Bright Sword: I built Italian cannons for Li Yunlong

Zhao Gang moved his finger from the location marked "Huanggubao" on the map to a village not far away.

"According to intelligence, in addition to the fortress itself, there is a small Japanese garrison about eight miles away."

There was a regular garrison of about two hundred Japanese soldiers, roughly a reinforced company, well-equipped.

He paused, then continued, "This group of Japanese soldiers is stationed here for two reasons: firstly, to form a pincer movement with Huanggu Fort, allowing them to support each other."

If Huanggubao is attacked, these two hundred elite troops can rush to its aid within ten minutes and launch a deadly surprise attack on the attacking force from the flank or rear.

Secondly, as a mobile force, this unit can use Huanggubao as a base to control several coal-producing villages within a 20-kilometer radius.

Kong Jie crossed his arms, his brows furrowed: "In other words, if we attack Huanggubao, in addition to its own garrison, we also have to be wary of these two hundred-plus Japanese soldiers stabbing us in the back."

If that's the case, with our current strength, even if we sacrifice the entire regiment, the success rate of taking it by force is extremely low.

Zhao Gang nodded and continued to add the information he knew in a heavy tone.

"Inside intelligence indicates that the critical supplies stockpiled in the fortress will likely be moved out in five days. We only have three or four days at most to prepare and take action."

Li Yunlong remained silent, his eyes narrowed as he stared intently at the map, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table, making soft "tap-tap" sounds.

When he heard Zhao Gang mention the two hundred-plus Japanese soldiers, his expression clearly changed.

He took a deep drag on the nearly burnt-out cigarette in his hand, while repeatedly comparing it to the map with his other hand.

"Old Zhao," Li Yunlong finally spoke, his voice trembling with excitement, "you just said that it's eight li from that Japanese garrison to Huanggu Fort?"

"Yes, I confirmed that myself," Zhao Gang confirmed.

Li Yunlong tapped his finger on the map, his eyes growing brighter and brighter.

"So... as soon as a shot is fired from that garrison point, Huanggu Fort will definitely hear it, right?"

"Of course, it's an area of ​​eight li, and a relatively open area, so there's no problem with the sound of gunfire reaching us," Zhao Gang replied affirmatively.

Although he and Kong Jie couldn't guess what Li Yunlong was up to, their intuition told them that the kid probably had a plan to take down Huanggu Fort.

They exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of expectation on each other's faces.

Li Yunlong suddenly raised his head, a sly and excited look on his face. He stubbed out his cigarette on the table: "If that's the case... then this matter might actually have a chance!"

Kong Jie and Zhao Gang asked almost simultaneously, "Old Li, what plan have you come up with? Tell us quickly!"

Li Yunlong, however, kept everyone in suspense, chuckled, and waved his hand.

"No rush. I need to go to Huanggu Fort and that garrison in person before I can draw any conclusions. I'm not confident with just maps and intelligence."

He looked at Zhao Gang and Kong Jie, his tone becoming decisive: "Old Zhao, you stay in charge of the regiment. Old Kong, pick a few quick-witted veterans to come with me. We need to see for ourselves what this 'Iron Turtle' really looks like!"

Li Yunlong led his reconnaissance team and spent most of the day lying in ambush and observing the area outside Huanggu Fort.

Through the binoculars, he could clearly see that the actual situation here was exactly as Zhao Gang had described.

It was already evening when they returned to the headquarters of the Independent Regiment.

After a full day of on-site investigation and cross-referencing intelligence from various sources, the vague plan in Li Yunlong's mind gradually became clearer.

Zhao Gang was extremely anxious, and when he saw him return, he immediately came over.

"Old Li, how's it going? Have you come up with an idea?" Zhao Gang asked.

Li Yunlong grabbed a large gulp of cold boiled water from the table and wiped his mouth.

A smug, cunning look appeared on his face.

"Hehe, you know what, this trip was really worthwhile."

"Old Li, stop keeping us in suspense," Kong Jie urged. "Everyone's waiting to hear it. Tell us so we can all give it a piece of our minds."

Li Yunlong walked to the map and pointed heavily at Huanggu Fort: "If those two hundred-plus Japanese soldiers are all holed up in Huanggu Fort, then our Independent Regiment really can't crack this tough nut right now."

He then changed the subject.

"However, their commander deliberately separated these two hundred elite soldiers, which gave us an opportunity."

Li Yunlong tapped the map with his fingers, his eyes gleaming.

"These Japanese devils are insatiable and want to use Huanggubao as a base to control an area within a radius of 20 kilometers."

How could the Japanese devils get all the good things in the world?

They only considered that if someone attacked Huanggu Fort, these two hundred-odd Japanese soldiers could stab them in the back. But if we think about it from a different perspective…”

He raised his head and glanced at Zhao Gang and Kong Jie: "What if we don't go after Huanggu Fort, this tough nut to crack, and instead turn around and take over this garrison first?"

Do you think the Japanese soldiers in Huanggu Fort will come out to rescue us?

Kong Jie stroked his chin, thought about it carefully, and still shook his head: "Old Li, I think it's unlikely. Huanggubao is located on the Zhengtai Railway line, its location is too important, and it also stores such important supplies."

Unless the Japanese commander was stupid, his primary task would definitely be to ensure the fortress was completely secure.

If I were him, I would at most send out a small team to scout out the situation.

If we can win, we'll fight; if we can't, we'll retreat and defend our fortresses.

"I think it's unlikely that we can expect them to send out their entire force to rescue this garrison."

"That's right!" Li Yunlong slammed his hand on the table, his smile widening instead of showing disappointment.

"That's exactly what we want him to think. As long as the Japanese commander's primary objective is to hold the fortress, he will never dare to send out his main force!"

Zhao Gang seemed to have grasped something and tentatively asked, "You mean... to wipe out this small force?"

"That's right!" Li Yunlong drew a line on the map with his finger. "With our forces, we can quickly and cleanly wipe them out, far away from the fortress."

Kong Jie and Zhao Gang exchanged a glance, both seeing the confusion in each other's eyes.

Kong Jie asked directly, "Old Li, what's the use of wiping out this small group of Japanese soldiers?"

Even if we eat it, the main body of Huanggu Fortress is still there, and its defenses haven't weakened at all. We still can't break in!

"Hehe." Li Yunlong laughed smugly.

"Who said we were going to attack directly from the front? Have you noticed that the Huanggu Fortress, although formidable, isn't truly without any blind spots?"

After Li Yunlong finished speaking, he had someone open a hand-drawn simplified layout map of Huanggubao.