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

Chapter 320 No Way to Overtake on a Curve

Taiyuan First Army Headquarters
"Commander, Commander, something terrible has happened!"

The staff officer stumbled and ran to the First Army Commander, Yoshio Shinozuka, stammering, "The equipment, the equipment, the equipment was taken away by the Eighth Route Army, taken away."

Snapped!
Yoshio Shinotsuka slapped the staff officer across the face and angrily scolded, "You idiot, you can't even relay a message properly!"

Yoshio Shinotsuka's heart skipped a beat.

Hasn't this reinforcement force already defeated the Jin-Sui Army and is approaching the Jin-Sui Army's equipment-carrying convoy?

Just when the reinforcements were about to recapture the equipment, how did it get taken back by the Eighth Route Army?
If the equipment falls into the hands of the Eighth Route Army, wouldn't that be a complete disaster?

In that case, wouldn't the ammunition supply for my First Army, as well as the ammunition supplies for the First and Ninth War Zones, be in trouble?

What's even more terrifying is that so much equipment fell into the hands of the Eighth Route Army.

Wouldn't this greatly increase the military strength of the damned Eighth Route Army, making them a major threat to our Imperial Army's conquest of this land?

The staff officer covered his face and replied in a panic, "The reinforcements had already seized the equipment, but because the logistics and supplies were attacked, half of the men were sent to reinforce them."

Yoshio Shinotsuka retorted, "Even if half the people are taken away, there's still a brigade. Can't even a brigade protect the equipment?"

The staff officer continued, "Because the Jin-Sui Army destroyed some equipment in their panic when they withdrew, the brigade commander of the reinforcements was extremely annoyed and sent another regiment to hunt down the Jin-Sui Army."

"Baka! That damned idiot!" Yoshio Shinotsuka roared, "We already had the equipment, so we should have prepared for its destruction beforehand and then carefully brought it back! Why did we have to chase after the Jin-Sui Army? Isn't this just letting emotions cloud our judgment?"

Miyano Michiichi, who had been silent until now, spoke up: "Commander, in my opinion, things haven't gotten to the point of being completely bad yet."

Miyano Michiichi was still deeply shocked.

As expected, the Eighth Route Army managed to seize the equipment.

However, although the Eighth Route Army managed to recapture the equipment, it was too late to mend the situation.

Yoshio Shinotsuka jumped up and down: "The equipment has been seized by the Eighth Route Army, important key parts have fallen into their hands, and even important military personnel have been captured by them. I don't know how to explain this to the cabinet. How can this not be completely ruined?"

"Because we are far from the Eighth Route Army's base," Miyano Michiichi wisely said. "There's no way the Eighth Route Army could transport all this equipment back. As long as we increase our search efforts, we still have a good chance of finding the equipment again."

There's so much equipment, a large quantity, and a big target.

As long as we intensify our search efforts, it will be impossible for the Eighth Route Army to successfully transport the equipment back.

“Yes, yes, you’re right.” Yoshio Shinotsuka grasped at the last straw and hurriedly said, “The journey is long and there’s a lot of equipment. It’s impossible for the Eighth Route Army to bring the equipment back to their base in a short time. As long as we can find the equipment and take it back, I can still give an explanation to the country.”

"What are you still standing there for?" Yoshio Shinotsuka immediately yelled at the staff officer in front of him, "Pass on my orders right away, mobilize all the informants you can, and find those damned Eighth Route Army soldiers and their equipment."

"Commander, there is another matter that requires your attention." The staff officer did not immediately step forward.

"What is it?" Yoshio Shinozuka asked.

"The reinforcements' logistical supplies have been destroyed, and they need new supplies," the staff officer said.

"Baka! No, I don't have any left! What am I supposed to give them?!" Yoshio Shinotsuka yelled like a madman, as if salt had been rubbed into a wound.

The Kumamoto Division took away too many supplies, and now they're all gone.

Now, the Kumamoto Division has to solve its own food problem.

With such a huge mess in the rear area of ​​Taiyuan, do we not need to eat?

