Chapter 36 of the Miscellaneous Army

While Chen Congyun and Keze were discussing enthusiastically, Li Yaoguo hurriedly walked in.

"Report, Commander Xu of the Northern Military Region urgently sent a telegram."

"I miss it!" Chen Congyun didn't raise his head and continued to look at the map with Keze.

"The President and the people all understand. Now the Russian army voluntarily gave up Yingkou. After the discussion, after the chief officials of the earthquake, they thought that there must be something strange about this. After discussion, in order to prevent things, the following adjustments were made. The First Army canceled the division of troops and quickly moved closer to Dandong (Andong). At the same time, they called Jiang Yiding's troops to be cautious and guarded." This telegram was the Northern Military Region Command."

"It's great. I've been thinking about it. It seems that Xu Zhen's study abroad in Germany has not gone in vain." Keze showed a relieved smile on his face. Chen Congyun was still solemn, staring at the point in Dandong, and slowly looked up: "If it is consistent with our judgment, Kuropatkin has actually taken the lead. Once the Russian army defeats the Dandong direction, our army will be very difficult to complete the plan to completely compress the Russian army. It will take time to re-adjust the deployment."

The smile on Keze's face also faded, and he took a deep breath of smoke and said, "The most important thing now is the blockade in the north. The Sixth Army is very difficult to fight. On the Dandong side, will Jiang Yiding temporarily suspend the attack? Turn into defense and wait for reinforcements from the First Army?"

The knock on the door sounded again at this time. When Li Yaozu opened the door, he saw Zhao Xinglong, who was in a hurry, came in and shouted: "The urgent telegram from the listening office just turned over. Kuropatkin issued an order to Gaiping and the Russian troops in Dandong to defend them. He asked Gaiping to hold our main force for at least one week. In addition, our intelligence personnel found a large number of Russian troops in the area of ​​Lanqi Town. There were countless people. Look at the number and flags, there were at least four divisions! The Russian army was very cautious, and all the villages along the way were affected. All Chinese people who were approaching were shot and killed. Our intelligence personnel sacrificed three to complete the reconnaissance mission."

The news was confirmed, and the sweat on Chen Congyun's head immediately came down. He plunged his head on the map, quickly found Lanqi Town, and couldn't help but take a breath of cold air.

"The straight line distance is only 160 miles, and it's only a day and a half. What a cunning Kuropatkin, who played a beautiful open-built plank road and secretly traveled to Chencang!"

After seeing it clearly, Korpatkin said: "The situation is very serious. This is a preparatory action. Assuming that the Russian army is the force of five divisions, it means that the Russian army has concentrated 100,000 people and wants to eat Jiang Yiding's troops on the Dandong line. Immediately convey the information to Xu Zhen, and then strictly order Zhang Guangming's first army to not have any delays and march quickly towards Dandong."

"Keze, I can't stay in Beijing anymore. I must go to the front and take a look." Chen Congyun said in a deep voice, and Keze nodded slowly and said, "Going to the forefront is also an encouragement to morale, but it cannot be too long, at most three days. At present, the overall domestic situation needs you."

Chen Congyun nodded and said, "I understand, I will explain it clearly before leaving."

After receiving the emergency telegram in the Northern Military Region, Xu Zhen and Liu Yongfu both sweated on their foreheads. Unexpectedly, in the face of such a powerful force of our army, Kuropatkin would dare to take such a risk. Gaiping's defenders would not exceed two divisions. Just relying on this little force, I want to hold two or three armies? I have a big appetite.

"Grandma! The old Russian was brave after eating Xiong Xin and Leopard. He left two divisions. We are not polite. We asked Wan Shusheng and Liu Yongquan to cooperate and eat him in one bite. After Zhang Guangming quickly approached Jiang Yiding, he temporarily stabilized the situation, pulled the Fourth Army of the General Reserve Team up, and rushed to the entrance of Huayuan, cutting off the retreat of the main force of the Russian army. As long as the Russian army's vitality was eliminated in large quantities, my main force could calmly complete the strategic transfer and turn back to deal with the Russian army in the north." Liu Yongfu said loudly, with an excitement on his face, and his eyes were jumping around.

"Okay, just do it! I'll send Wan Shusheng and Liu Yongquan to attack two divisions. I'll give them three days at most, not even an extra minute." After Xu Zhen agreed, Liu Yongfu smiled and said, "Whether the Fourth Army can cut off the Russian army's retreat is very important to the entire battle situation. I'll take a trip myself."

