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

At the headquarters of the Yudong Corps, a constellation of brilliant generals had gathered. The situation had reversed, and everyone's face was beaming with smiles. Hu Shoushan confidently stated:

"The Sakai Detachment heading south was defeated by Brother Yunwen. Kenji Doihara has exhausted all his schemes, but he has no way to escape under the siege of our several armies. It's time to close the net."

Gui Yongqing, Yu Liangzhen and others echoed, saying that Zhao Yunwen had indeed fought well, and that the others were not just for show. As long as the Doihara Division was completely annihilated, all the generals present would be recorded in history.

History only remembers the results; who cares about the process?

Xue Boling was in high spirits. The battle situation was developing in a positive direction, with good news coming in frequently, and victory was just around the corner.

He summoned his generals to unify their thinking and issue the order for a general attack—it was his last hurrah!

"Gentlemen, the Doihara Division has suffered heavy losses and its manpower has been severely depleted. At most, it has more than 10,000 combat personnel left."

Even if every single one of my 180,000 troops from the Yudong Corps took a bite, the Doihara Division would still be doomed.

To rescue the 14th Division, the 16th Division is advancing north at full speed, and several divisions in Qixian County have failed to stop them. At the 16th Division's rate of advance, they will cross the Longhai Railway by detour within a day at the latest. We don't have much time left!

After Xue Boling finished speaking, he looked around and said with a firm gaze:

"I've decided that after nightfall, we will launch a final attack on the 14th Division, annihilating the surrounded enemy and capturing Kenji Doihara alive!"

Everyone stood up in unison and shouted:

"Annihilate the 14th Division and capture Kenji Doihara alive!"

After the meeting, the commanders went back to reorganize their troops and prepare for the attack. With an army of over 100,000 besieging the Doihara Division, they had a force advantage of more than ten times, and everyone was full of confidence.

They considered themselves no less capable than Zhao Yunwen; both were the principal's top students and had a sense of pride.

If Zhao Yunwen can do it, so can I!

Shortly after everyone left, Chief of Staff Wu Yizhi rushed over and reported after getting close:

"Commander-in-Chief, Division Commander Zhao Yunwen is calling!"

"How so?"

Xue Boling asked casually, guessing it was related to the 16th Division of the reinforcements.

"Commander Zhao was worried that Kenji Doihara would not sit idly by and wait for his death, but would take the initiative to go south to seek to return with the 16th Division."

Although several main regiments of the 14th Division suffered heavy losses, in critical moments, the two engineer regiments and the supply regiment could be scattered and used to supplement the infantry regiments.

In other words, Kenji Doihara could still muster three to four infantry regiments, plus the 2nd Heavy Artillery Brigade and a cavalry regiment, making him stronger than a first-class division.

This is a common tactic used by the Japanese. The 14th Division is particularly special, with more than 1.4 reinforced troops. In addition, with its directly subordinate supply regiment, engineer regiment, cavalry regiment, and artillery regiment, Kenji Doihara could easily complete the infantry regiment.

Zhao Yunwen's reminder drew Xue Boling's attention. He couldn't afford to falter at such a crucial moment, so he instructed Wu Yizhi:

"Immediately send a telegram to all units to prevent the Doihara Division from resorting to desperate measures, as our previous assessment of their troop strength was incorrect."

The fighting force is not ten thousand, but twenty thousand! All units must go all out!

No sooner had Xue Boling finished speaking than the communications director rushed over and loudly reported:

"Urgent telegram from the front: The 14th Division has suddenly moved south, splitting into several routes to break through the encirclement. Using heavy artillery to clear the way, the encirclement has been subjected to a powerful attack, with the 27th Army's defense zone bearing the brunt."

Xue Boling quickly lunged at the map, and Wu Yizhi took the telegram and handed it to him. Kenji Doihara really knows how to pick people; it's Gui Yongqing again. This kid has a history of such behavior.

Xue Boling quickly made a decision:

"Immediately telegraph Gui Yongqing, ordering him to stop the Japanese from breaking through to the southwest at all costs. If he dares to abandon the position again, all old and new scores will be settled together."

Military law is merciless; don't force me to kill!

Wu Yizhi had never seen Xue Boling issue such a strict military order before. He was truly terrified of being tricked by these people who dared to act recklessly.

"Commander-in-Chief, Commander Gui is also worried about retribution later, so he probably won't dare to defy public opinion this time, otherwise Commander Chang won't let him off the hook!"