In the end, it was Miyano Michiichi who called Matsui Iwane of the First War Zone, asking Matsui Iwane to send supplies and also request a regiment of troops to search for the Eighth Route Army.

After all, the Eighth Route Army was a formidable fighting force, and once they found it, they would need sufficient troops to seize the equipment.

……

"Alas, in the end, it was all for naught."

Chu Yunfei led his remaining troops to escape the Japanese army's pursuit and sat wearily on a large rock.

Looking up at the pale dawn sky, it's like Yue Fei sighing to the heavens.

They finally managed to salvage the equipment from the Taiyuan Arsenal.

Even though the Japanese had already taken away a large portion of the equipment, the remaining equipment was still of great significance to the Jin-Sui Army.

Unfortunately, it was recaptured by the Japanese reinforcements.

Even before the troops could completely destroy the transport equipment, it was going to continue to benefit the Japanese.

"Commander, something's not quite right," Fang Ligong said, leaning closer.

"Something's not right?" Chu Yunfei asked.

"When I came back from reporting to the division headquarters, I heard from the division's intelligence personnel that the Japanese seem to be in chaos. They're acting like madmen, as if they're searching for something," Fang Ligong said.

Without a second thought, Chu Yunfei said, "Is that even a question? The Japanese are definitely going to seek revenge on the Eighth Route Army."

After all, the Eighth Route Army had destroyed the Japanese airfield, which was equivalent to pissing on the Japanese stronghold. That little devil, Yoshio Shinotsuka, was definitely not going to swallow this insult.

With the equipment recovered, it's not surprising that Yoshio Shinotsuka immediately launched a massive search for Li Yunlong and his men.

"But the problem is that Li Yunlong's troops haven't withdrawn," Fang Ligong pointed out.

"Li Yunlong's troops didn't withdraw?" Chu Yunfei was taken aback. "Are you sure you didn't see them come out?"

If Li Yunlong's troops haven't withdrawn, then something's not right.

After all, our Jin-Sui Army has withdrawn, so there's not much point in Li Yunlong and his few thousand men staying there any longer.

Surely Li Yunlong couldn't possibly snatch the equipment back from the two Japanese brigades.

Those were two Japanese brigades, not to be trifled with.

"According to the intelligence personnel at the division headquarters, everyone believes that Li Yunlong must have angered the Japanese again. Otherwise, why would the Japanese be acting so crazy!" Fang Ligong pointed out. "Moreover, everyone thinks that Li Yunlong might be able to take back the equipment..."

Before Fang Ligong could finish speaking, Chu Yunfei interrupted him, waving his hand: "That's impossible, how could that be! Those were two Japanese brigades, and Li Yunlong only had a few thousand men, not even a fraction of the Japanese army. How could he possibly have taken back the equipment!"

Although Chu Yunfei denied it so immediately, he couldn't help but have doubts in his heart.

Under normal circumstances, the Jin-Sui Army would have been defeated and retreated. Li Yunlong not only did not retreat, but also caused trouble there. There was only one reason: it was not that Li Yunlong wanted to die, but that he had his eyes on the equipment of the Taiyuan Arsenal.

Despite being protected by two Japanese brigades, Li Yunlong was a man who never suffered a loss in battle and was full of tricks on the battlefield. Could he really have succeeded?
"Commander, if Li Yunlong and his men really manage to get the equipment back, we can't just stand by and watch." Fang Ligong's eyes flashed with resentment, and of course, a hint of ruthlessness.

Our Jin-Sui Army paid such a high price and gained nothing, and in the end, Li Yunlong benefited instead. We must be furious.

Moreover, this is equipment from the Taiyuan Arsenal.

If we can snatch it back from Li Yunlong, then our war merits will still be valid.

The regimental commander had previously told Li Yunlong that everyone should rely on their own abilities.

Isn't it a skill that we managed to snatch the equipment back from Li Yunlong?!
Chu Yunfei could tell what Fang Ligong was thinking just by looking at his eyes.

Chu Yunfei said seriously, "Brother Ligong, others may make foolish mistakes, but you mustn't."

"Commander, you..." Fang Ligong didn't finish his sentence.

