Bright Sword: From Border Region Manufacturing to Major National Heavy Industry

Chapter 165 Kong Erlengzi, you're even more shameless than me!
The wind howls and cranes cry!

Every bush and tree seems like an enemy soldier!

These two idioms were originally used to refer to the enemy's army.

Whether it was Kuroshima Morita or Ueno no Mura, when the two of them led their troops to hunt down their opponents, the fleeing opponents, who had lost their armor and weapons, were in a state of panic, seeing enemies everywhere!

At that time, both Kuroshima Morita and Ueno no Mura were full of vigor. Their horses' hooves and wheels mercilessly crushed the flesh and bones of their opponents. Their glorious achievements left behind piles of the corpses of their enemies!
And now!
The wheel of fortune turns.

After being fiercely attacked by the Eighth Route Army, the cavalry regiment lost more than half of its horses. Now, Kuroshima Morita only has a little over 700 horses and about 500 soldiers left.

Although Ueno Village's tanks were replenished, they suffered some damage from Chu Yunfei's artillery battalion during their battle.

Eight more tanks and armored vehicles were destroyed by the Eighth Route Army's anti-tank weapons, and now the tank regiment of Ueno Village has been almost reduced to its original state before replenishment.

On the road to escape, whether it was cavalry or tanks and armored vehicles, they were all running for their lives.

There were even car accidents and stampedes.

This shows how terrified and panicked the troops were.

"Baka! Today's battle is a disgrace!"

Sitting in the command vehicle of Ueno Village, Kuroshima Morita cursed fiercely.

As for why Kuroshima Morita didn't ride his own warhorse, the reason is quite simple.

Because Kuroshima Morita's mount was also stolen by the Eighth Route Army, he shared a carriage with Ueno no Mura.

"The most terrifying thing is that the Eighth Route Army's arsenal has actually produced anti-tank weapons, which is the most deadly thing!"

Uenomura's face was terribly grim. "You saw it too. Although it was their first time using it, they used it like seasoned veterans. Several anti-tank weapons aimed at the same target, and the hit rate was terrifying. Although the shells exposed the gunner's position, their main force quickly provided fire support, and the gunner successfully moved to a new position. Our infantry basically didn't gain any advantage. And this is just the beginning. What the Eighth Route Army is best at is not fighting us head-on, but guerrilla warfare. Kuroshima-kun, think about it. If some Eighth Route Army soldiers take these anti-tank weapons and hide in the roadside bushes or the nearby rocks, ambushing our troops as they pass by, that will be the real beginning of our army's nightmare."

“Yes,” Kuroshima Morita nodded. “The threat posed by this kind of weapon is even greater than their artillery. It can be carried by a single soldier, has high mobility, and is highly concealable. It’s simply the perfect partner for the Eighth Route Army’s guerrilla warfare. I really don’t understand how a single soldier can carry this cannon on his shoulder and fire it. Doesn’t it have recoil? This is a cannon, not an anti-tank rifle!”

The recoil of an anti-tank rifle is enormous.

For example, the Type 97 anti-tank rifle could even break a soldier's shoulder blade.

The Eighth Route Army soldiers carried the cannon barrels on their shoulders to fire shells. Theoretically, the enormous recoil generated should have been enough to overturn the soldiers. How could there not be any recoil?

"If we can't figure out the problem, then we can only look for answers in the Eighth Route Army's arsenal." Uenomura's expression was grave. "We need to get the military police to find clues about the Eighth Route Army's arsenal as soon as possible. The Eighth Route Army must have put out this anti-tank weapon for testing today. The test results are already so terrible. If their arsenal can start mass production..."

Uenomura didn't finish his sentence, but the implication was clear: it would only worsen the already quagmire-stricken rear security campaign.

"If we could find a way to capture one or two Eighth Route Army cannons..." Kuroshima Morita didn't finish his sentence.

Uenomura interrupted, "Even if we capture them, at most we can figure out the principles and see if our arsenals can replicate them. But the real threat is still not eliminated, which is not giving the Eighth Route Army's arsenals time to mass-produce this kind of artillery!"

