Lixian, the war room of the general headquarters of the 41st Group Army. Tick tick, tick tick...... More than a dozen radio stations were busy at the same time, ticking and ticking. From time to time, the confidential telegraphers turned around and handed the translated messages to the communications staff officers, who then distributed them to the operational staff officers and reported them to Zheng Weiguo and others.

"The Rongcheng County Brigade reported that the Japanese army in Xushui was dispatched, numbered the 9th Infantry Brigade of the 6th Division, accompanied by cavalry and trucks."

"The Xincheng County Brigade reported that the Japanese army in Gaobeidian was dispatched, and the number was the 9th Infantry Brigade of the 18th Division."

"The Gu'an County Brigade reported that the Japanese army in Nanyuan was dispatched, numbered as the 39th Infantry Wing of the 10th Division, with one artillery and one cavalry, and the chariot was the guide, and it went straight to the direction of the Yongding River."

"The Anci County Brigade reported that the Japanese army in Kuofang was dispatched, and the number was the 10th Infantry Wing of the 40th Division. According to the reconnaissance of the department, the enemy seems to have an unusually large artillery, which needs to be dragged by two trucks, please beware of all departments! ”

"Wait a minute!" Zheng Weiguo suddenly waved his hand to interrupt and asked, "Order all intelligence departments, reconnaissance departments, and the third division to immediately start an investigation, and it is necessary to determine the model and performance of this artillery." ”

A staff officer hurriedly saluted: "Yes, General seat!" Then he hurried to the assignment.

Political Commissar Cheng was dealing with other military affairs, and when he heard the news, he hurried over and asked with concern, "What's the matter, commander?" ”

Zheng Weiguo explained: "The reconnaissance of the Anci County Brigade found that the Japanese army had a very large artillery that needed to be towed by two trucks. It could be a cannon over 150 mm, or a heavy howitzer over 200 mm. But I don't think the Japanese Army has any weapons. So I want to find out, so as not to suffer in the artillery battle. ”

Political Commissar Cheng couldn't help but gasp, frowned, and said, "Two trucks towed? Oh my God, this must weigh much! ”

Zheng Weiguo thought for a moment and laughed: "Maybe the little devil's truck is too rubbish." ”

"Report!" Another staff officer rushed over and reported: "The Jinxi County Brigade reports that the Japanese army in Tianjin has been dispatched, and the number is the 63rd Infantry Wing of the 10th Division. Led by tank units, the division advanced westward along the north bank of the Daqing River. ”

Jinxi County is a new county newly established by the Jizhong Military Region, and its jurisdiction is between Tianjin, Yangcun (Wuqing), Yongqing, Baxian and Jinghai counties. It is an important barrier to the east of Ba County.

Political Commissar Cheng said: "It seems to be the same as we expected before. It is indeed a pattern of five ways to attack the male (county) and the hegemon (county). ”

Zheng Weiguo nodded and said: "Well, it's just that the enemy's forces are too dense, and the strategic intention we envisioned before to concentrate our forces to annihilate them all the way is only afraid that it will be difficult to realize!" ”

Political Commissar Cheng looked at the map and said, "The two brigades of the 9th Division on the West Road are attacking almost in parallel. There were the 110th Division in Baoding and the 21st Division in Beiping to cover the flank. It's really hard to fight. However, the 10th Division on the east road was divided into three routes. The interval is also relatively large, and it should be possible to seize the fighter plane and destroy one. ”

Zheng Weiguo shook his head and said, "The 10th Division is a permanent horse-pulling division with four infantry wings. Now only three have been sorted. The cavalry wing was also not dispatched. This shows that the Japanese army is still very cautious and ready to reinforce at any time. And Tianjin also has the 27th Division. Alas, this battle is not easy to fight! ”

Political Commissar Cheng's face changed slightly, nodded and said, "Well, the commander is still thoughtful." On the surface, the enemy attacked with two divisions, but in fact, there were three divisions behind it, which could be crushed at any time. If the position of our main force is exposed, we will face a combined attack of five divisions of the enemy! ”

