Anti-Japanese War: Li Yunlong dared to attack Taiyuan

"Yoshi, you guys did a great job!"

After hearing that everything was normal, the smile on Amakasu Shigetaro's face widened. After a moment of thought, he said, "Send a telegram to the 26th Division to report the situation in Datong to them and tell them that everything is normal in Datong!"

"Hayi!"

"By the way, continue to send aircraft to support Datong and ensure its safety!"

"Hayi!"

At this time in Taiyuan City, when the commander of the 26th Division, Kuroda Shigenori, received the information that Datong was attacked, he immediately panicked.

After receiving the order from Prince Higashikuni Naruhiko, he immediately led a large army south to support Taiyuan without reporting to the Mengjiang Garrison Command.

If something happens to Datong now, he will definitely be blamed.

Therefore, they have been paying close attention to the situation in Datong and have sent an infantry regiment back to Datong. However, since there are no trains available at Taiyuan Railway Station, they can only take a car to Datong.

After seeing the telegram sent by the Mengjiang Garrison Command, I breathed a sigh of relief, as long as Datong was safe.

Chapter 208 Ask the Mountain City about the credit

Just as Li Yunlong was directing his troops on the platform on how to welcome the incoming 40,000 Kuomintang prisoners of war and the Japanese escort team.

"Old Li, a telegram from headquarters: The Battle of Zhongtiao Mountain is over. Just as you expected, the Nationalist army suffered a crushing defeat!"

Xing Zhiguo hurried to Li Yunlong with a telegram in his hand and handed it to him.

Although he had known the results of the battle for a long time and had repeatedly mentioned it to strengthen his mental preparation, Li Yunlong could not control his emotions after seeing the battle report sent from the headquarters.

"Grass!"

Li Yunlong couldn't help but curse. Of the 200,000-strong army, more than 40,000 were killed in battle and more than 40,000 were captured, which was a major loss. The Japanese only suffered 3,000 casualties, and the Japanese even claimed that only 600 people died.

The negative impact of this defeat is too great.

If Li Yunlong had to describe the impact of this crushing defeat, it would be almost equivalent to the blow that the release of The Wandering Earth brought to science fiction movies, or even more serious.

Since the Japanese launched a full-scale war in 1937, the country has always been skeptical about whether it can defeat the Japanese. However, battles such as Pingxingguan, Taierzhuang, Changsha, and Sui-Zao proved that the domestic army can defeat the Japanese and win.

This allowed some wavering people to dispel their doubts and continue to fight against Japan.

However, after the establishment of the Wang Puppet Government in 1940, a large number of capitulationists who had originally had an unsteady stance began to surrender to the Japanese invaders, causing the anti-Japanese enthusiasm across the country to fall into a trough, because everyone could not see any hope at all, most of the country's territory was lost, the second-in-command of the National Army surrendered, and news of defeat was everywhere. Many Chinese people had become numb.

However, at the end of 1940, Li Yunlong captured a Japanese major general, killed another major general, and captured the commander of the Japanese First Army, which boosted the confidence of the Chinese people. In March 41, he recovered Ping'an County, which stopped the decline in anti-Japanese enthusiasm and gave many people some hope.

At the same time, some capable generals within the National Army were also actively trying to save the nation. General Xue took the lead and General Luo commanded a beautiful annihilation battle in Shanggao, killing more than 10,000 Japanese soldiers. This put everyone's hearts at ease and slightly reversed the decline.

However, the situation improved slightly, but the National Army suffered a huge setback. If the defeat in Henan, Hunan and Guangxi caused its international status to plummet, after the Battle of Zhongtiao Mountain, the domestic anti-Japanese sentiment also plummeted instantly.

"Commander, the battle of Zhongtiao Mountain is over, and most of the First Army's forces have been released. If they knew we were in Datong..."

Before Old Xing finished speaking, Li Yunlong understood what he meant. Old Xing was worried that the independent column would be discovered by the Japanese in Datong, and the Japanese, who had just won a victory, would immediately turn around and attack Datong.