“That’s true.” Kuroshima Morita nodded emphatically. “We need to go back and report this crucial lead as quickly as possible. We’ve both suffered such a huge loss; we should quickly pull some strings and try to get our forces back to full strength as soon as possible. If we can take over the Eighth Route Army’s arsenal, that will be enough to atone for our mistakes!”

Although, this time they suffered another major defeat.

But for those with connections and influence, victory and defeat are common occurrences in war!

The team is incomplete; we can always add more members.

Both Kuroshima Morita and Ueno no Mura had powerful connections above them.

"Yes, we can take over the Eighth Route Army's arsenal and also see what's going on with their heavy artillery that can be pulled by mules."

……

"Haha, this rocket launcher is so useful, haha."

On the way to the Cui Village arsenal, Kong Jie couldn't stop smiling.

The soldiers of the New Second Regiment were all in high spirits.

Since the formation of our new Second Regiment, we destroyed eight Japanese tanks in our first battle, which was a great start.

Haha, what a great start! Haha.

"Old Kong, when we attack the Cui Village arsenal, can I borrow your rocket launcher?" Once Li saw the battlefield significance of the rocket launcher, he was like an old cat seeing a salted fish—his gaze was fixed on it.

Even though they seized more than 900 military horses from Kuroshima Morita, and even took away Kuroshima Morita's mounts.

Li still couldn't forget the twelve rocket launchers in Kong Jie's hands.

"Li Yunlong, take your hand away from me!" Kong Jie pushed Li Yunlong's hand away as he tried to touch the rocket launcher, his tone serious: "This is a rocket launcher test that Director Li of the arsenal asked me to do. This is Director Li's trust in me. How can I just give the rocket launcher to someone else?"

“Old Kong, we’re brothers who came from the same class, am I some other person?” Li Yunlong glared at him and said.

Li was furious. "You stupid Kong!"

Are all our years of friendship really worth less than a few rocket launchers?

You fool Kong Erlengzi, have you forgotten that you were shaved 200-0 by the Japanese special forces, and the headquarters commander wants to make you a stable boy?

I had to plead your case, so you could atone for your crimes and only be demoted from regimental commander to deputy regimental commander. In the end, I set up a stage for you to wipe out the Yamazaki Battalion, and only then did you turn your life around and become the commander of the New Second Regiment.

If it weren't for my help, you'd still be feeding horses at headquarters right now!

I borrowed your rocket launcher for a bit, it's not like I'm not going to give it back, and you won't even take that? I really misjudged you.

Kong Jie hugged the rocket launcher in his arms even tighter: "Li Yunlong, we may have feelings for each other, but this rocket launcher can't be measured by feelings."

"You stupid Kong, don't be so ungrateful! I'm telling you, you're going to give it to me today whether you like it or not, or else I'll..." Li Yunlong was furious and was about to grab it.

I was able to steal the hell cannon from the arsenal back then, so I don't believe I can't steal the rocket launcher from you, Kong Erlengzi.

Li Yunlong was pulled aside by Ding Wei: "Old Li, why are you arguing with Old Kong? You know what kind of temper he has."

Ding Wei could understand Kong Jie's feelings.

Kong Jie was utterly humiliated by the Japanese, losing 200 to 0, although he managed to turn the tide with Li Yunlong's help.

But the real turning point came when they used rocket launchers to destroy eight Japanese tanks!

The significance of this rocket launcher was naturally of paramount importance to Kong Jie.

Kong Jie held the rocket launcher in his arms, as if he were closer to him than to his wife.

At this point, if Li Yunlong were to covet Old Kong's treasures, Old Kong would certainly not allow it.

"Old Ding, why is this Kong Erlengzi so clueless? I was going to take him to attack the enemy's arsenal and give him such a great achievement, and even let him play with a rocket launcher, but he wouldn't budge. Damn it, if I had known, I wouldn't have made him my strategist." Li Yunlong cursed in front of Ding Wei.

"It's alright, Lao Li," Ding Wei reassured him. "Didn't you say that the border region's arsenal can produce ten rocket launchers a day? If we take the enemy's arsenal back, that'll be a great achievement. At worst, it'll be a few days later, but we'll get the rocket launchers. Good things come to those who wait."

"Why should I let the good food be delayed for two days..." Li Yunlong glared, but before he could finish speaking, Kong Jie softened his tone and handed the rocket launcher to Li Yunlong, "Old Li, I'll let you play with this rocket launcher for a bit, but you have to give it back to me later."

