Wuhan Luojia Mountain, the official residence of the chairman. Lin Wei, the director of the chamberlain, respectfully handed a telegram to Chang Kaishen, and said excitedly: "Commission, this is a telegram from the 97th Army forwarded by the First War Zone, saying that the headquarters has successfully cut off the connection between the Japanese army's westward advance group and the rear, and eliminated nearly 1,000 Japanese troops who were scattered by the flood in the contact. At present, the main force of the First Theater and the 97th Army are actively moving closer to the Japanese army, and encircling and annihilating the enemy is just around the corner. ”

Chang Kaishen's eyes lit up and said, "Oh, is this news reliable?" ”

Lin Wei said: "According to the reconnaissance of the First War Zone, the 97th Army has indeed moved south, and it is currently being deployed between Lanfeng and Kaifeng. As for the number of enemies to be destroyed, it is estimated that there will not be much difference. ”

Chang Kaishen said happily: "Okay, good drop!" Zheng Weiguo is still a general person, and the 97th Army is worthy of being a national armed force, a sharp blade in North China, and it has lived up to my expectations. ”

Lin Wei hurriedly said: "This is all your insight and talent, otherwise even if Chief Zheng has great ability, how can he use it?" ”

Chang Kaishen was very happy to hear it, but he still said humbly: "Eh, you can't say that." The battle still depends on the soldiers on the front line, and I am just talking about it. You call back immediately, let the First War Zone make persistent efforts, strive to inflict heavy losses on the Japanese army, and let them come and go! ”

Lin Wei smiled: "Yes, take a seat." ”

He was about to turn around and leave, but was stopped by Chang Kaishen again. Lin Wei hurriedly said, "What else do you command?" ”

Chang Kaishen handed him a note and said: "The 97th Army has made many military exploits since it went south to participate in the war, and it should be commended. Here's a list of bonus items, so go ahead and do it too! ”

Lin Wei took a look. Embarrassed, he said: "What the committee said is very true, but I'm afraid there aren't too many supplies now!" And if you give too much to the 97th Army, I'm afraid it will arouse people's jealousy. ”

Chang Kaishen was a little unhappy, snorted and said, "What's wrong with letting the various departments squeeze it?" If they can fight like the 97th Army, I will still give them more supplies. ”

Lin Wei didn't dare to persuade more, so he had to say: "The lesson of the commission is that the lowly position will be arranged." ”

The telegram soon reached the 97th Army. At this time, the various units of the 97th Army had been completely deployed on the south bank, ready to resist the east (Japanese troops in the direction of Xuzhou) and fight in the west (trapped Japanese troops), and even the army headquarters moved to Luowang Station on the Longhai line.

Nawang Station was once an important stronghold for both sides to attack and defend, but it was originally destroyed by the war. However, after the Japanese army was stationed, it was quickly rebuilt. The fortifications inside and outside are very well repaired. Director Xiong saw that this place was at the right point and more dangerous, so he suggested that the military headquarters be moved here.

Zheng Weiguo took the telegram and looked at it, and said in surprise: "Is it really from the Military Commission?" When did the chairman become so generous? ”

Chief of Staff Zhou smiled: "Undoubtedly! Maybe it's because we played well some time ago! We have annihilated more than 10,000 Japanese troops. Such a great credit is not rewarded. What do people in the world think? ”

Zheng Weiguo still didn't believe it. But he didn't think of the reason, shook his head and smiled: "Forget it, no matter what the chairman thinks." It's a good thing after all. With this batch of supplies, our logistics can finally breathe a sigh of relief. However, it is not a long-term plan to always rely on the peak to reward, and we still have to find a way to do a good job in our base. ”

Chief of Staff Zhou smiled: "Yes! If the Eighth Road gets this batch of supplies, at least three new regiments can be built. We can't do it, a big family has to feed! ”

The 97th Army was happy on its side, and the atmosphere in the First War Zone was also quite harmonious. After receiving the telegram sent back by the Military Commission, everyone up and down was very excited. The generals are gearing up one by one, ready to fight the devil. Commander Cheng Qian and Xue Yue's former enemy commander-in-chief originally had many suspicions because of repeated defeats, but this time they were also reconciled.

