The Wind Rises in 1898: Becoming a Warlord Starting in Southeast Asia

Chapter 117 Betrayal and Night Raid

In the afternoon, the gunfire from the upper reaches of the Marikina River intensified, with roars and explosions mingling and soaring into the sky.

Under Luna's orders, the independence army went all out, smashing through the riverbank defenses and storming into the Kalamba camp over corpses, while also completely surrounding the Manila Water Tower fortress.

But this fortress built of massive stones is nothing short of an impenetrable lump of iron.

Despite the exhaustion of the Independent Army's attacks from all sides, it still stood tall, its cannons coldly pointed at the main road that was the only way through.

Bypass?

That's just asking for death!

The range of the fortress's artillery could turn the entire road into scorched earth, making it impossible to transport siege supplies; even if infantry were to gather together, they would be sitting ducks.

"The northern independent army has suffered heavy casualties."

Chen Feng stood on the hill, his shoulders and thighs wrapped in thick gauze, the bloodstains soaking through most of it, yet he still stood tall and took a sip of water from the kettle.

His gaze swept over the smoke of the upstream battlefield, and he said in a deep voice, "They have lost at least two thousand men since this morning, and that's with the help of five 120mm howitzers."

Originally, a regiment of Spanish colonial troops had left the city, clearly heading towards the San Juan del Monte defense line. However, the upstream defense line was torn to pieces, and the reinforcements had to turn back halfway to support the Caramba camp.

This has relieved a significant amount of pressure on the Chinese Free Army.

The setting sun dyed the sky blood-red. Connor came in a small boat, cutting through the waves. As soon as he stepped onto the riverbank, he frowned, choked by the blood and the mountains of Spanish colonial soldiers' corpses. He rushed to Chen Feng, lowered his voice, and said solemnly, "I'm afraid your blood today will have been shed in vain."

Chen Feng had anticipated this, and his face remained calm as he simply asked, "Are you going to stop the attack?"

"The losses are too great; we can't hold on any longer."

Connor sighed and reported a set of alarming figures: "As of an hour ago, the Southern Independence Army suffered 3,000 casualties, the American Army lost nearly 1,000, the Northern Independence Army lost 2,000, and you have almost lost 1,000 men as well. Tonight, General Merritt will hold a war council and will most likely abandon the offensive and adopt our Navy's suggestion to instead besiege and persuade the enemy to surrender."

Chen Feng sneered inwardly: Even if the offensive doesn't stop, tomorrow the various armies will definitely not fight with all their might like they did today. After all, there have already been enough casualties, and no one wants to be cannon fodder again.

"But you don't need to be too discouraged."

Connor then changed the subject, saying, "Generals Dewey and Merritt have witnessed the fierce fighting of the Chinese Free Army and will provide you with appropriate compensation."

compensate?

Chen Feng almost burst out laughing.

This is hardly compensation; it's clearly the US military leadership recognizing the strength of the independence army and valuing the fighting power of the Chinese armed forces under their command. They want to use some benefits to keep the two sides in check.

He turned and pointed to the corpses still lying on the riverbank, their young faces starkly contrasting in the setting sun. His tone turned colder: "General Dewey and General Merritt, what compensation do you intend to offer?"

"First, the bicycles you delivered the day before yesterday are receiving high praise on the battlefield today. The army has decided to increase the purchase volume by another 5,000 bicycles."

Connor stated clearly, "Secondly, I promise to allocate a piece of land to you after the war as an autonomous region for the Chinese."

autonomous region?

A glint of light flashed in Chen Feng's eyes. These conditions were much more substantial than those empty promises of parliamentary seats!

Today's hard work was worthwhile; the brothers' sacrifices were not in vain!

Only with territory can Chinese people truly gain a foothold.

"Which piece of land?" Chen Feng pressed.

"It's not confirmed yet."

Connor shrugged. "It's not just your territory; the postwar status of the entire Philippines depends on the approval of the bigwigs in Washington."

Let's seize enough territory first and establish a fait accompli!

A thought flashed through Chen Feng's mind, and he said coldly, "You own 40% of the bicycle factory. This purchase order is beneficial to both of us, and it's not a benefit specifically for me. As for the autonomous region, don't talk about any promises. From now on, it will be based on the territory I actually conquer."

Connor suddenly chuckled, a sly glint in his eyes: "I do have a stake in the bicycle factory, but you're not being fair!"

Last time you lied to me, saying the Japanese might have stolen the gold. But I have accurate intelligence now; the gold is already in your hands, isn't it?"

"Who told you that?"

Chen Feng was startled, but his face remained expressionless.

"You don't need to know who I heard it from."

Connor waved his hand, a hint of amusement in his voice, "Tell me, isn't that right? Otherwise, where would you get so much money to pay military salaries and organize large-scale immigration?"

"What do you want?"

