Even if I'm a useless bum at Whampoa Military Academy, I'll be invincible in the War of Re

As soon as Sun Yuanlang casually said, "Commander Zhao is a senior from the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy, so why don't you give your opinion first?" the entire 88th Division's operations room instantly fell silent.

All eyes immediately turned to Zhao Yunwen in the corner.

The atmosphere instantly became subtle and awkward.

What place is this?

The headquarters of the 88th Division, the main force of the Ninth Army Group and the elite of the National Revolutionary Army.

Leaving aside the two lieutenant generals, Division Commander Sun Yuanlang and Deputy Division Commander Feng Shengfa, every brigade and regimental officer present is a seasoned veteran with considerable military power.

Chief of Staff Zhang Boting was a graduate of the Japanese Army Academy and the Special Class of the Army University. In terms of military skills and staff experience, few in the entire army could match him.

In terms of military rank, Zhao Yunwen was only a colonel.

In terms of official rank, he was merely the commander of the Second Security Regiment of Jiangsu Province.

In terms of troops, the security regiment is not even a regular army. It is poorly equipped, has a mixed personnel, and is poorly trained. On weekdays, it is only used to maintain local security and catch stray bandits. If it were to be deployed to the battlefield, let alone compare with a German-equipped division like the 88th Division, it could easily crush even an ordinary local brigade.

At this crucial meeting that would determine how to deliver the first blow in the Battle of Shanghai, it would be an extraordinary honor to even have a security regiment commander like him offered suggestions, let alone sit in this room.

Sun Yuanlang's move, ostensibly a gesture of praise, was actually a trap, an act of humiliation, designed to put Zhao Yunwen in a very difficult position.

Several different gazes were cast around them: some were watching the spectacle, some were gloating, and some were indifferent bystanders.

Deputy Division Commander Feng Shengfa sat to the side, a faint smile playing on his lips. He neither spoke nor stopped him, clearly wanting to see what kind of joke this notorious "good-for-nothing" from the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy could come up with.

If it were the Zhao Yunwen of the past, he would have been completely flustered, his face flushed, stammering for a long time without being able to utter a complete sentence, and in the end, he could only sit down awkwardly, becoming the laughing stock of the entire room.

But today is different.

Despite the stares of everyone in the room, Zhao Yunwen stood ramrod straight, his face showing no sign of unease or fear.

He slowly stood up. His military uniform wasn't perfectly crisp, and his figure wasn't particularly imposing, but the moment he stood up, his calm and composed demeanor caused many people to subconsciously hold their breath.

He didn't rush to speak; his gaze first fell on the huge military map of Shanghai and Songhu on the wall.

Hongkou, Yangshupu, Baziqiao, the Japanese Concession, the Marine Corps Headquarters... place names appeared clearly in his eyes, perfectly overlapping with the three-dimensional mini-map in his system that had been upgraded to two stars and covered a range of hundreds of miles.

He knew better than anyone else present where the strongholds were, where the artillery positions were, where the gaps in troop strength were, and where the key transportation routes were.

After a moment of silence, Zhao Yunwen slowly spoke, his voice not loud, but clear, steady, and powerful, penetrating the entire conference room:

"The Japanese Special Landing Force stationed in Shanghai had a total strength of about seven battalions, with a full complement of nearly 5,000 men."

But don't forget, there were tens of thousands of Japanese residents within the concession, many of whom were retired soldiers returning home. With a little armament, they could become a fighting force. In extreme circumstances, the Japanese army could mobilize at least two thousand men temporarily, bringing the total strength to close to seven thousand or even more.

One sentence was enough to make many people's expressions change slightly.

Most of them only counted the regular marines, but overlooked the hidden fighting force of the Japanese civilians.

Zhao Yunwen continued:

"Although our army had the advantage in land forces, roughly speaking, the ratio of enemy to friendly forces was close to five to one. However, the Japanese army had been operating the concession for many years, with strong fortifications, barricades, bunkers, and firing points. They were well-prepared and had air support from warplanes and long-range support from warships and artillery, giving them a great advantage in terms of terrain and firepower."

This battle, a direct confrontation, will be extremely difficult.

He paused, then changed the subject, revealing a chilling sharpness:

"But the Japanese were not invincible; their biggest weakness was that their forces were too scattered."

"The Japanese 7th Battalion was stationed at the headquarters building, but its main force was scattered in more than a dozen strongholds, including Yangshupu, Hongkou, Baziqiao, and Gongda Cotton Mill. They were quite far apart from each other and seemed to be in a defensive position, but in reality, they were very easy to be separated and isolated."

"To win this battle, there is only one key principle—a swift and decisive victory, encirclement and division, and defeating the enemy piecemeal."

"We cannot launch a full-scale offensive, nor can we fight street by street and house by house. We must concentrate our superior forces and first attack isolated, prominent, and easily defensible strongholds."

"These are tough nuts to crack. We'll surround them for now, but not attack. We must hold them firmly in place and prevent them from retreating back to their headquarters and forming a united front."

