Chapter 449: Fishing in Troubled Waters

"Commander Li, as well as all the commanders and fighters of the third division and the reinforcements of the military region, you have done a good job... When the battle is over, I will once again ask Chairman Mao to personally thank you..." Looking at Baoding, which was almost prepared

City, Liu Hua said excitedly to the commanders behind him. Because he believed that with the Baoding City behind him, he would be able to eliminate at least one main division of the Japanese army...

Just when the 30,000-strong army began to rest and recuperate in Baoding City because of dawn, various units of the Eighth Route Army in North China also received orders to launch a large-scale counterattack against the Japanese troops across North China. In an instant, the entire North China, everywhere

There were bursts of gunfire. The various units of the Eighth Route Army, which usually had no movement and had almost disappeared in the eyes of the little devils, were like a group of heavenly soldiers and generals, coming out of the base area one after another.

He got out of the middle and began to attack the Japanese and puppet army strongholds around him...

Suddenly, a series of telegrams for help sent from the Japanese and puppet army strongholds, like snowflakes, quickly floated into the hands of Colonel Okamura Neiji, the commander of the North China Garrison... looking at the telegrams for help one after another in front of him.

, looking at the military map in front of him, one after another the Imperial Army strongholds were occupied by the Eighth Route Army. Just now because of the arrival of 150,000 troops, General Okamura Neiji was full of confidence in his future. At this moment,

It felt like I had fallen into an abyss, and my heart felt chilly...

"Bang..." Finally, after half a minute of silence, Okamura Neji, who was furious all the time, couldn't help but throw the stack of rescue telegrams in his hand on the table. In front of the people in front of him,

The combat staff who were busy around the combat sand table roared loudly: "Baga, what do the Eighth Route Army in North China want to do? Who can tell me, what exactly do the Eighth Route Army in North China want to do? Do they really want to attack our North China garrison?

, launch a large-scale counterattack and annihilate us all?"

Suddenly, there was still a lot of discussion and the war room was busy. Just after the commander, General Neji Okamura, finished speaking, everyone seemed to be frozen. They quickly stopped what they were doing and remained motionless.

He stood there with his head lowered. The atmosphere in the entire conference room also became extremely depressed because of General Okamura Neji's words.

"Bagh Yalu, Deputy Chief of Staff, tell me, what exactly do the Eighth Route Army in North China want to do? Do they really want to occupy the entire North China like the Japanese Army did? All of our hundreds of thousands of troops stationed in North China

Eliminate?" Looking at the silent combat staff officers, General Okamura Neji quickly glanced at the dozen or so people in front of him with a pair of almost murderous eyes, and then stopped at the deputy chief of staff of the headquarters...

"Your Excellency, Commander, I believe that among the entire Eighth Route Army, except for the *** Division, no other troops have the ability to attack the county. Therefore, if we want to completely annihilate our hundreds of thousands of garrison troops and nearly 100,000

It is almost impossible to defeat the Imperial Army's troops. According to the current battle reports, all we have lost are some strongholds below the size of a squadron, and so far, none of the strongholds above the size of a squadron has been occupied by the Eighth Route Army...

"After taking a look at the combat sandbox in front of him and the angry-looking commander, the deputy chief of staff quickly replied.

"Yo Xi, your analysis is very good. I have also discovered this problem. Judging from the combat effectiveness of other units of the Eighth Route Army, they do not yet have the ability to attack large strongholds such as county towns... However, Deputy Chief of Staff, only these nearly a hundred

We also had nearly 10,000 troops in a small stronghold, but they were all lost in less than a day. What do you think is the reason why the Eighth Route Army launched a large-scale counterattack in the entire North China region? There can't be any reason why it suddenly happened

Let’s launch such a big battle!” General Okamura Neji nodded with deep understanding, and then asked.

"Your Excellency, Division Commander, I think that since the Eighth Route Army is unable to completely wipe out the hundreds of thousands of troops stationed in North China, then the fact that they launched a large-scale counterattack at the same time can only explain one problem. That is, in this huge counterattack

Behind it, there is a shocking secret that cannot be told..." The deputy chief of staff looked at the commander who was lost in thought in front of him and said...

"Well, what you said makes perfect sense. Continue speaking, deputy chief of staff. Don't have any worries. Tell me all your thoughts." He stopped and looked at his deputy chief of staff.

General Okamura Neji nodded in approval, and then continued to ask.

"Hi, Your Excellency, Commander. I believe that the Eighth Route Army's counterattack has only one ultimate goal, and that is to reinforce the *** division in Shanxi Province from another aspect... If nothing else, they already know that our great *** emperor

The army will mobilize an army of 150,000 to encircle and suppress the *** Division in the near future... And the best way to relieve the *** division is to disperse our army of 150,000, and then defeat them one by one throughout North China.

Achieving their purpose of reinforcing the Japanese division..." Under the approving eyes of the commander General Okamura Neiji, the deputy chief of staff said all his thoughts in one breath.