Zheng Weiguo approvingly: "Not bad! As far as I can guess, this is the enemy's killer weapon. If the main force does not move, it can only watch the fall of the third division; If the main force is reinforced, it is possible that the Japanese army will be heavily attacked north of the Qingshui River. ”

Political Commissar Cheng thought for a moment and said: "Commander, since the north is not easy to fight, can you do it in other places to force the Japanese army to break the siege?" ”

Zheng Weiguo shook his head and said with a wry smile: "In other places, where is there not a heavy Japanese army guarding the surrounding area of Jizhong?" Eagerness will certainly not be effective, and it will also reveal the position of the main force. Once the Japanese army sees the truth through the truth, I am afraid that the troops stationed around Jizhong will rush to the base area together. ”

Political Commissar Cheng smiled awkwardly and said, "The commander is right! ”

Now there are more enemy troops on the periphery of central Hebei than during the Battle of Taiyuan, and there are strong fortifications and railways to rely on, so it is unrealistic to encircle Wei and save Zhao. It is even more impossible to encircle the point and send reinforcements, because the Jizhong Military Region is not sure that it will eat the Japanese army in a short time. Once the Japanese army bites the main force, the consequences are unimaginable. This kind of dangerous situation has never been encountered since the establishment of the Jizhong Base Area, and if it is not handled well, the area north of the Daqing River will not be able to be saved.

Zheng Weiguo called Chief of Staff Zhou and Deputy Chief of Staff Li over and said, "The situation is urgent, let's go to the small conference room for a short meeting first." Several people hurriedly followed, and sat down in turn.

Chief of Staff Zhou asked, "General Seat, what plan do you have now?" ”

Zheng Weiguo sighed and said helplessly: "What plan can I have, the enemy army is strong, and I am helpless!" Then he asked: "Has the 53rd Army arrived at the intended place?" ”

Chief of Staff Zhou nodded hurriedly and said, "Yes, General Seat!" ”

Zheng Weiguo said in a deep voice: "Let them pay attention to concealment, and the operation will be canceled for the time being." He also explained: "If there is a man who has lost his land, he will have a land; If the land is lost, the people and the land will be destroyed. The three divisions were lost, and they could be reopened in the future; If the 53rd Army is annihilated, it will be difficult to recover. ”

According to the plan drawn up by the General Staff before, it was prepared to ambush the Japanese army all the way by the 53rd Army. But now it seems that this plan is difficult to implement, because the Japanese troops on all sides are very small, almost in unison, and each of them is strong. As mentioned above, the vanguard alone has more than a dozen tanks. Militarily speaking, it can be called a group advance. This kind of play is theoretically difficult to ambush.

Chief of Staff Zhou said: "General seat, I agree to cancel the operation for the time being. But I think there are still fighters, it depends on how we fight. ”

Zheng Weiguo hurriedly asked, "How do you say it?" ”

Chief of Staff Zhou explained: "The enemy army has only just entered the base area now, and it is indeed able to maintain the posture of advancing in unison. Let's have nowhere to put our mouths. But after a long time, the enemy can't just occupy a few county towns and roads, right? It is inevitable that the troops will be divided in all directions, so that we will not have an opportunity to take advantage of it? ”

Zheng Weiguo bowed his head and said, "Well, that's good!" However, at this rate of advance, the Japanese army was afraid that it would only take three days to occupy the entire Third Division. It would be difficult to wait for the Japanese army to complete its deployment before making any moves. ”

Deputy Chief of Staff Li interjected: "General Seat, Deputy Commander, Chief of Staff, I suggest that all Japanese troops be put in first, and at the same time their wings will be broken. The main force is watching in the shadows, and will attack decisively whenever the opportunity arises. There is no need to annihilate too many enemy troops. It is advisable to use a squad or squadron at a time. Fight quickly and withdraw quickly, and if you fight a few more times, no matter how many enemy troops you have, you can't bear it. At that time, we will concentrate our forces to encircle and annihilate all the way. ”

Political Commissar Cheng asked: "Lao Li, what do you mean by annihilating its wings?" ”

Deputy Chief of Staff Li replied: "Yes! Don't look at the number of Japanese troops, in fact, they are still very worried about being ambushed by our army. Therefore, there are puppet armies between the main forces of the Japanese army to fill the gap. ”

Commissar Cheng smiled: "Commander." I think it's possible. In addition to one more step to annihilate the puppet army. The rest is similar to when we fought the national army in the Soviet zone. It turns out that this style of play is feasible! ”

Everyone laughed. Back then, you fought to the death. Now he is defending against foreign insults under the same banner, which does have a bit of historical humor, but the people who make fun of it are a little crying and laughing.

