The main force of the Japanese 11th Army was concentrated in northern Hunan Province and the Yueyang line. Only the 13th Division in Yichang was guarded and there were not many troops. However, the Japanese army built semi-permanent defense fortifications in Yichang, Yidang, Yisha and other places and along the highways.

There are obstacles such as outer trenches, barbed wire, and Luzhai outside the bunkers. The firepower is crossed between the bunkers and the blockade is extremely tight.

During the day, enemy planes take off from Yichang and reconnaissance everywhere. At night, searchlights and flares are used to illuminate around the bunker. These objective conditions greatly increase the difficulty of attacking the enemy.

Faced with the Japanese army that was resisting stubbornly and unfavorable combat conditions, all units in the Sixth War Zone were fighting hard without any fear.

The Chinese army on both sides of the Yangtze River carried out actions at the same time, stepped up clearing the obstacles to progress, conquered the Japanese outer defense line one by one, and compressed the encirclement of Yichang step by step.

To the east of Yichang, small groups of troops crawled forward under the cover of the night under the cold wind, cleaning up the ground barriers and barbed wire mesh and other defensive fortifications on the peripheral defense lines.

The artillery gradually adjusted the shooting deviation under one shot after another. The soldiers carried ammunition boxes and various equipment and walked on the position like the wind, and the correspondents pulled the wires and ran around.

The other side of the Yangtze River west of Yichang is also very busy.

The transport cars loaded with various supplies were honking their horns, and the rapid sounds echoed in the air for a long time.

The rows of wooden boats on the riverside were already filled with soldiers ready to go.

The field hospital not far from the shore has set up a rescue site for the wounded. Military doctors and nurses with red cross sleeves are inspecting and inspecting drugs and medical devices.

The sound of cars whistling, people's voices, the sound of river water slamming the shore, and the sound of guns and cannons like fried beans on the other side of the river, intertwined into a grand scene of a war coming soon.

Just as the battle of Yichang began, not only did the entire 3rd Division of the Huben Army cross the Han River.

Among them, the 7th Brigade of the Hu Ben Army had arrived in the Liujiawan area to set up an ambush, while the 8th Brigade and the 9th Brigade were moving towards Wu'an County. They just waited for the Japanese to form the 19th Brigade to drill into the pocket array and then ate it in one breath.

At 5:10 a.m., in a wooded forest in Liujiawan.

Yan Shenglei, the commander of the 7th Brigade, was leaning behind a big tree, chewing dry food to replenish his energy while he was idle.

After several hours of long-distance hike, the 7th Brigade completed the ambush three hours ago. Yan Shenglei was exhausted after a night, especially the temperature was even colder tonight and heavy snow fell in the sky.

After a few hours, the Hu Ben Army infantry who were ambushing on both sides of the road turned into "snow sculptures" one by one, and they were covered with thick snow all over their bodies.

It has to be said that such heavy snow days are really a huge trouble for the officers and soldiers of the 7th Brigade who set up ambush.

The severe cold temperature will not only accelerate the physical exhaustion of officers and soldiers, but also affect the performance of their mobility and combat effectiveness to a certain extent.

But then again, these difficulties are not a big problem for the Hu Ben Army.

Not only did each soldier bring high-energy dry food enough for three days, but his military uniform was also warm and moisture-proof, so there would be no starvation or freezing.

The only thing they have to do now is to wait patiently and wait for the Japanese to send their heads to the deaths!

Because one and a half hours ago, Yan Shenglei had already received news that the Japanese vanguard had appeared on the road from Jingmen to Xiangyang.

"Host, let's take a bite and get rid of the cold. This ghost weather is really troublesome!"

After eating half a box of lunch meat, the leader of the 20th regiment, Zheng Linmao, smiled and took out a small bottle of Erguotou from his pocket.

Although Zheng Linmao said it beautifully, the wine bottle was tightly pulled. It seemed that he knew that this guy was actually reluctant to share it.

But at this time, he became addicted to alcohol and was under the nose of his immediate boss. How could Zheng Linmao have the nerve to enjoy it alone?

This is not to say that Zheng Linmao is really stingy. With the welfare benefits of the Hu Ben Army, how could the colonel leader lack food and drink?

But now it is a marching war, and the supply supplies with the army are mainly food, medicine and ammunition. How can it be like in Shandong? Various logistics supplies are endless and there is no shortage of food and drink supplies.

What's more, the Hu Ben Army was not the Red Army of the Soviet Union. Before charging, it needed to get a mouthful of vodka to boost courage. On the other hand, the Hu Ben Army had unwritten regulations that it was not allowed to drink too much during the war. If drinking too much, it would be dealt with by military law.

As an addict who can’t enjoy alcohol without alcohol, Zheng Linmao can have no women for a long time, but he really can’t drink without alcohol for a long time. So before leaving, he carried two bottles of 250ml Erguotou with him, and called it warming his body.

After more than ten days, even though I was very careful and reluctant to let go, I only took a sip to satisfy my craving when I got addicted to alcohol. However, only a small and a half bottle of Erguotou was left for 2 and half a pounds.

If it were normal, it would be enough for this guy to be so bored!

"Seeing your stingy look, you should drink it slowly by yourself! I still have it here!"

Yan Shenglei couldn't see Zheng Linmao's little thoughts, and knew that he was just fine. He immediately shook his mouth and said, "Okay, a gentleman will not take away what he loves. Don't pretend to be polite to me, I'm not fine!"

"Hehe, those who gave birth to me are parents, and those who know me are traveling!"

Zheng Linmao immediately smiled happily, quickly unscrewed the bottle cap and took a sip, and then carefully stored it like a baby.

"Small! Just a little wine, I think how many days can you last?"

Seeing this, Yan Shenglei couldn't help rolling his eyes and quipped with a smile: "Let's fight well, and I will treat you to the next day of victory and triumphant victory.

At that time, whether it is red wine, white wine, or beer, not Erguotou, or Maotai wine, or imported foreign wine, you can drink as much as you want!"

"Hehe, then thank you for the traveler! I won't be polite to you at that time!"

Zheng Linmao laughed and said, although there is definitely no shortage of alcohol money based on his military salary, it is another matter for his immediate boss to treat him.

Beep beep!

At this moment, the walkie-talkie on Yan Shenglei's waist rang.

Yan Shenglei's eyelids jumped slightly, and he quickly picked up the intercom and answered the phone: "I am Yan Shenglei!"

A voice came from the other end of the phone: "Brigate, I am Zhai Caiyong! The enemy's vanguard has entered our regiment's pre-rest position, please give me instructions!"

Yan Shenglei raised his lips slightly and said, "Your regiment will keep silent, let the vanguard of the Japanese troops go over, and wait until the Japanese troops are completely penetrated into their pockets, then you can tie my pockets tightly!"

The commander of the 19th Regiment responded quickly: "I understand! Please rest assured, we will never let a Japanese escape back!"

"very good!"

Yan Shenglei nodded, then hung up the walkie-talkie, turned to Zheng Linmao and said, "Send the order immediately and prepare for the battle! We must fight this battle beautifully!"

"yes!"
Chapter completed!