After listening to the deputy chief of staff's explanations, Commander Okamura Neiji did not answer immediately, but slowly fell into deep thought. At the same time, a pair of eyes stared motionlessly at the huge combat sandbox in front of him, thinking.

Want to see some flaw. Finally, after another minute of silence in the entire war room, General Okamura Neji's frown suddenly relaxed, and at the same time, a pair of eyes quickly flashed.

A sharp edge.

"Yo Xi, Deputy Chief of Staff, you are very correct. The Eighth Route Army's large-scale counterattack must be for the *** Division that is about to be wiped out by us. The *** Division has hundreds of thousands of troops and is equipped with a large number of light and heavy equipment.

Weapons, no matter in any aspect, are the most powerful force in the hands of the Eighth Route Army of the Communist Party of China. I think that after receiving the news that we will send heavy troops to encircle and suppress the Communist Division, the top brass of the Communist Party of China will certainly not

We will sit back and do nothing. Otherwise, the Eighth Route Army would not launch a large-scale counterattack at this time, but launched a counterattack half a month ago, when our army had just suffered heavy losses and its morale was unstable..." Commander General Okamura Neiji

He nodded and finally agreed with the words of the deputy chief of staff in front of him...

"Hi, Your Excellency Commander, you are wise... However, Your Excellency, Commander, telegrams for help from various places are now being sent to the headquarters one after another. What should we do?" Seeing that his opinion was recognized, the Deputy Chief of Staff said:

While excited, he quickly flattered the commander in front of him, and then continued to ask...

"Deputy Chief of Staff, you reminded me of these in time. Otherwise, I would not have discovered the Eighth Route Army's conspiracy so early. As for the telegrams from various places asking for help. Deputy Chief of Staff, I will call back immediately and order: The defenders from all over North China,

Immediately abandon some unnecessary strongholds, concentrate our forces, and hold on to various strategic locations such as counties and cities. The four main divisions that have sent reinforcements to the south will completely annihilate the Eighth Route Army's *** division, and will immediately return to reinforce and wrest back from the Eighth Route Army.

It belongs to the Imperial Army of Japan." After figuring out the key to the whole problem, General Okamura Neiji once again regained his confident smile, and gave a serious order to the deputy chief of staff in front of him.

…

"Hi, Commander, I'll call you back right away..." The deputy chief of staff turned and left the war room. And the entire war room became busy again because of the successful resolution of the matter.

Just after the commander's order was quickly transmitted through radio waves to the top commanders of the Japanese and puppet army strongholds, many Japanese commanders, who had frowned just a moment ago, immediately relaxed. Because they got

He received the breakout order he wanted. As long as he could break through and lead his troops back to the county town smoothly, that was more important than anything else... This was the only thought in the minds of the top commanders of many Japanese and puppet army strongholds around the county town.

In an instant, the enemy and our armies, which had just been engaging in fierce exchanges of fire around each stronghold, all fell silent. A large number of Japanese commanders in the store quickly rushed out with their troops.

Stronghold, and easily broke through the surrounding Eighth Route Army's not-so-tight security line...

The lucky kid managed to escape the Eighth Route Army's eyes and returned to the county town. The unlucky kid was once again ambushed by the main force of the Eighth Route Army on the way back. Because there were no bunkers and other various

The cover of fortifications. In the field battle, these small Japanese troops were quickly eaten up by the soldiers...

"Hahaha, Chairman, good news. Lao Peng from the Eighth Route Army Headquarters sent us a telegram announcing the victory. In less than a day, the number of enemies annihilated by various units in North China reached an astonishing number of more than 20,000.

"Among them, there are more than 8,000 Japs alone, a whole brigade of Japs..." Just as fierce fighting was going on everywhere in North China, Vice Chairman Zhou, who was far away in Yan'an, was holding a copy of just

The victory telegram came from the Eighth Route Army headquarters, and he rushed into the chairman's office with a smile on his face.

"Well, aren't there only 8,000 little Japs here? You are so happy. You know, half a month ago, Liu Hua's army wiped out 50,000 little Japs..." Looking at the smiling face in front of him,

Vice Chairman Zhou, who was sitting in his seat and puffing away smoke, asked with a smile...

"Chairman, what I am happy about is not this, but another thing. Mr. Peng reported that in less than a day, we captured or occupied a total of 489 strongholds, large and small, that the Japanese army voluntarily abandoned. Among these strongholds, large and small,

We have seized a large amount of weapons and equipment. It can be said that with this batch of weapons and equipment, the overall strength of the other three main divisions of our Eighth Route Army can be increased by one to two percent. In addition, the base areas we control are also due to the large scale of the Japanese army.

The number of retreats has more than doubled, and many base areas were all opened up and connected in less than a day..." Vice Chairman Zhou said with a smile on his face while holding the telegram in his hand.

"Haha, thank you. I believe that after this battle, as long as there are no accidents, the military strength led by our *** can completely compete with Chiang Kai-shek's National Government. From now on, we no longer need to look at Chiang Kai-shek's face.

