Chapter 240: Searching for a Scapegoat (Two-in-One)

Shimomura Sadamu was very happy!

Principal Lao Chang of the Republic of China High Command now felt that having such an opponent become the Commander-in-Chief...

... was simply doing the Imperial Army a huge favor.

For someone so incompetent and fond of playing games to become the commander-in-chief of a nation.

Shimomura Sadamu could imagine that those working under Lao Chang must certainly be seething with anger but afraid to speak out.

He smiled happily and cast his gaze toward Kabe Torashiro.

"Yoshi!"

A military conference was convened immediately.

Gu Mosan knew what the Old Man meant, and after chatting casually for a while.

At present, the Tenth Army's offensive was not going smoothly, and furthermore, the Sichuan Army's tricks were emerging one after another.

Sichuan Army generals such as Tang Shizun, Yang Sen, Pan Wenhua, and Fu Chang.

To rout the Republic of China Army in the Songhu Region in one fell swoop and completely resolve the Songhu hostilities.

"Our army of over seven hundred thousand has now suffered nearly two hundred thousand casualties."

"Our army should retreat as soon as possible and enter behind the National Defense Line."

"Hai!" Kabe Torashiro nodded heavily.

However, if one continues to add to the tea.

After Chen Cixiu got out of the car!

Gu Mosan also reported to Lao Chang on the current series of situations regarding the Songhu battle.

The Sichuan Army generals also followed up to greet him!

The first to speak was Pan Wenhua: "Deputy Commander-in-Chief Chen!"

Shimomura Sadamu had also been scolded severely by Army Minister Shan Shan Yuan.

"The local Security Regiments in the Jiangzhe area are no longer enough to provide reinforcements."

These capable and battle-hardened generals of the Central Army were now all gathered together.

"That is... if Tanabe Moritake fails to accomplish it."

His heart felt quite uncomfortable now; in such a tiny place, two countries had amassed a million troops.

"Just like this..."

"This war really cannot be dragged on any longer."

"Commit seppuku to apologize to His Majesty the Emperor."

He had originally been resting, but Dai Chunfeng woke Lao Chang up.

Speaking of this, Tanabe Moritake's gaze grew even colder.

"The Sichuan Army has already blocked the Tenth Army at Jinshanwei for two days."

"This subordinate would not dare!"

51st Division Commander Wang Yaowu, 58th Division Commander Yu Jishi, 98th Division Commander Xia Chuzhong;

"Hai!" Kabe Torashiro heard Shimomura Sadamu call his name.

He still knew that.

After adding water seven or eight times, the taste of this tea becomes increasingly bland.

As for Yang Sen, he had already become a familiar face to Chen Cixiu on the Songhu Battlefield.

Xue Laohu came to Gu Mosan's side: "Old Gu, what was the result?"

It was also feasible for him to go and probe Principal Chang's attitude now.

"What time do you think it is now!!"

"The General Headquarters has ordered my Tenth Army to land within two days and mop up the Sichuan Army at Jinshanwei."

At the military conference, military commanders such as Tani Hisao, Ushijima Sadao, Suematsu Shigaharu, and Kunisaki Noboru.

Kabe Torashiro stopped in his tracks immediately and returned to Shimomura Sadamu's side.

Kabe Torashiro quickly exited Shimomura Sadamu's office.

Only a sound of "Boom, boom, boom" was heard coming from afar.

Chen Cixiu even took the initiative to greet Yang Sen.

"You dare to tell me how to do my job?!"

After he took his seat, he gestured for the Japanese officers to sit down.

"I will call Old Chen right now."

They first selected the most capable troops from their respective divisions.

"It is already November 7th; I believe the Nine-Power Treaty Conference must have already reached a result."

"Hmm..." Shimomura Sadamu snorted coldly.

"The Japanese landing is only a matter of a day or two."

"Once the Tenth Army lands, the troops in Songhu will not be able to stop them."

