Chapter 67: Meeting Zhang Zizhong (Where are you, Ticket?)

  History took a detour, the 18th Army's secret journey northward not only evaded Japanese surveillance but also dodged Song Zheyuan's informants. In Baoding Prefecture, Luo Zhuoying and Sun Xiang met in person.

  Luo Zhuoying circled around Sun Xiang three times, clicking his tongue in amazement: "How did you infer that the Japanese army would attack?"

  Xun Xiang saw Luo Zhuo Ying's appearance and laughed so hard his stomach hurt: "The Japanese way of thinking is easy to guess, it's just that you don't have enough information. What do you think about the Japanese surrender agreement?"

  Luo Zhuoying's expression turned serious: "I think they are preparing to delay time, and it is likely that they are now gathering troops."

  Sun Xiang smiled and patted the old man's shoulder with a face of praise, making Luo Zhuoying look embarrassed.

  "At this moment, Japan has probably assembled a large army from Northeast China and Korea. Currently, there are over 40,000 Japanese troops in Beiping, and by the 20th, this number will multiply several times. Plus, there's the Japanese air force - they lost forty aircraft this time, haha! I think their naval carrier-based planes will give them a chance to regain face." Sun Xiang's words exuded confidence that infected Luo Zhuoying.

  Lu Zhuoying nodded and said, "Alright, I understand. However, our National Revolutionary Army is not to be underestimated either. With the 29th army and our 18th army combined, we have nearly two hundred thousand troops. I don't believe they can withstand us."

  Sun Xiang sighed: "Luo brother, I'm not pouring cold water on you, although you are the ace of the army, but you can't underestimate the combat power of the Japanese army. The battles in previous years have proven this point, and it's hard to say that the fighting power of the little devils is quite strong, especially in areas close to the coast and ports. Their firepower support is much stronger than ours. Luo brother, you still think this is a local war in your subconscious mind. Don't rush to deny it. The Japanese army is now preparing to mobilize national strength and go all out for one battle. Do you think two armies can stop them? Maybe with preparation, the front line can resist for a while, but I say you will lose because of hasty preparations. Just logistics, ammunition, medical supplies, these few things alone can drag down our army. I have already discussed this with Shanxi Old Yan, and he is also reorganizing his troops, ready to provide support at any time."

  Upon hearing Sun Xiang's words, Luo Zhuoying suddenly jumped up: "You actually found Yan Laowai? That old scoundrel actually agreed to it? How is this possible, that guy treasures his feathers the most!!!!!"

  "Can there be a whole egg under a destroyed nest?"

  Lu Zhuoying calmed down and smiled wryly, saying: "Originally I was full of confidence, but after you said that, my confidence is all gone. I thought the Japanese meant they would take three months to conquer Beiping, did they really think they could conquer China in just three months?" He ended with a face full of ridicule.

  Sun Xiang burst out laughing: "The Japanese have a very narrow vision, how far can you expect someone from a small island with no roots to see? They will pay the price for this kind of thinking!"

  On July 11, Song Zheyuan returned to Tianjin from Shandong. At this time, Song Zheyuan believed that "Japan is not yet ready to launch a full-scale war against China, and as long as we make some concessions, a partial solution is still possible."

  Sun Xiang ordered, Eric led the first squadron, Boyington deputy squadron, and then drove with Luo Zhuoying to Beiping, where he was going to see an important person!

  There are four Jeeps, all of which are American goods. Sun Xiang looked at the car and clicked his tongue. In 08, Sun Xiang had a test version of the Dongfeng Warrior, but compared to the current small Jeep, he couldn't muster up the enthusiasm to play with this 'high-tech' product.

  The convoy drove smoothly until they reached Wanping, where checkpoints began to appear. Soldiers carrying rifles strictly inspected passing vehicles and pedestrians, and the atmosphere of war suddenly emerged before everyone's eyes.

  "Sentry captain salutes: 'Hello! Please show your military ID!'"

  "Who are you? I am Luo Zhuoying, commander of the 18th Army! Call your superior to see me!"

  The captain of the guard was taken aback: "18th Army? Brothers! Get them arrested and send them to the division commander for disposal!"

  A group of soldiers with live ammunition quickly surrounded the car, and the guards on the vehicle also drew their guns, the atmosphere between the two sides was tense.

  Lu Zhuoying's face turned iron-green: "Which of you is from the military?! Call your commander out to see me!!"

  "Sir, that's not what we meant," said the captain of the sentry with a look of impatience. "We're fighting the Japanese to the death, and you're going to take our territory? Our division commander doesn't have time to entertain officials."

