kingnovel Chapter 1078 The Brainy Ma Leizi
Chapter 1078 The Brainy Ma Leizi
The officers in the military intelligence department also looked bitter. They weren't moving very fast around the Japanese base, and this was the fastest they could get there to notify them.
"That's clear. It's not your fault. After all, the Japanese are cowardly. But if things continue like this, our division commander's plans will probably be hindered."
The company commander said with a worried look, "According to the original marching plan, the Japanese should be ahead of us now. We should slowly lure them forward so that we can increase the distance between us and their main force. But now, according to this intelligence officer, the Japanese are still tens of kilometers away from us, and they have already set up camp before dark."
The two intelligence teams returned quickly, but still set up an observation post five kilometers away. The company commander reported the situation to Ma Leizi, who was furious and cursed, "How can the formidable Japanese Second Army act like women?"
Ma Leizi wanted to lead his men in a tough battle, but who knew that after you guys retreated to the north bank of the Yellow River, it seemed like you suddenly cut yourselves in two and lost all your courage.
Actually, it's perfectly normal for the Japanese to act this way. From their initial encounters with the 72nd Army until now, they've suffered countless losses at Li Shaoyi's hands. If they don't learn their lesson now, even more people will likely die.
Staying close to the main force means we can quickly return to artillery support range should anything happen. If we stray too far, we risk being surrounded and cut off by the 72nd Army. While an infantry brigade may seem large, it can't hold out for long in a real fight. Many battle-hardened units have been wiped out by the 72nd Army.
"What about Wang Zuye? Why hasn't he reported back yet?"
Ma Leizi knew that there was probably not much hope for Xiang Qian. With a commander like this who was afraid of death, even if you lured him forward, he would only become more suspicious. He might even break the rules and lead the army back.
These high-ranking Japanese officers have now realized that your troops have been completely wiped out on the battlefield. Even if you are following orders, the end result will be nothing good. They will either force you to commit suicide locally to atone for your sins against the Emperor, or be escorted back by the military police and locked up in a small dark room for life.
On the contrary, some who didn't execute orders thoroughly managed to save their own troops, and at most, they were reprimanded.
"Reporting to the division commander, my reconnaissance company has been divided into four parts and is engaged in close combat with the enemy's 24th Independent Mixed Brigade. They are currently retreating eastward. They have been completely drawn into our position, and I have also exposed all my personnel. They want to kill us as soon as possible. We can proceed with the original plan to encircle and annihilate them."
Upon hearing Wang Zuye's words, Ma Leizi finally smiled. One side had to succeed, otherwise the two reconnaissance companies would have been mobilized for nothing.
Although the two independent brigades have been reduced to one, every little bit helps, especially when there are tens of thousands of people in that group.
"As originally planned, the Ninth, Tenth, and Fourteenth Regiments will depart, with the First Mobile Regiment providing cover."
Ma Leizi said confidently, "I've deployed four regiments of over ten thousand Japanese soldiers. The First Mobile Regiment is just a lightly equipped armored regiment. It's a favor to you guys."
The Japanese also had aerial reconnaissance capabilities. All their troops operated at night, and during the day they had to find a place to hide. If they were discovered by the Japanese, the troops would probably have to run back. Now, annihilating some Japanese soldiers was not such an easy task.
"Reporting to the commander, the general is calling from Pujiang."
Ma Leizi had just finished arranging Li Shaoyi's call when it arrived.
"Big brother..."
Ma Leizi quickly took the phone to see if there had been any changes in the overall situation.
"You've learned to use your brain now. When you can't break through head-on, you know to move to the flanks. That's a good change. In the future, strategy will be even more important on the battlefield. We have better weapons and equipment than them, and we also have more cunning minds. We will have a greater chance of winning. I'm calling you this time to give you special praise."
Li Shaoyi laughed and said that among his brothers, Ma Leizi was probably the most ruthless in battle, but the guy had no strategy whatsoever. He just led the army and smashed everything in sight.
According to Li Shaoyi's understanding of him, if I can't kill you with one punch, I'll use a second punch. If the second punch doesn't work, I'll wear steel boxing gloves. It's the same old routine.
"Don't worry, brother, we won't let you down. We'll keep up with the times. Our division headquarters, while not as good as yours, is full of talented people. Even if I don't know something, surely I can ask?"
Ma Leizi was very happy to see the people working hard at the command post.
“Good, then tell all the operations staff at the command headquarters to receive double pay this month.”
Li Shaoyi acknowledged the contributions of Ma Leizi's men in this way, chatted with Ma Leizi for a few minutes, and then hung up the phone after a long conversation. Li Shaoyi was also very busy.
"After we've defeated them, it's just an independent brigade, why are you getting so worked up?"
When Chief of Staff Zhang of the Pujiang Theater saw Li Shaoyi's happy expression, he couldn't understand the source of his joy, after all, many Japanese aces had been eliminated in the Pujiang Theater.
“This approach is different. My brother has won many battles, such as defeating the Japanese Marines. But those were all head-on, straightforward battles. This time, he’s learned to use his brain. This isn’t something that can be developed in a short time.”
Li Shaoyi said with a smile. Chief of Staff Zhang also thought of Ma Leizi. This guy had been to Nanjing before and didn't seem like someone easy to deal with.
“I’ve met your brother. He didn’t suffer any losses in Nanjing, and he won’t suffer any losses this time either when he encounters the Japanese. You should hurry up and call Commander Li of the Fifth War Zone and report the intelligence here. The Fifth War Zone has never had a chance to break through the situation. Let’s see if we can coordinate this time.”
Chief of Staff Zhang suddenly thought of something else. The Fifth War Zone was meant to prevent Japan from opening up the Jinpu Railway, but since its establishment, Commander Li has not had many elite troops under his command, so it has not yet achieved much.
"Isn't that simple? I'll make the call right now."
Although we are still in a tense situation, good news has come from the north, and we are just as happy here. When the staff in the headquarters heard the news, it was as if we had also joined this battle of annihilation. There was also new news in the newspaper.