"Meeting adjourned!!"

Immediately following this, he rose and entered the communications department.

Moreover, it was also very unpleasant to drink.

That is, whether it is the Central Army or the local troops, they are now just like a cup of freshly brewed tea.

"The Songhu Battlefield has not yet reached the point of total collapse."

Therefore, Pan Wenhua did not need to introduce Yang Sen, as Chen Cixiu had already recognized him.

"Kabe," Shimomura Sadamu patted Kabe Torashiro on the shoulder, "you must contact the Tenth Army immediately."

As for the matters of the Tenth Army, it was not Shimomura Sadamu's turn to take the blame at all.

His Majesty the Emperor is currently very dissatisfied with the stalemate in the Songhu battle.

Xue Laohu could only vent his anger fiercely through his nose.

Upon hearing this!

Otherwise, military law will be enforced; before my own head falls, I will also cut off the head of the vanguard commander.

"Deputy Commander-in-Chief!"

"The casualties on the front line are too great."

Tonight!

"Furthermore, the landing is tomorrow!"

"Chief of Staff has arrived!"

After everyone became familiar with each other, Chen Cixiu also followed Pan Wenhua and the others into the Sichuan Army's command post.

Inside the room!

The Tenth Army!

After Tanabe Moritake received the order from Shimomura Sadamu.

"The old foundation of Whampoa is about to be wiped out."

Tanabe Moritake was so angry that he kicked over his own desk.

He had also been sought out by the Emperor.

The Tenth Army has now been blocked at Jinshanwei for two days.

"I will first read out the latest instructions from the General Headquarters to my Tenth Army."

Shimomura Sadamu, in his capacity as the Minister of the Operations Department of the General Staff Headquarters.

Hurriedly came to Xue Laohu's side: "Alright... alright..."

Following that, Hu Zongnan, Li Yutang, Li Yannian, and others also spoke one after another.

Everyone had also come to intercede with Gu Mosan.

"I will cut off your heads before my own head falls!"

Already very dissatisfied!

Now even the Chief of Staff wants to commit suicide to apologize to the Emperor.

Gu Mosan's voice fell.

"The Tenth Army has over one hundred thousand men; once they go ashore, the consequences will be unimaginable."

The bright lights were very glaring on the road.

Tanabe Moritake knew that Shimomura Sadamu was looking for a scapegoat now.

In the army, everyone also knew about Xue Laohu's explosive temper.

"I don't care what method you use; after going ashore, you must hold the Beachhead Position."

"How can you still count on this illusory meeting now!"

For this reason, he still insisted on fighting in Songhu for a while longer.

Although Tanabe Moritake was far away in the Zhongtu sea area, he was aware of the situation at the Imperial Army General Headquarters.

Before long!

Following that, Kabe Torashiro was about to turn and leave.

Hu Zongnan's 1st Army, Li Yutang's Third Division, and Li Yannian's Ninth Division.

Shimomura Sadamu had originally thought that by leading his troops to Jinshanwei, he could sweep away the surrounding enemy forces within one day.

"Tell Tanabe Moritake that he must land at Jinshanwei within two days."

The first thing Chen Cixiu did upon entering the command post was to look through the Sichuan Army's battle deployment in the Seventh War Zone.

Just at this moment, Shimomura Sadamu's gaze suddenly turned cold.

This battle was fought very frustratingly!

After all, it concerned important military intelligence on the Songhu front line.

Upon hearing this, Gu Mosan looked at Xue Laohu: "Good!"

"Deputy Commander-in-Chief, it is most appropriate for you to come forward."

Dai Chunfeng did not have the guts to make a decision on behalf of Lao Chang.

Just at this moment, Shimomura Sadamu suddenly called out.

"Sit down!"

"Encircle the Republic of China Army in the Songhu Region!"

Everyone was waiting for the arrival of Tanabe Moritake.

Looking at Xue Laohu, "Principal, he said he would give us an answer tomorrow night."