"Don't worry. The Japanese just finished fighting, and the battlefield hasn't been cleaned up yet. The National Army is really generous with the weapons and equipment for 200,000 men. Besides, the Japanese also need to rest, so they can't mobilize another 100,000 troops north in a short time."

The Battle of Zhongtiao Mountain also had a very bad impact, which was the weapons and equipment seized by the Japanese. Because Zhongtiao Mountain is backed by the Yellow River, after the defeat, a large number of Kuomintang troops wanted to cross the river and would abandon their baggage.

Some of these abandoned supplies were destroyed, but more fell into the hands of the Japanese. Even some divisions formed by the Japanese in 1944 used weapons and equipment captured in the Battle of Zhongtiao Mountain.

"Besides, the Japanese wouldn't dare to send just one regiment to encircle and suppress us now. They'd have to mobilize at least a division!"

Li Yunlong narrowed his eyes and said, "Besides, one division may not be enough for us. If the Japanese didn't have air superiority, if the Japanese division dared to come, I would fight them head-on!"

Xing Zhiguo also believed that the independent column could fight against a Japanese division. However, there was no solid base around Datong, the independent column was unfamiliar with the terrain, and there were tens of thousands of miners who needed to be relocated. He said with some concern, "Commander, we have intelligence that the Japanese reinforcements from Zhangjiakou are heading south by train. A brigade of troops..."

"Inform Shen Quan. Didn't he get some wooden rails from the Japanese trains earlier? Have him take these rails and destroy the railway from Zhangjiakou to Datong immediately. We only need one night. Rescue these Nationalist prisoners tonight, and then we'll retreat!"

Li Yunlong looked at the time. Now the independent column was racing against time with the Japanese.

We must escape from the Japanese encirclement before they discover that Datong is lost.

"How are the arrangements with the miners going?"

It was unrealistic for Li Yunlong to take all 60,000 miners away, so he gave them the opportunity to choose.

"Almost everything has been arranged. There are more than 20,000 people from the Chahar region. Some of them live nearby, not too far away. They have decided to go home. The farthest home is in Baotou, and they are also preparing to go home. There are almost 20,000 people there."

Li Yunlong nodded and said, "That's fine. Prepare some food for them and give each of them three dollars for travel expenses. Tell them that the Japanese will come back, and it would be best if they could take their families and head west, as we are short of people in the rear."

"There are still 40,000 people willing to follow us to fight the Japanese. Political Commissar Zhao and Captain Li Youfu have discussed it. The miners' guerrillas will take 5,000 of them and bring them back to their base. We will then leave one detachment behind and form a Wutaishan detachment based in Wutaishan to develop the anti-Japanese forces in the Chahar region."

"Finally, there is a group of people with relatively good physical fitness who can walk back to our base. They have already begun to retreat towards the base along Wutai Mountain under the leadership of the Third Detachment. There are about 20,000 of them."

"Well, let's buy them some time. The Japanese will find out that Datong has been occupied by tomorrow at the latest. We still have some time to prepare our weapons and equipment. When the Kuomintang prisoners arrive, those who are willing to follow us will be given weapons and equipment immediately and prepare to retreat!"

"Yes!"

Li Yunlong has already sent back three trainloads of important equipment and things that the base urgently needs. What remains in Datong are some weapons, ammunition and food.

After the 40,000 Kuomintang prisoners of war arrived, there was not much food left to share. As for weapons and ammunition, all the heavy weapons were transported away by trucks, leaving only some rifles and bullets, which were just enough to arm about 8,000 people.

"Oh, Old Xing, send a telegram to headquarters. For now, don't publicize the news that Datong was captured by our army. When I return, I'll ask the Shancheng people if they need a victory to save face. If they do, they can be given the credit for Datong, but they have to show some sincerity in exchange."

Xing Zhiguo didn't understand what Li Yunlong meant for a moment.