Li Yunlong is right. Without him as my strategist, I, Kong Jie, would not have been able to make such a good start in the first battle.

Not to mention, I can still get more than 300 military horses, so our new Second Regiment can form a cavalry battalion.

They also need to salvage a Japanese arsenal.

Without Li Yunlong's help, I really would have... So, it seems a bit much not to let Li Yunlong play with the rocket launcher.

As soon as Li Yunlong saw Kong Jie hand over the rocket launcher, he quickly grabbed it, looked it over with a grin, and then made a request to Kong Jie: "Old Kong, it's not fun with just a rocket launcher but no rockets. Give me a few more rockets!"

Kong Jie immediately glared and tried to snatch the rocket launcher back: "Li Yunlong, let me tell you, don't go too far. I've already betrayed Director Li's trust by letting you play with the rocket launcher. And you still want rocket shells? What do you want rocket shells for? To shoot rocks? Don't you know that rocket shells are precious? You can't waste them."

Li Yunlong held the rocket launcher to his chest, dodging Kong Jie's hand, and explained with a grin, "How could I use rockets to hit rocks? I'll just fire a few rockets to have some fun when we attack the Japanese arsenal in Cuicun later."

Ding Wei chimed in from the side, "Old Kong, give me a rocket launcher too, and a few rockets. I'll fire a few myself."

"Old Li, Old Ding, you two, stop joking!" Kong Jie's tone was solemn. "It's not that I, Kong Jie, don't want you to joke around, but you both saw it when we were shooting at the Japanese tanks and armored vehicles. The rockets left long trails of smoke behind them, revealing the gunners' positions. If anything happens to you two old buddies because of this, I, Kong Jie, will never forgive myself..."

Before Kong Jie could finish speaking, Li Yunlong cursed, "You stupid Kong, can't you say something auspicious? Can't you wish me well for once?"

Ding Wei chimed in, "Old Kong, the defenses of this Cui Village arsenal are definitely not as good as the Japanese tank regiments. As long as we move out of the way after firing and have the support of the main force, don't worry. The ammunition that can kill me and Old Li hasn't been produced yet."

"Well, you two still need to be careful, and don't forget to move quickly." Kong Jie finally agreed.

Ding Wei quickly received a rocket launcher, and like Li Yunlong, Kong Jie also gave him several rockets.

The two were overjoyed. Li Yunlong smiled and said to Kong Jie, "Old Kong, you're a good friend. You know how to share good stuff with me and Lao Ding. No doubt about it. If you get the qualification to test new weapons from Brother Li again, I'll continue to be your strategist, help you make merits, and train your troops."

Kong Jie had tasted the benefits of this rocket launcher, and Li Yunlong knew without a doubt that Kong Jie would be the most diligent in developing any new weapons for Li Muzhi.

Being in a good position gives you an advantage, but our combat troops are ultimately not as convenient as Kong Jie.

Ding Wei also laughed and said, "Old Kong, you can get a bigger share of the spoils when we capture them."

"Then this time, could we get a larger share in advance?" Kong Jie said with a smile. "For example, could I get two hundred more military horses?"

"Go away, you fool Kong Erlengzi, how can you be even more shameless than me?" Li immediately cursed.

"Haha, just kidding, just kidding." Kong Jie laughed. "You guys better remember what you said. When I get the qualification to test the new weapon, I'll get a bigger share of the spoils. Don't go back on your word."

"Of course I won't go back on my word." Ding Wei nodded.

"Old Ding, I heard everything you were planning," Li Yunlong said with a laugh, without objecting.

Given how effective the rocket launcher was, Li Yunlong could foresee that if Li Muzhi were to create a new weapon, it might be even more powerful than the rocket launcher.

Kong Erlengzi got the testing qualification for this new weapon ahead of time. We're dragging him along to get involved, so we can also benefit from his success.

By taking advantage of Kong Erlengzi's influence, we can give him more resources and increase Kong Jie's strength.

If one day we are inconvenient and Kong Jie needs to protect the arsenal, and if he has enough weapons, he can take care of the enemy himself without needing our reinforcements.

(End of this chapter)