The First Part of the National Martyr's Lonely City Blood War Chapter 8: Layers of Espionage

  Ueda Sakura's wish was soon shattered, as all the entrances to the new city district had military police checkpoints, patrols, foot patrols, and vehicle patrols, with officers on duty! It seemed that just like in the old city, there were military police everywhere, and anyone who wanted to sneak into the new city district would be a fantasy.

  Even so, the carriage that Ueda Sakiko was riding in arrived at a remote checkpoint, where two gendarmes stood alone in the darkness with guns at the ready! Ueda Sakiko saw that there were only two gendarmes and felt slightly moved, and the plan to take out the command center of the Chinese army floated into her mind. However, she thought again, and her subordinates were all trained Chinese speakers who had undergone many years of training, each one a precious treasure of the empire, not to be lightly sacrificed!

  "What are you doing?" A gendarme walked out of the shadows, Sakura Ueda looked at the M1928 American submachine gun in the gendarme's hand and was taken aback for a moment, as Chinese troops were not heavily equipped with such weapons in her memory.

  With a spring breeze on her face, Ueda Sakura unleashed the charm of a woman to the extreme. She slightly shifted her lower body, and the originally plain cheongsam suddenly revealed its beauty. With an innocent expression, she took over a beautifully crafted sandalwood food box from a maid beside her, opened the lid and said: "This is for Director Song's midnight snack. He has been working so hard these days, it pains me to see him getting thinner!"

  Ueda Sakura's acting matched the ambiguous language, and the diligent military policeman was stunned at first, then waved his hand to the back: "Mazza! Hurry up and call Lianzhang over!"

  "I know!"

  Ueda Sakiko followed the sound and found a three-story small building next to it, where a Czech-made ZB light machine gun was lying. After a moment, a lieutenant colonel led more than ten soldiers to the sentry post. The lieutenant colonel looked up and down Ueda Sakiko and the horse cart, and he had heard the conversation between Ueda Sakiko and the sentry. The lieutenant colonel who had been to Fengyu Xuan for dinner naturally knew Ouyang Xinwen's reputation! However, the Chief of Staff also had an order earlier, without the Garrison Command Department's pass, not even his father would be allowed to enter the new survey area.

  But is the current situation considered a special case? Captain couldn't be sure, and had to ask reluctantly: "Brother, I'm just following orders, I don't know anything else! Does Miss Ouyang have the Garrison Command's defense permit?"

  Ueda Sakura saw Song Yuanhang's sign and was ineffective, surprised and blushing on her face, pulling her round voice long and low: "He is a kind-hearted person, always instructing me to keep a low profile, this is not seeing him working hard in recent days, so I stewed some supplements!"

  Ueda Sakura's enchanting voice made the captain's gaze scatter, and after a moment of hesitation, he turned back to the sentry box and picked up the phone to call the Military Police Command Center.

  Xu Tu'an, who is on duty, has been suffocated by a surge of evil fire in the past few days. The reason is that Song Yuanhang completely denied his own plan made before, and in order to maintain the image of the superior, his kind reminder was met with a scolding from Song Yuanhang, and he was also given a bunch of big hats such as lax discipline, no principle, and interfering with the official's decision.

  Xu Tu'an listened to the captain's report and said indifferently: "Is Miss Ouyang the father or mother of Song, the Chief of Staff?"

  Captain was suddenly stunned by the sudden question, and he couldn't answer sensibly. Xu Tu'an shouted into the receiver: "The Chief of Staff's personal order is that even if his father came, it wouldn't be possible. What about Miss Ouyang?"

  The quiet street makes the sound of the phone very loud!

  The lieutenant, who had just been scolded, returned to the carriage with embarrassment and said to Sakura Ueda, "I'm sorry, Miss Ouyang. Without the permission of the headquarters, I cannot let you pass."

  Ueda Sakura suppressed her disappointment and smiled slightly: "You're just too rigid with your military police rules, the headquarters of the 200th Division isn't as grand as yours. You can have this basket of food instead of your chief of staff, or else it'll be a waste if we throw it away."

  Captain Hong stood there, staring blankly at the distant carriage, still muttering to himself about what was wrong with Deputy Xu these past few days. Should he let off some steam?

  Sakiko Ueda returned to Fūjin-an and began preparing for the final withdrawal mission, but she did not carry out a raid as ordered by Mei Kikan.

  In Uemura Sakuko's view, launching a surprise attack within the city of Tonggu, which was full of Chinese troops, would be tantamount to suicide and utterly meaningless.

  That night, except for two secret groups carrying radios as insiders, all other intelligence personnel withdrew from Tonggu.

  On the evening of March 17, Du Yuming's sudden arrival made the already extremely tense atmosphere in Songgu even more oppressive. The big battle is approaching, and the deputy commander-in-chief personally came to inspect, which has an unusual significance for the entire Second Hundred Division from top to bottom.

