Chapter 466: Iida Shojirou, Blood Dripping

Luan Piwen·Songkan's words were still somewhat blunt.

Iida Shojirou's expression darkened slightly, but he did not deny it, speaking plainly: "Prime Minister, you are indeed shrewd. The situation in northern Myanmar is chaotic; Chen Jiageng has proclaimed a so‑called 'South China Democratic Federal Republic', is aggressively courting the Burmese people, and even bringing in immigrants from Yunnan, China, to expand his power. If this continues, it will not only completely undermine the Great Japan Empire's rule in Myanmar, but also be detrimental to Thailand."

In fact, Jiang Anguo has no interest in the Burmese people at all; his sole wish is that everyone on this land speak Chinese.

Therefore, courting the Burmese is impossible.

"If Chen Jiageng's power grows, it will sooner or later seep to Thailand's border and threaten Thailand's security," Iida Shojirou said.

Luan Piwen·Songkan lifted the tea on the table, took a gentle sip, and said unhurriedly: "Commander Iida, your words are somewhat alarmist."

"Even if Chen Jiageng's power expands, his sphere of activity is limited to northern Myanmar, and he may not dare to provoke Thailand lightly. It is the Japanese Army, however, that promised aid to Thailand and still has many unfulfilled commitments; now asking Thailand to send troops may be unwise, right?"

Iida Shojirou knew well that Luan Piwen·Songkan valued profit above all, and immediately offered a bait.

Iida Shojirou 'sincerely' said: "Prime Minister, rest assured, as long as Thailand is willing to send troops to attack Jingdong, the Great Japan Empire will certainly not shortchange Thailand. I can promise clearly that after the war we will cede all land within a hundred‑kilometre radius of Jingdong to Thailand's jurisdiction, and will provide in one lump one hundred thousand rifles, two hundred heavy machine guns, and enough ammunition and food to sustain the Thai army for three months of combat."

Thailand does not lack food, and the turmoil in Southeast Asia has little effect on Thailand.

On the contrary, the Japanese Army's main food supplies in Southeast Asia depend on Thailand.

Therefore, there is still some empty talk in Iida Shojirou's words.

But land is what Luan Piwen·Songkan needs; even though Thailand has already occupied some neighboring lands, he thinks it is still insufficient.

Hearing this, a trace of emotion flashed in Luan Piwen·Songkan's eyes, his tea cup paused slightly, yet he still did not agree immediately.

Luan Piwen·Songkan spoke with some reservation: "Commander Iida, Jingdong is a key rear stronghold of the Expeditionary Force, with a substantial garrison. Although the Thai army is numerous, its combat power is far inferior to that of the Japanese Army and the Expeditionary Force. Rushing to send troops could lead to heavy losses. If defeated, Thailand would gain nothing and would even set itself on fire, suffering retaliation from the Expeditionary Force."

Iida Shojirou had already anticipated this concern and immediately added: "Prime Minister, there is no need to worry. The Japanese Army 33rd Division has already secretly massed at the Myanmar‑Thailand border; as soon as the Thai army launches an attack, our forces will immediately deploy to cooperate, restraining the main forces of the Expeditionary Force and clearing the way for the Thai troops. Moreover, most of the Expeditionary Force's main units in Jingdong have been transferred to the northern Myanmar front, leaving the rear defense thin; this is the optimal moment for a surprise raid. If we act swiftly, we will surely capture Jingdong in one stroke."

In reality, the 33rd Division could not possibly move to the Thailand‑Myanmar border, as it has been stationed on the Western Front; Iida Shojirou only said so to allay Luan Piwen·Songkan's worries.

He leaned forward, his tone carrying a hint of coercion and enticement: "Furthermore, Thailand and Japan are allies; if the lips are gone, the teeth feel cold. Should the Japanese Army be defeated in Myanmar, Jiang Anguo's influence will grow, and Thailand, stripped of Japanese protection, will be unable to resist with its own strength. Then Thailand will not only lose any claim to Jingdong's land but may not even secure its own safety. Conversely, if Thailand cooperates with the Japanese to seize Jingdong, it can both expand its territory and obtain ample weapons and ammunition—what's not to like?"

