Chapter 37: A Conspiracy Emerges!

The probability of everyone escaping safely was slim to none. While it was possible for Takeshita Shun to survive a retreat from Changye if almost all his men served as a rearguard, the reality was different. Most of the members of his special forces unit were disciples of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū school. They were fellow students and brothers, bound by relationships as close as family. To sacrifice their lives simply to salvage Terauchi Juichi’s career was an unacceptable proposition for Takeshita. Consequently, he politely declined Terauchi’s request.

It was over. Everything was completely finished. Terauchi had just been hesitating over whether to send an infantry regiment to reinforce the 4th Brigade at the front, but now, there was no point. The regimental flag would certainly be lost, and he would be forced into the reserves, sent back to Hokkaido to dig potatoes.

Unlike the distraught Terauchi, Yamamoto Ichiki was in high spirits. Where Takeshita hesitated, Yamamoto was decisive. To him, soldiers were merely expendable resources. As long as he could achieve promotion and wealth, anyone—even his own parents—could die. Now, his opportunity had arrived.

"Commander!" Yamamoto stepped forward, bowed, and spoke respectfully. "My thoughts align with Takeshita-kun’s. We should use our main force to draw out the New First Division, leaving Changye’s defenses thin. However, unlike him, I intend to dispatch two special forces teams into the city. One will be responsible for seizing and destroying the Sakata Regiment’s flag. As for the other..."

Yamamoto gestured sharply toward the southern part of Changye, where the New First Division’s headquarters was located. "I intend to lead them personally to decapitate the New First Division’s command system."

Decapitate their command system? Terauchi narrowed his eyes. Even if the regimental flag were destroyed, he knew the Imperial Headquarters would still punish him. But if Yamamoto succeeded in decapitating the New First Division’s leadership, the subsequent operations would be far easier. For now, however, destroying the flag remained the priority.

"Yamamoto-kun, can you guarantee the flag will be destroyed?" Terauchi asked, seeking confirmation.

"Hai!" Yamamoto nodded without hesitation. "To assist the team tasked with destroying the flag, my team will launch a preemptive strike on the New First Division’s headquarters. To the Chinese, the importance of their commander far outweighs that of a regimental flag. They will be forced to divert troops to defend their headquarters."

Yamamoto’s plan was sound, with a high probability of success. Terauchi nodded in relief. "And can you truly decapitate their command system?"

"Hai!" Yamamoto stood straight, shouting, "Rest assured, Commander! My men and I will complete your mission, even if it costs us our lives! Long live the Great Japanese Empire! Long live His Majesty the Emperor!"

"Very well!" Terauchi immediately agreed. "I give you ten days. During this time, you will have authority second only to mine. The entire North China Area Army is at your disposal. You may requisition any person or equipment you require. My only demand is that you destroy the Sakata Regiment’s flag and restore the honor of our Empire!"

"Hai!"

...

Inside Changye, Liu Jianguo was unaware that Terauchi had not only ignored his expectations but had accelerated the pace of the assault and drafted a decapitation plan. After waiting until the early hours to ensure Tan Ziwei and his men returned safely, Liu had slept in. Only then did he notice the system notifications regarding the random rewards.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for destroying the North China Area Army’s supply convoy. You have received one Advanced Random Draw and four Intermediate Random Draws.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for annihilating two infantry battalions. You have received one Advanced Random Draw and three Intermediate Random Draws.]

[Would you like to initiate the draw now?]

Feeling invigorated by the good news, Liu decided to go for it.

[Ding! Drawing...]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a battalion of Chinese-style Conscript soldiers from "Red Alert 1" (1,000 men, equipped with PPSh-41 submachine guns, heavy helmets, and gas masks).] (Purple)

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a reinforced concrete package (800 tons).] (Blue) x3

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining 100 M2 60mm mortars, 20 units of ammunition, and blueprints.] (Deep Blue)

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining 40 Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft guns and 20 units of ammunition.] (Deep Blue)

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining 20 tons of general ammunition supplies.] (Deep Blue) x2

Seeing the final notification, Liu’s eyes lit up.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Long Wenzhang, the commander of the Cannon Fodder Regiment from the television series "My Chief and My Regiment."] (Purple)

Long Wenzhang was a man worthy of admiration. He was a living fraud—he had nothing. His clothes were stolen, his rank was stolen, even his name was stolen. Only the flesh and blood on his body were gifts from his parents. Yet, with his persistence and energy, he had managed to retrieve the lost souls of the defeated soldiers. He gave hope to those who had been in despair, making them think of home and victory even when they knew they were walking toward death. He was truly a remarkable soul-caller.

"Report! New Second Regiment Commander Long Wenzhang, reporting to the Division Commander!"

"Sit," Liu gestured for the newly arrived Long to sit and have tea. Long did not stand on ceremony, smiling as he picked up a cup and took a sip. He looked surprised. "Is this Hunan dark tea? Where did you get this, Division Commander?"

Liu tossed a tea bag toward him. "Glad you like it. I took it from a Japanese merchant."

"Then thank you, Division Commander!" Long glanced at the noisy scene outside and quickly tucked the tea into his coat. He had spotted Old Li approaching through the window.