Chapter 3: Blood-Stained Lonely City

  Seeing someone hugging a package to go and blow up the Japanese army's tank, the guards and several machine gunners on the front line of the fourth company suddenly became excited. Except for two Maxim heavy machine guns that couldn't be carried, the remaining Czech-style light machine guns were all picked up, yelling and spitting fire at the Japanese army's position, as if they wanted to shoot out all the bullets in the magazine at once.

  The Japanese light and heavy machine guns were instantly completely suppressed, and the infantry was also pressed down to lift their heads. The remaining two grenade throwers in the trenches still wanted to knock out the National Army's firepower points, but were shot in the head by Yue Weihan with two shots. Yue Weihan's marksmanship is not covered at all. As long as the Japanese slightly exposed their heads, this kid basically had a hand up.

  Even Yao Changqing, a sentinel at the forefront, couldn't help but applaud: "Good kid, good marksmanship!"

  That Shaanxi guy, incredibly, crossed over the Japanese army's firepower blockade in just a moment, rushing to the front of the Japanese tank after crossing nearly 100 meters. Then he pulled out the fuse and threw the ** package onto the Japanese tank before turning around and running away. Suddenly, there was a loud explosion, and a huge smoke bomb burst forth on top of the Japanese tank. The Shaanxi guy was also knocked to the ground by the massive shockwave.

  The smoke has dispersed, and only the forward machine gun of the Japanese tank has been blown askew. The tank itself seems to have suffered little damage, and after a slight adjustment in direction, it is heading straight for Shanxi Liangwa, who will be crushed to death by the tank even if he wasn't killed by the shockwave from the explosion earlier.

  Yue Weihan, hiding in a shell crater, cursed angrily, "This idiot, why didn't he blow up the track?"

  Just as Yue Weihan was jumping and scolding, the Shaanxi cool guy suddenly jumped up again, this time directly onto the Japanese tank. In his right hand, he held a smoking homemade hand grenade, but after getting on the tank, he found that there was no hole to put the grenade in. Just as he was anxious, a bullet accurately pierced his skull.

  Shaanxi's Leng Wa's body shook twice, then fell head-first onto the Japanese tank. The homemade grenade was pressed between his chest and the barrel of the 37mm main gun of the Japanese tank. Suddenly, a loud explosion was heard, and Leng Wa's corpse bounced up again towards the sky. The 37mm main gun of the Japanese tank also bent at an angle.

  The forward-firing machine gun and the 37mm main cannon were destroyed one after another, and this Type 95 light tank completely lost its assault capability. It had no choice but to turn around and start retreating, and the rear-firing machine gun installed at the back finally came in handy, desperately spewing out firepower to try to suppress the National Army's firepower and cover the retreat of the Japanese infantry.

  The regular divisions of the Japanese army were not to be underestimated. In the chaos, they suddenly switched from advancing to retreating without any disorder. The fourth company commander of the Yao camp wanted to take advantage of the situation to launch a counterattack, but instead suffered heavy losses, losing nearly half a platoon of soldiers. Soon after, the little devils in both directions withdrew from the battlefield one after another. However, Yue Weihan was well aware that the Battle of Baoshan had only just begun.

  Yue Weihan ordered the guard squad to build fortifications on the spot, but he himself returned alone to the forward observation post.

  "Zhōng shuò nǎ, nǐ de qiāng fǎ bù cuò." Jiàn dào yuè wéi hán, yáo cháng qīng xiān kuā le jù, xuan jí yòu xùn jiào dào, "bú guò nǐ bù zài qián yán zhèn dì dài nǐ de bīng, què pǎo huí guān chá shào lái gàn má?"

  Translation:

  "Zhong Shuo, your marksmanship is not bad." Seeing Yue Weihan, Yao Changqing first praised him, then immediately scolded, "However, you didn't bring your soldiers to the front line, but instead ran back to the observation post, what are you doing?"

  "Sir, you also saw the situation just now. The little devils only dispatched two light tanks and two reinforced squads, but our defensive line outside the north gate is already precarious. If the Japanese army launches a simultaneous attack from multiple directions with more troops next time, the consequences will be unthinkable!"

  By this time, Yue Weihan was also secretly resentful of Yao Changqing in his heart.

  Many National Army generals have a weakness, that is, they lack sufficient understanding of the role of reserve forces. They would deploy all their troops to the front line, and if things went smoothly, it would be fine. But once things didn't go well, it would be very difficult to turn the situation around. To say the least, Yao Changqing was not bad, he still left a guard company as a reserve force.