Liu Yongfu's words immediately expressed a sense of responsibility. Xu Zhen also understood that Chen Congyun concentrated so many troops in the north, and this burden was heavy on everyone. Defeating the Russian army was the only way out. Liu Yongfu volunteered to take responsibility.

"Mr. Liu, how hard you worked." Xu Zhen stood up and gave Liu Yongfu, who had white hair on his temples, a solemn military salute. At this moment, all the unhappiness in his heart passed away, and in the smoke of resisting foreign humiliation, all disappeared completely. There was only absolute trust between each other, which was exactly the scene that Chen Congyun was most willing to see, a united military district team.

"Mr. Xu, please rest assured! Mr. Liu is not old yet, and he can still eat a pound of rice in one meal." Liu Yongfu replied with a solemnly. In a daze, Liu Yongfu, who was frightened by the French on the Vietnam battlefield, stood in front of him again.

……………………

In Suihua, the night is already very deep, and the three Beiyang heroes of the past are still gathered together.

"Jiamusi repeatedly requested reinforcements. I have ordered them strictly. There is no reinforcements. We must hold on for three days." Wang Shizhen could not see any fluctuations in his face, and he was actually in trouble. In the same defensive battle, Qi Chenggong was obviously much harder. Even so, Qi Chenggong had to grit his teeth and did not complain after two days. This comparison showed the gap. Jiamusi had the strength of two divisions, and he was still complaining. How could it be easy to say it?

In fact, the three of them here knew the thoughts of the two divisions under him. Both divisions were the foundation of Old Beiyang and were considered to be the direct descendants of the three. The battle situation is now harsh, and the Sixth Army alone blocks the attack, and the people below are somewhat interested in preserving their strength. Qi Chenggong is a disciple of the emperor, and what he thought about is another matter.

"Shame!" Duan Qirui cursed viciously: "Look at the 11th Division, one of the two brigades is already disabled. Faced with tens of thousands of Russian troops, they are still struggling to retreat. There is still a day of fierce fighting to retreat. These bastards complain first. No, I have to go overnight and withdraw the two damn guys, Zhao Liqiu and Bai Xianchu."

"No, changing generals at the last stage is a taboo in military strategists. You can go there for Zhiquan, but don't be impulsive. It's not too late to repair these kids after the war. This time I will tell them to learn from the 11th Division. Each person has a glorious bullet. Even if you die, you have to go to the north." Feng Guozhang said viciously. Wang Shizhen slowly spoke: "Old Beiyang's family background was returned to us by Lord Shen. Today, on the battlefield to resist foreign humiliation, I warn them not to worry about preserving their strength. We demanded to guard three days, and Jiamusi's side must guard for at least five days. After the 11th Division retreats, we can retreat. In a word, the whole family of the dead is the country and the army. Those who are greedy for life will be executed on the spot. Don't count on your life after your life."

A gust of wind blew open the door, and a cold wind came in. The gloomy night was outside. There was no moonlight in the sky, and the dense stars were dissatisfied with the entire sky.

"Tomorrow, it's another good weather. Why is God so unsupporting?" Feng Guozhang sighed. Duan Qirui had already stood up and put on his military uniform and said, "It's settled, I'll set off overnight. Don't worry, brothers, as long as I'm in Jiamusi for one day, I will definitely keep it."

Outside the command post of Mudanjiang, Qi Chenggong, looked at the stars in the sky, Qi Chenggong, with a weak face, silently facing the east, standing alone in the darkness.

The hard blocking of the past two days made Qi Chenggong feel regret from the bottom of his heart, and he felt a deeper sense of pride. Sun Hao's regiment's performance made Qi Chenggong's face extremely radiant. For 36 hours, facing several times the Russian army's strength, he refused to retreat in one step. The battalion-level officers almost changed, and at the moment of crisis, people rushed towards the enemy group with cluster grenades.

In the dark night, a stretcher team quietly walked by not far ahead, and less than 300 meters from here was the battlefield hospital.

Qi Chenggong couldn't help but walk towards the hospital, thinking that Sun Daogong was also seriously injured. When he knew the situation, the battle was going on fiercely and he didn't have time to take a look.

As soon as he stepped into the large yard, rows of corpses covered with white cloth were neatly arranged in the yard, which immediately made Qi successfully stop.

An officer with a strap hanging on his arm suddenly entered Qi Chenggong's sight.