Zheng Weiguo snorted. He asked again: "What does the chief of staff think?" ”

Chief of Staff Zhou approvingly: "General seat, I think Lao Li's idea is very good!" It may be too strong to deal with the Japanese army with the combat effectiveness of the local troops of the three divisions, but it will be much easier to deal with the puppet army. He said to Zheng Weiguo again: "Hasn't the special service brigade already reached the third division?" In my opinion, I can ask them to help when necessary. ”

Zheng Weiguo nodded and said, "Yes!" He pondered for a moment and then said, "In that case, we might as well make the cake a little bigger!" ”

Chief of Staff Zhou hurriedly asked, "What does the general seat mean?" Political Commissar Cheng and Deputy Chief of Staff Li also looked at it.

Zheng Weiguo explained: "Since it is to lure the enemy deeper, let the Japanese puppet army in!" During the day, only guerrilla forces were used to harass and fight, and the main local regiments were not allowed to move! In the evening, we concentrate on ......"

"Report!" Zheng Weiguo was explaining his plan, when the pillar suddenly walked to the door and saluted: "Headquarters, chiefs!" There are new movements of enemy forces in various places, and Principal Xiong asked me to come to you. ”

Since Xiong Taiyu was transferred to the Jizhong Military Academy as the principal, he rarely asked about the affairs of the General Staff. But the war was about to start, and the staff was short of manpower, so Zheng Weiguo transferred him back to help concurrently serve as the chief of staff.

Zheng Weiguo thought that something big must have happened, and hurriedly said: "Let's go, let's go out and have a look first." ”

Principal Xiong hurriedly greeted him and reported, "Chief, sir. I just got the news that the Japanese troops in Shijiazhuang, Baoding, Cangzhou, Dezhou, Huimin and other surrounding areas in central Hebei have also been dispatched! ”

Zheng Weiguo and the others hurriedly gathered around to take a look, only to see that several arrows had been newly marked on the huge one-fifty-thousandth map on the wall. The Japanese 14th Division was divided into three routes and launched attacks in the direction of Wuji, Gaocheng and Luancheng to the west of Shijiazhuang. The 110th Division stationed in Baoding was also divided into three routes, all the way by water, and went straight to Anxin County in Baiyangdian; crossed the Tang River all the way to Gaoyang County; After the last, he crossed the river from Zhangdeng Town and came to Lixian, the capital of the base area.

In addition to these two divisions, the 6th Independent Mixed Brigade of Dezhou, the 7th Independent Mixed Brigade of Cangzhou, and the 9th Independent Mixed Brigade of Huimin attacked the Jilu border area east of Jinpu Road, that is, the newly formed 4th Division.

Chief of Staff Zhou was taken aback and said, "No, this is clearly the momentum of the decisive battle!" Does the Japanese army want to eat our base area in one bite? ”

Zheng Weiguo shook his head and said, "Probably not!" It is likely that it is just a feint, there is no need to panic, and it is enough to let the military divisions deal with it carefully. ”

Principal Xiong smiled: "How does the chief seat judge? ”

Zheng Weiguo also smiled: "Hehe, is it the same as what the hero sees?" My reason is simple, materiel! He also explained: "The Battle of Wuhan some time ago dragged on for more than five months, and almost exhausted the materials that Japan had saved before. I guess in this case, the base camp should not launch a campaign of too much scale. ”

Political Commissar Cheng nodded and said, "Yes, I heard that Japan's domestic labor, food, and energy are insufficient. In order to prepare the new troops, all the rifles used in the school for training were collected. ”

Principal Xiong said, "In principle, I agree with the general seat. That's just one aspect, though. We should see that there is a possibility that things will go in the other direction. Of course, Japan is facing many difficulties. But as an industrial country, its potential is great. If the military department forcibly pushes the wartime mechanism, it is not impossible to fight another large-scale campaign. ”

