Not long ago, in order to cope with the pressure from the headquarters and the country, Okamura followed the suggestion of a loyal subordinate, a Japanese major general, and ordered people to find some captured enemy fighter planes, and also took some prisoners from Britain, the United States and other countries.
Externally, they claimed to have completely wiped out the enemy aviation forces bombing the Japanese mainland.
As a result, Kong Jie responded directly: on the one hand, he promoted the feat of joint air strikes between the Eighth Route Army and the National Army, and on the other hand, he even directly released the bomber training exercises at Huangyadong Aviation Base.
The slap in the face was so loud!
The Eighth Route Army spared no face for Okamura, and the last fig leaf was ruthlessly torn away by it.
It seems that one can see the embarrassment on the face of the old man Okamura from across the Pacific Ocean.
As a result, in the face of ridicule and accusations from many parties, as well as domestic pressure, Okamura changed hands and without hesitation dismissed the major general who had proposed to him as the scapegoat.
Claiming that it was all the person's fault, they got the situation wrong, resulting in a false alarm.
After finally suppressing the heat of the incident, the old devil was very angry.
He secretly vowed in his heart that once the No. 1 combat plan was successfully completed and the communication lines in mainland China were completely opened, he would turn his troops around, gather forces, and completely eradicate these damn Eighth Route Army troops behind enemy lines.
Then he held a military meeting at the headquarters specifically to deal with the subsequent war situation. At the meeting, he analyzed the current situation of China's dispatched troops in various occupied areas.
The final conclusion is:
Central China and South China achieved many victories in the battles between Henan, Hunan and Guangxi. Although the empire also suffered heavy losses, on the frontal battlefield in the southern region, the imperial army still held a relatively obvious military advantage.
As for the North China rear area, it was originally the most stable rear area occupied by China's dispatched troops.
Now it is riddled with holes.
As the commander of North China, Naosaburo Okabe, said: "If the North China region does not increase its troops, continues to shrink its troops, and retreats to major counties and transportation lines, the final situation may not be maintained!"
As for the Kwantung Army, it is the most stable.
After all, there is a Puppet Manchukuo that has been built for many years and is like an iron plate.
Except for the large number of elites being transferred to the Pacific battlefield, which resulted in the continuous loss of elites of the entire Kwantung Army and a significant decline in combat effectiveness, there has not been any bad situation for the time being.
As for the decline in combat power.
Since both the Japanese and Soviet sides need time to rest and recuperate, they have no plans to confront each other for the time being.
Therefore, although the Soviet side also sent some assault troops to participate in the battle on the Jiaodong battlefield not long ago, it was only a covert action after all and was not made public.
On the border between Puppet Manchuria and the Soviet Union, the two sides still generally presented a neutral situation and did not invade each other.
Therefore, the Kwantung Army actually did not have a deep understanding of the loss of elite troops and the decline in combat effectiveness. After all, there had been no large-scale battles, and it was impossible to make a corresponding inspection of the Kwantung Army's current overall combat effectiveness.
However, in the past year or so, in order to reinforce the Chinese dispatched troops in operations, the Kwantung Military Headquarters has sent reinforcements south many times.
The result was that without exception, they all failed miserably.
The Jihadi Army and Armored Forces claimed to the outside world were completely wiped out this time. The loss of these elite troops again further weakened the overall strength of the Kwantung Army.
Okamura is actually well aware of these situations, but now that the situation is urgent, he can't control it so much. Anyway, he is demolishing the east wall to repair the west wall.
Who makes you the most famous Kwantung Army? It has always been called the elite of the Japanese army and the flower of the imperial army?
Therefore, faced with the dilemma of China's dispatched troops in North China, Okamura did not hesitate to choose to ask for help from the Kwantung Army again, calling directly the commander of the Kwantung Army, Umezu Yoshijiro.
It is claimed that the South's No. 1 Operation Plan is currently reaching a critical juncture. Central China and South China Expeditionary Forces may not be able to send reinforcements to North China in a short period of time. They can only ask the Kwantung Army to send reinforcements southward to assist the North China Front Army in stabilizing public security in North China.
Once the No. 1 combat plan is successfully completed, the mainland's communication lines are completely opened, and the RB navy and army are connected as one, they will be able to completely reverse the decline of the jihad and turn defeat into victory!
But Umezu Yoshijiro is not a fool, he is also an old fox.
The growing Eighth Route Army in North China is really difficult to deal with.