"Sun Hao!" Qi Chenggong shouted, and Sun Hao, who was sitting on the steps at the door, stood up immediately. After seeing clearly that it was the teacher, he immediately jogged over.

"salute!"

"It's so late, why are you still here?" Qi Chenggong wanted to be kinder, but looking at Sun Hao, who had a face that was not washed by gunpowder, his face became solemn.

Sun Hao quietly turned back to the lights in the operating room and whispered: "Our team leader is here to rescue him, and it has been four hours of advancement."

Qi Chenggong's face became more and more serious. He was asked by him from the old army. Today, when the battle was fierce during the day, when Ying Miaocai's arm was slashed by the old Russian cavalry, the position of the Second Battalion would not be able to be defended if Sun Hao had not led the reserve team to provide timely reinforcements. The Russians who could not capture for a long time were angry and were angry. Regardless of the fact that they had their own cavalry on the position, they used heavy artillery to bombard him indiscriminately. A shell fell five meters away from Sun Daogong's body.

The door of the operating room quietly opened, and a foreigner doctor with a tired face came out.

"Doctor, how is the situation?" Qi Chenggong stepped forward and asked with concern.

"The operation was very successful, and 16 shrapnel were removed from him. His injuries were too serious. Whether he could survive for 48 hours depends on his willpower. Only God knows the rest."

"Can we go in and take a look?" Sun Hao asked anxiously.

"Yes, it's still under deep anesthesia."

A group of medical staff pushed Sun Daogong out, and the two went up. Sun Daogong closed his eyes, his face pale and bloody. Seeing that the patient was about to enter the special care unit, the nurse turned around and stopped the two and said, "You can't go in, so as not to get infected with the wounds."

This is an era without antibiotics. Whether severe trauma can survive depends more on personal willpower and God.

The nurse said that the two of them did not dare to disobey and stopped together. A gentle noise came from the other end of the yard: "Why are you not obedient? Why are you running around?"

"Little nurse, I beg you, let me go and see our leader." The voice was very familiar, and Sun Hao couldn't help but say: "Political Commissar."

Ying Miaocai, supported by the guard, floated in a blank sleeve. When he heard Sun Hao's voice, he couldn't help but feel excited. He raised his eyes and found Qi Chenggong, he immediately pushed the guard away with one hand, straightened his chest and raised his hand to salute, "Teacher!"

Ying Miaocai is a political worker. He has the background of the Political Training Department. He usually looks like he wears thick glasses. He is a very weak person. Unexpectedly, such a weak scholar, who dares to fight with a tall and powerful Russian when he goes to the battlefield. Qi Chenggong looked at Ying Miaocai's pale face, and his throat squirmed violently for a few times, and his heart couldn't help but feel sad.

If there are such officers and soldiers in the 11th Division, why worry about this battle?

"I order you all go back and rest! There are doctors and nurses in the hospital, and they are all well prepared for me. After recovery, I still expect you to go to the battlefield to kill the enemy and make meritorious contributions." Qi Chenggong said, his eyes blurred and he turned his head quickly.

…………………………

Jiang Yiding became a little angry. After a whole day of fighting, he failed to break through the periphery of the Dandong defenders. The commander who was the main attacker scolded him and turned around and received a telegram from the military headquarters.

"The main force of the Russian army is about 100,000, and it has approached your army. Quickly retreat and organize defense. Do not allow the Russian army to open up the Sino-Korean passage. The First Army has been ordered to move closer to you. I hope your army will retreat a little and stick to the main force of the Russian army and will not escape."

Jiang Yiding took a breath, put down his phone and rushed to the map. After seeing the position of the Russian army on the telegram, he couldn't help but frown. According to the current deployment situation, once the main force of the Russian army approached, it was entirely possible to counter-encircle.

What to do? Without buildings and night battle fortifications on the Dandong front, it is absolutely easy to defend and difficult to attack. It is precisely because of this military region's pre-war combat plan that the Fourth Army and Song Qing and others were allowed to attack Dandong. Now, it is better. Not only did Dandong not take it quickly, but it also had to face the counterattack of the Russian army's local superior forces. Retreating over the Yalu River is an issue that cannot be considered. If you really retreat, it would be equivalent to giving up the way out from the north to the Russian army. The Russian army may risk going north at any time. Then don't shoot others, and you can commit suicide by yourself. Jiang Yiding thought for a while and got an idea. However, it is necessary for Song Qing and Xu Bangdao to cooperate, so he immediately sent someone to ask Song Qing and Xu Bangdao to discuss together.

