Chapter 422: Not Believing a Single Word

Yu Hua's words also served as a wake-up call for Sun Zhen; he took a bite of food and looked at everyone, "Well said!"

"When we fight the Japanese devils, we really can't count on Europe. These Europeans are all, every last one of them, petty people."

After spending a long time with Yu Hua, Sun Zhen also learned from him about many of the Europeans' double-standard behaviors.

Xue Laohu fished a piece of meat out of the clear soup, chewed it slowly, and nodded, "The Russians bowing to the Japanese Army this time also shows that we cannot place our hopes on others."

"Adjutant Yu's words are pearls of wisdom. The main force of the War of Resistance is our Republic of China Army; relying on others for assistance is ultimately unrealistic."

After experiencing this, Sun Lianzhong, Li Pinxian, Zhang Fakui, and others also recognized the validity of Yu Hua's statement in their hearts: outsiders cannot be relied upon.

After pondering for a moment, Hata Shunroku said, "Anqing is, after all, garrisoned by a Group Army of the Sichuan Army; the Hada Detachment's strength is too thin."

Seeing that the person in the lead was equipped with a military overcoat and riding boots, Wan Guoguang knew that this was the officer leading the troops.

At the Central China Area Army headquarters.

The garrison troops on Taiwan Island cannot be used in a concentrated manner; once a battle suffers a setback, these Taiwan Island soldiers will surrender, causing an unfavorable situation for the Imperial Army.

Wan Guoguang was also a man who understood military affairs in his early years. Judging from the spirit and appearance of this army, it was an elite Division; the soldiers were all sturdy and broad-shouldered with good complexions, and one could tell at a glance that the unit's food was good.

"Have you prepared the grain and fodder?!"

Yu Hua was very clear about what County Magistrate Wan was thinking; if he signed now and the grain and fodder released from the warehouse later didn't match, County Magistrate Wan would definitely shift the blame onto him.

Wan Guoguang went up to greet them first, "I am Wan Guoguang, welcome, Adjutant Yu."

Afterwards, Wan Guoguang said, "Adjutant Yu, please!"

He hadn't expected that the welcoming banquet wouldn't happen, and now Yu Hua wanted to release the warehouse stock first, which made things very difficult for County Magistrate Wan.

Heading south, one can reach Jiujiang in Gan Province, and heading north, one can reach Huangmei in E Province. Because it is extremely important in military geography, there is a saying: "The Yangtze River's throat is here, the first prefecture to divide the borders of Wu and Chu."

Yu Hua took the list and glanced at it, discovering it was exactly the grain and fodder he needed.

"Following the usual behavior of the Xuzhou Battle, shouldn't the little devils be bickering with the Navy for a while?"

The Hada Detachment was moving down the river with great speed; when Boda Chongyi was only twenty kilometers away from Anqing, the Independent Brigade led by Yu Hua was still fifty kilometers away from Anqing.

Of the two armies in the 27th Group Army, the New First Army had suffered fifty percent casualties after fighting in Teng County and was now withdrawing to the rear to rest and replenish troops.

After the gathering ended, Yu Hua sought out Sun Zhen, "Brother Sun, make a phone call and contact Commander-in-Chief Yang."

Sure enough, Wan Guoguang and his party soon saw about several dozen people riding over on horseback.

Yu Hua was also clear about the profiteering of supplies during wartime and how some officials lined their own pockets; he drank a cup of warm water, "County Magistrate Wan, I'll lay it out here."

Without receiving an order to retreat, no one was allowed to leave; violators would be executed by firing squad. At first, some local officials in the Wuhan area felt this was an insignificant order.

In this Wuhan Battle, the Sichuan Army had two Group Armies participating: the 22nd Group Army and the 27th Group Army.

County Magistrate Wan nodded, "It is prepared. This is the list, Adjutant Yu, please take a look."

"Gentlemen!" Hata Shunroku's gaze swept over everyone, "According to the orders from the Imperial General Headquarters, the task of capturing Anqing is now to be executed by my Central China Area Army."

