Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 313 The Japanese Retreat

On the defensive position of Sanjiaji, Yamamoto Rokuro was directing the battle, his brows furrowed.

"According to intelligence, there is at most one regiment of troops stationed here. Why is the troop making no progress?"

"Something's not right. This battle is very strange!" Yamamoto Rokuro kept thinking to himself.

"Officer Noda, is our intelligence accurate?" Yamamoto Rokuro asked.

"No matter how strong the Independent Brigade's combat capabilities are, it would be difficult for a single regiment to hold us off for so long!"

"This?" Staff Officer Noda hesitated before finally saying it.

"Commander Yamamoto, I think there's a big problem with the intelligence. The number of troops blocking our way far exceeds the size of a regiment."

"Sanjiaji is currently a small place, and we cannot deploy a large number of troops. At present, the attacking force consists of two companies of Locust Army soldiers and a regiment of puppet troops."

"Moreover, the artillery units of the regiment have already launched an artillery barrage against the enemy's positions."

"However, we still haven't made any breakthroughs."

"I suspect that the enemy has at least two regiments blocking our way," Staff Officer Noda stated his analysis.

"Moreover, according to intelligence from the Taiyuan Command, the Locust Army's attack on Lingshi County was also blocked, so I deduced that the Independent Brigade's troop numbers far exceeded ours."

"Damn it! What are the intelligence agencies doing? The Independent Brigade has so many more troops, and they haven't found out anything."

"They even boasted to us that they sent an elite intelligence team."

"Baka yarou!" Yamamoto Rokuro slammed his hand on the table.

"Staff Officer Noda, immediately send a telegram to the Taiyuan Command, giving me a full denunciation of them; they've committed murder!"

“I’m going to send them to a military court,” Yamamoto Rokuro said menacingly.

"Hay."

"Report, urgent telegram from Taiyuan Command!" At this moment, the voice of a communications soldier rang out outside the temporary command post.

"Enter."

Seeing the slightly flustered communications soldier, Yamamoto Juroku immediately had a bad feeling.

"read."

"Yamamoto Regiment, Fenxian County has been captured by the Independent Brigade, and the Fenxian Armory has fallen into the hands of the Independent Brigade. Your unit is ordered to capture the Independent Brigade's garrison at Wolong Mountain at all costs, and cooperate with the surrounding support troops to encircle and annihilate the Independent Brigade."

"Commander, what should we do? It seems that the headquarters is still unaware of the true situation of the Independent Brigade. Based on our experience fighting the Independent Brigade, we know that the Independent Brigade must have a backup plan!" Staff Officer Noda said.

“What you say makes a lot of sense. We don’t know the specific troop deployment of the Independent Brigade right now. It would be irresponsible to carry out the orders from headquarters rashly.”

"Another point is that the Independent Brigade is not operating alone. The Nationalist Army and the Eighth Route Army are all providing support from the perimeter. If we get stuck in a stalemate with the Independent Brigade, it will inevitably create opportunities for the Chinese troops on the perimeter."

“Our current occupation of Shanxi Province is not secure. If Chinese troops in other regions seize the opportunity, it will inevitably affect the Empire’s strategic deployment throughout Shanxi Province.”

"In Shanxi Province right now, stability is paramount."

"Commander, what do we do now? What about the orders from the Taiyuan Command?"

"Report the situation to the Taiyuan Command immediately. Those guys at the command, unless they're completely incompetent, will definitely order a halt to the attack." Yamamoto Rokuro said, his tone tinged with disdain.

Before long, Tsuchiya Akira, the highest-ranking officer of the Taiyuan Command, saw the intelligence sent by Yamamoto Juroku. His face immediately turned ashen, and he stared intently at the contents of the intelligence.

The office fell silent as everyone in the headquarters cautiously watched their commander, who was on the verge of exploding in rage.

A minute later, the expected outburst of anger did not occur; instead, a helpless sigh was heard. This was followed by Tsuchiya Akira's emotionless voice.

"Except for the air force, all other forces cease operations against the Independent Brigade."

"Commander, what happened?" a staff officer asked, mustering his courage.

"Take a look at this intelligence report." He then handed the report to the staff officer who had spoken earlier.

"Report to Taiyuan Command: Our reconnaissance indicates that the Independent Brigade's strength far exceeds previous estimates. We recommend that we ascertain the Independent Brigade's troop strength before launching any operations against it."

Upon hearing this information, the intelligence minister immediately stood up.

"No way, absolutely impossible."

"Hmph, that's just the way it is." Akira Tsuchiya snorted coldly.

"Your intelligence department needs to reflect on this. As for the Chief of Staff, the rest is up to you." With that, Akira Tsuchiya left the command room.

Only the pale-faced intelligence minister remained.

Following the order issued by the Taiyuan Command, all Japanese troops except those around Fen County ceased their attacks on the Independent Brigade.

.....

On the other hand, unlike the deathly atmosphere at the Japanese headquarters, the Wolong Mountain command post was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

"Commander, the Japanese have retreated. We have achieved a decisive victory."

Upon receiving news from the front lines, the officers in command post cheered. Looking at the excited crowd in the hall, Tang Weiguo finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Alright, everyone, don't let your guard down. Do your best in your last shift and wait for Commander Tang's triumphant return." Zhang Haoshan, standing to the side, also couldn't hide his joy as he smiled.

"Yes."

After answering, everyone returned to their workstations with smiles on their faces to continue handling combat matters.

"Commander, Tang Xiaohu and his men are currently speeding up the transfer of supplies, and it is expected that they will be able to evacuate Fenxian County in another hour."

"Very good. Tell them to be careful in everything they do, and not to let their guard down until the very last moment."

"Yes, Commander."

"By the way, the division commander just received a telegram from Staff Officer Chen. They asked what to do with the Japanese grain reserves in Fen County."

"Yes, hand them all over to the Eighth Route Army as a thank you gift for their support in our operations."

"Yes, sir, I understand."