Almost all of the Kwantung Army troops he sent south for reinforcements repeatedly fell to the hands of the Eighth Route Army.
In addition, Commander-in-Chief Okamura is not very kind. Every time the Kwantung Army encounters a crisis, the first thing he wants to protect is the troops of his China Expeditionary Force.
Who is willing to do thankless things?
So Umezu Yoshijiro made an excuse and said: "The situation in Kanto is becoming increasingly turbulent. The Soviet side is eyeing it, including the Eighth Route Army operating in western Inner Mongolia, northern Shanxi, and Shandong, and may take the opportunity to launch an offensive against Kanto at any time.
After the outbreak of the Pacific War, our Kwantung Army continued to mobilize its elite troops to the Pacific, and its strength has long since lost its former glory. It is not easy to stabilize the situation in Kantung now. I am afraid that I do not have the extra strength to reinforce you!"
In fact, it's just a joke and an excuse.
But what the old devil Umezu Yoshijiro never expected was that he would actually follow his words!
After the end of the Jiaodong War, the Eighth Route Army is planning how to advance to Kantung with a plan that can paralyze the Japanese army's judgment and conceal the truth, and officially open up the situation in the Kantong region!
Okamura laughed angrily. After all, he had something to ask for, so he could only patiently say comfortingly:
"Although the Eighth Route Army has grown a lot in recent years, in terms of overall strength, they are still far inferior to our empire.
Including the battles in the northern Henan and Jiaodong areas, although the Eighth Route Army was the final winner, they also paid a heavy price. How could they have the extra troops and energy to launch another large-scale offensive in a short period of time?
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Moreover, in the Kantung region, your Kwantung Army has been operating for many years, with fortifications as solid as iron, arms factories with astonishing output, continuously prosperous economic development, and intricate defense systems.
Coupled with the support of Manchukuo's military garrison, it can be called a powerful country.
Even if the Eighth Route Army transfers all its forces to Kanto, it may not be able to break through your defenses.
What's more, the Eighth Route Army has to endure the huge pressure from China's dispatched troops in the pass.
How could they dare to attack rashly? How could they have such courage and strength to advance towards Kanto? Isn't it like hitting an egg with an egg against a stone?
This is also completely different from the guerrilla principle that the Eighth Route Army has always adhered to!
Umezu-kun must be worrying too much!"
This excuse didn't work. Umezu Yoshijiro then changed the topic and said: "But the Soviet side is eyeing it. This is a powerful enemy. We, the Kwantung Army, have to be responsible for border defense and maintaining the overall situation in Kwantung, so how can we do anything lightly?"
Okamura proposed: "The decisive battle between the Soviet Union and Germany is at a critical juncture, and they have already been busy with themselves, so do they still have extra energy to influence Manchuria?
Moreover, the assistance needed this time does not require too many troops from your Kwantung Army.
Umezu-kun, for the glory of the empire and the future of the holy war, please never refuse!"
Umezu Yoshijiro hesitated and did not agree immediately, saying that he would think carefully and before doing so, he would further confirm that the Eighth Route Army would not launch an offensive in the direction of Kanto.
Eighth Route Army Taihang Base Area.
After the battle in the Jiaodong area ended, Fang Zishan temporarily left the troops under his command in the Jiaodong Military Region, while he returned to the former enemy headquarters in advance to report.
In this battle in the Jiaodong area, the famous city defender Fang Zishan once again showed his style.
Kong Jie also lamented about this: The principal had really many powerful generals under his command, but to be able to fight such a battle with so many powerful generals was indeed considered a skill!
"Haha, Lao Fang, this battle in Jiaodong was beautiful!
I have heard that you led your troops to forcefully insert yourself between the two Japanese groups and blocked them for seven days and seven nights. As a result, the two Japanese armies were unable to break through the defense line even half a step and were never able to merge.
In the end, excellent conditions were created for our army to divide, encircle and annihilate the Japanese army.
I admire it, I really admire it!
It seems that I did the right thing in leaving you in the base area no matter what. Speaking of which, I have to thank the principal even more. If the principal was not generous and willing to leave talents like you to our Eighth Route Army, there would be no victory today.
?”
Fang Zishan was very humble, waved her hand, and said with emotion: "Lao Kong, don't laugh at me. To say that this battle can be won, it really has nothing to do with Fang.
To be honest, it's different, it's really different.