  In the evening, at the headquarters of the 200th Division, Dai Anlan hosted a banquet to welcome Du Yuming. After dinner, Du Yuming summoned Song Yuanhang in the company of Dai Anlan.

  Du Yuming had not met Song Yuanhang before, but he had met Song Ziwen and in his impression, the young masters of the Song family were all pale and delicate, wearing gold-rimmed glasses with a scholarly demeanor, but beneath that revealed the shrewdness of a businessman.

  Song Yunhang's actions had long been known to Du Yuming, and the British not only wrote to him to complain about Song Yunhang's behavior, but also sent someone to complain to Chongqing. However, the incident was eventually suppressed by the old man, and Song Yunhang not only did not receive any punishment, but was even promoted to deputy chief of staff of the new 38th Division! Apart from the influence and prestige of the Song family, it is likely that the British attitude and stance, which was arrogant and provocative, had enraged the old man.

  "Reporting! I, Song Yuanhang, Chief of Staff of the Military Law Department's Garrison Brigade, have been ordered to report!" Song Yuanhang's neat and tidy military salute gave Du Yuming a pleasant feeling, so he nodded and said: "An Yi has the demeanor of a professional soldier! Going to the new 38th Division will definitely not lose face for our New Fifth Army!"

  Song Yuanhang looked at Du Yuming's face, with a stern expression and thick eyebrows, and had already guessed one of the purposes of Du Yuming's visit was himself. Song Yuanhang, who had already made up his mind, stood at attention and loudly said: "I am unwilling to go to the new 38th Division, I request to stay in Tonggu and participate in the defense of Tonggu!"

  "What?" Du Yuming glanced at Dai Anlan behind him, seeing that Dai Anlan also had an extremely shocked expression, otherwise he would have suspected that it was Dai Anlan who instigated Song Yuanhang to stay and participate in the war.

  Du Yiming smiled slightly and said: "Tong Gu, don't worry, I've already selected Li Deputy Director from the original Military Law Department to replace you. The Japanese 55th Division is taking an attacking posture towards Chao Tonggu, bullets have no eyes! Moreover, your transfer order was directly issued by the Chongqing Military and Political Department, I have no right to interfere."

  Song Yuanhang saw Du Yuming's resolute attitude, hesitated for a moment, and said with great emotion: "The war is about to break out, what difference does it make if I am transferred away now compared to an escaped soldier? Since the Anti-Japanese War began, how many civilians have died under the Japanese enemy's butcher knife, and the Chinese land has been devastated. Although our military has bravely fought against the enemy, every battle has resulted in the sacrifice of soldiers' lives. Alas, the enemy is powerful, and our territory has been lost. How many soldiers have shed their blood on the battlefield? General, you are willing to risk your life, what do I, a small colonel, have to fear? My Song family is also a descendant of the Chinese people's Yanhuang bloodline. When the country is broken, where can my home be? In the face of the great enemy, we are all flesh and blood, what distinction is there between nobility and humility? I, Song Yuanhang, swear to share life and death with the ancients. Here, there is only a dead Song Yuanhang in battle, absolutely no fleeing Song Yuanhang."

  Song Yuanhang's words made Du Yuming and Dai Anlan's tiger body suddenly shake! Since the war of resistance, many dignitaries' sons have fled to the rear or even abroad, not expecting them to resist the enemy, as long as they don't cause trouble. They can see that Song Yuanhang's enthusiasm this time doesn't seem to be pretentious, through the situation of the Constitutional Army rushing to repair and strengthen their training for battle, it's likely that Song Yuanhang really wants to stay here and fight a few rounds with the Japanese.

  Du Yuming knew he couldn't make the decision, so he glanced at Dai Anlan and smiled slightly, patted Song Yuanhang's shoulder and said: "This issue of going or staying is probably still up to you to communicate with Chongqing, but I personally hope and welcome you to stay in our New Fifth Army."

  Back at the headquarters of the 200th Division located outside the city on the east bank of the Xitang River, Du Yuming took off his military cap and loosened his collar. Song Yuanhang's actions today were greatly beyond his expectations. In his expectation, Song Yuanhang would probably pretend to show some determination and then happily take up his new post at the 38th Division! What was this kid playing at?

  Du Yiming cast his gaze towards Dai Anrui, who was holding a cup of hot tea and staring at him. Dai Anrui saw Du Yiming's gaze and, while blowing on the floating tea leaves, said: "Through my interactions with Song Yuanhang over the past few days, this person's strategic thinking is not to be underestimated, and his command of individual and squad tactics is extremely insightful. I've also heard that he even pays for the soldiers' food out of his own pocket! He doesn't seem like a crazy money-grabber as rumored. Moreover, General, haven't you noticed that this kid has a very military bearing?"

  "En!" Du Yuming nodded slightly, he really couldn't see through Song Yuanhang's behavior today. When did this Song family's young master, who was almost notorious in his hometown, become a patriotic and progressive youth?