  A loud burst of laughter broke the standoff between the two sides, Sun Xiang slowly got out of the car: "I am the National Revolutionary Army, Air Force Commander Sun Xiang, brother give me a convenience? There is indeed an important matter to discuss with General Zhang." As he said this, he handed a cigarette to the sentry captain.

  The captain of the guard was taken aback, waved his hand, and with a clatter, the sound of guns being put away, surrounded Sun Xiang in a circle, suddenly laughed: "Officer, now it's rumored that officers have three heads and six arms, and are over three meters tall. I see you're a normal person!" After finishing speaking, he immediately stood at attention: "Salute to the hero!!!"

  All the sentries stood at attention and saluted. The leader of the sentry squad: "Report to the superior, all officers and men of the 2nd Battalion of the 219th Regiment of the 37th Division of the 29th Army express their gratitude to you!!"

  Sun Xiang was momentarily bewildered: "Thanks for what? Shooting down Japanese planes?"

  The captain of the guard stood at attention again: "Report to the superior officer, in the 7·8 air battle, the ground forces were commanded by our regimental commander and the third battalion officers. If your large team hadn't arrived, I'm afraid we wouldn't have seen them."

  Sun Xiang was taken aback and replied, "Let me greet your captain first."

  With the guidance of the Second Battalion Commander, they traveled smoothly and arrived at the 37th Division Command Center, where they met with Division Commander Feng Zhi'an.

  Feng Zhian, the tiger general who fought against Japanese invaders on the front line, hugged Sun Xiang with a smile: "I've long heard of your great reputation! Today I see you, and indeed you're extraordinary! With General Sun in the sky, we can rest assured! The 7·8 air battle was fought beautifully, it's exhilarating!"

  Sun Xiang smelled the smell of gunpowder on Feng Zhi'an's body, apparently after the battle began, Feng Zhi'an never retreated from the front line!

  Sun Xiang's eyes moistened, it was such a commander who could bring out the blood of his soldiers. Sun Xiang gave Feng Zhi'an a military salute: "The 37th Division resisted Japan's attack, I understand, all Chinese people also understand, with a general like you on the ground, I can rest assured!"

  Then he saluted Luo Zhuoying: "General Luo, you've had a hard journey, please sit down and have a cup of tea." The difference in treatment was too obvious. Luo Zhuoying had anticipated this after what happened earlier and remained nonchalant.

  Signal soldier ran quickly: "Report to the commander, Commander Zhang has arrived"

  Zhang Zizhong stood at the entrance of the command department, a bit excited. This was a world-class air combat ace. He carefully sized up Sun Xiang, who looked majestic and extraordinary. This was Zhang Zizhong's conclusion.

  Sun Xiang was also sizing up Zhang Zizhong, this Shandong man had a righteous air about him, and Sun couldn't help but laugh inwardly when he saw Zhang. If the world were to see Zhang's true self, they would probably not suspect that such an upright man could be a traitor based on his appearance alone.

  Zhang Zizhong took two steps forward and grabbed Sun Xiang's hand, shaking it vigorously: "General Sun is the soul of our nation."

  Zhang Zizhong's praise made Sun Xiang's face turn bright red, and such praise in front of Zhang Zizhong, the true soul of the nation, is truly embarrassing.

  Three people sat down, and Sun Xiang carefully analyzed the current situation for the three of them.

  After listening to Sun Xiang's narrative, Feng Zhi'an looked at Luo Zhuoying, who waved his hand and said: "It was Sun Xiang who asked me to come. My troops are now in Baoding and can support you at any time. This time I came with Sun Xiang to discuss cooperation. Sun Xiang has made it very clear that we are now like ants on the same thread, and ground forces may not be able to withstand Japan's crazy attack. There is news that the Japanese have already begun to mobilize their troops. Dai Li told me that the Japanese army in Northeast China is moving south, and our target must be us. The combat effectiveness of the Japanese Kwantung Army, I suppose you are very clear about it. Sun Xiang said that the Japanese army will gather at least tens of thousands of troops to attack North China. I came to talk to Old Song about cooperation."

  Feng Zhi'an glanced at Zhang Zizhong, who remained silent and continued smoking. Old Feng helplessly said: "The problem is that our Commander-in-Chief Song fundamentally does not believe that Japan will engage in a full-scale war, he told me to be patient, this matter should be able to be resolved through political negotiation."

  "Where is Commander Song?" Sun Xiang shouted loudly.

  Feng Zhi'an: "Returning to Tianjin tonight."

  Sun Xiang glanced at Feng Zhi'an and Zhang Zizhong: "I need someone to go with me to see General Song."

  Zhang Zizhong, who had been silent for a long time, stood up: "I'll go!"