the Blue Team's commander?

"Even if we push through headlong, we'll still get through it."

"Could it be that they think this place isn't important, so they didn't launch a full-scale attack?"

Looking at the Red Army's position in the distance, I realized that although I had participated in a lot of discussions about the "Battle of Tashan" after the battle ended last night...

But when I came in myself, I couldn't help but have doubts.

This flat plain stretches as far as the eye can see, without any natural barriers; the only defenses are trenches and fortifications.

How come more than 10 people couldn't get through?

At this time.

The roar of airplanes came from the sky. Belial looked and saw that they were coming from behind him; they were obviously reinforcements.

Meanwhile, the warships on the shore began shelling, relentlessly bombarding the red team's positions.

Sudden.

The communications soldier ran over and reached Belial's side:

"Brigade Commander, the Army Commander has ordered an attack."

Belial nodded, without putting down the binoculars in his hand:
"I see."

Watching the shells whistling as they landed on the opposite position, Belial lowered his binoculars and drew his pistol from his waist:

"Everyone! From the northwest!"

With an order.

Not only Belial's troops, but other forces of the Free Star Cluster Federation also chose to launch assaults.

In the live streams of other federations.

They were also launching an orderly attack, but their tactics differed.

The Slavic Federation focused its artillery fire on a single point, while the Free Star Cluster divided its forces into several segments, launching simultaneous and fierce attacks on the weak points.

The Great Xia Federation, on the other hand, played rather conservatively, causing many Great Xia Federation netizens to frown.

Even after analyzing everything yesterday, there's no need to be so conservative, is there?

They didn't even leave the trenches; it was purely a war of attrition. Look at the Slavs and the Free Star Cluster Federation—all sorts of amazing moments were magnified one after another.

The Great Xia Federation hasn't had a single exciting moment yet.

Even if we win the first two games, do we really need to go this far to guarantee a minimum win?

The internet is buzzing with discussion, and players from other federations are already itching to cause trouble. Let's see if the Great Xia Federation continues its conservative offensive strategy.

Then you can go and properly mock them.

the other side.

Besides the Slavs, the Great Xia, and the Free Star Cluster, these three federations are noteworthy.

The Antarctic Star Cluster is also concentrating its firepower on the central position.

The East Asia United Federation has already given up, and the higher-ups are discussing how to reorganize the troops after this ends.

The Golden Moon Federation is the most adept at creating hilarious situations.

Many players of the "Huaxia" series of games have almost suffered internal injuries from watching the actions of the Crown Prince of the Golden Moon Federation.

Because the first thing the Crown Prince of the Golden Moon Federation did after receiving the attack telegram was not to command his troops to attack.

Instead, he gave an order.

Make the cooks of the troops below steam enough buns for six days, then smash the pot.

Each person should bring enough dry rations for six days. They won't spoil in the cold weather anyway. If we can win in six days, we'll fight; if not, we'll die!
This is why many Earth players almost suffered internal injuries from holding it in.

The eldest prince of the Golden Moon Federation has clearly learned something real from the [Huaxia] series of games.

The battles in the game last for six days.

However, since the game speeds up the story when there are no battles, in reality, it only takes about three days of live streaming.

One day in reality on Earth is equivalent to two days in the game.

After two days of attacks, the situation among the six federations has become clear.

The Slavic Federation broke through the central position but was unable to expand its gains. The Free Star Cluster Federation captured some scattered positions and temporarily gained a foothold, but similarly was unable to expand its gains.

Meanwhile, the Antarctic Star Cluster and the East Asian United Federation, due to the heavy casualties, have fallen to the bottom two in real-time data comparison.

Obviously, it is inferior to the former in that it is also a concentrated and fierce attack.

The Slavs broke through to the central position, but the soldiers of the South Pole Star Cluster had not yet, and had suffered heavy losses, revealing the stark difference in troop strength.

The Great Xia Federation made steady progress over the next two days. Although its overall score was lower than that of the Slavic and Free Star Cluster Federations, it preserved the most strength.

As for the Golden Moon Federation, their "do-or-die" approach didn't seem to have much effect.

The soldiers who were attacking with full loads of rations were discovered by the Red Army and all changed their tactics to close-quarters combat.

The 10-strong army was transformed into 10 transport captains, lining up to deliver rations and supplies.
Although the situations were different for each of them in the first two days.

Ultimately, it was due to their large numbers that even the Golden Moon Federation managed to break through to the central position on the third day of the game, through attrition warfare.

Meanwhile, the fast-moving Slavic Federation and Free Star Cluster Federation have already begun to expand their gains.