Li Yunlong pointed to the ground beneath his feet and said, "We are in Datong. When the Kuomintang prisoners arrive, we can have them stand in front of Datong City with their weapons and then hang the Blue Sky, White Sun flag. What do you think?"

Xing Zhiguo was stunned for a moment after hearing this, and still didn't react, "Commander, isn't this our victory?"

"It's enough for us to know about it. We will definitely receive internal commendations. However, the defeat at Zhongtiao Mountain was too tragic. It might shake the confidence of the Chinese people in resisting Japan. This is too fatal."

"So I thought we should take a small loss. Shancheng needs a big victory right now, and we can also take the opportunity to get some benefits. What do you say about asking for another army? And it must be fully equipped with military pay and weapons and equipment, and then some anti-aircraft weapons. The Japanese planes are so annoying."

"Shouldn't you give it to me?"

"That's not up to those people in Shancheng. It's a seller's market right now. They don't want us to promote it ourselves. Let's see who's more anxious then."

"By the way, tell headquarters that if it's feasible, we should also ask our Commander Yan if he's interested in this achievement. We'll sell this incredible achievement to whoever offers the highest price."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Today I have updated four chapters with more than 9,000 words. I have started book testing and have sent out five book titles. After the book testing is over, I will gradually resume updating with 10,000 words. I beg for five-star reviews and free small gifts. Thank you all, my dear Yanzu and the gods.

Chapter 209 Prisoners of War Arrive at Datong

Eighth Route Army Headquarters.

The commander held Li Yunlong's telegram with a strange look on his face.

The Chief of General Staff saw this and asked curiously, "What did Li Yunlong say again? He's not planning to stay in Datong, is he?"

The commander laughed when he heard this and said, "That's not the case. Li Yunlong has a broad perspective. Our troops are not suited to occupying large cities right now. The Japanese will definitely not let go of a resource-rich city like Datong. Take a look at the telegram first."

The Chief of General Staff took the telegram and looked at it. His expression became strange. After thinking for a while, he said, "This is a violation of the rules. What do you think, old friend?"

The commander smiled bitterly and said, "If it were in the past, I would definitely scold Li Yunlong for making trouble, but after looking at the reasons he wrote, I think we can give it a try. As long as it does not violate the principles, it's fine. Regulations are dead, but people are alive. The impact of the Zhongtiaoshan Battle was indeed somewhat bad, alas..."

The Chief of General Staff sighed and said, "Li Yunlong killed Shinozuka Kazuo, recaptured Ping'an County, annihilated the Japanese 13th Regiment, and then fought the Shanggao Campaign. He finally built up some confidence, but in the end, he lost it all in one defeat!"

"I really don't want to give those guys an advantage."

The Chief of General Staff immediately laughed and said, "Considering the overall situation, we can reduce some of the impact. After all, capturing a key city like Datong can still boost morale. And anyone with a discerning eye knows who deserves the credit. They don't even have a single troop in Chahar."

"Then we must notify Li Yunlong as soon as possible and ask him to come back as soon as possible. There are still a lot of things to do at the base. We don't know what to do with all that equipment. When Li Yunlong comes back, we must do as he said and add an army organization, as well as weapons and ammunition. Oh, and we also need to make up for the military pay and weapons and ammunition that have not been provided to us since last year!"

"What about Yan Laoxi?"

"He's also a local tycoon. Just as Li Yunlong said, whoever gives more will get the nominal credit. The highest bidder wins. This Li Yunlong really learned everything from wherever he went. I never realized that Li Yunlong was good at business before. Now I suspect that this guy fled to the Dabie Mountains. He is very cunning."

"Okay, I'll go inform Li Yunlong right away and tell him to finish the Datong matter as soon as possible and rush back. If we delay any longer, even the stupid Japs will figure it out."

The Chief of General Staff was a little worried. After all, the Japanese troops had begun to retreat. If Li Yunlong did not return in time, he would most likely be surrounded by the Japanese.

"I'm not worried that Li Yunlong won't be able to come back. He has more than 10,000 soldiers and a large amount of weapons and ammunition. He has no shortage of supplies. The Japanese around Datong don't have the ability to eat Li Yunlong."

