Chapter 42

  Kimura was seriously injured and spent a month in the hospital before being discharged, after all, the impact of 50 kilograms of explosives exploding is not something that an ordinary person's body can withstand, let alone Kimura who was at the center of the explosion.

  His colleagues looked at Mugen's eyes with a strange gaze, and the rumors about him increased in private. "Coward" became Mugen's synonym. Mugen didn't mind, he wasn't someone who valued face over life, but it was important to die with value. You see, those younger than him had already become lieutenant generals, while he himself had achieved countless military merits and was only promoted to major general with great difficulty, thanks to his teacher's face. If he were too proud, this alone would be enough to make him angry to death.

  Fortunately, Kawano still trusted him as always, and with the help of Kimura, the security situation in his jurisdiction was not bad. Kawano advised Kimura not to take those rumors to heart and even assigned him a task to develop a plan for the battle against Feihu Village.

  Kimura once had an idea of fighting against Flying Tigers, but as he understood his opponent better, he overturned his past views, because he suddenly found that the opponent was much more difficult to deal with than he imagined.

  After understanding Xiao Ming's background, Kimura specially studied the theory of special warfare and the actual combat data sent by the Imperial Army who was studying in Germany. He was shocked and dispelled his previous idea of implementing elite shock troops or small-scale surprise attacks, because the opponent is an expert in this aspect, let alone fighting in the mountains for many years, which would undoubtedly be sending sheep into the tiger's mouth.

  For this wave of attacks in various places, Kimura knew without thinking that it was the Flying Tigers taking revenge. The method is unique and others can't learn from it. Moreover, during this period, the Imperial Army is conducting a clearing operation, and the Chinese government army is avoiding it, who dares to take the initiative to provoke! As for the explosion case on the railway in his own jurisdiction, it is said that the method was very clumsy, and there was even a box of unexploded explosives, which caused almost no loss. Kimura didn't think it was funny, he understood it as a warning from Xiao Ming: as long as I'm not happy, it's easy to turn you over!

  It's time to get rid of this Flying Tiger Fort!

  Learning that the Japanese army had a batch of supplies to be transported through the highway to Chang County, Feihu Village was busy preparing. Lü Jizong repeatedly confirmed the accuracy of the intelligence, Xiao Ming sent Night Cat's reconnaissance company to follow up all the way, and report as soon as there is any situation, and also scattered two special agent companies to eliminate suspicious elements on the road. Now it is an extraordinary period, if you are not careful, you will be caught by the Japanese army, this is not comparable to raiding the enemy's stronghold, if you can't beat them, you can run away.

  At night, the reconnaissance company reported: The Japanese army's convoy is ready to depart tomorrow morning, with more than 20 cars and over 100 horse-drawn carts, accompanied by about a battalion of Japanese troops and 300-400 security forces.

  Xiao Ming calculated that the convoy would arrive in Lu'an City at noon, when the weather was hottest. They should rest in the city before continuing on their journey. This might not be the most suitable time... Xiao Ming suddenly remembered Wu Yonggui.

  After consulting with Wang Jindong and others, Xiao Ming issued the order to go into battle: "The cavalry regiment, three regiments will launch a full-scale attack, one battalion of machine guns will participate in the battle, the artillery regiment will bring six infantry cannons, and the engineering regiment will be responsible for laying explosives. Big Brother is in charge of mountain stronghold defense, Old Lü is in charge of rear mountain safety, and Old Lin leads one battalion, two battalions, and a guard battalion to respond. The rest of the troops must pay attention to the Japanese army's movements, especially at Er Long Ridge. All troops hurry up and prepare, and head to the ambush point tonight. This mission is to annihilate the enemy to the greatest extent possible. As for the things on the vehicles, if they can't be taken away, destroy them, don't leave anything for the devils!"

  Wang Jinlong saw Xiao Ming being so serious for the first time, feeling that Xiao Ming seemed to be short of confidence in his heart. After everyone dispersed, he asked: "Brother, do you have something on your mind?"

  Xiao Ming smiled and said, "Don't worry, big brother. I just feel like someone has been watching us these past few days, so it's better to be careful! But once we leave, the mountain stronghold will be empty, you have to be careful too. Oh right, tell Xiao Hu to send someone to deliver a message to Sun Er Gou, telling his people to be careful for the next two days and not let anyone come over from the village side."