Chu Yunfei interrupted, "Even if Li Yunlong really succeeds and snatches the equipment back from the Japanese, they're currently deep in Taiyuan, and the Japanese are searching for them extensively. If we go back at this critical juncture, wouldn't we just become the Japanese's punching bag?"

When the time comes, once we show our faces, how can the Japanese be expected to be polite to us?

If things go wrong, they might not even see Li Yunlong first, and instead get a severe beating from the Japanese.

You have to understand, the Japanese are so angry they've lost all reason. It's an extremely high-risk situation, and we shouldn't even be trying to avoid them. Only a fool would deliberately run into them.

Chu Yunfei seemed to remember something and continued, "Even if Li Yunlong and his men succeed, the journey to bring the equipment back is so long, I estimate the chances of success are not high."

“Yes, that’s true.” Fang Ligong nodded. “If Li Yunlong can’t bring the equipment back, I estimate that it will most likely be destroyed. If we really go back and get beaten by the Japanese again, that would be a really foolish thing to do.”

Then, Fang Ligong added, "But the Eighth Route Army is a force capable of creating miracles. Maybe they really have a way to bring it back? If we can ambush them on their way back, do you think we might have a chance?"

Chu Yunfei shook his head directly: "Brother Ligong, do you really want to sacrifice the last of the 358th Regiment's men?"

If Li Yunlong really succeeds, then when he retreats with the equipment, he will definitely be chased by the Japanese along the way.

You even wanted to ambush Li Yunlong on the way? Do you really think Li Yunlong is a pushover? Doesn't he know he's on guard against our Jin-Sui Army?
If things go wrong, Li Yunlong might lead the pursuing Japanese soldiers to our heads, and then we'll have to take the bullets for him again.
During this trip to Taiyuan, our Jin-Sui Army took a huge bullet for Li Yunlong, gaining nothing and suffering considerable losses ourselves. And you still rush to take a bullet for Li Yunlong? Are you out of your mind?
Fang Ligong then fell silent.

Yes, Li Yunlong must have been followed by a large group of Japanese soldiers as he retreated.

This is equivalent to Li Yunlong having fire following him everywhere; wherever he goes, the fire burns.

If we anger him, he will rush towards our Jin-Sui Army's territory. Wouldn't that be like inviting trouble for our Jin-Sui Army?

"Alright, alright, let's take a quick rest and hurry back." Chu Yunfei clung to the topic, his mind still racing: Li Yunlong, Li Yunlong, did you really succeed? And in the end, will you even be able to bring the equipment back?

Although Chu Yunfei knew that if Li Yunlong obtained the equipment and successfully brought it back, it would be a great stroke of luck for the country and the nation.

However, for the higher-ups and the people of Shancheng, this is absolutely bad news.

Chu Yunfei didn't dwell on political matters.
-
"Comrades, go back and digest what I just taught you." (from the border region arsenal)

Li Muzhi said sternly to the group of dismantling workers in front of him, "Not a single detail can be wrong. That's natural gas. The slightest mistake will not only ruin yourselves, but also many of your comrades."

The dismantling of natural gas plants is more difficult than the dismantling of conventional equipment.

Li Muzhi personally instructed the dismantling personnel, telling them the details of dismantling and how to handle any problems that might arise.

In fact, Li Muzhi was the most suitable technician to dismantle the natural gas plant in the past.

But as I said before, neither Logistics Minister Zhang nor headquarters would let Li Muzhi go; they couldn't afford to take that risk.

"Yes, factory manager, we've got it." The dismantling technicians replied in loud voices.

"I don't know when Commander Chen will notify you to go over, but remember, the first step is to eliminate static electricity, then close the main valve to release the gas in the pipes and tubes, and only then can you disassemble it." Li Muzhi reiterated, "If the gas is not completely released, there will still be residual gas in the pipes and tubes, so you must never put the cutting machine on them in advance."

Disassembling these pipes and tubes may require the use of a cutting machine.

This cutting machine will definitely produce sparks.

"Factory manager, we understand. We guarantee the order won't be wrong." The dismantling team members nodded again.

