Chapter 86: The 9th Division Arrives

Night fell, and the camp outside Zhenjiang City was bustling.

The 9th Division, that is, the soldiers of the Xiaoye Division, were hurriedly carrying out the final preparations. The roar of military trucks never ceased, and rows of 92-type heavy machine guns and field artillery glinted coldly in the moonlight.

"Division Commander," a staff officer hurried into the Command Center, "All units are ready."

Xiaoye Zuozuo set down the telegram in his hand, turned to face the map of Shen City hanging on the wall. As one of the elite Grade‑A divisions of the Eastern Empire, the Xiaoye Division bore a fearsome reputation.

This division, founded in the 21st year of the Meiji era, was one of the Eastern Empire's earliest standing divisions. After decades of development, the Xiaoye Division had become a modern force with excellent equipment and rigorous training.

With a strength of over 18,000 men, it was equipped with the latest 92-type heavy machine guns, 75mm field artillery, and a sizable number of mortars and light machine guns. Each infantry regiment was supplied with ample grenade launchers, a fire‑support weapon the Eastern Army took pride in.

"Shen City..." Xiaoye Zuozuo's finger brushed lightly over the map, "This time we must make those Chinese know our strength."

As the commander of the Xiaoye Division, Xiaoye Zuozuo boasted a record of brilliant victories. He graduated from the Eastern Empire's Army University, had taken part in many major battles, and enjoyed great prestige within the military.

"Especially that Lin Yu," Xiaoye Zuozuo said with a hint of coldness, "He dared to massacre our French Concession and even killed Envoy Mutou."

The staff officer added from beside, "According to intelligence, Lin Yu commands only a small force—no more than the size of a regiment."

"Don't be careless," Xiaoye Zuozuo shook his head, "Anyone who can establish a foothold in Shen City within a single month is no ordinary foe."

He walked to the desk, picked up an intelligence report, "Moreover, the Shen City Security Army's stance is delicate. After Qin Dong Zhi's death, internal divisions may have already emerged."

"What the Division Commander means is..."

"First deal with Lin Yu," Xiaoye Zuozuo's gaze sharpened, "Then assess the Security Army's attitude. If they are reasonable, that's best. If not..."

He did not finish, but the meaning was already clear.

"Send the orders," Xiaoye Zuozuo commanded, "The entire division shall advance toward Shen City at once. I want to see Shen City's lights before dawn."

"Hey!"

Soon, the Xiaoye Division's troops began moving toward Shen City. Rows of military trucks carried soldiers, horses hauled field artillery and ammunition, and tens of thousands of troops marched in perfect step.

Under the moonlight, this elite force of the Eastern Empire wound toward Shen City like a massive dragon.

Meanwhile, Shen City remained immersed in night, completely unaware of the approaching storm.

Xiaoye Zuozuo stood atop the command vehicle, gazing at the distant horizon. He knew this operation concerned not only the Eastern Empire's interests in Shen City but also his own future.

If he could capture Shen City, his next posting would likely be as a senior staff officer of the Kwantung Army.

"Lin Yu..." he muttered softly, "Let me see what you are truly capable of."

Inside the command vehicle, the kerosene lamp's glow illuminated several solemn faces.

Xiaoye Zuozuo sat in the chief seat, flanked on his left by Colonel Matsumoto Ichiro, commander of the 7th Infantry Regiment, and on his right by Colonel Yamada Takeo, commander of the 19th Infantry Regiment, as well as Colonel Inoue Masao, commander of the Artillery Regiment.

"Gentlemen," Xiaoye Zuozuo got straight to the point, "This time we are dealing with a Chinese named Lin Yu."

He produced a document, "This man, not long ago, massacred our French Concession in Shen City, killing thousands of Imperial subjects. And just three days ago, he also killed our Envoy Mutou."

"Baka!" Colonel Matsumoto Ichiro slammed his hand on the table, "This is a tremendous insult to the Empire!"

"Calm down, Matsumoto," Xiaoye Zuozuo gestured for him to sit, "Our operation this time is to make the Chinese understand the price of insulting the Empire."

Colonel Yamada Takeo twirled his moustache, "Division Commander, what is the plan?"

"First," Xiaoye Zuozuo pointed at the map, "We need to negotiate with the French Concession authorities. Lin Yu's stronghold is there, at a place called Lin Mansion."

"As for the French..." Colonel Inoue Masao asked, "Will they agree to our operation?"

