Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 271 The Enemy Approaches Qingshan

"Dali, we received the brigade commander's reply. As expected of the brigade commander, he can figure out the Japanese plan in one go." Tang Xiaohu handed the telegram to Niu Dali.

"So that's how it is, the Japanese are preparing to send out planes!" Niu Dali said with a look of sudden realization after reading the report.

"Little Tiger, the brigade commander is just like Zhuge Liang, he understands everything." Niu Dali said, giving a thumbs up in the direction of Wolong Mountain.

"Xiao Hu, let's quickly follow the brigade commander's orders and get moving," Niu Dali urged hurriedly.

"I've already made the arrangements, and the troops below have already begun their operations."

"Wu Bai has already started making preparations with the air defense regiment, just waiting for the Japanese planes to come and give them a big surprise."

"That's wonderful!" Niu Dali said excitedly.

"Little Tiger, when do we start our attack?" Niu Dali asked.

"I just received a call from Tang Xiaolong. They need half an hour to prepare. We will launch the attack in half an hour."

"Alright, I'll now make a final mobilization. This time, we must take Lingshui County in one fell swoop."

"Okay." Tang Xiaohu nodded.

On the other side, the air defense regiment, which had been anxiously awaiting combat orders, sprang into action immediately upon receiving Tang Xiaohu's command.

"Staff Officer Wang, order all observation posts to closely monitor the skies and detect the movements of Japanese aircraft as soon as possible. These days, the Japanese pilots are smarter; they won't fly directly from the direction of Taiyuan City. They might circle around and fly towards Lingshui County from any direction."

"Tell them to keep their eyes peeled and report any movement immediately," Wu Bai shouted loudly to the regimental staff officer.

"Order: All air defense battalions, immediately take up positions and prepare to engage in combat at any time," Wu Bai continued, issuing orders.

"Yes." After answering, Staff Officer Wang immediately began to arrange the work.

"This time, a new batch of anti-aircraft weapons has arrived. That should give those Japanese devils a run for their money." Wu Bai couldn't help but feel happy when he thought about the batch of anti-aircraft weapons that the logistics department had recently transported over.

"We ordinary folks are really, really happy today." Wu Bai was getting happier and couldn't help but hum a few words.

"Guard, come with me, let's inspect the air defense positions," Wu Bai shouted to the guard at the door.

"Yes."

Meanwhile, Sakai Yorihiro led his troops to the vicinity of Aoyama County.

"Staff Officer Noda, let the troops rest for an hour. Once the artillery positions are ready, launch an attack on Xiaoqingshan immediately."

"Hai!"

"Currently, the higher intelligence unit has sent us the defense situation of Xiaoqingshan County. We will immediately issue the order to all attacking units and have them prepare for the attack."

"Hai."

"Commander, the troops currently stationed in Qingshan County are an independent regiment of a brigade of the Eighth Route Army. If we attack Qingshan County, will the independent brigade come to our aid?" Staff Officer Noda asked.

"It is very likely that, although this Eighth Route Army unit had an armed conflict with the Independent Brigade of Wolong Mountain some time ago, according to the Eighth Route Army's style of doing things, which is to unite all forces that can be united, the Eighth Route Army will definitely find a way to repair relations with the Independent Brigade of Wolong Mountain."

"Furthermore, and more importantly, the Independent Brigade was very clear about the location of Qingshan County. They would rather let the Eighth Route Army occupy the county town than let us occupy it again."

"No matter what, the Eighth Route Army is one of their own, while we are their enemies!" Sakai Rai's calm tone was filled with murderous intent.

“I understand.” Staff Officer Noda nodded.

"Although the Eighth Route Army's combat effectiveness is too poor, the Eighth Route Army unit in front of us is still quite capable. Order all units to be cautious in their attack and not to underestimate the enemy," Sakai Yori instructed Staff Officer Noda.

"Commander, I know this unit well. They gave us a hard time when we launched the 'Ten-Route Encirclement' against southern Shanxi. So, this time, we'll settle old scores and new grudges together." Staff Officer Noda seemed to be thinking of something bad, and his eyes revealed a hint of hatred.

"Also remember one more thing: pay close attention to whether the Wolongshan Independent Brigade will send reinforcements to prevent the Independent Brigade from flanking us from the rear. Pay special attention to the defense of our artillery positions."

“I don’t want the artillery position to be bombed again,” Sakai said coldly.

"Hai."

"In addition, we received a notification from headquarters that two reinforcements from Quanyang will arrive in Qingshan County at noon and will cooperate with us in the battle. Once we join forces with them, Qingshan County will definitely be captured!" Sakai Lai said, patting Staff Officer Noda on the shoulder.

"Victory will surely belong to our Imperial Japanese Army!" Staff Officer Noda's eyes revealed a deep longing for victory.

"Alright, get ready now. We'll launch the attack in an hour," Sakai said, glancing at his watch.

"Hai."

Meanwhile, Li Yunfei and his men, who were responsible for defending Qingshan County, watched as the Japanese troops approached the city.

"Commander, the Japanese are coming in strong this time. According to intelligence, the Japanese troops from Quanyang are also on their way here at noon," Political Commissar Zhao asked.

"We'll meet force with force and water with earth. These little devils are nothing to us, Old Li," Li Yunfei said nonchalantly.

"Political Commissar, you don't know, at the beginning our Independent Regiment, we had no guns and no men. The whole regiment only had a few Czech-made heavy guns, and they were treated like a little wife, carefully treasured. What a poor and miserable life our old Li lived in those days."

"Political Commissar, look at us now. Our entire regiment has grown to over 4000 men, and we've equipped everyone with the Japanese weapons. We have everything from light to heavy machine guns, and we even have three Type 92 infantry guns, not to mention a mortar company."

"Our old Li is completely transformed now compared to before. He can even stand up straight when speaking to the brigade commander now." Li Yunfei grinned as he thought about how he looked in front of the brigade commander.

"Therefore, we old Li don't take the Japanese devils seriously at all."

"As for the Japanese troops coming from the direction of Quanyang, we have already sent Zhou Zhengbiao to cooperate with the Second Regiment to intercept them in the Dashangou area. The Japanese troops from Yangquan will not easily reach Qingshan County!"

“Now, we’ve received a message from Brigade Commander Tang that they’ve sent a regiment to support us. So my goal now is to work with them to wipe out these two battalions of Japanese soldiers in front of us!” Li Yunfei told Political Commissar Zhao his thoughts.

After listening to Li Yunfei's idea, Political Commissar Zhao thought for a while and then spoke.

"The plan to wipe out two Japanese battalions in one go is feasible. Once we take out these two battalions, we can also provide support to the Independent Brigade in the Lingshui County campaign."

"Let's do it!" Political Commissar Zhao said readily.

"Okay!" Li Yunfei nodded in satisfaction.