Xingtang, the Second Division has been fighting with the two newly formed divisions of the Kwantung Army for two days and two nights, and both sides have done their best; although the Yue Army has the advantage in strength, the officers and men of the Second Infantry Division have relied on their strong combat effectiveness to fight on an equal footing with the Yue Army.

In the command post of the former enemy of the Second Division, Ling Tianbao wrapped gauze around his right arm and convened a military meeting of officers at and above the battalion level of the Second Division.

The injury on Ling Tianbao's right arm was caused by a sneak attack by a devil soldier when he personally led the charge yesterday.

Ling Tianbao picked up the kettle on the table, raised his head and poured it violently for a while, and said to everyone: "Brothers, the blood of the brothers has not been shed in vain in the past two days, just now the military seat sent a telegram, saying that the eighth division of the Yue army has been successfully annihilated, and the military seat has ordered the first division to attack the Yue army from the inner line, and the time has come for us to counterattack!" ”

"Great! Ge Laozi, I haven't fought in vain in the past two days! ”

"That's it! I can finally beat him hard! Several regiment commanders and battalion commanders high-fived and applauded.

Ren Hui, the commander of the Second Regiment, stood up and said to Ling Tianbao: "Division, I am willing to lead the Second Regiment as the vanguard to break through the defense line of the Yue Army and join the brother troops!" ”

"Hmm!" Ling Tianbao nodded and said, "You must be careful and pay attention to safety." ”

"Yes!" Ren Hui stepped forward and immediately turned around and walked away.

Ling Tianbao stood up and said, "The rest of the regiments, then set off!" ”

"Yes!" Everyone stood up and said in unison.

………………… Beiping, Okamura Ninji's office, after one night, Okamura Ninji did not hold Nanzao Yunzi accountable for military responsibility, but blamed the responsibility on the commander of the 14th Division, Kita Seiichi.

The reason is that the 14th Division did not capture the middle [***] position on time, resulting in the entire 8th Division being shattered.

At the same time, Okamura Ninji began to think about the current situation, the Eighth Division had been completely shattered, the bait he was fishing for was gone, and the Eastern Front Corps was slow to defeat the [***] of the second theater of operations in the front, so at this time, the fighter plane that surrounded and annihilated the Reading Force had died, and Okamura Ninji was already thinking about how to clean up the mess.

……… On June 24, the 40th year of the Republic of China, the commander-in-chief of the Northern Group Army of the Yue Army issued a general order to the retreat of the Yue Army, which was fighting around Baoding, the 14th Division withdrew to Baoding, the remnants of the Fourth Division and the First Division also returned to Baoding, and the heavy army group on the Eastern Front withdrew north to Cangzhou.

At this point, the strategic plan of the Yue army to encircle and annihilate the reading army around the small county town of Qingdu has completely failed.

Zhang Mingyu led the 1st and 2nd Divisions to successfully join forces with Xingtang, and the various divisions of the 2nd Theater of Yan Xishan also took the opportunity to occupy various counties in eastern Hebei.

At this station, the Reading Force suffered more than 17,000 casualties, including 8,000 killed, more than 2,000 slightly wounded, and more than 7,000 seriously wounded.

More than 2,000 officers and men of the guard battalion were killed, and the casualties of the Chuangyu Li Army were the heaviest since the formation of the army, but the Reading Li Army also achieved brilliant results, although it did not recover much lost ground, but the total number of killed and wounded of the Reading Li Army was more than 50,000, and the Eighth Division was completely annihilated, and the first and fourth infantry divisions were severely damaged.

……… Yucheng, the leader's official residence.

Wang Shihe, the chief of the guard, hurriedly knocked on the door of Chairman Jiang's study, only to see that Chairman Jiang was burying his head in examining and approving documents, Wang Shihe walked over lightly and said in a low voice: "Commission, good news from the second war zone!" ”

"Oh?" Chairman Jiang raised his head slightly, glanced at Wang Shihe, and said with a slightly tired expression: "Read." ”

"The second theater of war reported that the army has retreated! The Second War Zone took the opportunity to recover more than 10 counties in eastern Hebei. Wang Shihe reported simply.

"Huh? Said that the army withdrew? How about Reading Lijun? Chairman Jiang asked indifferently.

"That's right! The Eastern Front Corps of the Army withdrew to the Cangzhou line, and the Western Front Corps withdrew to Baoding. The Reading Army suffered heavy losses this time, with nearly 20,000 casualties among the whole army, and Zhang Mingyu's guard battalion even dragged the Western Front Corps of the Yue Army for two days and two nights at the cost of all the casualties. Wang Shihe replied.

"Oh? More than 20,000 people, so many casualties? Chairman Jiang said with a slight emotion.

According to preliminary statistics, the Reading Force killed and wounded more than 50,000 people in this battle, annihilated the Eighth Division, and severely damaged its main force, the First and Fourth Divisions. In addition to the attacks launched by the military and civilians in Yulu, Chaji, and other places, the total number of killed and wounded troops should be about 100,000, and the puppet army should be about 200,000. Wang Shihe said excitedly.