However, Principal Chang had already executed Long Muhan, so the matter was dropped. Xue Laohu had no choice but to say no more; he hoped to collaborate with the Sichuan Army 22nd Group Army to win a comeback victory in the Wuhan Battle.

One could see that these soldiers had dual pistols tucked into their waists, all 20-round Mauser C96s, and were simultaneously equipped with five or six magazines, plus a Cavalry Saber slung across their bodies.

"Once the signature is done, the grain and fodder will be released from the warehouse immediately, and Adjutant Yu will be able to successfully lead the troops to reinforce Anqing; this is good for both sides."

County Magistrate Wan also got angry, "Yu Hua, I'll tell you the truth. I am a man of the Military Statistics Bureau. When this batch of grain and fodder was allocated, a portion was already missing. The people above have already embezzled some, and I have no way to make up for it now."

Anqing is currently the provincial capital of Southern Anhui; it is located on the north bank of the Yangtze River in southwestern Anhui, between the two major cities of Jinling and Wuhan.

Upon hearing this, Yu Hua said to Yang Sen on the side, "Old Commander, one Regiment of troops is not enough; you must send at least two Regiments."

"Secretary Li, you go make arrangements, and by the way, prepare noodles for Adjutant Yu's subordinates."

"Ah, this?!" Wan Guoguang was dumbfounded; how was he supposed to respond to that!

"Adjutant Yu!" Wan Guoguang's secretary said at this moment, "Our County Magistrate has been preparing for a long time. If you don't go to this welcoming banquet, wouldn't it be a waste?"

As the 6th Division is a unit with relatively strong combat effectiveness within the Central China Area Army, Inaba Shiro was very confident that he could take Anqing.

During the late Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, a fierce battle for Anqing broke out here; Ceng Guofan fought with all his might to capture Anqing and used it as a base to eventually capture Jinling.

"The welcoming banquet, I have already prepared it."

This also allowed Hata Shunroku to report back to the Imperial General Headquarters; he was currently in a state of atoning for his crimes through service.

Boda Chongyi served as the commander, although the last time that old devil Chongteng Qianqiu led his troops and was completely annihilated by the Sichuan Army, he had reported it to Terauchi Hisaichi.

"Remember, for this capture of Anqing, the 6th Division must let the Hada Detachment take the lead in the attack, and your unit will coordinate and cooperate."

A unit of the army had arrived in Yangqing County, and he needed to be ready to receive them. Wan Guoguang looked at his secretary, "You go make a phone call and ask where the troops are."

"Logically speaking, at this hour, the troops should have arrived long ago!"

Wan Guoguang looked at these soldiers; the 20-round Mauser C96s were new guns, the Cavalry Sabers were also brand new, and even the leather bags containing the magazines were shiny and polished.

However, the soldiers from Taiwan Island could be used as cannon fodder to reduce the losses of the Imperial Army.

At the county government office building, County Magistrate Wan led a group of officials to prepare to receive Yu Hua; he had received the order in advance.

For the Republic of China Government, Anqing was a must-defend; for the Japanese Army, it was a must-attack, because if Anqing was in the hands of the Republic of China Army, it would be a sharp sword thrust into the chest of the Japanese Army.

Several Divisions moved south, surrounded the Republic of China Army in the Third War Zone, and swept through the mountainous areas, also achieving certain results.

"Who among you is willing to take the initiative to attack! Fight for the Empire, and show loyalty to His Majesty the Emperor."

Due to the stark contrast between the Lanfeng Battle and the Xuzhou Battle, this time the Nanjing Command gave a death order to the local governments in the Wuhan area.

Sun Zhen patted his chest and indicated there was no problem; in this Wuhan Battle, the 22nd Group Army would be the mobile force, and when the time came, they would definitely help everyone out.

Yu Hua toyed with the teacup in his hand, watching Wan Guoguang.

"According to my judgment, the Japanese Army is very likely to launch a surprise attack on Anqing; have him prepare."

