Chapter 111: Victory! Victory!
Upon hearing Chen Shan’s proposal, Jiang Bai’s expression remained composed, showing little reaction. He shook his head steadily and calmly analyzed the situation:
“At present, there is no need for us to act hastily.”
A trace of cold calculation and profound thought flickered in his eyes before he continued:
“Although the submarine fleet has assembled around Blue Island, it will take some time before they can reach Tiger’s Mouth. If the enemy ships persist in launching attacks in this area, it will present us with a golden opportunity.”
“As long as they dare provoke us again, we will make them pay a heavy price!” Jiang Bai’s voice was resolute and powerful, reflecting his unwavering confidence in the battles to come.
He then gestured decisively, each movement conveying firm resolve: “Issue orders for the troops to withdraw swiftly, moving out of range of the enemy’s gunboats.”
Chen Shan and Wang Mu both nodded deeply in agreement. They understood Jiang Bai’s strategic considerations well and recognized that caution was the wisest course under the current circumstances.
Within the grand headquarters of the Chenyu Command, senior generals gathered in the old commander’s study, discussing the frontline situation with a tense and solemn atmosphere.
The venerable commander furrowed his brows, his gaze sharp as he sought a glimmer of hope from the reports delivered by his generals.
“Any new developments at the frontline?”
The reporting general tried to maintain composure, though a hint of tension crept into his voice.
“Commander, the latest intelligence confirms the enemy has successfully landed at Tiger’s Mouth.”
Mentioning the enemy’s forces, their voices grew heavier.
The old commander’s worry deepened upon hearing the enemy’s deployment. “With such strength, can Jiang Bai’s Seventh Army withstand the assault?”
From the perspective of Chenyu’s top brass, the enemy’s forces were formidable, strong enough to match a full army.
“Rest assured, Commander. Jiang Bai’s troops are well-equipped and thoroughly trained,” one general responded. “While it may be difficult to annihilate the enemy completely, they are capable of repelling the attack.”
“Nonetheless, we must acknowledge the gravity of the situation. The enemy’s landing force numbers sixty thousand, including two elite divisions and heavy artillery of 150mm caliber. This force is not to be underestimated.”
At the mention of the enemy’s newly introduced 150mm heavy artillery, the room tensed instantly. They had believed they understood the enemy’s firepower, but now realized their strength had been severely underestimated. Exchanging anxious glances, the generals comprehended that the coming battle would be far more challenging than anticipated.
While discussing Jiang Bai’s deployments on Blue Island, Yang Ting’s face involuntarily showed a trace of concern: “If Jiang Bai wants to hold back the entire enemy offensive, the difficulty is indeed immense!”
Yet, just as the atmosphere grew heavier, Wang Zuo burst into the room excitedly, shattering the somber mood.
“We’ve won! We’ve won! Jiang Bai scored a decisive victory at Tiger’s Mouth—nearly six thousand enemies wiped out in a single encounter!”
Hearing of Jiang Bai’s stunning success, disbelief first flashed across the faces of those present, quickly replaced by joy and excitement. Yang Ting, who had been weighed down by his grim analysis moments before, now stared in astonishment, brow furrowed in difficulty reconciling this astonishing triumph with prior worries.
Wang Zuo wore a mix of pride and urgency, evidently irritated by any skepticism toward his good news.
“What’s wrong? Don’t believe it? Then read the telegram!”
The telegram was succinct and clear, detailing the battle’s course and outcome: “After three hours of fierce fighting, our forces successfully destroyed the enemy’s 54th Regiment and the 17th Search Regiment. The remnants of the enemy were nearly annihilated under the pursuit of our cavalry, with only a few escaping back to Tiger’s Mouth. This battle is a great victory for us!”
Finishing the telegram, the old commander’s emotions surged uncontrollably, his eyes shining with an unrestrained light. He shouted passionately:
“Jiang Bai is truly remarkable! This victory not only brings him personal honor but also brings great glory to the Chenyu faction!”
At that moment, tears shimmered across his face, overwhelmed by emotion to the point of near sobbing. The telegram in his hand seemed to carry all his hopes and frustrations, becoming the outlet of his feelings.
Witnessing the commander’s rare display of vulnerability, everyone in the room was deeply moved, their eyes moist with tears. They understood the immense pressure the commander bore for his family and dynasty, and years of silent endurance now seemed to have found their most fitting reward.
This victory was not only a brilliant military success but also a tremendous morale boost for both the commander personally and the entire Chenyu faction.
Meanwhile, the shadow of war cast by the enemy continued to gather swiftly. Following their victory over the Xiong Chao forces, the enemy’s presence had penetrated deep into Blue Island’s heartland, threatening the land’s safety and stability.
They not only seized firm control over the South Manchurian railway transport but also opportunistically occupied the abundant mineral resources along the route. To protect these hard-won assets, the enemy carefully stationed six railway guard units along the railway line. These units closely monitored every inch of the South Manchurian railway and posed a formidable threat to the entire northern region.
The enemy army gradually expanded from these railway guard units into a military force not to be underestimated. The commanders of these units were among the enemy’s elite—cunning, ruthless, and almost fanatically devoted to war.
The enemy’s first through sixth guard units were dispersed at key strategic points along the railway. As the conflict intensified, these troops began frequent redeployments, reinforcing defenses, bracing for the storm to come.