Chapter 110: Shall we strike the enemy's capital ship?

Lieutenant General Kamio took a deep breath, struggling to steady his emotions before issuing a resolute command: "Proceed with the plan. Order the troops already ashore to construct defensive fortifications immediately to prevent any further enemy encroachment. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we must hold our ground; we cannot let the enemy succeed!"

Though his voice was calm, his eyes betrayed a firm determination. He knew all too well that if the enemy’s 63rd Division continued their assault on their positions at Hukou Beach after defeating the 54th Infantry Regiment and the 17th Reconnaissance Regiment, the consequences would be unimaginable. Those soldiers still trapped on the landing craft would undoubtedly become sitting ducks for the enemy's artillery. Staying on the ships meant potential annihilation, while leaping into the sea to escape risked death in the frigid waters.

Jin Er Xiaotaro also grasped the gravity of the situation. His face turned pale as he asked with a trembling voice, "General, how long ago did the 3rd Naval Fleet depart?"

Lieutenant General Kamio’s expression darkened further as he replied heavily, "Those naval fools left four hours ago." His words were laced with bitterness and rage toward the navy.

He then steeled his resolve and spoke sternly to Jin Er Xiaotaro: "Send a telegram to the 3rd Fleet immediately. Tell them we urgently require fire support. If they cannot provide effective assistance, we are at risk of being driven into a desperate corner. For our Empire, that is absolutely unacceptable!"

Jin Er Xiaotaro set off to carry out the order, though his heart was filled with tension and unease. He knew that due to the long-standing animosity and rift between the army and the navy, this plea for help might invite ridicule and cold stares from his counterparts, or even land him before a court-martial. Yet, he understood this was their only hope.

Lieutenant General Kamio knew that if the capital ships of the 3rd Fleet remained in the waters near Hukou, their heavy naval guns would be more than capable of halting the enemy's advance. However, he was painfully aware that he had recently boasted to the navy that the army could easily defeat any enemy. With the tables turned, he felt a profound sense of loss and shame.

At that moment, Lieutenant General Kato received the plea for help via telegram. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, and his eyes glinted with unconcealable joy. To him, this was a cause for celebration greater than any holiday.

"Ha! It seems those army fellows are truly utter fools, so utterly incompetent!" Lieutenant General Kato laughed contemptuously, his tone dripping with mockery and disdain for the army.

"They are nothing but a pack of wastrels who do nothing but consume rations!" he sneered, his expression that of someone watching an absurd farce.

"To be bested by those common transport troops—it is truly pathetic and lamentable!" Kato’s voice was filled with biting sarcasm, as if the entire situation were a magnificent theatrical performance.

Despite the report of the army's significant losses, Kato seemed indifferent, even delighted. In his eyes, the suffering of the army had become a reason to celebrate.

To the high-ranking naval officers, the lives of those fallen soldiers meant nothing. Whenever the army faced a setback, many of them would secretly gloat, often viewing it as an opportunity to revel. Conversely, whenever the navy found itself in trouble, the army personnel would gather at the naval ports to set off fireworks in celebration. The depth of the enmity between the two branches was clear.

"Since Lieutenant General Kamio has bowed his head to ask for our help, we shouldn't be too excessive and refuse them outright," Kato finally decided. He waved his hand decisively and ordered, "Pass the word: have the fleet return immediately!"

"Upon reaching the vicinity of Hukou, commence bombardment of the coast immediately to provide the necessary support for the army's landing." His command was grave and absolute.

Following the order, the 3rd Naval Fleet, including the majestic Kongō-class battlecruisers and the modernized Fuso-class warships, steamed toward the waters off Hukou. The sheer power they displayed was awe-inspiring.

Meanwhile, inside the headquarters of the 63rd Division, an atmosphere of jubilation prevailed.

"Report to the Division Commander, our cavalry has successfully broken through the enemy lines! The little devils have suffered heavy casualties; we have achieved our first victory!" the soldier reporting said, his voice brimming with excitement and pride.

Division Commander Chen Shan beamed with satisfaction, his eyes shining with the joy of triumph. "Finally, we have dealt the enemy a heavy blow!"

"Those scattered enemies will have nowhere to run now!" his tone was filled with confidence and the resolve of victory.

Brigade Commander Wang Muzhi suggested with great enthusiasm, "Commander, should we press our advantage and seize Hukou Port directly?"

He expected his proposal to receive Jiang Bai's support and looked at him with anticipation. However, Jiang Bai’s response was unexpected. He shook his head, his gaze steady and prudent. "Let our victory end here," he analyzed calmly. "Hukou Port is where the little devils are landing."

"If we advance rashly, we will be directly exposed to the lethal fire of the enemy's large-caliber naval guns. That is a battle we cannot win." A shadow of concern crossed Jiang Bai's eyes; he understood the dangers of facing naval battleships head-on.

"Once we are under bombardment, the losses will be unbearable," Jiang Bai said gravely, his deep regard for the lives of his soldiers and his keen understanding of the battlefield evident.

Upon hearing Jiang Bai's words, a flash of disappointment crossed Wang Muzhi’s face, but he understood the strategic importance mentioned. Division Commander Chen Shan nodded in agreement, his expression deepening in solemnity as he concurred with Jiang Bai's assessment.

"If the enemy fleet returns quickly, we will find ourselves in an extremely disadvantageous position," Chen Shan said in a low, firm voice, fully aware of the grim prospects for the future of the battle.

Just then, the cavalry regiment commander hurried in to report the situation. Though his face was still bright with the joy of the battle, a sense of regret emerged when he spoke of the enemy's escape.

"Report, Commander. We successfully routed the enemy, but regrettably, many soldiers escaped; we were unable to pursue them all." The regiment commander’s tone carried a hint of frustration at not having wiped out the enemy entirely.

Jiang Bai offered a comforting look. "Do not be discouraged. To achieve such results in this battle is already a remarkable feat." His encouragement eased the commander’s expression, helping him realize that his achievements were already worthy of pride.

Division Commander Chen Shan excitedly took up the thread, proposing, "Commander, can we use this opportunity to strike at the enemy's capital ships?" His eyes sparkled with anticipation for the fight.

However, Jiang Bai shook his head, his gaze revealing far-reaching considerations for the future. He spoke slowly: "Gentlemen, do not forget the importance of our submarine fleet. My constant emphasis on investing in submarines is not without reason. In future naval warfare, submarines will be the key to victory."

Though the senior officers present still harbored doubts about Jiang Bai's decision to invest heavily in the submarine force, seeing his unwavering conviction made them begin to reconsider.

Jiang Bai continued, "The security of our shipyards and the defense of the surrounding waters are paramount. We must ensure there is no room for error if we are to counter the enemy's potential retaliation."

This forward-thinking preparation and deep understanding of the enemy allowed Jiang Bai to remain calm and composed in the face of the naval threat. He stood by his decisions, demonstrating extraordinary leadership and strategic wisdom.