Chen Feng dropped his pretense, his tone hardening as he directly retorted with a question.

Seeing this, Connor's tone softened, carrying a roguish smile: "Now that the gold is in your hands, you've lied to me, clearly not considering me a friend. No, you have to compensate me."

How greedy!

As expected, I'm going to be taken advantage of!

Chen Feng cursed inwardly.

He deliberately feigned a troubled expression, his brow furrowed, and remained silent for a long while before speaking as if he had made a great decision: "I own a fleet of ships; I'll give you 20% of the shares. That should be enough to soothe your wounded heart, shouldn't it?"

Chen Feng had long anticipated that Connor would find out about the gold, and this shareholding was prepared in advance.

After the war, the Americans would inevitably take control of shipping in the Philippines, especially the transport of Chinese immigrants.

Connor played a significant role in the war, and a promotion after the war was a certainty.

If he takes a share of the fleet, he'll be obligated to help him cover up immigration shipments in the future.

As for the possibility of losing money to transport immigrants?

Chen Feng didn't care at all.

The bicycle factory has received another 5000 orders, which is a huge profit. This loss is completely manageable!

Upon hearing this, Connor's eyes lit up instantly. A 20% stake in the fleet was far more profitable than simply taking a share of gold; the profits from shipping in the future would be immeasurable.

He immediately dropped his playful expression, patted Chen Feng on the shoulder, and said, "That's a good friend! With that attitude, I, Connor, will never hesitate to help you if you ever need anything!"

Chen Feng twitched the corners of his mouth and nodded slightly.

It's all about mutual exploitation; nobody's a fool.

At this moment, in the headquarters of the Chinese Free Army, the afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows on the ground through the windows of the stone houses.

Zhang Xiuwu sat behind the wooden table in his office, gazing at the sunset outside the window, his eyes filled with longing.

Chen Feng led his brothers in a bloody charge on the front lines, finding joy and vengeance amidst the gunfire and artillery fire.

However, because he was deeply trusted, he was left behind to guard the main camp, burying himself in trivial matters such as food supplies, military equipment, and the wounded women and children day after day.

He wasn't complaining; it was just that the burning blood in his chest always seemed to urge him on in the dead of night.

He also longed to ride a horse, take up a gun, and fight alongside his brothers, rather than forever staying in the rear as a safe and secure steward.

However, this longing was soon replaced by a strong sense of responsibility.

Zhang Xiuwu knew very well that the headquarters was the root of the Chinese Free Army.

This place houses the military equipment, provisions, and gold that support the operation of the troops, and also shelters nearly a thousand unarmed women, children, and the elderly.

Chen Feng entrusted him with this heavy responsibility, which was not only a sign of trust but also a matter of entrustment.

He absolutely cannot make the slightest mistake.

Suddenly, the wooden door of the stone house was pushed open, and Qian Biao strode in, followed by Marilyn. Both of them looked anxious.

"Battalion Commander Zhang, something terrible has happened!"

Qian Biao's voice was loud and clear, tinged with urgency. "According to reliable intelligence, Brigadier General Bardomello of the Independent Army is personally leading two thousand troops, heading straight for our headquarters! He even boasted that he would raze the Free Army to the ground, leaving no one alive!"

"Bardomello?"

Zhang Xiuwu raised an eyebrow, and information about this Independent Army brigadier general flashed through his mind.

It is said that this man, relying on his superior numbers, became increasingly reckless after a few successful battles. He always looked down on Chinese armed forces, never sent scouts to explore the way during his marches, and relied entirely on human wave attacks to conquer cities.

A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes at first, then his gaze was enveloped in a heavy solemnity.

Two thousand enemy troops, while the main camp only had a few hundred soldiers capable of fighting, the rest were all new recruits, the disparity in strength was more than four times!

But the next second, the solemnity suddenly faded away, replaced by a burning fighting spirit that had been suppressed for too long, even faintly revealing a hint of confidence and sharpness.

A brute?

it is good!

This is a victory that came to us by chance!

Chen Feng believed in him, and the brothers placed their hopes in him.

This time, he not only wants to defend his base, but also wants to make that arrogant Baldomero pay a bloody price!

"Messenger!"

Zhang Xiuwu suddenly opened his mouth, showing no sign of panic.

"Immediately notify Company Commander Chu Xiongxing at Guiyantan, instructing him to take Peter and all the factory workers and hide deep in the rainforest. Do not show yourselves without my orders!"

"Send a message to the immigrant villages to the north, telling the villagers to take their belongings and hide in the mountains immediately. They are not to come out until the enemy retreats!"

"Finally, issue an order to the entire battalion! Everyone must immediately enter combat readiness, guard all watchtowers and trenches, and load your guns!"

Tell the brothers that General Chen trusts us and has entrusted us with the headquarters. Even if we fight to the last man, we must not let the Independent Army set foot in here!