"I'm afraid that not only has [***]'s combat effectiveness improved, but the strength of [***]'s Eighth Route Army should have also improved a lot, right?" Chairman Jiang frowned as he spoke, and fell into deep thought.

"I have to ask Director Dai about this specific situation, after all, Director Dai is in charge of the situation at any time." Wang Shihe bowed his head and said.

Chairman Jiang nodded lightly and said, "I will personally ask Yunong about this." ”

"Although the Reading Force suffered heavy casualties, it also achieved brilliant results. Shouldn't they be rewarded? To lift the hearts of the army! Wang Shihe asked cautiously.

"Huh?" Chairman Jiang pondered for a while and said: "In view of the brilliant victory achieved by the Reading Force in this battle, let's send a telegram in the name of the Military Commission to commend it!" ”

"Yes! If there is nothing else, the humble post will be retired first! Although Wang Shihe felt that such a method of commending the front-line soldiers did not seem appropriate, he did not dare to brush off Chairman Chiang's intentions.

"Hmm!" Principal Jiang nodded slightly and motioned for Wang Shihe to step aside.

…………… Xingtang County, Reading the Temporary Military Headquarters of the Li Army.

The first and second divisions met victoriously, and Zhang Biao and other major military generals also gathered together.

The entire military headquarters was crowded and extremely crowded, but everyone did not chat and fart as usual, but each smoked a stuffy cigarette, and the atmosphere in the entire military headquarters seemed a little depressing.

Although the victory was achieved this time, the casualties of all units were extremely heavy, especially when the news of the death of the entire guard battalion spread throughout the army, and the officers and men all felt sad.

The guard battalion was once known as the fist unit of the Reading Army, the main force in the main force, the trump card among the trump cards, and the place where the top soldiers of each division and regiment gathered, and the officers and men of the guard battalion were drawn from each regiment and each company, so all regiments and companies of the whole army had a complicated feeling for the guard battalion.

Whenever the comrades-in-arms and brothers around them were transferred to the guard battalion, the soldiers were all proud and proud of them.

At this moment, a strong voice sounded: "Military seat! Attendance to! ”

"Bang on the ground" Everyone stood up in unison reflexively, and saw Zhang Mingyu dressed in formal clothes and strode in surrounded by the chief of staff and others.

Zhang Mingyu walked to the first place, and then waved his hand: "All the brothers, sit down." After saying that, he took the lead and sat down.

Everyone also sat down, and at this time, Chief of Staff Liu Cheng took out a document and said: "Brothers, the Yucheng Military Commission has sent a telegram to commend us!" ”

However, everyone did not have a trace of happiness, and Ling Tianbao said dissatisfiedly: "Sen, the Military Commission only gave us a verbal commendation?" There's no reward ocean or fiat currency or anything? ”

Liu Cheng shook his head and said indifferently: "No." ”

"Fuck! The brothers worked hard with Yu himself on the front line, and so many brothers died, and Chairman Jiang only gave a verbal commendation, what kind of thing is this? Even if we don't give us a reward, there should be a pension for the fallen brothers, right? ”； Ling Tianbao couldn't help but complain.

"That's it, the Yucheng political axe is too deductible, anyway, we are also the regular army of the national political axe, but we can't even fucking compare to the miscellaneous troops." Everyone present immediately started to scratch.

"Alright, be quiet!" Zhang Mingyu gestured with a solemn hand.

Everyone hurriedly shut up and looked at Zhang Mingyu in unison.

Zhang Mingyu paused and said: "Brothers, don't be nervous, we are not fighting devils for the sake of the national political axe, we are fighting for the sake of our 40,000,000 Chinese compatriots from being bullied by the army, and we are fighting for the freedom of the nation and territorial integrity!" For the sake of our children and grandchildren not to be enslaved by themselves! The pensions of the fallen brothers are paid by the military department! ”

"Throne! The leopard is willing to donate one year's salary to my brothers who died in battle. Ling Tianbao stood up and said.

"I do! I would too! The crowd followed suit.

"Hmmm! I promise you this, and now I want to announce an important news to you...."Zhang Mingyu nodded and paused: "After I discussed and decided with the chief of staff, our Reading Force will be expanded into the Reading Force Group Army, and the specific establishment will be reported to the Yucheng Military Commission for approval and decision. ”

As soon as Zhang Mingyu's words came out, everyone immediately talked about it, after all, the Reading Force Army has been expanded into a group army, and they will all be promoted to the next level with their officers, and the most important thing is that the formal establishment of some grassroots units is complete.

At present, the Reading Force has four infantry divisions, one armored division, one air force division, and one provisional Reading Brigade, and its strength has long reached the size of a group army.

"Okay, that's all for today's meeting, let's dismiss!" Zhang Mingyu stood up and faced everyone.

"Yes!" Everyone got up and turned to leave.