Everyone now also knew that the Chief of Staff was truly pushed to the limit.

Chen Cixiu waved his hand: "It doesn't matter!"

"What was the result?"

Gu Mosan, who was on the side, saw Lao Xue "open fire."

Seeing the change in everyone's expressions, Tanabe Moritake said coldly: "Gentlemen!"

Gu Mosan nodded: "I will go make a phone call to the Principal."

"Rely on the favorable terrain to slow down the little devil's offensive."

Xue Laohu felt very cold in his heart!

"This subordinate will go handle it now."

"Besides, Jinshanwei is still in our hands right now."

However, thinking of the fate of Muto Akira.

"Fine!"

Everyone stood up, their gazes burning.

Now Shimomura Sadamu had no choice but to give the Tenth Army a final deadline.

"If the Beachhead Position is lost, I will have him shot."

Tanabe Moritake had his Adjutant read out the telegram Shimomura Sadamu sent to the Tenth Army.

"Yes... indeed..."

He was so angry that he wanted to draw his sword and hack someone.

Subsequently, Pan Wenhua also introduced the Sichuan Army generals to Chen Cixiu.

Especially Army Minister Shan Shan Yuan, who had already been lectured by the Emperor several times.

Let this unit serve as the vanguard for the Division's landing operation tomorrow.

"Let's see how much longer the Sichuan Army at Jinshanwei can hold out."

"Within tomorrow, the vanguard troops of my Tenth Army."

Inside the conference room, Tani Hisao and the others also looked at each other in dismay.

Following a loud shout from the little devil's guard.

Everyone usually cursed Principal Chang, but they only did so in their hearts; no one dared to speak of Principal Chang in front of so many people.

Upon hearing this!

In the Songhu Region, there is no depth; the Republic of China Army is fighting with their lives.

"Now you come forward to offer advice to the Principal and clarify the situation at the front line."

These direct-line generals, upon seeing Gu Mosan arrive.

"You have had a hard journey arriving at my Seventh War Zone at night!"

"Kabe-kun!"

Having said that!

Tanabe Moritake then walked away.

"Before the meeting begins!"

All the devils participating in the military conference stood up at this moment.

"According to the previous battle plan."

"Deputy Commander-in-Chief!" Wang Yaowu stepped forward: "You have a good relationship with the Principal in the army."

"Must get ashore!"

Furthermore, he had ended up with such an incompetent commander.

They were all waiting for the arrival of Chen Cixiu!

Tanabe Moritake walked into the conference room and came to the head seat to sit down.

This evening, Lao Chen will arrive in Wuhu.

After leaving the conference room, each Division Commander also held an emergency meeting in their respective Divisions.

Several Division Commanders also gave death orders to the vanguard units: they must get ashore and hold the Beachhead Position.

"Baka!"

He swept his gaze over everyone in the conference room: "I am now changing this deadline."

"Crush the Sichuan Army units at Jinshanwei."

And at this moment!

In the Seventh War Zone in Wuhu!

The moment everyone saw Gu Mosan, they all spoke out one after another.

Shimomura Sadamu pondered for a moment: "Kabe-kun!"

Just like that!

Within the little devils' ranks, pressure was applied layer by layer.

Just now, he had actually wanted to make a suggestion to Shimomura Sadamu.

Inside the office.

"How is it!?"

Moreover, Tanabe Moritake was currently only temporarily acting in place of Yanagawa Heisuke to command the Tenth Army.

According to Principal Chang's orders, the defenders on the Songhu front line had already held their ground for seven days.

At this time, Shimomura Sadamu limiting the Tenth Army to landing within two days—wasn't this making things difficult for Tanabe Moritake?

"You have all heard the latest orders."

Yanagawa Heisuke was so angry he vomited blood and was still recuperating.

"Deputy Commander-in-Chief, has the Principal agreed?"