The army commander was quite confident in Li Yunlong. The chief of general staff nodded and said, "Well, I'm not worried about Li Yunlong's safety. I'm just worried about the heavy casualties in the army. I'm afraid this guy will suddenly become arrogant and not want to come back to Datong."

"If this kid doesn't dare come back, I'll go and bring him back myself."

At this moment, a signalman came in and said, "A telegram from the mountain city."

"Mountain city?"

The Chief of General Staff took the telegram, glanced at it, and then handed it to the army commander: "They can't sit still over there. The Japanese have already released their battle report, and they have also released their battle report, but there is a big difference in the reports. Take a look."

"This time, we didn't hide the fact of our defeat, but the Japanese casualties were different. The statistics from Shancheng put them at over 13,000. We also killed a Japanese regiment commander and seized a Japanese colonel's sword!"

Hearing this, the Chief of General Staff thought for a moment and said, "We can't believe the numbers given by the devils. Three thousand casualties, only six hundred died. I don't quite agree with this number. No matter how poor the Nationalist army's combat effectiveness is, it can't be this bad. The real number of devil casualties doubled, and the number of enemy killed by the Nationalist army halved. It should be about the same. Both sides are very inflated."

"Over 6,000 casualties?"

"I think it should be about the same. The combat effectiveness of the National Army is not that weak. Several generals also died for their country. It's a pity for these generals who truly fought against the Japanese. They wanted to kill the enemy but were powerless to save the country!"

The Chief of General Staff smiled and said, "It's up to us now. The Japanese should go all out against us next."

"They don't dare to move now because of Li Yunlong. The Japanese don't dare to invade our base with just a squadron or a battalion like they did before. Now without the strength of a brigade, the Japanese definitely won't dare to go deep into our base. Just look at their recent movements and you'll know!"

Li Yunlong's annihilation of the Japanese 13th Regiment and the capture of Ping'an County had a far greater deterrent effect on the Japanese than the actual combat results, especially the complete annihilation of the Japanese 13th Regiment, which proved that the Eighth Route Army had the strength to annihilate an entire regiment of the Japanese.

In the past, the Japanese would launch raids by sending out battalions of troops, along with puppet troops, to attack from all directions. Just like during Li Yunlong's Battle of Cangyunling, the Japanese dispatched more than 20 battalions of troops to raid the base.

Now the Japanese absolutely dare not disperse their troops. Even the regiments must maintain close contact and cannot be too far apart from each other, otherwise there is a risk of being wiped out.

How many troops does the entire Japanese First Army have? Not counting the puppet troops, at most there are three divisions and two mixed brigades, about 100,000 men. Some of these troops are stationed in important cities and regions, leaving only 40,000 to 50,000 men available for deployment. This number cannot be dispersed and must be concentrated.

It is almost impossible to use a battalion of troops to carry out a dragnet-style sweep as before. Not even a regiment dares to do it, and the Japanese dare not take the risk.

"I want to know how the Japanese will react when they find out that Datong has been lost."

"Hahaha, now that you mention it, I'm actually quite curious!"

Just as the Chief of General Staff and the Army Commander were chatting, martial law had already begun at Datong Railway Station.

One by one, the "devils" in military uniforms stood on the platform of the train station, and then extended all the way outside the train station. There were even "devils" standing guard and patrolling outside the train station, as if they were welcoming some important person to visit.

The Japanese reconnaissance plane in the sky recorded the following scene, then turned around and flew towards the west gate of Datong. The corpses on the ground had disappeared, and there was no trace of the attacking troops. It seemed that the Eighth Route Army troops had given up attacking Datong.

In Datong City, some people came out to move around. The whole Datong was in a completely different atmosphere from the solemn atmosphere during the afternoon reconnaissance. At this time, Datong City was full of vitality and everything was flourishing.

After circling once, the Japanese reconnaissance plane immediately began to return and reported everything it saw to the Mengjiang Garrison Command.