It was already midnight. After receiving the invitation from Jiang Yiding, the two rushed to the Fifth Army headquarters one after another. Jiang Yiding conveyed the orders from the military region with some shame. It was said that there was still one day to deploy. If the Fifth Army completely took down Dandong, the battle would be completely different, and the initiative would be in their own hands.

When they learned that the main Russian army was approaching, Song Qing and Xu Bangdao both showed surprise expressions on their faces, and then they became solemn, looking at Jiang Yiding together. After all, he had the final say here.

"Two, now our Fourth Army has been fighting all day, and the Russians' peripheral positions have already taken two-thirds. If the two can block the main force of the Russian army for more than one day, our Fourth Army will definitely be sure to take Dandong. In this way, even if the Russians come to the city and want to open up the Sino-Korea passage and attack Dandong, they will face the danger of being surrounded and annihilated by our army for a long time."

Jiang Yiding's suggestion is undoubtedly full of temptation, but huge temptation is often accompanied by huge risks. It is really unconfident for Song Qing and Xu Bangdao to block the main force of the 100,000 Russian troops with less than 30,000 miscellaneous troops to fight against the main force of the 100,000 Russian troops for one day.

"Mr. Jiang, should you ask the military region?" Song Qing is old, so he carefully put forward his own opinions. In fact, this opinion is equivalent to a test and a strategy of free advancement and retreat.

Jiang Yiding secretly despised this old guy in his heart, thinking that he had to analyze it for them. At the same time, Jiang Yiding was secretly anxious, time was tight, and he had to patiently analyze the situation for these two uncooperating guys.

With a hard time, Jiang Yiding dragged his smile across the map and said, "Please look at the two of you. At present, there are only three possible plans in front of us. First, retreat to the Yalu River and defend the border with the natural danger of the Yalu River. Obviously, this is equivalent to taking the initiative to make the road to the north. If the main force of the Russian army goes north directly, I think I can find a place to dig a hole and bury myself, so as to save the embarrassment. Second, retreat ten miles and build defensive fortifications. Unfortunately, there is almost no danger in this area. Once the Russian army deploys a blocking force to block the first army coming to reinforce fortifications for more than two days, our two armies are likely to be defeated. Third, I have already said before, take a risk attack and catch him off guard. Maybe it can reverse the passive situation in one fell swoop, and both of us can also stretch out our hands."

It is false to say that Song Qing and Xu Bangdao are not moved, but what Jiang Yiding said could handle Dandong in one day, it seemed a bit humid. When the fight really started, Dandong could not get it down for a long time, and the two of them had to lose their family. Therefore, the two could only be cautious again and again.

"Mr. Jiang, please tell me what you think specifically. Let's discuss it again." Xu Bangdao's eyes flashed with excitement. As a soldier, he naturally wanted to make a name for himself on the battlefield outside.

Seeing that the two were moved, Jiang Yiding hurriedly smiled and said, "Please look at this place - Gutu Ridge. The old men have many people and many soldiers, and naturally there are many supplies. They can only walk the official road below the ridge. This is the only favorable terrain nearby. The two led their troops to occupy the place first, build fortifications, and block the main force of the Russian army."

Jiang Yiding's plan actually impressed Song Qing and Xu Bangdao. After surrendering to the new government, the two of them really needed to make a record of making a name for themselves, otherwise the embarrassing identity of the Miscellaneous Army might have to be held on to their heads for the rest of their lives.

The two looked at each other, and Jiang Yiding quickly added another fire and said, "In this way, I will transfer a heavy mortar regiment and a heavy machine gun battalion to your command, and strengthen your firepower."

"I'm done, I'm going to die up!" Song Qing stood up suddenly and slammed the table with a hammer.

"We will go back immediately and set off overnight." Xu Bangdao said as he stood up. Jiang Yiding quickly added: "The two have a heavy responsibility for going there. If you can't defend the main force of the Russian army, please withdraw in time."

"Hehe, Lord Jiang, don't provoke it. We two old guys won't take this trick. Since we agreed to do it, let alone blocking it for a day. As long as Dandong didn't take it, we two old guys will fight until the last one. If Lord Jiang cares about us, think more about how to take Dandong faster." Song Qing said with a gloomy smile, with a little disdain on his face.

