(For some reason, the long place name has been changed to Suzhou. The entire text has been modified. Please take note.)
“Nonsense! Military orders are like mountains, how can you change them on a whim?”
Xiao Yun's face immediately turned stern, his expression incredibly serious.
This single gesture was enough to frighten Liu Hu, who had always been rather arrogant.
Back in the day, Xiao Yun had personally nurtured Liu Hu from a green recruit into the main force battalion commander he was today.
It could be said that Liu Hu had learned all his combat skills from Xiao Yun. Seeing Xiao Yun's dark face, he didn't dare to say anything, becoming as quiet as a cicada in winter, barely able to hold back his tail.
On the side, Li Yunlong and Kong Jie, who had upgraded their weapons after the ambush at Zhai Jiu Ao, felt their backs stiffen, thinking they were now stronger, and also wanted to grab the main attack position. However, they immediately gave up the idea of speaking up, keeping their eyes fixed on their noses, their noses fixed on their hearts, as quiet as a mouse.
Assisting was also not bad, after all, they were going to attack Suzhou, right?
This was much better than the 812团, which could only engage in relief efforts.
Finally, the New First团/Independent团 was no longer a stepchild!
Thinking about this, Li Yunlong and Kong Jie felt a warm glow in their hearts.
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“Liu Hu, let me tell you, your 812团, although not the main force, has a heavy responsibility, no lighter than the main attack.
The Japanese 222联队, besides garrisoning Suzhou, has another battalion stationed in surrounding towns and villages.
If Suzhou is in trouble, these Japanese soldiers will definitely abandon the surrounding towns and villages, gathering together to support Suzhou.
Your mission is to keep the Japanese battalion coming to reinforce them firmly at Wu Yun Ridge. If you let even a single Japanese soldier pass, I'll hold you accountable!”
“Yes, Brigade Commander!”
This time, Liu Hu was subdued, even beginning to comfort himself.
The Brigade Commander was entrusting him with the task of engaging in relief efforts, which meant he had faith in him.
This was a whole battalion of Japanese soldiers, their combat strength was not to be underestimated, yet he was entrusting the 812团 with them, how much trust was that?
Think about it, if they failed to hold back these Japanese devils and let them successfully reinforce Suzhou.
Joining forces with the Japanese inside the city, the 399旅 could suffer huge losses!
This was a crucial task! He had to do it well!
“Anyone else have any questions?”
Xiao Yun looked around, everyone shook their heads repeatedly: “No problems!”
“Alright, once each unit returns to their station, immediately prepare yourselves, let the soldiers rest and recuperate, this battle requires speed, every minute wasted attacking Suzhou will mean more losses for our brothers fighting in the relief efforts!”
“Yes, Brigade Commander!” ×5
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As everyone returned to their respective stations, the 399旅, this war machine, was also put into motion.
After sleeping for a whole day to replenish their energy, the soldiers relied on their iron legs, taking advantage of the night to march quickly.
Xiao Yun’s blue attribute, "Long-Distance Assault," also demonstrated its intended effect - the troops' physical exertion during long-distance marches is reduced by 20%.
Don't underestimate this 20%, it made the Eight Route Army, already known for its iron legs and fast marching speed, even swifter.
During such long-distance marches, even if it only reduced physical exertion by 5%, the effect was still amazing.
In that war after the founding of the nation, the 38th Army 113th Division relied on their iron legs to march for 70 kilometers with heavy loads for 14 consecutive hours, creating a miracle in the history of human light infantry!
They walked along mountain paths, taking the long way around, they arrived at San Suo Li five minutes ahead of the American mechanized troops and seized the opportunity.
During this period, countless soldiers died of exhaustion, and many others suffered lifelong injuries because of it.
If Xiao Yun's "Long-Distance Assault" attribute had been available then, such tragedies might have been avoided, and they could have reached San Suo Li even earlier.
The next morning, Liu Hu's 812团, who had traveled the furthest, had also arrived at their designated location, Wu Yun Ridge.
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On a hill five kilometers from Suzhou City, with a wide view and outside the enemy's artillery range, Xiao Yun set up his command post here, making it convenient for centralized deployment.
After a night of rushing and digging trenches, the soldiers were leaning against the trenches, enjoying their breakfast and taking a break.
At the same time, Xiao Yun also reported to headquarters - our troops have arrived at the designated location outside Suzhou City and will launch an attack in half an hour.
The 811团, the Independent团, and the New First团, totaling nearly 5000 people, surrounded Suzhou City.
This commotion couldn't be hidden from the garrison in Suzhou City, and there was no need to hide it, as long as they weren't discovered during their march to Suzhou.
Inside Suzhou City, at the 222联队 headquarters.
Knowing that he would be transferred from the frontline after the army returned from Jinan, the Regiment Commander Nakamura Ichiro had been drinking heavily last night, several empty sake bottles scattered around him.
At that moment, a message from a Japanese soldier made his hangover disappear instantly.
“Your Excellency, soldiers on the city wall reported that there are large numbers of 八路军 outside the city, densely packed, several thousand strong, and all wearing formal military uniforms, they seem to be main force troops!”