The series of orders were issued swiftly and decisively, and Zhang Xiuwu immediately began to check his guns and ammunition.

Marilyn stepped forward, her eyes resolute, and said, "Battalion Commander Zhang, give me a gun. I want to help kill the enemy!"

Upon hearing this, Qian Biao subconsciously frowned.

Chen Feng had specifically ordered that she was not allowed to possess weapons.

But Zhang Xiuwu nodded without hesitation.

He remembered that it was only by joining forces with Marilyn in the church basement that they barely managed to hold off the Japanese attack.

With 2,000 Independent Army troops pressing in, the main camp's forces were already weak. Every additional person would increase the fighting strength, not to mention that Marilyn's marksmanship was not bad.

"Okay! Qian Biao, go to the armory and get her a gun."

Zhang Xiuwu gave the order, then turned to Qian Biao, his tone becoming serious, "Don't just stand there either. Immediately take Wang Muning, Young Master Zheng, the children from the school, and the female workers from the garment workshop in the back, and evacuate them deep into the back mountains. Make sure they are safe!"

"Remember, unless you hear the retreat horn coming from the camp, no matter what happens outside, you are not allowed to come out!"

Although Qian Biao felt it was somewhat inappropriate to let Marilyn carry a gun, the military situation was urgent, and he didn't have time to think about it further. He immediately nodded and said, "I'll take care of it right away!"

Immediately afterwards, Zhang Xiuwu strode to the wall, spread out the defense map of the main camp, pointed to several key locations, and said to the subordinates who rushed over: "The watchtowers of our main camp are all built against the mountain, and the trenches are connected to the bunkers, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack."

The independence army has rushed here, they certainly haven't brought heavy artillery! If we use the complex terrain to hold them off, we can wear them down."

At this moment, the urgent assembly call sounded outside the camp, and the soldiers, carrying rifles, ran quickly along the trenches.

The machine gunner on the watchtower was already in position, his guns steadily aimed at the only road leading out of the camp.

An hour later, at the end of the mountain road, amidst swirling dust, Baldomerro rode a tall horse.

He squinted at the Free Army camp, saw the sparse figures on the watchtowers and the low trenches, then suddenly drew his command sword from his waist, pointed at the camp and grinned maliciously: "A bunch of cowards hiding in their lairs!"

The enemy only had four or five hundred soldiers; the rest were new recruits who had barely handled a gun in a few days!

We can't give the enemy time to react, we just need to charge in!

Rinse it for me!

Raze the camp to the ground, leave no one alive!

"Your wealth and women are at your disposal!"

These words instantly ignited the greed of the Independent Army soldiers. They raised their guns and charged wildly along the narrow mountain path like a pack of out-of-control wild beasts, shouting chaotic roars. The ranks were crowded together without any order, completely exposed to the open field of fire.

"idiot!"

Zhang Xiuwu, lying prone behind a trench at the eastern pass, put down his binoculars and coldly ordered, "No firing yet! Wait until the enemy is within 100 meters before opening fire! Machine gunners, aim at the densest areas of the crowd; riflemen, call out the officers and flag bearers!"

The soldiers responded in unison, their fingers gripping the triggers tightly, their eyes fixed on the approaching enemy.

The soldiers of the Independent Army charged closer and closer, the stones under their feet crunching loudly, the chaotic shouts of battle growing clearer, and you could even see the greedy and ferocious expressions on their faces.

Three hundred meters, two hundred meters, one hundred and fifty meters —

The distance was rapidly closing, and some new recruits couldn't help but grip their rifles tightly, their arms trembling slightly. Zhang Xiuwu, however, remained as steady as a mountain, silently counting the distance.

"One hundred meters!" the deputy battalion commander beside him whispered, his voice tinged with tension.

Zhang Xiuwu immediately shouted, "Fire!"

No sooner had the words been spoken than the Free Army, which had been waiting in ambush, erupted instantly!

Bullets rained down, instantly disrupting the Independent Army's charging formation.

As the front line fell, the rear line continued to push forward, causing chaos and disarray.

Bardomello, mounted on his horse, watched as his charging soldiers fell in droves, his face turning ashen instantly.

He thought he could charge down the mountain with his numerical advantage, but he didn't expect the Free Army's firepower to be so fierce and their marksmanship to be so accurate!

"Useless! All of you are useless!"

He brandished his sword in a fit of rage and roared at the soldiers, "Keep charging!"

They have limited ammunition and can't hold out for long!

Anyone who retreats again, I will kill him!

Under his coercion, the independence army soldiers had no choice but to grit their teeth and charge forward, only to be met with a dense hail of bullets.

The 100-meter distance had become a death line; every step forward would come at the cost of bloodshed.

The number of corpses on the mountain path kept increasing, and blood flowed down the hillside, forming dark red streams. The pungent smell of blood permeated the air.

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