Our team is really extraordinary. The whole army exudes a courageous momentum to move forward. Even my old troops almost don’t recognize me, the old commander, since they came to the Eighth Route Army.
When the battle started, everyone fought bravely to take the lead, as if they had no regard for life or death. I was surprised to see this. Is this still my former army, Fang Zishan?
In fact, I have been thinking about this question since I arrived at the base area, and now, I seem to have some answers.
--Belief!
If there is something really different, it would probably be in faith.
Once a person has pure faith and the motivation and reason to move forward courageously, instead of pushing himself because of money and fame, the potential he can unleash is completely different!"
Kong Jie echoed: "Yes, for money and for a living, I fight against the little devils.
Is it the same thing as fighting against the devil for the sake of the fathers and fellows behind you, for the sake of your relatives and comrades, for the survival of the country, and the fate of the nation?"
"I've been taught a lesson, I've been taught a lesson!" Fang Zishan cupped her hands.
"By the way, Lao Kong, there is something I forgot to tell you. I have already applied with the boss, but I still want to stay in your experimental area and continue to be my teacher!"
Kong Jie said in surprise: "Lao Fang, wouldn't it be a pity for a rare military talent like you to become a teacher? Didn't the headquarters already agree to let you lead the troops?
This battle in the Jiaodong area proves that it is absolutely right to hand over the troops to you!"
Fang Zishan shook her head: "Our Eighth Route Army has so many talented people and so many powerful generals, how could we miss one of them?
Besides, what Fang has learned in his life is to focus on defense. In the future, our army's combat trend will mostly focus on offense. Without a commander like me who is more than capable of defense but insufficient of offense, it will not have any impact!"
Kong Jie was noncommittal and said nothing more.
As they happened to be on the way, the two took a car together and rushed to the experimental area.
In fact, Kong Jie could probably guess a thing or two about Fang Zishan's inner thoughts.
This old man was not only a famous general who defended the city, but also a loyal and down-to-earth person. Although he was rejected by the principal, he could not be ruthless to him after all.
If he continues to lead troops on the front line, with his talents, he will definitely command more and more troops. When the Sino-Japanese War ends, sooner or later he and the principal will turn against each other.
It's better to stay in the rear and become a teacher, so that you can have some leisure time and don't have to face the right and wrong.
In fact, being able to do this is also a great hero. Being able to give up all these fame and wealth, calm down and just live the rest of your life as you want.
Isn't it a kind of free and easy?
Perhaps under Fang Zishan's generous teachings, it won't be long before the Eighth Route Army's strong generals who are good at defense will emerge one after another.
After arriving at the base area, Fang Zishan, who seemed to be completely in love with teaching life, rushed to the cadre teaching class without stopping.
night.
The monk who had been missing for almost a whole day reappeared, and Kong Jile said: "Speaking of you, monk, you are not very qualified as a security guard. I can't find you even if I try to find you. I haven't seen anyone this day. Where did you go?"
"
hey-hey--
The monk giggled, and the title was still so appropriate: "Captain, I'm going to the cadre class to study!"
"Study, what did you learn?"
"Learn the art of war!" the monk said proudly, "Captain, didn't you always tell me to learn more?
I understand, you are right, a soldier who does not want to be a general is not a good soldier. Even if I have been working as a guard for you, I still have to be an excellent guard who is educated, knowledgeable, capable of commanding and fighting."
Kong Jie smiled and said: "Hey, it's really rare, monk, you finally got the idea!
That's right. What's the point of following me as a guard every day? Being able to only command a guard regiment doesn't count as much ability. When will you be given a main regiment and you can take it down and arrange a team for you?
If you can successfully return from a combat mission with a victory, then you will be considered successful!"
Thinking of this, Kong Jie smiled and asked: "Since you said that, I just want to test you. Tell me, what have you learned today?"
The monk scratched his head and replied: "Captain, today I followed Teacher Fang and learned a tactic used by Han Xin, who was known as the Immortal of Soldiers in the late Qin Dynasty. It was called building a plank road in the open and secretly attacking Chen Cang. It involved a certain strategy at that time.
The specific war was..."
"Wait, what did you say?" Kong Jie was stunned.
"I learned from Teacher Fang..."
"That's not it. What tactics am I talking about?"
"Build the plank road openly, but secretly destroy the warehouse!"
"That's right!" Kong Jie exclaimed and slapped the monk on the head. "I'm such a stupid person. Why didn't I think of such a simple method?"