薛伯陵依然不放心，又下令原来守杞县的74军58师增援，64军其他几个师牵制16师团、混成13旅团。

Xue Boling launched a full-scale operation to close in on the enemy as planned. The 14th Division not only broke through to the southwest but also agreed with the 16th Division to launch a pincer attack on Lanfeng City.

Southwest of Lanfeng City, the 38th Vanguard Infantry Regiment of the 16th Division was the first to arrive. This regiment, which had been decimated by Zhao Yunwen in Tangshan, was now full of vigor again.

It must be said that the Japanese army's ability to regenerate its forces was truly remarkable. The 16th Division suffered more than 60% casualties in the Battle of Nanjing, and its combat troops were almost wiped out, but it recovered its fighting strength in less than half a year.

This was thanks to Japan's well-established reserve system. After capturing Guide City, the 16th Division successively captured Sui County and Qi County, replacing the 3rd Mixed Brigade in defeating the 64th Army. They then detoured and appeared southwest of Lanfeng City.

The 38th Regiment Commander immediately ordered the shelling of Lanfeng City. The main force of the 107th Division hid in the mountains on the flank. Zhao Yunwen did not rush to take action. More Japanese troops were coming. He wanted to use Lanfeng City to wear down the Japanese troops' morale first.

The 16th Division, having won consecutive victories, had become somewhat arrogant. They had defeated five divisions in Qixian County, and naturally did not take the only division around Lanfeng seriously.

The 647th Regiment also built a group of earthen fortifications on the southwestern outskirts of the city, with Mengjiaji serving as a defensive stronghold and bearing the brunt of the attack.

Colonel Seiji Sukegawa did not take Mengjiaji seriously; it was just a small town. He casually launched an infantry attack after firing a few rounds of artillery shells.

The First Battalion, consisting of several hundred Japanese soldiers, spread out in a fan shape and attacked the defending army's defensive line from the left, center, and right. Their skirmish lines were well-organized, and their troop deployment was orderly and disciplined.

Second Battalion Commander Li Musheng lowered his binoculars and snorted coldly:

"How arrogant! They never learn their lesson!"

The deputy battalion commander leaned over and said:

"The Japanese have probably long forgotten the lesson of Nanjing. It's time to expose their true colors. Shall we open fire?"

Li Musheng shook his head and said with a disdainful expression:

"There are only three or five hundred Japanese soldiers. It's not worth exposing the artillery. Let them get close and wipe them out with machine guns."

This wasn't because Li Musheng was arrogant, but rather because he didn't want to reveal all his assets too early; a few hundred Japanese soldiers couldn't afford such a thing.

When the Japanese skirmishers advanced to within 300 meters, the silent position was suddenly detonated. More than a dozen Browning medium machine guns spat out long tongues of fire, and wherever the bullets swept through, Japanese soldiers fell in droves. Li Musheng exclaimed in admiration:

"Good, let's fight like this!"

Three hundred meters is the optimal firing range for the Browning medium machine gun. With the support of the 60mm mortar, the Japanese suffered heavy casualties, which made Sugawa Seiji feel a chill.

This firepower configuration and tactical approach seem familiar. After taking a deep breath, he muttered to himself:

"So it's you guys. What a small world."

"Order heavy fire support, but be wary of artillery fire; the Chinese are cunning!"

The senior staff officer was new and unfamiliar with the situation, and said in bewilderment:

"Is the 107th Division really that strong? Is it comparable to the 58th Division of the 74th Army in Qixian County?"

Colonel Sukegawa was also concerned about his reputation, so he didn't offer much explanation. He hadn't taken it to heart at first either; the so-called Tiger Division label was just for self-aggrandizement.

Only after exchanging fire did they realize that it was an old acquaintance.

The arrow is on the bowstring and must be released; it's time to reclaim the glory of the 16th Division!

"Fire! Blow them up!"

"Commander, this will injure our charging warriors; it's not worth it!"

"The warriors are all loyal to His Majesty. Taking Mengjiaji is the top priority. Do I need to give a second order?"

The senior staff officer sensed the dissatisfaction in Sukekawa Shizuji's tone and dared not say another word. He slung his sword over his shoulder and strode away.

Before long, the Japanese regimental artillery and rapid-fire guns bombarded the defending troops' positions, with shells occasionally landing in their own lines and taking down a few unlucky soldiers.

The Japanese devils went berserk and started indiscriminate artillery fire. Li Musheng ordered the artillery to open fire without hesitation. The Second Battalion also had six cannons and would not just stand there and take the hits.

Colonel Sukekawa cursed through gritted teeth:

"You bastard, you're still a tough opponent! Fire! Thrust!"