Chief Xue stood in front of the map, holding a small stick in his hand and pointing and saying, "Everyone, the current situation is very clear. The enemy's 10th Division, 14th Division, and 16th Division, as well as two independent mixed brigades, totaling nearly 80,000 troops, were trapped in the Yellow Flood Area. The main force of our army's First Theater and the 97th Army sandwiched it in the middle, showing a trend of attacking from east to west. ”

"The situation is in my favor! The only hidden danger is that the 97th Army is also caught between the Japanese army's westward expansion group and the Xuzhou group. If they can't hold it, it will be difficult for us to realize our plan to inflict heavy losses on the Japanese army. ”

Chief of Staff Yan took over with a smile: "What the commander-in-chief said is right!" Now it depends on whether we will destroy the main force of the Japanese army advancing westward first, or the Japanese army will break through the blockade of the 97th Army first. But overall, we still have a better chance of winning. ”

Chief Cheng Qian waved his hand and said: "It is unrealistic to destroy a large army of nearly 80,000 people, as long as I can cut off one of its arms, I will be satisfied." When you go back, all military commanders must take control of the troops and strive to win a great victory in order to repay the people's love. ”

The army commanders and division commanders who came to the meeting all clapped their hands excitedly, and the scene was very enthusiastic. As soldiers, even if they are corrupt and incompetent, they will have a natural desire for victory, because this is the meaning of their existence.

Zhang Xuxing, deputy chief of staff, said excitedly: "There are tens of thousands of people who have broken their arms, this is the first big victory since the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War!" ”

Everyone excitedly said, "Yes, yes!" "It's as if the fruits of victory have reached the mouth, and you can take it with your mouth open.

Xue Yue was very satisfied with this atmosphere, coughed, and said, "Everyone, please be quiet!" Now it's up to me to give the order to fight. ”

When the officers heard this, they hurriedly stood up.

At this moment, a communications staff officer in the war zone suddenly hurried over, walked up to Cheng Qian's ear and muttered a few words. Cheng Qian's face changed suddenly, and he glanced at the staff officer in surprise.

Xue Yue's speech was interrupted, a little dissatisfied, and said in a deep voice: "Junzuo, I don't know what happened?" ”

Cheng Qian sighed and said, "Boling, the Military Commission has new instructions, and I'm afraid our operational plan will have to be changed." He waved his hand to the commanders of the troops present and said, "Go back first, take control of the troops, and be ready at any time." ”

After these officers left, Xue Yue finally couldn't hold it back, and said angrily: "Junzuo, what is this for?" You know how much time is precious now, why do you want to postpone the time of the general attack? If you lose this battle. Who bears the responsibility? I, Xue Boling, didn't come to the First War Zone to carry a black pot and wipe my ass......"

During this time, Xue Yue was very unhappy, and the originally good situation was reversed by the enemy army due to the ineffective fighting of some people. Is the opportunity that has been made by great sacrifice now going to be wasted?

His anger grew, and his voice grew louder and louder. The staff of the various departments of the theater command secretly opened the door and peeked in this way.

Chief of Staff Yan hurriedly scolded: "What do you see, don't you have anything to do?" The onlookers were startled and hurriedly retracted their heads.

After drinking back from the crowd, he persuaded Xue Yue again: "Commander-in-chief, you also dissipate your anger." It's all for the party-state, you don't need to be so angry, it's not worth it to be angry. Now is the time to die. The country depends on you! ”

Xue Yue sat down angrily. But he swept all the teacups and documents to the ground.

Cheng Qian was steady, he took a sip of tea, pushed a secret telegram in front of Xue Yue, and said unhurriedly: "Boling." You can't have a temper. Let's take a look at this first! ”

Xue Yuehu suspiciously opened the telegram and looked at it. Suddenly stood up in shock and shouted: "Alas, why are you so confused!" Aren't the lessons of Shanghai and Nanjing enough? How can such conditions be granted. It's clearly a delaying tactic by the Japanese! ”

It turned out that thanks to the efforts of the Nationalist Government, German Ambassador to China Todmann finally agreed to mediate the Sino-Japanese war. The Japanese said they could talk, but demanded that the Nationalist army refrain from hostile action against the Japanese during the negotiations. The offensive in the First Theater of War was certainly no exception.