Zheng Weiguo nodded approvingly: "Well, it makes sense. So what do you think will be the case that will prompt the situation to evolve in the other direction? Depends on the enemy forces or on us? ”

President Xiong explained: "If the Japanese decision-making department thinks that it can occupy our base area in one fell swoop and destroy the main force of our army, then this kind of thing is very likely to happen. If, on the other hand, the Japanese believe that we are not weak and that it will be difficult to eradicate them in a short period of time, then they may prefer a prudent strategy. ”

After hearing this, everyone's faces became solemn. The meaning is very straightforward, if this battle is fought well. You can catch your breath from the base; If you don't play well. Then the divisions and brigades that the Japanese army placed around will press up with all their might! At that time, it will be a vicious battle, and if it is not done, it will be the end of the "May Day Sweep".

Political Commissar Cheng thought for a moment and said: "Commander, we can ask the two major military regions of the Eighth Route Army, Jinchaji and Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong, and Henan, to cooperate with our army to fight. In any case, we have to drive the devil out of the third division! ”

Zheng Weiguo shook his head and said: "Now the Japanese army is ready to fight, and the Eighth Route Army is not capable of attacking fortifications. It doesn't make much difference. The Japanese 21st Division, 110th Division, and 14th Division held the Pinghan Line from north to south. It is very difficult for the troops of the Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei Military Region to directly support us. Although the Southern Hebei Military Region can. But its strength is limited. It was not possible to go north for a short time. So it's up to us to fight. ”

Principal Xiong asked, "So, how are you going to fight?" ”

Zheng Weiguo nodded and said, "Hmm." I'll talk about my plan first, and you'll add to it. So he laid out all his plans. Political Commissar Cheng and the others discussed the pros and cons again, and then handed them over to the General Staff Department for improvement.

Now the staff team of Jizhong is very mature. Generally speaking, as long as the general idea is drawn up, the details are handled by staff officers at all levels. The military region finally decided to use only a small number of troops to exhaust and harass the enemy during the day, and then launch an attack on the enemy's weak links at night. Specifically, it was carried out by the 3rd Military Region and the 53rd Army, which was hidden on the north bank of the Daqing River.

The Third Army Sub-division detected that one part of the puppet army was stationed in Hancun Town, Yongqing County, and the other was stationed in Dazhan Village, with more than 500 people each. In addition, there was a temporary military station of the Japanese army in Huangcun in Daxing County (now Daxing District, Beijing). Since these three enemy forces were relatively isolated, Commander Duan Shuanghu decided to attack them first.

For this reason, the three subdivisions specially took out the three regiments with the strongest combat effectiveness, that is, the seventh, eighth, and ninth main regiments of the Jizhong Military Region. and a platoon of each of the special service brigades led by Wen Bin.

By the sparse light of the moon, the troops quickly moved to the designated place. First, everyone is familiar with the land, and second, it also shows that the unit has indeed grown a lot after the battle some time ago.

The battle first began in Hancun. It was night, the wind was cold, and several puppet army sentries were walking around with guns at the entrance of the village, shivering from the cold.

"Dog's day, the official eats and drinks well, and he also plays with women, but he lets the little master get frozen here!" A puppet soldier shrunk his neck and couldn't help but complain.

"Alas, who told us to die for the Japanese! Those who are officials only know how to talk to the Japanese, and they don't treat us as human beings at all. ”

"Hmph, when I talk about this old man, I get angry. The little master was originally a good policeman, but he became a traitor in a daze, what kind of world is this! If one day it is urgent, the little master will take off this dog skin and go to Zheng Hu! ”

The two puppet soldiers were in full swing, when they suddenly heard a few slight noises, and they hurriedly raised their rifles in fright and asked, "Who!" But as soon as he finished speaking, a cold thing was placed around their necks.

"Don't, don't, good man, there's something to say, there's something to say!" The two sentries were almost scared out of their urine and hurriedly begged for mercy. If it weren't for the knife pinned to his neck, I was afraid that I would have to kneel down immediately.