  "You're worrying too much." Yao Changqing said, "Outside the East Gate and South Gate, there are many ponds and low-lying areas, Japanese tanks cannot be deployed, and even if they have two reinforced battalions of infantry, it's unlikely that they can break through the defenses of the 2nd and 3rd Battalions. Although the terrain outside the West Gate is flat, there are houses along the street that can provide cover, and the 1st Battalion's position is also adjacent to the 584th Regiment's position, so it's safe and secure. As long as you can lead the guard company to protect the flank and rear of the 4th Battalion, this Baoshan City will be as stable as a rock!"

  Seeing Yao Changqing still insisted on his own views, Yue Weihan suddenly became a little impatient: "Officer..."

  "That's enough!" Yao Changqing said impatiently, "Now I order you to return to the front line immediately!"

  Seeing Yao Changqing's unpleasant expression, Yue Weihan had no choice but to return to the front line with a sullen face.

  Yue Weihan had just returned to the front line, and the second round of artillery fire from the Japanese army began. This time, more than a dozen Japanese bombers appeared in the sky, launching a fierce bombing raid on the Nationalist Army's positions outside Baoshan West Gate. After dropping their bombs, they used machine guns to repeatedly dive-bomb and strafe the Nationalist Army's positions, causing massive casualties.

  The bombardment had not yet completely stopped, and the smoke had not yet fully dispersed. The Japanese army mobilized two battalions of troops, under the guidance of four light tanks, launched a strong attack on the outer encirclement position outside Baoshan West Gate. At the same time, Japanese attacking forces also appeared outside the North Gate, East Gate, and South Gate, but there were not many Japanese troops in these directions, and their purpose was to pin down the National Army.

  The fierce battle lasted until noon, when Nagayoshi's son, Nagasuke, was killed in action. The western perimeter of the castle walls began to show signs of urgency.

  Yao Changqing ordered the deputy commander of the camp, Zhao Dahai, to lead more than 30 people including cooks, grooms, medical soldiers and communication soldiers to support the front line. After another battle until 2 pm, the western gate's outer defense position was finally lost, with more than half of the troops killed or wounded, leaving only over 40 people retreating to defend the city wall. Deputy commander Zhao Dahai led a dare-to-die squad to cover the retreat and died heroically for his country.

  The Japanese army took advantage of the situation to capture the city, but was repelled by the defenders who relied on the city walls and fortifications. They then attacked the south gate and east gate along the city wall, and after fighting until 5 pm, the outer defenses outside the south gate and east gate were lost one after another. The guard platoon and the fourth company that had been holding out at the north gate's outer defenses became isolated vanguards, in danger of being surrounded by the Japanese army from three sides at any moment. Yao Changqing was forced to order a retreat into the city walls, and used pre-prepared steel-reinforced concrete to block off all four gates, preparing to make a last stand at Bao Shan.

  The next morning, the Japanese army assembled more than a dozen warships and dozens of heavy artillery, concentrating their firepower to heavily bombard the east gate city wall.

  At around 10 o'clock, a section of the city wall on the left side of the East Gate of Baoshan was blasted open, creating an opening over 40 meters wide. The Japanese army poured in through the gap, and Regimental Commander Yao Ziyun led the dare-to-die squad to launch a desperate counterattack, engaging in a fierce hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. After intense fighting until dusk, the Japanese troops finally retreated from the city wall, and Baoshan City remained intact.

  However, after two days of bloody battles, Yao Changqing's troops also suffered heavy casualties, with the original 500 soldiers reduced to less than 200. All eight company commanders and deputy commanders were killed in action, ten out of thirteen platoon leaders died in battle, Deputy Regimental Commander Zhao Dahai sacrificed himself heroically, and Regimental Commander Yao Changqing was stabbed in the abdomen by Japanese bayonets during a desperate counterattack, suffering severe injuries.

  …………

  The night is deep and silent.

  Compared to the intense and fierce battles between the two armies during the day, Baoshan City was eerily quiet at this moment, making one's hair stand on end. If one didn't find something to do to shift their attention, even the most determined warrior would inevitably develop psychological shadows.

  Under the dim horse lamp, Yue Weihan was slowly processing dumplings.

  The crude dum-dum bullets processed by Yue Weihan played a huge role in the two-day fierce battle. Conservatively estimated, the little devils who fell under Yue Weihan's gun had already exceeded half a squad, of which at least half were hit directly in the torso or head and died instantly. The remaining half, even if they managed to preserve their lives, would absolutely not be able to return to the battlefield again.

  "Officer, how did you practice your marksmanship? It's too accurate! Can you teach us?"

  "Yes, a distance of three or four hundred meters, officers don't even take aim, just raise their hand and it's there, too formidable!"

  "Yes, the little devil's grenade launchers have been beaten so they don't dare to show their heads, this guy is simply more powerful than a mortar!"