  After the outpost where Wu Yonggui was located was attacked, Takeuchi hadn't had time to send soldiers over yet, and temporarily appointed Wu Yonggui as the person in charge. When Xiao Ming arrived at the outpost it was already early morning, when the soldier reported, Wu Yonggui hastily came out to greet him, bowing and asking after his well-being, inviting him into the artillery tower. It's no wonder he was so enthusiastic, having worked for such a long time, several Japanese soldiers including the company commander had accumulated quite a bit of private money, but as a result they were taken advantage of by this group of people, Wu Yonggui generously took it out and divided it among them.

  Xiao Ming was polite for a few words, and explained the purpose of his visit: "Wu Pai Zhang, this time I came to ask for something, please tell me about the contact situation between your superiors and you in the past two days, as well as the number of patrols on the highway!"

  Wu Yonggui thought for a moment, looked around and said in a low voice: "Xiao Dangjia is aiming at the transportation team, right? The Japanese strengthened their patrol yesterday. This morning, Lu'an City called to say that a transportation team would pass by here, asking us to pay attention to the surrounding security situation, report once an hour, and report again when the transportation team arrives."

  Xiao Ming cautiously asked: "Normally, would the Japanese army tell you things?"

  "No, they're just notifying the Japanese soldiers. They only trust their own kind. This time it seems like they have no other choice. Last time you guys messed with that Takeuchi guy pretty badly, he basically has no troops to dispatch now! However, if you guys make a move here..." Wu Yonggui showed a troubled expression.

  "Don't worry, I absolutely won't give you any trouble!" Xiao Ming smiled and patted Wu Yonggui's shoulder. "My people are nearby, just notify us of the situation with the Japanese army at any time, and after the transport team passes by, just cut off the phone line!"

  Two people confirmed the contact method, Xiao Ming stood up and bid farewell: "Wu Pai Zhang, if the Japanese force you to send troops, tell your brothers to be clever, we came with real goods this time, it's not good for anyone to get hurt! In addition, after this matter is over, I must thank you well, brother. Let's go!" Wu Yonggui kept saying "I don't dare", and sent Xiao Ming out of the door.

  Xiao Ming placed the ambush point less than five kilometers from Lu'an City, where the highway turned southward. If it were noon, the enemy would be facing directly into the sun. Taking advantage of the patrol passing by, Xiao Ming ordered the wiretappers to tap into the enemy's telephone lines. Shan Wazi was puzzled: "Commander, since we're going to tap their lines, why bother finding Wu Yonggui?"

  Xiao Ming hummed and said: "A steady ship sails a thousand years, damn it, these people can't be trusted, I'd better believe in myself!"

  Wu Yonggui was very reliable, and the transportation team's movements were constantly transmitted over until nearly noon, when a communications soldier ran over to report: The convoy had already passed by the outpost and was heading in the direction of Lu'an City.

  Xiao Ming ordered the communication team to rush to the south of Lu'an City, and let the hidden dragon cut off the telephone line there, closely observing whether the Japanese army had reinforcements. He also ordered the artillery unit outside the city to prepare, and both sides would take action together.

  The sun scorched the earth, the branches and leaves on the trees didn't move a single thread, and even the cicadas had become too lazy to chirp. On the highway, a convoy of cars slowly drove by, the Japanese soldiers accompanying them were parched and sweaty, listlessly trudging along. The vanguard sent ahead merely made a symbolic inspection, sending back a signal that all was safe.

  The Japanese lieutenant on horseback let out a slight sigh of relief: in less than five kilometers, they would arrive at Lu'an City, where the convoy could rest and wait for the afternoon, when a cavalry unit from Chang County would come to assist with security, as the area had not been very peaceful recently, and the superior officer had specially dispatched the cavalry to escort them, it was really unknown what those responsible for maintaining order were doing...

  A loud gunshot, the lieutenant's thoughts came to an abrupt end, and he fell off his horse. This was followed by a massive explosion that shook the earth. Immediately after, camouflage covers were blown away one after another, and light and heavy machine guns roared out tongues of flame. The Japanese army and security troops had not yet regained their footing from the shock of the explosion when they began to fall down in droves. This time, Xiao Ming seemed to have no intention of launching a charge. Under the cover of machine gun fire, Gao Shouyi's three companies slowly approached the highway, beginning to throw hand grenades. The Japanese army, now awake, could not withstand such fierce firepower and had no heart to organize a counterattack, rolling about to avoid the hail of bullets, turning around and fleeing.