"First, send small, elite units to quickly infiltrate and cut off the connection between each stronghold and the headquarters, cutting the Japanese army into segments and pieces, so that they cannot support each other from both ends."

"Furthermore, the Japanese naval guns are extremely powerful. If they attack during the day, we will be sitting ducks in the open. We should launch surprise night attacks if possible, surround and contain them during the day, and concentrate our forces at night to eliminate their strongholds one by one, accumulating small victories into a major victory, and gradually chipping away at the enemy's manpower."

The words fell.

The entire operations room was completely silent.

Everyone stared at Zhao Yunwen in disbelief.

Is this still the same Zhao Yunwen from the first class of Huangpu Military Academy, who was taciturn, accomplished nothing, and eventually became the head of the security regiment?

Is this still the same spineless coward who collapsed at the first sign of trouble during the campaign to encircle and suppress the Red Army, was severely reprimanded by the principal, and became a laughing stock among his peers?

The arguments are clear and logical, hitting the nail on the head, the tactics are sound, and the timing is precise.

Every sentence hits the nail on the head, and every point reveals the wisdom of a seasoned veteran.

For a moment, even the sound of breathing became exceptionally clear.

Someone was secretly alarmed:

"This...this actually makes a lot of sense!"

"When did he learn so much?"

"How come I never noticed before?"

Some people instinctively refused to believe it and chuckled softly:

"Impossible, absolutely impossible, he just got lucky."

"Hmph, it's nothing but empty talk and grandstanding, just trying to please the crowd."

Sun Yuanlang's face turned pale and then red, his heart filled with a mixture of disdain and surprise.

He absolutely refused to believe that someone as hopeless as Zhao Yunwen could be helped to succeed.

In his view, Zhao Yunwen had simply heard some rumors beforehand and hastily put together a few polite words to put on an act.

Sun Yuanlang immediately sneered, his tone filled with undisguised contempt:

"Commander Zhao, anyone can talk big. The Japanese army has been operating in the concession for many years, with smooth communication and overlapping firepower between their various strongholds. How can you cut them off or surround them as you please? You are oversimplifying warfare."

Anyone else would have panicked if they were publicly ridiculed by their boss like that.

Zhao Yunwen merely glanced at Sun Yuanlang, a cryptic smile playing on his lips. He offered no argument, no rebuttal, and not even a single extra explanation.

He said these things not to persuade Sun Yuanlang.

He just couldn't bear it.

It was heartbreaking to see the elite 88th Division suffer a bloodbath at the hands of the Japanese naval guns and fortifications due to poor command and crude tactics.

Zhao Yunwen knew better than anyone what kind of reputation Sun Yuanlang would have in the future. But the officers and soldiers of the 88th Division were not deserters or cowards; they were true heroes willing to fight to the death for their country.

One more word of caution could save lives.

Whether or not to listen is Sun Yuanlang's business.

His calm and indifferent attitude was interpreted by Sun Yuanlang as blatant contempt.

Sun Yuanlang's anger intensified, but his face remained impassive as he turned to look at the crowd:

"Does anyone have any further insightful opinions?"

Deputy Division Commander Feng Shengfa pondered for a moment before speaking:

"What Commander Zhao said makes some sense and is tactically feasible. We might as well give it a try."

In the entire 88th Division, only Feng Shengfa dared to speak against Sun Yuanlang's wishes.

He didn't care about factional infighting; as long as it was beneficial to the war effort, he would speak his mind.

A cold glint flashed in Sun Yuanlang's eyes, then he smiled broadly, as if he had suddenly seen the light:

"Since Deputy Division Commander Feng has said so, let's try this strategy."

He changed the subject, his gaze fixing on Zhao Yunwen again, his tone carrying a compelling pressure:

"One should not trouble two masters for one matter. Since this plan came from Brother Yunwen, the important task of being the vanguard should naturally be undertaken by Brother Yunwen himself."

"I order you to lead the security regiment to launch a major attack on Bazhiqiao, open a breach, penetrate deep into the enemy lines, and complete the crucial task of dividing and encircling them."

"Brother Yunwen, do you dare to accept?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Shengfa's expression changed slightly.

What is Bazhiqiao?

The key points of the Japanese defense line were heavily fortified and heavily armed, making them veritable meat grinders.

Sending a security regiment to fight such a tough battle is no different than sending them to their deaths.

Sun Yuanlang's actions were not about employing people, but rather about using someone else to do his dirty work.

Just because of a slight unpleasantness at the meeting, he wanted to make Zhao Yunwen suffer terribly.

Feng Shengfa wanted to speak up again to stop him, but he swallowed his words back.

He and Zhao Yunwen were merely casual acquaintances, and it wasn't worth offending Sun Yuanlang, who held considerable military power, for the sake of a classmate who had long since fallen from grace.

Zhu Youqing, the simple-minded commander of the 262nd Brigade, felt the matter was too absurd and immediately stood up to volunteer for the mission.