"Alright, meeting adjourned. You all need to memorize the details I taught you perfectly." Li Muzhi nodded. "If Commander Chen's notification comes late, I will take some time to test you again."

"Yes, factory manager." The dismantling workers nodded and dispersed one after another.

Two dismantling workers remained. They approached Li Muzhi and said, "Factory Manager, there's something we'd like to discuss with you."

"What is it?" Li Muzhi asked.

“Several students are very interested in disassembly, and we were thinking of taking them along. What do you think?” the two disassembly workers said.

“In principle, I shouldn’t agree, after all, that’s a battlefield, but sooner or later some students will need to join the dismantling team.” Li Muzhi pondered for a moment and said, “I’ll talk to Minister Zhang first and then get back to you.”

These students are all outstanding talents.

Losing any one of them would be a major loss.

The natural gas plant is a battlefield; students shouldn't be sent to such a dangerous place.

But then again.

Once the students are trained, they will definitely need to be included in the dismantling team as well.

The students are quick-witted and intelligent.

They will be able to quickly and promptly resolve any dismantling difficulties encountered on the battlefield in the future.

Therefore, this student will have to face the battlefield sooner or later.

Letting students get involved in disassembly now is... well, Li Muzhi still decided to report this to his superiors first.

"Okay, factory manager." The two dismantling workers nodded, took the documents, and left.

Li Muzhi walked out of the conference room, briefly inspected the workshop, and casually resolved two minor problems in the production process.

Then we arrived at the repair shop.

Here, the students are already working hard to repair and improve the equipment according to the revised plan approved by Li Muzhi.

Upon seeing Li Muzhi approaching, the students immediately stopped what they were doing and greeted him warmly, "Teacher, you've come!"

“The front lines are waiting for gas masks, so don’t stop,” Li Muzhi said to the students. “Just follow my instructions for any improvements. Just pretend I’m not here; I’m just here to take a look.”

Li Muzhi had already heard from Kong Jie that the Japanese soldiers of the Kumamoto Division were actually eating their own men to obtain military rations.

Then, with the help of poison gas, they quickly broke through the encirclement.

They were on their way to meet up with the ground troops transporting logistical supplies.

Although our troops are doing everything they can to delay them.

However, due to a lack of protective equipment, the troops suffered heavy losses.

The logistics hospital carried away many wounded soldiers, and Minister Zhang was too busy to come to the arsenal to inspect the work.

Li Muzhi and Zhang Wanhe always communicated by phone.

Finally, whether the Kumamoto Division's army would join up with the ground supply transport was something Li Muzhi didn't want to think about.

He only knows one thing!
That is, the Japanese biological weapons were used on the battlefield without any humanity or limits.

If our soldiers do not have protective equipment, the casualties will be even greater, and the war will be more difficult and brutal.

"Yes, teacher." The students nodded emphatically and continued their work on making improvements.

Li Muzhi stood by and watched. The students were already very skilled at using the tools, and the machines were well modified. There were basically no flaws or problems.

Even if there were some minor problems during the revision process, the students solved them on the spot.

"Liu Fuxing, several students are very interested in disassembly. Do you know who they are?" Li Muzhi asked Liu Fuxing.

"Teacher, I'm one of them." Liu Fuxing looked at Li Muzhi suspiciously. "Why are you asking this?"

“The dismantling team is going to the battlefield to dismantle a natural gas plant, and we plan to take you there to see it. I’m going to report this to my superiors,” Li Muzhi replied. “Tell me the names of these students first.”

"Teacher, can't you just agree to let us go?" Liu Fuxing was eager to try and couldn't wait to go.

“If you were just ordinary workers, I could make the decision directly. But you are all outstanding talents, so you still need organizational approval,” Li Muzhi said solemnly.

“Okay, teacher.” Liu Fuxing nodded and then told Li Muzhi the names of the group.

"You continue improving the machine here, I'm leaving." Li Muzhi noted down the names of these people.

"is teacher."