  "Machine gun squad, charge!" Xu Dage rushed up, holding a 96-type light machine gun in his arms, shouting and firing as he went. More than a dozen soldiers stood up beside him, each carrying a machine gun, which fired accurately and only at the enemy's body, while the heavy machine guns also began to move forward, chasing after the enemy's rear end.

  Takeuchi received a call from Wu Yonggui, calculating that the transportation team was about to arrive. He dispatched someone to drive away the civilians at the city gate and came to welcome them in person. However, he heard the rumbling sound of explosions and knew something was wrong. Just as he was thinking of sending support, he heard the whistling sound in the air. This sound was not unfamiliar to Takeuchi; it was the sound of artillery shells breaking through the air. To say that the Japanese military's combat quality was good, almost all the Japanese soldiers present reacted at the same time, taking cover by lying down. Unfortunately, the security troops were thrown into the air amidst the explosions and fell heavily to the ground.

  Takeuchi was greatly shocked, and hastily ordered the retreat to the city, closing the city gate, rushing to the command center, but the phone couldn't get through, so he had to send a telegram to his superior: Lu'an City was attacked by an unidentified army, with intense artillery fire, requesting tactical guidance.

  Xu Dage led the machine gun squad in a long pursuit, Shan Wawa held up a sniper rifle, clearing out suspicious targets on the ground one by one. Just as it seemed to be almost done, Xiao Ming was about to give the order to sweep the battlefield when Sun Erdou suddenly appeared, followed by the logistics team and a string of horse-drawn carts.

  "How did you little brat get here? Weren't you told to stay home and watch the house?" Xiao Ming was very puzzled.

  "Ha ha, Second Master, I'm still the deputy commander of the logistics company, how can I not come? Everything at home has been arranged, don't worry!"

  "Are you still a deputy company commander? I seem to recall relieving you of your duties!"

  "No way, or you go back and ask the master! Nothing, I'll go collect my things first, be careful yourself!" Sun Er Gou felt a bit guilty, and quickly led his men away.

  Xiao Ming shook his head, knowing that Wang Jinlong was behind this. He called out to Gao Shouyi: "Three consecutive shots, clear the battlefield, load up the car, you have half an hour!"

  Xiao Ming was a meticulous person, and the use of explosives was very particular about the location and dosage. He required that the shockwave produced would not only stun the enemy but also avoid causing massive losses to the goods. When the oil drums were being unloaded from the truck, Xiao Ming secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that if they had been hit by stray bullets or a hand grenade, today's fireworks would have gone off on a much larger scale!

  Sun Erdou, who had been messing around in the logistics department for a long time, felt that something was not quite right with the things on the truck. He limped over to Xiao Ming and said, "Boss, this doesn't seem right! I took a casual look, and there are several thousand catties of salt alone, and as for clothes, there must be hundreds of thousands of sets. This can't be right!"

  "What?!" Xiao Ming was shocked and quickly went forward to investigate. Indeed, apart from oil rations, canned goods, biscuits, salt, rice, etc., most of them were military uniforms and shoes and socks, with a considerable quantity that was definitely not enough for one or two divisions.

  Xiao Ming thought it was a disaster, this time it's gotten out of hand. This should be sent to Chang County and then distributed to each division, because autumn is approaching soon. Today's calamity is not small!

  His face didn't show any expression, and he said to Sun Erdou: "Nonsense, you've been blinded by such a small thing? Haven't you seen the world when we hijacked the train last time? Take it back, give each person 10 or 8 sets to wear for fun. If not, let the villagers wear them to work. If not, cut them up and use them as diapers for kids! Hey, have you gotten someone pregnant?"

  "Come on, come on!" Sun Erdou hastily slipped away.

  The car won't move, Xiao Ming ordered it to be blown up. Since it's already been done, then there's no need to mind doing it thoroughly. After Xu Dage made his request, Xiao Ming smiled and nodded: "Good kid, you've made a lot of progress, don't be proud!" Xu Dage was excited, his face flushed red, and tears almost rolled down.

  Xiao Ming ordered a retreat back to the mountain stronghold and sent someone to notify the artillery unit: Just practice your skills for now, hurry up and withdraw!