Oh... Haha, this Liu Hua is really a blessed general for our *** people. It can be said that since his arrival, our ***'s strength has become stronger and stronger. Almost all of this is due to him

It’s a credit to me...” The chairman took a deep drag on his cigarette and said with a smile to Vice Chairman Zhou in front of him. Obviously, at this moment, the chairman was in a very happy mood...

"Yes, Chairman. Now Liu Hua has the most powerful armed force in the hands of our Communist Party. What's more important is that this Liu Hua is not only military, but also politically and economically.

He is a good player. I now have an idea. Liu Hua's status in our army is already very high. However, his position within the party is very low. I suggest that in this conference, we

Liu Hua can be appropriately promoted to a position within the party, at least equivalent to that of three division commanders..." Vice Chairman Zhou suggested...

"Well, this is a good idea. Next time we have a meeting, we will raise this issue. I believe that this proposal will be unanimously approved by everyone. After all, where is Liu Hua's military exploits?

, and Genhong Miaozi is good, as elders, we should train him well." The chairman nodded thoughtfully...

Of course, at this moment, Liu Hua, who was far away in Baoding City, did not know that the two top leaders of the Republic, No. 1 and No. 2 in the future, were talking about his future career. However, at this moment, he was not in the mood to

Consider this. Because, according to the intelligence sent by the investigators, an offensive group composed of more than 70,000 puppet troops is resting and recuperating less than 40 kilometers away from Baoding at this moment. At most, before tomorrow night,

can reach Baoding City. Therefore, the 30,000-strong army led by Liu Hua himself will pass through Baoding City tonight and jump out of the encirclement of the Japs...

"Commander, telegram from headquarters..." Just when Liu Hua was standing in the temporary headquarters, looking anxiously at the increasingly darkening sky, waiting for something, Chief of Staff Li Qing ran in with excitement on his face.

"Well? Old Li, have the Eighth Route Army troops across North China launched a counterattack? Now we can take advantage of the chaos to attack and fish in troubled waters?" Hearing Li Qing's voice, Liu Hua quickly turned around and looked at the staff officer in front of him expectantly.

Chang asked.

"Yes, Commander. The Eighth Route Army troops from various parts of North China began to launch a large-scale counterattack this morning. So far, more than 20,000 Japanese and puppet troops have been eliminated and more than 500 large and small strongholds have been occupied. At the same time, Japanese troops in various places,

It seems that after receiving telegrams from their superiors, they have abandoned their strongholds and concentrated their forces to defend county towns or strategic locations. It can be said that the entire rural areas in North China have now completely become the domain of our Eighth Route Army..." Li Qing said with a look on his face

Said excitedly.

"Okay, good fight. Lao Li, you immediately send a congratulatory message to Mr. Peng in the name of Shanxi Military Region. At the same time, report to *** that our *** division will jump out of the Japanese encirclement from Baoding tonight.

, go straight to Tianjin. In addition, all ministries immediately issued orders to set off. We must march fifty kilometers before dawn tomorrow and rush to the mountains south of Qingyuan County..." Liu Hua ordered. At the same time, he began to pack his bags.

, getting ready to march again.

"Yes, Commander, I will go and deliver the order right away..." Chief of Staff Li Qing turned and left the temporary headquarters...

"Old Wang, the troops are about to set off. If nothing happens, around midnight tomorrow night, you and Lao Gao from Shanyin can detonate explosives in the county... In a word, the specific time will be determined according to the specific situation.

, I will not make any interference, you two will discuss and decide for yourself. How about it, are there any problems?" Liu Hua looked at the leaving chief of staff. While packing his things, Liu Hua reminded Wang Nanhu beside him...

"Commander, just wait for our good news. We will definitely live up to the expectations of the military region and eliminate at least half of the little Japs... But, Commander, you only have an army of 30,000, and if you go deep into the Pingjin area, which the Japanese army attaches great importance to, you will definitely

Pay attention to your own safety..." Wang Nanhu replied confidently...

In this way, the 30,000-strong army, under the leadership of Liu Hua, after a day of rest, almost stayed close to the Japanese army's temporary garrison, and quickly left Baoding City, which would be in ruins one day later. Completely marched out

He established his own base and attacked the Tianjin area hundreds of kilometers away...

Because on the march, the large and small strongholds set up by the Japanese army were all deserted under the attack of various units of the Eighth Route Army. Coupled with the sweeping and reconnaissance of the three regiments of the guard brigade along the way, the 30,000-strong army hardly alerted anyone. In the darkness,

In the night, like a swimming dragon, he quickly rushed towards his first destination, the mountains south of Qingyuan County.

In this way, under the cover of the counterattack of the Eighth Route Army in various places, the 30,000-strong army marched fifty kilometers in one night without disturbing any little Japs. At dawn the next day, they all hid in the mountains. At this time

At this moment, the Japanese and puppet troops responsible for attacking from the direction of Baoding were kept in the dark. They had no idea that an elite force of 30,000 people had jumped out of their carefully arranged encirclement. What they didn't expect was even more surprising.
To be continued...