Luan Piwen·Songkan remained silent for a long time, repeatedly weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

He understood that Iida Shojirou's words made sense: Thailand is attached to the Japanese Army, and if the Japanese suffer defeat, Thailand will inevitably be implicated; yet capturing Jingdong would not only expand its territory but also secure Japanese assistance, consolidating its regime.

But he also feared retaliation from the Expeditionary Force and doubted whether the Thai army could accomplish the mission.

"Prime Minister, the main forces of the Chinese army are now gathered in Mandalay, as well as in the Bamo and Myitkyina areas. As soon as Thailand deploys troops, the Great Japan Empire's army can directly contain the Chinese army. Once the Thai forces successfully capture Jingdong, they can also advance northward to attack Chinese Yunnan and other regions," Iida Shojirou continued.

It must be said, this bait was indeed huge, making Luan Piwen·Songkan very eager.

"I have one condition," Luan Piwen·Songkan raised his head, his gaze steady on Iida Shojirou. "The Japanese Army must first deliver half of the promised weapons, ammunition, and food, and also dispatch military advisers to help the Thai army devise operational plans and train Thai soldiers."

Luan Piwen·Songkan was uncertain about fighting the Chinese; he was no fool, a opportunist, and did not want to become a gun for the Japanese.

"Furthermore, if during the operation the Thai army suffers losses exceeding thirty percent, the Japanese Army must immediately send additional troops to support, and after the war provide an extra compensation of fifty thousand rifles and a batch of medicines to Thailand."

Iida Shojirou hesitated barely and immediately nodded: "Fine! I accept all your conditions! Weapons, ammunition, and food will have half delivered within three days; for military advisers, I will select the elite officers and have them arrive in Manggu tomorrow. As long as the Thai army deploys on schedule and attacks Jingdong with full force, I guarantee every promise will be fulfilled one by one!"

"Good!" Luan Piwen·Songkan nodded heavily, a flash of resolve in his eyes. "I will immediately order the two elite divisions from northern Thailand to gather at the Thailand‑Myanmar border; three days later, together with the Japanese Army, we will launch a surprise attack on Jingdong!"

It is at the Thailand‑Myanmar border; originally the Thai army was to cooperate with the Japanese in the direction of attacking Jingdong.

However, a mysterious unit attacked the supplies, causing the troops to lack food and ammunition, forcing them to retreat and regroup.

Iida Shojirou's face showed a satisfied smile as he rose and bowed: "Thank you, Prime Minister! The Thailand‑Japan alliance shares honor and disgrace; as long as we join forces, we will surely capture Jingdong, completely crush the Chinese army and Chen Jiageng's ambitions, and solidify our rule in Southeast Asia!"

Luan Piwen·Songkan waved his hand: "Commander Iida, no need for formalities; I act for Thailand's benefit. I hope the Japanese Army will keep its promises and not disappoint me."

"Prime Minister, rest assured, the Great Japan Empire has always kept its word!" Iida Shojirou said firmly, a great weight finally lifting from his heart. He knew that as long as the Thai army deployed on schedule, the plan to raid Jingdong was already half‑successful.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Army 15th Army Headquarters in Yangon has quietly begun all its deployments.

The soldiers of the 33rd Division pretended to withdraw to Ren'ankiang, but actually halted in place, awaiting an opportunity to counterattack Mandalay.

Japanese Army signal troops worked day and night, maintaining close contact with the Thai side.

Iida Shojirou, accompanied by his close aide, hurried to Yangon; a plot to ambush Jingdong, the rear of the Expeditionary Force, was being rapidly advanced.

Iida Shojirou had only one thought: this time he must not fail again, he must capture Jingdong, completely crush Jiang Anguo and Chen Jiageng's ambitions, and revive the majesty of the Great Japan Empire's Imperial Army.