  As Yue Weihan began to modify the rifle bullets again, the remaining dozen or so soldiers from the guard squad all gathered around him, each and every one of them gazing at Yue Weihan with eyes full of admiration. Over the past two days, Yue Weihan's performance had indeed earned the admiration of these old soldiers, whether it was close-quarters combat or long-range sniping, Yue Weihan made them admire him greatly.

  "Wanna learn how to shoot accurately? That's easy, but not now. Wait till we've driven out the little devils and I'll teach you."

  Yue Weihan wasn't deceiving them, some soldiers are born with a natural talent, even without receiving high-density shooting training, they can become excellent snipers. For example, Zhang Taofang, the sniper hero who killed 200 American soldiers on the Korean battlefield with just an ordinary Soviet rifle and 400 rounds of ammunition, was actually a rookie!

  And Yue Weihan himself was a natural-born cold-blooded killer.

  When he first went to college, he participated in military training and hit the bullseye with all ten bullets in his first live-fire shooting exercise. Even the instructor at the time was shocked and thought he had been part of a junior marksmanship team before, but in fact, it was actually Yue Weihan's first time firing live ammunition in his life.

  Just then, a loud shout from the medical soldier suddenly rang out in the command post: "The regimental commander is awake! The regimental commander is awake!"

  Yue Weihan and the old soldiers of the guard platoon immediately stood up with a rustling sound, their faces also full of surprised expressions. For a battalion commander who dared to lead the dare-to-die squad in close combat against the enemy, it was hard for the soldiers not to show respect. Soon, the medical soldier walked out from inside and said to Yue Weihan: "Commander, the Battalion Commander asks you to come in."

  Yue Weihan quickly turned around and entered the inner room. Yao Changqing had indeed woken up, but his face was deathly pale.

  Yao Changqing first gave Yue Weihan a bitter smile, then asked in a low voice: "Zhongxu, how's the troops?"

  "Morale is good." Yue Weihan gave a crisp salute and replied loudly, "Brothers are determined to take the regiment as an example, and vow to fight to the death with the Japanese devils!"

  Yao Changqing nodded, then suddenly sighed and said with some regret: "I was too careless, I really was too careless. I underestimated the Japanese devils. I didn't expect their artillery fire to be so fierce. If only I had listened to your advice and withdrawn our troops within the city walls, the situation at Baoshan wouldn't have deteriorated so rapidly..."

  Yue Weihan hastily said: "Commander, although the outer perimeter of Bao Shan has been lost, the little devils haven't gained much either... their casualties are more than ours..."

  "Never mind about that," Yao Changqing said weakly, waving his hand. "Zhongxiao, I'm afraid it's no use, the troops are yours now. As for Baoshan City, if you can hold on to it, then hold on; if not, take the brothers and break through. If the higher-ups investigate, just say you were acting under orders, they won't be able to say anything."

  "Ying zuo......" Yue Weihan only felt a sour nose, and for a while, he couldn't say another complete sentence.

  No need to say, Yao Changqing is a real man and also a famous iron-made soldier. The so-called sacrifice for the sake of righteousness and loyalty to the country is probably referring to such soldiers. After a good half-day, Yue Weihan finally said in a choked voice: "Camp seat, even if it's a breakout, you should lead your brothers to break out!"

  "No, Zhongxiao, you're wrong." Yao Changqing shook his head and said in a tone that was hard to understand, "The military order I received is to defend Baoshan at all costs, not an inch of land can be given to the Japanese devils. So if I lead my troops to break through the siege, it would be desertion in the face of the enemy, but if you lead your troops to break through the siege, it would be carrying out orders. The nature of these two things is completely different."

  "Camp!" Yue Weihan said bitterly, "No one but you can take our brothers away!"

  "As a soldier, it is one's duty to obey orders. I hereby order the entire camp to break out, and anyone who disobeys will be subject to military law..."

  Yao Changqing's voice had just fallen when suddenly the sound of Cao Xinglong, the leader of the guard squad, came from outside the door: "Report."

  Yu Wei Han turned his head and replied: "Come in."

  Cao Xinglong entered at the sound, first saluting the two officials, then saying with a strange expression: "The division has sent a liaison officer."

  "Is that the liaison officer?" Yao Changqing was taken aback at first, but then remembered that the telephone line buried underground had been cut off by the Japanese artillery fire yesterday. The National Army's regimental units were basically not equipped with wireless communication equipment, so the division headquarters could only send a liaison officer to contact them. He asked, "Where is he?

  Cao Xinglong said unexpectedly: "He's dead."

  "Is he dead?" Yao Changqing asked hastily, "What are you talking about?"

  "He said two sentences before he died," Cao Xinglong said. "He said that our army's positions set up on the north shore of Yunmou Bin have all been lost, and our division has withdrawn to the south shore of Yunmou Bin with other troops to defend."

  "Ah?" Yao Changqing's face suddenly turned even paler, "So Bao Mountain has become an isolated city?"