Xiaoye Zuozuo paused briefly, "We can claim we are pursuing the murderer of the Imperial envoy. If the French do not cooperate, it will show they are sheltering the criminal. Then..."

"Then it becomes a diplomatic issue," Colonel Yamada Takeo continued, "The Imperial Foreign Ministry will handle it."

"What about the Security Army?" Colonel Matsumoto Ichiro asked, "Will they support Lin Yu?"

"According to intelligence," Xiaoye Zuozuo picked up another document, "The Security Army is now in chaos. After Qin Dong Zhi's death, they are endlessly arguing over the new commander selection."

"Therefore we must strike swiftly," Colonel Yamada Takeo understood the commander's intent, "We will eliminate Lin Yu before the Security Army can react."

"Exactly," Xiaoye Zuozuo nodded, "The 7th Regiment will attack from the north, the 19th Regiment will encircle from the south. The Artillery Regiment..."

He looked at Inoue Masao, "Once combat begins, flatten Lin Mansion completely."

"Hey!" the three regiment commanders responded in unison.

"Remember," Xiaoye Zuozuo's voice turned icy, "This is not merely a military operation; it is to establish the Empire's authority. I will make the people of Shen City know what fate awaits anyone who dares offend the Empire."

"Division Commander," Colonel Matsumoto Ichiro raised his hand, "Those civilians..."

"Do not overstep," Xiaoye Zuozuo said gravely, "We are here to punish Lin Yu, not to spark a full‑scale war."

"Hey!"

Silence fell again inside the command vehicle. Several officers understood that this would be a complex operation.

"Gentlemen," Xiaoye Zuozuo stood, "For the glory of the Empire!"

"For the glory of the Empire!"

When the first ray of dawn appeared on the horizon, the iron hooves of the Xiaoye Division had already set foot on the road to Shen City.

A storm was about to arrive.

Shen City, now a large storage base where Lin Yu has established his garrison.

"Colonel Shiteyin," Lin Yu's expression grew serious, "The 9th Division is advancing toward Shen City; I want you to set up an ambush ring."

"Jawohl!" Colonel Shiteyin immediately entered combat mode, "May I have the exact location?"

Lin Yu spread the map, "The 9th Division will enter the city via this official road. The terrain is complex, with hills and forests, ideal for ambushes."

"Understood," Colonel Shiteyin studied the map carefully, "I suggest the Leopard Tank Battalion set an ambush in this forest, the Tiger Tank Battalion take the high ground. The Armored Grenade Troop can..."

"No," Lin Yu interrupted, "I don't want a conventional encounter. I want total annihilation."

Colonel Shiteyin's eyes brightened, "You mean..."

"Three steps," Lin Yu pointed at the map, "First, the Armored Reconnaissance Battalion establishes three layered warning lines here, here, and here to monitor enemy movements."

"Second, once the 9th Division's main force enters the encirclement, the Tiger King and Tiger Tanks will suddenly appear from the front to draw their attention."

"Third..." Lin Yu's finger traced a circle on the map, "The Leopard Tank Battalion and the Armored Grenade Troop will flank from both sides, while the Marshal's Staff self‑propelled artillery and the Heavy Artillery Battalion fire from above in a covering barrage."

"Perfect plan!" Colonel Shiteyin said excitedly, "With our firepower we can annihilate them completely within half an hour!"

"No," Lin Yu shook his head. "I want you to end the battle at the fastest speed. Give the Ninth Division no time to react."

"Understood!" Colonel Shiteyin straightened his back. "I will have the armored division deploy at maximum efficiency. The Tiger King Tank's 88 mm gun can start picking off their command vehicles from 3,000 m away, and the Marshal's Staff can lock their retreat with a 40 km range..."

"Very good," Lin Yu nodded approvingly. "Remember, this is not just a battle, but a deterrence. I want everyone to know what will happen to anyone who dares to run amok in Shen City."

"Jawohl!" Colonel Shiteyin saluted, then turned and began issuing orders.

Soon, the massive armored formation began to move out covertly. The Tiger King Tank's tracks rolled silently over the streets, and the Leopard Tank's barrel glinted coldly in the moonlight. The armored grenade troops checked their MP40s and MG42s, ensuring every bullet was ready.

Lin Yu stood on the command vehicle, watching the steel torrent slip away from the city. He knew what the scene would be when the Ninth Division encountered this ultra‑era armored force.

That would not be a battle, but a one‑sided slaughter.

"Let's give the Xiao Ye Division a proper welcome," Lin Yu's mouth curled into a cold smile. "Let them see what real armored warfare truly is!"