Li Muzhi returned to his office and was about to pick up the phone to tell Minister Zhang about sending a few students to the battlefield with the dismantling team when, unexpectedly, Comrade Zhang arrived uninvited.

Upon meeting, Zhang Wanhe eagerly asked, "Xiao Li, how's the modification of your gas mask equipment going?"

"The students are working hard to revise it. I just went to check on it, and the progress is going smoothly and the efficiency is acceptable," Li Muzhi replied.

"So how long do you expect it to take to get the gas masks ready?" Zhang Wanhe asked impatiently.

"If nothing unexpected happens, it will take at least ten days," Li Muzhi replied. He understood why Zhang Wanhe was in such a hurry; it must be because the Japanese had used poison gas again on the front lines.

Li Muzhi also wanted to immediately supply the troops with gas masks.

No way.

Improving the equipment will take a lot of time; there's no way to take shortcuts, we have to proceed step by step.

"Sigh." Zhang Wanhe sighed, then cursed fiercely, "Those damned Japanese devils, it's one thing for them to eat their own people without humanity, but they also used poison gas on our troops. Without protective equipment against poison gas, many soldiers have gone blind. Those damned Japanese devils, they are so hateful."

"Minister Zhang, you've come at the right time. There's something I was just about to report to you," Li Muzhi said, changing the subject.

The Japanese poison gas bombs blinded many soldiers, and Li Muzhi was furious and heartbroken when he heard this.

But anger and heartache won't change anything, and they can easily distract you and affect your normal work.

"What is it?" Zhang Wanhe asked.

"Didn't Commander Chen of the 386th Brigade discover a Japanese natural gas plant? I also taught the dismantling team how to dismantle the equipment of the natural gas plant. They said that a few students are interested in dismantling, so I mentioned it to you. I wonder if these students could..." Li Muzhi didn't finish his sentence.

Zhang Wanhe, who was in a bad mood, shook his head and refused: "What are you going to? That's a battlefield, it's so dangerous, I don't agree."

These students are all precious treasures. With the situation outside so chaotic, if something happens to them, there will be no place to regret it.

Seeing that Zhang Wanhe's decision was clearly influenced by emotions, Li Muzhi said, "Minister Zhang, these students, once trained, will still need to join the dismantling team and go to the battlefield. Flowers can't be nurtured in a greenhouse forever; they need to experience wind and rain to thrive. Letting them see things in advance is something I think we can consider. Minister Zhang, why don't you submit my suggestion to the headquarters leaders? Or, if you don't have time, I'll report to the headquarters leaders separately. After all, the headquarters leaders' considerations are the most comprehensive, don't you think?"

"Well then, I'll report this to the headquarters leaders." Zhang Wanhe realized he was getting a little emotional and softened his tone.

He cursed inwardly, "These damned Japanese devils deserve to be torn to pieces! Once Xiao Li makes gas masks, your poison gas will lose its effect, and then I'll send you to hell!"
"Alright then." Seeing that Zhang Wanhe's mood had improved, Li Muzhi nodded and then asked, "Minister Zhang, you didn't come here to inquire about the progress of the gas masks, did you?"

“No.” Zhang Wanhe’s emotions quickly rose, and he immediately said, “Takahashi Konosuke wasn’t very cooperative, so I took your advice and had people take flashbangs to test him every day. Now, this bastard finally couldn’t take it anymore and is about to confess.”

"Takahashi Konosuke is going to confess, that's a good thing." Li Muzhi was also taken aback.

On that day, Konosuke Takahashi's attitude was very tough, clearly indicating that he had received professional training.

If I hadn't cleverly used the Emperor to anger him, I definitely wouldn't have been able to obtain the crucial information about Secret Site No. 9.

Now, they're testing him every day with flashbangs. If he's willing to reveal important information about Secret Site No. 9, then the intelligence department can save a lot of time and energy.

“So, I’ve come to ask you to come over,” Zhang Wanhe said. “There are some crucial things that Takahashi Konosuke has in his mouth that are related to military materials. I’m afraid only you can understand them.”

“Alright, then I’ll go with Minister Zhang to take a look.” Li Muzhi nodded.

(End of this chapter)