  "Alas!" Du Luming let out a light sigh and rubbed his temples, which were throbbing with frustration. Unable to think of a solution, he came up with a very good idea - to simply ignore him. After all, he had already done his utmost as a good person, and even if the young master of the Song family managed to stir up trouble, someone else would naturally take responsibility for it.

  Du Yuming felt a lot more relaxed thinking of this, and called back Dai Anrui who was already at the door. He unusually asked his deputy officer to find a bottle of wine. Dai Anrui knew that this was Du's habit for many years, whenever there was an important decision to be made, he would always drink a few sips first.

  Soon, the deputy commander brought a bottle of British whiskey that he couldn't name. With this not-so-fragrant and smooth whiskey, Du Yuming and Dai Anlan spoke in low voices, although the two occasionally burst into laughter, but their conversation was not light-hearted.

  Du Yuming's purpose in this trip was to give Dai Anlan a signal, a signal of perseverance! In the face of the Japanese army's swift and aggressive attack, the British army's rapid defeat had already cast a shadow over Du Yuming's ambitious heart.

  The expeditionary force's original strategic and tactical plans, which had been carefully laid out in advance at home, were all shelved at this time. In order to contain the Japanese army's offensive, they could only fight hard against the Japanese army! The 200th Division's heavy equipment was still on the Sino-Burmese border. It cannot be denied that the 200th Division is the ace of aces in the National Army sequence, and it is the first main force combat division of the New Fifth Army. Therefore, this time at Songgu, Du Yuming played his trump card as soon as he made his move.

  Du Yuming didn't repeatedly tell Dai Anrui about the importance of Tonggu, he liked this feeling of talking to smart people and getting straight to the point, and Dai Anrui was undoubtedly a smart person.

  Facing Du Yuming's piercing gaze, Dai Anlan solemnly declared: "Rather be shattered jade than whole tile, please rest assured, the 200th Division will fight to the last man and bullet!"

  Then, Dai Anlan hesitated for a moment and stated Song Yuanghai's concerns to Du Yuming, that is, the defense problem of Misina.

  "Will the Japanese attack Misina, where our expeditionary force is gathering in large numbers?" Du Yuming really couldn't understand what was going on in Song Jia's young master's mind.

  The next morning, Du Yuming's motorcade left Tonggu. They did not choose to take a plane because at that time the sky of Burma had almost become the domain of the Japanese Air Force.

  Dai Anrui summarized Du Yuming's attitude, making Song Yuanhang understand one thing: the truth that nothing can be done. Before he reached a certain height, he had no ability to change the fact that was about to happen.

  The telegram sent by Song Far-hang to Chongqing was quickly replied, and Song Ziwen, who was in the United States, also sent a telegram. The whole family had an attitude that fighting meant sacrifice and death, and the Song family had done enough for China, let others bear the sacrifice! Even a respected elder of the Song family threatened to use his connections to remove Song Far-hang from office!

  In these hasty and narrowly selfish words, Song Yuanghai felt a thread of genuine warmth and concern. If he weren't a soldier, he really wanted to go back to the side of these so-called relatives to take a look and feel it for himself.

  However, a strong sense of military mission and honor made it impossible for him to do so. A telegram draft directly sent to the Chairman, titled "Mission and Honor", was thus born!

  "I have been deeply aware of the weight of responsibility since joining the army, and I am determined to serve the country and nation, and be loyal to our leader. The Japanese enemy is like a flood beast, and although we are brave in fighting against them, the difference in strength is huge, and our territory is being lost day by day. Every time I think about it, I cannot sleep at night, and I am uneasy when eating.

  But let us talk about our great China, where the wise and courageous men of virtue are not afraid to bend their will. The iron bones of our soldiers are strong and unyielding, and the achievements of Emperor Wu of Han have driven the enemy out of our country's borders. The power of the Tang Dynasty has intimidated the enemy's courage!

  The cruelty of the enemy is still not enough to shake my determination. The whole nation, from top to bottom, is united in one heart, preparing for battle, and one day we will launch a counterattack, with our army's spearhead pointing forward, and our horses' hooves galloping, sweeping away the Japanese slaves on all four islands."

  "Since the outbreak of war, millions of soldiers have shed blood on the battlefield, and many generals have sacrificed their lives for the country, among whom are many sons of ordinary people. This time, when the state sends troops to fight outside the national gate, I am willing to set an example for the sons of noble families, and I should sacrifice myself to achieve a great cause, lead my troops to give the Japanese invaders a head-on blow, fight to the last soldier and never give up, boost our morale, show the indomitable spirit of the Chinese people, and spread our military prestige abroad!"

  After Song Yuanhang sent the telegram, he felt a sense of relief. This telegram was his trump card. In a few days, the Japanese army would launch a massive attack, and even if the Emperor himself came, it would be impossible to transfer him! He had no idea that his telegram almost triggered an earthquake in the officialdom of Chongqing.