"Commander, the Eight-Character Bridge is a matter of great importance. The Security Regiment is too weak to handle this task. My 262nd Brigade should lead the vanguard, while Senior Zhao's Security Regiment can remain in the rear as a reserve, so as not to miss the opportunity!"

Sun Yuanlang ignored Zhu Youqing and stared straight at Zhao Yunwen with a playful smile on his face.

This is an open conspiracy.

If Zhao Yunwen dares to refuse, he will be cowardly and lose face in public, and will be ridiculed and trampled on in the future.

If he dares to accept the order, he'll be courting death, which would be a convenient way to get rid of this person who displeases him.

Either way, it's a dead end.

Everyone assumed that Zhao Yunwen would make up an excuse to refuse.

But the next second, Zhao Yunwen straightened up abruptly, his voice resounding throughout the entire venue:

"Yes, sir! I guarantee the mission will be accomplished!"

The entire room was filled with astonishment.

Feng Shengfa suddenly looked up, staring at him in astonishment, wondering if he had misheard.

Is this still the same Zhao Yunwen who cowers at the first sign of danger and whose legs go weak on the battlefield?

During the fourth encirclement campaign, he commanded an elite regiment of the Central Army, but was so frightened by a few hundred Red Army soldiers that he retreated dozens of miles, causing a sensation throughout the army. If it weren't for the principal's consideration for his fellow townsman, he would have been court-martialed long ago.

It was because of that incident that he became a laughingstock, was sent to the security regiment, wasted many years, and became a disgrace to the first class of Whampoa Military Academy.

Now, he actually dares to take on a death mission like the Eight-Character Bridge?

Sun Yuanlang was also visibly taken aback, clearly not expecting Zhao Yunwen to actually dare to accept.

Since he asked for his own death, he can't blame others for being ruthless.

A cold smile curled at the corner of Sun Yuanlang's lips as he pressed on in a deep voice:

"Commander Zhao, there's no joking in the military. Are you sure you've thought this through?"

Zhao Yunwen's gaze was firm, without the slightest wavering:

"Of course. If there is any error, I am willing to sign a pledge."

"good!"

Sun Yuanlang slammed his hand on the table and said in a feignedly heroic tone:

"You are truly a man of great spirit, worthy of being my senior from the first class of Whampoa Military Academy. There's no need for a pledge; I trust you."

"I'll give you only one request—you must take Bazhiqiao before dawn!"

He then turned to the crowd and gave a stern order:

"The 262nd and 264th Brigades are ready for a full-scale attack. Once the security regiment successfully breaks through the enemy lines, you will immediately follow up, divide and encircle the Japanese strongholds according to plan, and wipe them out one by one!"

"Did you all hear me clearly?!"

"Understood! It's all or nothing!"

All the officers responded with a thunderous roar, their voices shaking the rooftops.

The meeting adjourned, and everyone left one after another.

Feng Shengfa deliberately slowed his pace, walked to Sun Yuanlang's side, and lowered his voice:

"Brother Yuanlang, you and I both know the true nature of the security regiment. They are poorly equipped, their personnel are mixed, and they have almost no ability to attack fortified positions. Entrusting such a crucial mission to them could lead to a complete collapse, disrupting the entire battle plan. We would then have a hard time explaining ourselves to Commander Zhang."

Sun Yuanlang waved his hand casually, looking completely indifferent.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Having said all that, Feng Shengfa couldn't say anything more. He shook his head and turned to leave.

Chief of Staff Zhang Boting stayed until the end, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

Sun Yuanlang was in a great mood and laughed:

"Chief of Staff Zhang, speak frankly. I'm not so unreasonable as to not listen to advice."

Zhang Boting hesitated and said:

"Commander, you know the security regiment's combat capabilities better than I do. If they go to attack Bazhiqiao, they're likely to suffer a major setback. Shouldn't we... prepare a contingency plan in advance, just in case?"

Sun Yuanlang nodded slightly, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes:

"Go and inform Zhu Youqing that once the security regiment is defeated at Bazhiqiao, the 262nd Brigade should immediately take over the battlefield. As for Zhao Yunwen... he missed a crucial opportunity and was cowardly in the face of the enemy. He will be dealt with according to military law."

Zhang Boting breathed a sigh of relief.

He didn't care about Zhao Yunwen's life or death. Infighting and sabotage within the Nationalist Army were commonplace. As long as it didn't interfere with the war against Japan, he didn't care about anything else.

After Zhang Boting left, only Sun Yuanlang remained in the empty operations room.

He walked to the map, stared at the three characters "Bazhiqiao", and a cruel and sinister smile slowly appeared on his face.

"Zhao Yunwen, oh Zhao Yunwen..."

"I'd like to see who gave you the audacity to put on airs in front of me."

"A lousy security regiment, a few hundred rabble, thinks they can take over Bazhiqiao?"

"Just go and die in peace."

"This battlefield of Shanghai is not a place for trash like you."