The "Da-da-da!" sound of horse hooves let Wan Guoguang know that it must be the officer of the troops who had arrived.

"Yes!" Just as Wan Guoguang's secretary was about to set off, the sound of horse hooves suddenly came from the street.

Because the 22nd Group Army had fought a bloody battle in Xuzhou and left three Divisions of men to conduct guerrilla warfare in Shandong Province, the unit was currently understrength. At the military conference, Sun Zhen proposed letting the Sichuan Army 22nd Group Army act as a mobile force.

"The geographical location of Anqing is very important; this place cannot be lost, otherwise it will bring unfavorable effects to our subsequent operations."

He was too lazy to bicker with County Magistrate Wan now and directly demanded to release the warehouse stock before signing.

"No... no..." County Magistrate Wan waved his hands. "I never said that. The military situation in Anqing is urgent, Adjutant Yu. You had better sign first!"

Yu Hua sized up Wan Guoguang. "Greetings, County Magistrate Wan."

Since Yu Hua would not attend the welcome banquet, he had sent away many of the local government officials, leaving only Wan Guoguang behind.

As the vanguard, the Hada Detachment moved very quickly; in the span of a single night, Boda Chongyi had already moved the troops to Wuhu.

"County Magistrate Wan, you haven't been reselling my provisions, have you?!"

"The provisions for my Independent Brigade must be released from the warehouse before I sign, and the quantity of provisions must not be short by even a little."

County Magistrate Wan's expression was not very good. He looked at Yu Hua. "Adjutant Yu, the troops at the front are in urgent need of manpower, and the war is imminent. If you delay the military situation, you will be brought before a Military Tribunal."

"Yoshi!" Hata Shunroku smiled happily. Seeing Boda Chongyi step forward voluntarily, he was in a great mood.

"Therefore, I propose increasing the forces for the attack on Anqing, Inaba Shiro."

Seeing Wan Guoguang say this, Yu Hua grinned and sneered. "County Magistrate Wan, if the provisions released from the warehouse are incorrect after I sign, what should be done then!?"

Hearing this, Yu Hua sneered. "You are threatening me!"

Several high-ranking local government officials who were trying to sneak away were immediately captured and executed by the local Military Statistics Bureau and Central Statistics Bureau, which instantly intimidated many local officials.

Yu Hua waved his hand: "As for the welcome banquet, I think we can skip it!"

After sizing up Yu Hua, Wan Guoguang cast his gaze toward the soldiers behind him.

In Wuhu, Boda Chongyi spent another two days preparing, then led his troops to raid Anqing.

A group of soldiers looked very imposing, just like fierce tigers descending from a mountain. Yu Hua led the troops, galloping until they were less than three meters in front of Wan Guoguang and the others before pulling on the reins.

Just as Wan Guoguang's secretary wanted to speak, Wan Guoguang stepped forward to Yu Hua's side. "Fine, fine, fine... we will do as Adjutant Yu says."

"You had better sign first. If you want to bicker about this matter, go bicker with the superiors."

Yu Hua briefly explained to Sun Zhen that the situation this time was different; the Japanese Navy and Army were mixed together.

The Independent Brigade was on a rapid assault mission and had been moving very fast; now their provisions were completely exhausted, and they had to resupply in this small county town.

After Yang Sen communicated with Yu Hua via telegram, Yu Hua decided to lead his Independent Brigade to reinforce Anqing. At the moment, Yu Hua was leading his troops stationed in a small county town fifty kilometers from Anqing.

Yu Hua wore a grey-black military overcoat and boots on his feet. This military overcoat was originally yellow, captured by the Sichuan Army from a Japanese transport team, and the boots were also captured from the Japanese.

Boda Chongyi stood up from his seat. "Your Excellency Commander, I am willing to lead my troops to take the vanguard."

Last time, Yu Hua suggested that Yang Sen strengthen the defense of Anqing, but the 27th Group Army's strength was a bit thin now; besides Anqing, there were several other strategic locations that needed troops to hold them.

The horse suddenly reared up on its hind legs and let out a neigh, which gave the local officials on the scene a big fright.