Jiang Yiding's little thoughts were seen through at first sight, and he smiled a little embarrassedly: "So, please ask the two of you." In fact, Jiang Yiding also knew in his heart that blocking one day, plus the Russian army had to walk on the road for at least one day, a total of two days, and whether it could be defeated by Dandong was still a question. Jiang Yiding also knew very well that as long as these two agreed, Dandong would not dare to give up the blocking position easily before taking it.

Song Qing's words aroused Jiang Yiding's heroic spirit and bowed: "Two, I won't say nonsense. The enemy is in front of me. I, Jiang Yiding, was born in the Black Flag Army back then, and I was not much better than the two. I just entered the new army's door a few steps ahead of you. Today I will leave this in my words, and I will work together with you to set up a stage to sing a good show for some people."

Jiang Yiding's heartfelt words were very polite to the tempers of these two veterans. They were not polite. After bowing together, Song Qing said: "Mr. Jiang, if you can say this, we have a clear mind. Don't worry, as long as our brothers are in Gutu Ridge and Dandong is still in the hands of the Russians, the main force of the Russians will not cross the blocking position. In addition, please remind Lord Jiang, beware that when the Russians in Dandong abandon the city and leave, our army will be in a situation of being attacked from the front and back, that is really dangerous."

Jiang Yiding said solemnly: "Please rest assured, the battle of siege is surrounded by three and one. In the east is North Korea across the Yalu River. If the Russians want to escape, they can only escape west. So I will leave the west for them to escape. A brigade will be sent outside the city to ambush. It would be fine if the Russians don't escape, but as long as they escape, it will be over."

………………………………………

It was already three times before, and there was a bustling camp of the Korean garrison in Song Qing and Xu Bangdao. Teams of soldiers rushed to Routu Ridge with torches. The two veterans rode war horses and watched the brothers who had followed him for many years. While they were a little nervous, they felt a little proud.

"Brother Xu, Mr. Song is older. If the war is ruined, brother, let me take the first step. I'll ask you for the funeral at home." Song Qing said lightly, Xu Bangdao was stunned for a moment, responding to a faint smile: "You and I know the risks of going here very well. Since I have decided to do it, I have no intention of living a life of silence."

Almost as Song Qing and Xu Bangdao set off, Kuropatkin also woke up from his sleep. After looking at his watch, he couldn't help but curse: "Damn yellow monkey, it makes people unable to sleep."

Kuropatkin was awakened by a nightmare. When he recalled the dream just now, it was a scene of chasing the Russian army in yellow uniforms in the battlefield filled with smoke. Kuropatkin was so anxious that he wanted to escape, but he had no strength under his feet. Several Chinese soldiers rushed to the front with bayonets and woke up in fear.

Such a dream is undoubtedly not a good sign. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Curopatkin thought silently and shouted, "Come."

"God General, what are your instructions?" The adjutant pushed the door and came in. Kuropatkin stood up and started putting on his military uniform. He asked, "Is there any news about the vanguard?"

"Half an hour ago, I received their telegram and had arrived at Hongqi Town ahead. Follow your instructions and call back to let them rest until six o'clock tomorrow morning, and then set off early in the morning."

Kuropatkin frowned and muttered constantly, and walked out of the room. This room was a house of a wealthy family in the town. After the Russian army entered, all the living people could be seen in the town were killed, and the house became a temporary command post.

When he left the door, the yard was dark and faint. Occasionally, a few torches flashed like ghost fires in the darkness. When he remembered the scene where dozens of people in the house were killed and carried out during the day, Kuropatkin couldn't help feeling a little uncomfortable. He raised his eyes and saw the well in the yard. He remembered the scene in the afternoon when a woman who was dragged into the room by his subordinates to rape him. He struggled to get rid of it, then opened his heart and rushed into the yard, jumped into the well, and felt more and more that the darkness was a little gloomy, and the bloody smell in the air seemed to be thicker.

A cool breeze penetrated into the collar. The night wind in Liaodong was cold and cold. Kuropatkin, who had just gotten out of the warm bed, couldn't help but chill in the wind. A bad premonition came strongly.

"Damn the yellow monkey!" After another curse, Kuropatkin finally woke up completely. After thinking about it, he ordered resolutely: "Send the order, all the teams will be gathered and set off immediately. Notify the vanguard team not to rest."

"God General, your plan is quite clever. I don't think the Chinese will see through your tactical deployment?" The adjutant intended to flatter, but he hit the horse's hooves. Curropat King just figured it out that once the Chinese army found that it took the initiative to give up Yingkou, it was really too great to think that it had other arrangements.
To be continued...