Tanabe Moritake felt very unhappy inside; if Yanagawa Heisuke had not been angered into vomiting blood.

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed drastically.

Seeing Shimomura Sadamu's chilling gaze, Kabe Torashiro abruptly lowered his head.

He immediately stepped forward and lowered his head, "Minister, sir."

After Shimomura Sadamu had vented his frustrations.

He was also afraid that Xue Laohu might say something unpleasant again.

"Old Xue, just say a few words less."

"Every Division must send troops."

"Wait a moment!"

"Minister!"

Wang Jingjiu followed up by saying: "Deputy Commander-in-Chief, right now, while the Tenth Army has yet to land at Jinshanwei."

However, Xue Laohu dared to!

He was a person with a fiery temper.

Having spoken until his mouth was dry, Tanabe Moritake picked up his water cup, took a sip, and continued.

This is what is called layering on the pressure!

In the Songhu Region!

Inside Gu Mosan's command room, some Central Army generals had also arrived.

"Soldiers, after all, travel fatigue is normal."

This is simply a case of an incompetent commander exhausting the three armies!

He looked at Gu Mosan, "Old Gu!"

"You go and speak to the Principal; we cannot keep dragging this out."

"I hope the Principal can understand our painstaking efforts."

"It is only a matter of one day; we can still wait."

Kabe Torashiro widened his eyes: "Minister... Minister!"

But!

Kabe Torashiro felt he had better just honestly get to work.

"He still has expectations for the Nine-Power Treaty Conference."

"You contact Old Chen immediately."

"It is time to suggest to the Principal that we withdraw the troops."

Otherwise, he would end up just like Muto Akira.

Forget it!

With this order from Shimomura Sadamu, wasn't he just putting Tanabe Moritake on a volcano to roast?

When the tea passed through the first rinse, it was rich and fragrant, warm and smooth, with a pure taste.

After the guards standing watch at the front verified the identity of the arrivals, they let the motorcade enter the Seventh War Zone's headquarters.

At this moment, the Central Army generals present all dared not speak of Principal Chang.

Xue Laohu let out a long sigh: "Sigh... my Principal Chang."

Shan Shan Yuan also issued an ultimatum to Shimomura Sadamu.

Striving for a change in the international situation!

After all, this is also a critical moment for the Brussels Conference.

Regarding the issue of the Songhu withdrawal.

Gu Mosan pondered for a long time.

"This battle really cannot be fought any longer."

36th Division Commander Song Xilian, 87th Division Commander Wang Jingjiu, 88th Division Commander Sun Yuanliang;

Principal Chang, far away in Jinling!

A small motorcade was seen heading straight for the Seventh War Zone's command headquarters.

He had the Communications Soldier connect the direct line to Principal Chang at the Nanjing Command.

Gu Mosan even gave a specific example for Old Chang.

Gui Yongqing's Instruction General Corps, as well as Huang Jie's Tax Police General Corps, and so on.

Chen Cixiu had now become the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Seventh War Zone.

As for the example Gu Mosan gave, Old Chang also understood.

He looked at Kabe Torashiro: "What?!"

"When you send the telegram to the Tenth Army, remember to add one sentence."

Very quickly!

The first to speak was Song Xilian.

Tang Shizun, Fan Shaozeng, Fu Chang, and others all met with Chen Cixiu one by one.

After hanging up the phone, Gu Mosan came to the room where the generals were gathered.

"Right now is a time of war; long-distance marching is just part of the daily routine!"

"Is this... a... little..."

Assuring Old Chang that the frontline troops would continue to persist in the fight.

Clearly, the General Headquarters was dissatisfied with the Tenth Army's delay in landing at Jinshanwei.

He absolutely would not allow any major mishaps to occur in Songhu.

Just as Chen Cixiu was about to speak, Pan Wenhua spoke up first.

Big brothers, this chapter has been sent to the "palace" twice; this is the second revision!

(End of chapter)