As an officer who had just arrived at the Far East battlefield, Boda Chongyi was very eager for military merit, so after the meeting ended, he assembled his troops without stopping.

"Waste?" Yu Hua waved his hand. "Look over here." Yu Hua pointed to the refugees on the side of the street.

At this gathering, he repeatedly built connections with Sun Zhen, saying that for the Wuhan Battle, both sides must cooperate to avoid a repeat of the scene at the Lanfeng Battle.

Inaba Shiro nodded. "Hai!"

At this gathering, the Central Army's Zhang Fakui Corps and Xue Laohu Corps, as well as the Sun Lianzhong and Li Pinxian Corps, all established deep connections with the Sichuan Army, especially Xue Laohu.

"Let those refugees eat the welcome banquet! That shouldn't count as waste, right!"

In a room, after Yu Hua finished eating his noodles, he got straight to the point: "County Magistrate Wan, according to previous orders, my troops need to resupply provisions here."

Yu Hua jumped off his horse and tossed the reins, which Wei Dayong immediately caught; the rest of the soldiers also dismounted in unison.

"Yoshi!" Hata Shunroku smiled slightly: "I appoint you as the commander-in-chief for the capture of Anqing, and the Hada Detachment shall be under your command."

Wan Guoguang and Yu Hua shook hands, and the two exchanged some compliments.

Only to see Yu Hua and his party riding white and black horses, kicking up clouds of dust as they galloped from afar.

"Hai!" Seeing that he had been named by the Commander, Inaba Shiro immediately stood up: "Your Excellency Commander, at your command."

Yu Hua grinned and sneered. "Cut the crap. I'll put it this way: if you don't release the goods from the warehouse for me tonight, I won't be polite to you."

After the Independent Brigade arrived at Yangqing County, Yu Hua first went to the county government to find the local officials.

Hearing this, Yu Hua frowned slightly. "The goods haven't even left the warehouse, and you want me to sign? County Magistrate Wan, that doesn't follow the rules, does it!"

These soldiers are really quite wealthy! This was the first thought that emerged in Wan Guoguang's heart.

Wan Guoguang and his party shouted.

"Adjutant Yu, the supplies have always been like this; you must sign before they can be released from the warehouse."

Because if one was not careful, it was very likely that the horses would trample around; Wan Guoguang understood that this was a show of force from the other side.

For the Wuhan Battle, the Japanese Army also drew upon a lot of manpower; among them, from the Taiwan Island side, several more Infantry Regiments plus engineer, artillery, and transport units were incorporated into the Central China Area Army.

After speaking, Yu Hua looked at Wan Guoguang with an amused expression.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa..."

Wan Guoguang had heard before that the Sichuan Army was difficult to deal with; he planned to use a welcome banquet to get Yu Hua and the others drunk before tricking him into signing.

Hata Shunroku was still the Commander, although the Sichuan Army's counterattack on Shanghai last time had caused certain damage to the Japanese Army, the Central China Area Army troops had returned to defend quickly.

"Your Excellency Commander, please rest assured, my 6th Division will definitely bring you news of victory."

Upon hearing this, Sun Zhen said, "Are these Japanese this fast?"

"Adjutant Yu, there is no problem with this list, just sign it!" County Magistrate Wan said, looking at Yu Hua with eager eyes.

Sun Zhen dialed Yang Sen's phone, and after the call connected, Yang Sen indicated that he had already dispatched a Regiment to Anqing.

In his heart, Xue Laohu was very furious about the failure of the Lanfeng Battle; it was a stain on his command career.

"Coming... coming..."

This matter had been approved by the Nanjing Command in Hankou, and the 27th Group Army would serve as the defensive force, deploying in Anqing.

"Just have the kitchen cook a bowl of noodles for each of us."

Regarding County Magistrate Wan's words, Yu Hua smiled; if it were an ordinary general, they might have believed County Magistrate Wan's words.

However, Yu Hua did not believe a single word of County Magistrate Wan's.

(End of this chapter)