After everyone left, Chief of Staff Liu Cheng put away the documents and asked Zhang Mingyu: "Military seat, what should we do next?" ”

"Recuperate, replenish troops." Zhang Mingyu said eight words simply, then stood up and lit a cigarette: "Chief of Staff, where are the homeless teenagers we took in a few years ago now?" ”

"Those homeless teenagers have all moved into the Taiyuan Military School, where to learn professional military knowledge. The current number has reached nearly 10,000 people, accounting for two-thirds of the entire number of military schools. Liu Cheng replied after a little thought.

"Oh! How many of these people are at least 18 years old? Zhang Mingyu asked indifferently.

"There should be more than 3,000 people who have reached the age of eighteen, these people are the first batch of people we took in, they were all about fourteen or fifteen years old when they were first taken in, and now they should be eighteen years old." Liu Cheng replied.

"I plan to rebuild the guard battalion, no, it should be the guard regiment, as for the soldiers, except for some veterans drawn from various divisions, the rest will be drawn from these teenagers!" Zhang Mingyu said calmly.

"It's... I suggest that veterans be transferred from various divisions to supplement the guard regiment, and these baby soldiers should be transferred to various units for practice for a period of time. Liu Cheng said with some concern.

"No, the guard battalion has not been lost, I still have one platoon left, even if there is only one person left, I believe that the guard regiment can be re-formed, and in the future, this guard regiment will still be the fist unit of my reading force, and it is the trump card in the hands of Lao Tzu." Zhang Mingyu seems to have seen the demeanor of the brave army that can fight well.

"Hmmm! Humility understands that as long as there is still one person in the guard battalion, then its soul is there, as long as the soul of this army is always there, then it will always be an elite division that is truly not boasted of being defeated, no matter how many years have changed, the soul of this army will always be there, and the spirit will live forever. Liu Cheng said movingly.

"Hmmm! You immediately go back to Taiyuan to start preparing for this matter, and after the Military Commission calls back, we will reorganize the guard regiment. Zhang Mingyu nodded.

"Okay! I will send the message! Then let's go! After speaking, Liu Cheng picked up the document in his hand, turned around and walked away.

………… Yucheng, the leader's official residence.

Chief Bai, General Chen, and others hurried over, and a few minutes ago they all received a notice from the old man asking them to come to the office.

Soon, Chief Bai and others entered together, and saw Chairman Jiang facing the window, as if admiring the night sky tonight.

However, Mr. Bai knew that he definitely did not have this kind of leisure and elegance to enjoy the moon and flowers at this time.

Hearing the movement, Chairman Jiang turned around and said with a cold expression: "You are all here, sit down!" With that, he got up and walked to the couch and sat down on it.

Chief Bai and the others also sat down as they said.

Chairman Jiang leaned back on the sofa, stretched out his hand and motioned for Wang Shihe and the chief of the guard to take out the telegram sent by Reading Lijun, and then said: "You all take a look at the resignation, this is a telegram sent by Zhang Mingyu, requesting that the Reading Force be expanded into a group army!" In addition, let me award Li Gang and others who died in this battle the title of heroes of resistance! ”

After everyone took the telegram and circulated it one by one, Admiral Chen immediately said dissatisfiedly: "Who does he think he Zhang Mingyu is?" It is ridiculous that he took the initiative to propose to the leader to expand the troops! ”

Chief Bai glanced at General Chen with contempt and said: "Commission, Jiansheng doesn't think so, the Reading Force should be rewarded for winning the battle this time, especially the soldiers who died in battle, and the pension should be paid, as for the additional officers and soldiers who died in battle, it is even more reasonable." ”

Admiral Li also agreed: "I think what Jiansheng said is extremely true, please think twice." ”

At this time, Chairman Jiang set his eyes on General He, and General He met Chairman Jiang's gaze and said neither humbly nor arrogantly: "I think we should agree to the request of the Reading Army, after all, the Reading Army and the 200,000 Yue Army have fought a bloody battle and achieved a brilliant victory, which is beyond doubt. After all, the situation ahead is complicated, if Zhang Mingyu and even the officers and soldiers of Reading Li are dissatisfied or question the political axe, then the situation will not be good, after all, [***] has done a very good job in winning people's hearts. ”

General He's meaning is already very obvious, in case, Zhang Mingyu led the entire Reading Force Army to secretly throw himself into the arms of [***], it would undoubtedly be a heavy blow to Chairman Jiang.

The elite under his hands, even if they can't be used for their own purposes, they must not be thrown into the arms of [***], Chairman Jiang said secretly in his heart.

Thinking of this, Chairman Jiang suddenly got up and said: "Call back to the Reading Army, the Reading Force will be expanded into the 42nd Group Army, and the appointment of military commanders at the division and brigade level will be discussed by the Military Department of the Reading Army, and then reported to the Military Commission for approval, and Li Gang will be added as a major general of the National Political Axe Army, and the title of Hero and Martyr will be awarded!" ”

(To be continued)