A black shadow slowly turned out from behind the two, and said with a smile: "It's easy to say!" Don't be afraid, you two, just with the last sentence, I promise to give you a way to live! ”

The puppet army sentry was stunned for a moment, and said in confusion: "The last sentence? Yes, yes, yes, Xiaotai, oh, no, it's a villain, the villain has long wanted to defect to Commander Zheng to fight devils, but the chief stared too closely and didn't dare to run. ”

The black shadow smiled: "Fortunately, I didn't run, otherwise how would I have such a good opportunity to make meritorious contributions!" Tell me, how did the enemy deploy in the town? Tell me honestly, there must be a word wrong......"

The puppet army sentry hurriedly said: "Tell me honestly, I must tell you honestly!" As he spoke, he poured beans into a bamboo tube and said everything he knew. The other is also a fact that does not dare to hide it at all.

Ten minutes later, a group of soldiers quickly pounced on the town. Due to the cold weather, the puppet army did not have much arrangement in the town, and they all curled up in several compounds to sleep. The guns were all set up in the corners, and the people were huddled in a heap. The warriors rushed in without much effort, disarming first and then taking prisoners, and not a single one of them escaped.

"Ouch, it's the other way around, it's the other way around, who the hell dares to tease the uncle!" The commander of the Imperial Allied Army was sleeping with a pretty widow in his arms, but was carried out of the bed by the soldiers. This guy fell asleep in a daze, and at first he yelled and yelled, and only after being honestly relieved by the butt of a gun. However, this guy saw that the wind was good at making the rudder, and he quickly patted his chest and said that he was in the enemy camp and his heart was in Han, and asked to use Japanese intelligence to make up for it.

In this way, a total of 523 puppet soldiers and one Japanese adviser did not slip through the net. Only one of them, the unlucky ghost who got up at night to pee, was shot to death by the soldiers of the Special Service Brigade with a crossbow because of his panic shouting, and the rest were all captured alive.

It was similar in Dazhan Village, where a total of 1,070 puppet soldiers were annihilated and two Japanese advisers were captured. The only regret is that both units were poorly equipped, and only more than 600 rifles and some ammunition were captured.

The temporary military station in Huangcun was heavily defended because it was garrisoned by Japanese troops. In addition, after the battle of Hancun Town, Dazhan Village and the 53rd Army, all units of the Japanese puppet army were alarmed and strengthened their vigilance. Duan Shuanghu saw that the fighter plane had been lost, so he ordered the Ninth Regiment to abandon this operation.

However, the commander of the Ninth Regiment learned that the Seventh Regiment and the Eighth Regiment had successfully completed their tasks, so he went back empty-handed for fear of the jokes of the brother troops. So I hid and waited on the spot, and when it was almost dawn, I really waited for the opportunity. Because Lieutenant General Yoshizumi Ryosuke, commander of the 9th Division of the Japanese Army, was worried about the attack on the various military stations, he sent a squadron of automobiles to patrol overnight.

It was still dark, and when the automobile squadron entered the station, the soldiers of a platoon of the special service brigade followed the car and broke in. The 9th Regiment followed, and a fierce battle soon broke out between the two sides, which lasted until dawn to finally destroy the Japanese army. It's a pity that the Japanese reinforcements arrived soon, and most of the supplies were too late to be transferred, so they had to be burned.

The 3rd Division made a good start, and the results of the 53rd Army were even greater. In the middle of the night that day, the commander of the 10th Division, Lieutenant General Yoshio Shinozuka, had just laid down, and Tsutsuki Daisa hurriedly shouted outside the door: "Your Excellency, Division Commander, please get up quickly, the Chinese army has launched a counterattack!" ”

Yoshio Shinozuka said in a deep voice: "Di Bujun, don't panic!" Isn't it just the elimination of a few Imperial Allies? I already know about this matter, so I don't need to pay attention to it. ”

Di Bujia Gui Dazuo anxiously shouted: "It's not the Imperial Army!" Your Excellency, Division Commander, they launched an attack on the 63rd Wing. Now the unit has lost contact with ......"

Before he finished speaking, Lieutenant General Yoshio Shinozuka had already pushed the door out, clasped his clothes and buttoned them as he walked, and said, "Let's go, go to the war room, and call all the commanders up!" (To be continued......)