Cheng Qian coughed and reprimanded: "Boling, you are now the former commander-in-chief of the enemy in the war zone, why are you still as open-mouthed as before?" There is naturally a reason for the commission to do this, and we can do it to our subordinates. ”

Xue Yue couldn't help but say, "But this matter is obviously wrong, should you make a plea to the chairman again?" You are aware of the difference in strength between China and Japan, and there will never be such an opportunity in the future! ”

He thought for a moment and then continued: "I don't know how many innocent people died in this flood. We have paid such a big price, can we just watch the devil in our hands slip away? ”

Cheng Qian was also worried about the Huayuankou incident in his heart, especially when he saw the photos of the victims published in the newspaper these days, he was even more unhappy. Although the newspapers were unanimously denouncing the Japanese army for being inhumane and the enemy of all mankind, he knew the truth of the matter. Isn't the so-called "public enemy of all mankind without humanity" scolded above himself?

He kept telling himself that it was not his fault that he had dug the embankment, and that he was just doing what the chairman had ordered, but he was often awakened by nightmares in the middle of the night. A soaking corpse, empty and resentful eyes kept appearing in his mind, torturing his conscience.

Xue Yue was still chattering on the side, pointing at Cheng Qian's nose and shouting: "Junzuo, if you don't dare to tell the chairman, I'll go!" ”

Cheng Qian trembled with anger and said, "Okay, good!" You Xue Boling is a hero, I am Cheng someone, a sinner through the ages. Whatever you want! This theater commander Lao Tzu is gone, and whoever of you likes to do it! As he spoke, he threw off his military hat and walked out of the headquarters in a rage, leaving a large number of people standing on the spot.

After a while, Deputy Chief of Staff Zhang said: "Two commanders, Jun Zuo was also angry and left, what should I do now?" ”

Chief of Staff Yan pondered for a moment and said, "We can't help but listen to the orders of the Military Commission. My advice is to let the divisions shrink a little, hold the defensive line carefully, and try not to clash with the Japanese troops in front of them. I will persuade Junzuo again, and then give feedback to the Central Military Commission on the opinions of our First War Zone, and the Military Commission will make a decision. ”

Deputy Chief of Staff Zhang said happily: "This is the most appropriate way. What does Chief Xue think? ”

Xue Yue's anger still didn't subside, and he snorted and said, "I'm going to Wuhan to meet the committee and explain this matter clearly in person." ”

Deputy Chief of Staff Zhang was taken aback and said, "This, this is not good!" ”

Chief of Staff Yan thought for a while, but expressed his support and said, "It's okay for Chief Xue to go for a while, let the committee know the situation on our front line, maybe he will change his mind." However, you have to temper yourself and don't let the committee get out of the stage. ”

Xue Yue said: "Don't worry, I'm not so muddy!" As he spoke, he grabbed the documents he had brought with his arm, pushed open the door and walked away. Inside the room, Chief of Staff Yan and Deputy Chief of Staff Zhang both sighed heavily.

At this time, the 97th Army also received this telegram, and Zheng Weiguo, Chief of Staff Zhou, Duan Shuanghu, Director Xiong, and Liang Dongkai silently circulated it, and they were all stunned, not knowing what to say.

After a while, Chief of Staff Zhou finally asked, "Jun, cough, Junzao, what are you going to do?" "Maybe I held my breath in my throat and coughed before I said it.

Zheng Weiguo sighed and said depressedly: "You come to draft a telegram and explain the current situation to the chairman in detail, hoping to persuade him to give up those unrealistic illusions." ”

Director Xiong said worriedly: "I'm afraid that the little devil can't give us time!" ”

Sure enough, on the day of the ceasefire in the First War Zone, the Japanese army immediately launched a large-scale rescue operation. Dozens of transport planes rushed back and forth, constantly delivering supplies to the trapped Japanese troops. It is conceivable that once the preparations are made, the enemy forces will start a breakthrough. At the same time, the Xuzhou direction also urgently mobilized the Fifth Division, which was the reserve of the front army, to prepare for reinforcements. (To be continued......)