  Yue Weihan was more concerned about his own life and hastily asked: "Has the commander given an order for us to retreat?"

  Cao Xinglong was silent for a moment before shaking his head and saying, "I don't know, the liaison officer only said two sentences before he died."

  "Damn it!" Yue Weihan cursed, extremely angry. "The division headquarters must have ordered us to retreat, but the liaison officer didn't finish speaking before he died. Think about it, we've lost all our positions on the north shore of Wanjiabao, what's the point of continuing to defend Baoshan?"

  Cao Xinglong said with a sullen expression: "Now the surrounding areas of Bao Shan are all Japanese troops, at least three to five divisions and tens of thousands of people? The brothers have been fighting fiercely for two days, they are exhausted and wounded, less than half of them are intact. Even if we want to break through, I'm afraid it's impossible."

  "It's not necessarily so." Yue Weihan said coldly, "It depends on human effort!"

  "It's up to us? It's up to us!" Cao Xinglong muttered twice, and his eyes, which had been somewhat dull, suddenly brightened a bit. As the saying goes, it's better to live in shame than to die with honor. If one can really survive and get out of here, who would be willing to stay behind and wait for death? So, even if Cao Xinglong knew that Yue Weihan was just talking tough, he would still subconsciously believe him.

  Yao Changqing suddenly growled on the bed: "Yue Weihan!"

  Yu Weihan suddenly sat up straight and replied loudly: "Yes."

  "From now on, I order you to officially take over the 3rd Battalion of the 583rd Regiment of the 98th Division and lead your brothers out of the encirclement at all costs! Anyone who dares to disobey will be shot on the spot!"

  Yue Weihan's heart and soul trembled, he gritted his teeth and responded loudly: "Yes!"

  Yao Changqing let out a long sigh of relief as soon as Yue Weihan agreed, as if he had put down a load on his mind. Then he slowly closed his eyes. Although they had only been together for two days, Yao Changqing still had a good understanding of Yue Weihan. This young man, who had graduated from the Central Military Academy less than two years ago, indeed had exceptional tactical skills, and was also an expert in shooting and hand-to-hand combat. He could rest assured leaving his troops to such a capable officer.

  Yue Weihan hastily recruited medical soldiers to take care of Yao Changqing, then turned around and left the command center with Cao Xinglong.

  A moment later, all the officers and men in the camp, except for those on duty, gathered in front of Yue Weihan. Yue Weihan formally began to exercise his duties as acting commander, first screening the nearly two hundred wounded soldiers, selecting twenty skilled machine gunners to form a machine gun platoon, twenty accurate riflemen to form a sniper platoon, and forty strong and sturdy men to form a dare-to-die squad. He also ordered the cooks to work through the night to prepare a hearty meal, letting these eighty men eat their fill before immediately going to sleep!

  The remaining hundred or so people were divided into two groups, one group was digging tunnels in the backyard of the command post, and the other group was sent to the east gate by Yue Weihan to build camouflage fortifications and hidden firepower points. He also had Cao Xinglong collect all the light and heavy machine guns from the entire regiment, and there were still two usable Maxim heavy machine guns and six Czech-style light machine guns.

  Yue Weihan's mission was completed, but Cao Xinglong asked in confusion: "Commander, didn't the headquarters order us to break through the siege?"

  "Break through? Of course we'll break through!" Yue Weihan said, "But not now. To break through, we must first give the little devils a good beating!"

  …………

  At the same time, the commander of the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the 68th Brigade of the Japanese 3rd Division, which was responsible for attacking Baoshan County, Lieutenant Colonel Hirano Ichiro, convened a meeting with lieutenant colonels and above to summarize and review the gains and losses of the two-day siege.

  The commander of the 68th Brigade of the 3rd Division, Colonel Takashi Takaeda, was very dissatisfied with the progress of Hirano's detachment.

  After two days of fierce battle, the Hirano Brigade had consumed more than 100,000 rounds of various artillery shells, mobilized nearly a hundred bombers, and even had tank units cooperating in the battle. Yet, they were unable to take down a small county town. What's even more humiliating is that the Hirano Brigade itself suffered over 300 casualties. In the words of Takaori Kōsuke, the Japanese Imperial Army's face was completely lost by the Hirano Brigade.

  "Gentlemen..." The meeting ended and Hirano Ichiro suddenly stood up, followed by the attending officers.

  Hirano's fierce gaze swept across the faces of the officers present, then he said in a menacing tone: "As Major-General has already said, tomorrow is our last chance for the Hirano Unit. If we still can't take down Mount Bao by nightfall tomorrow, you all should prepare to commit seppuku with me to apologize to the Emperor."

  "Yes!" The officers present simultaneously bowed their heads and responded in unison with a fierce gaze.