Even though the Great Xia Federation occupied the central position, it fought hesitantly, which made netizens of the Great Xia Federation frown and wonder what was going on.
Why have you suddenly become so timid?

Some netizens from other federations came over to mock them, and the netizens from the Great Xia Federation didn't know how to respond.

At this time.

A new cutscene was suddenly triggered in the game.

The scene suddenly changed.

In a farmhouse courtyard, inside a simple earthen house.

The buzzing of the telegraph machine pierced the silence, and the rapid "drip-drip-drip" echoed in the small earthen house.

A general in a black leather overcoat gripped the telegram tightly and strode outside, the dull thud of his boots on the ground like heavy drumbeats.

"Urgent telegram from Tashan."

in the courtyard.

The familiar figure in the military overcoat suddenly turned around, his eyes as cold and hard as iron:
"read."

He then headed into the command center room.

A general in a black leather overcoat followed behind, reading aloud the telegram in his hand:
"It's dawn today."

"The enemy adopted the tactic of central breakthrough, launching group attacks on the central defensive line of Tashan with entire battalions and companies."

"The Tashan garrison has suffered more than half its losses."

Inside the command center, the air seemed to freeze.

The staff officers' fingers hovered over the map, but no one dared to move.

The telegraph operator stared intently at the send key, his knuckles turning white.

After a few breaths of silence, the figure in the military overcoat suddenly turned around:
"I don't want casualty figures."

"I only want Tashan."

The voice remained as cold and hard as if carved from stone.

"Send the message immediately!"

The scene abruptly ended.

The final four words, "Send the message immediately," resounded like thunder in the ears of the viewers on Earth, causing them to feel a sense of oppression.

And then the CG scene ended.

at this time.

Inside the live stream rooms of the six major federations.

The attack continues.

They had no idea what the short number "I don't want casualty figures, I just want Tashan" meant.

Sudden.

In the live broadcast rooms of the six federations, the bugle call suddenly tore through the battlefield!
In an instant.

The piercing sound of the horn, like a steel blade, cleaved through the smoke and exploded over the enemy lines:

"Da da di didi da—! Da da di didi da—!"

"drop----!!!"

At this time, the audience from other Federations and Earth did not yet know what this urgent bugle call meant.

On the Great Xia Federation's side, all the officers and soldiers on the position changed their expressions.

Shen Yan's pupils contracted sharply, a chill running down his spine:
"It's the bugle call to charge!"

"They're going to fight to the death!"

Qu Guang, standing nearby, also had a drastic change in expression:
"How to do?"

Shen Yan did not hesitate at all:

"Be prepared to retreat at any time."

Are you kidding me? Do you have several heads? Are you going to fight to the death with the bugle call of the "Republic"?
the other side.

On the Free Cluster Federation side.

Belial, leading his men to defend the position, listened to the slightly different bugle call this time, which was much more urgent than before, and couldn't help but say:
"Are they planning a desperate gamble?"

"Trying to take back the position?"

"What a joke, don't you even consider the difference in equipment?"

"Everyone, prepare for battle!"

The same scenario was playing out in other live streaming rooms.

It was obvious that the other side wanted to retake the position, but that wouldn't do; we had to hold the position to the death.

soon.

As the bugle sounded, the Red Army forces in the six Federation live-streaming rooms launched their attack simultaneously.

The Great Xia Federation only held out for a short while.

They chose to withdraw some positions and create a buffer zone to compete in attrition.

Meanwhile, other federations are still locked in fierce battles on the front lines.

The Great Xia Federation's actions drew ridicule from many other federation players in the live stream, who questioned whether the commander had changed and why the federation had become so cowardly.
Some players from the Great Xia Federation simply started criticizing.

Even without a reason, I just started criticizing.

However, they soon discovered that something was wrong.

Because, apart from the Great Xia Federation, the Free Star Cluster and other federations that were still steadily defending seem to be struggling to hold on?!

This discovery brought immense joy to the players of the Great Xia Federation.

really.

Let's just say it was a tactical move!

Players from other federations stared wide-eyed at the live stream.

What are you doing!
how so? !

With such a large gap, how could it be reversed?

I don't know.

Soldiers and generals from other federations in the game, however, had no one to confide in.

Inside the Free Star Cluster Federation's live stream room.

boom--!
A shell landed not far from Brigade Commander Belial. Belial shook the dust off his head, looking utterly bewildered, and immediately looked towards the forward positions:

"What the hell!"

"How many waves of attacks are we in now?"

The adjutant beside him was also somewhat bewildered:
"Sir, this is the sixth wave already."

"How to do?"

"It seems we can't hold on much longer!"

(End of this chapter)