Chapter 125: The High Command's Decision of the Little Devils!

It was evident that Yoshio Yamagata’s authority was beyond question. Although the Emperor of Japan served as the nominal symbol of the nation, actual decision-making power rested with the senior officials of the Cabinet. What remained largely unknown was that these Cabinet members were, in fact, selected by the House of Peers; the true strategic direction of the country was the will of that aristocratic assembly. Consequently, the House of Peers held immense power, possessing the authority to replace Cabinet members at will—the fundamental reason for the frequent turnover within the government.

At this moment, Yamagata sipped his tea while gazing into the distance, inquiring in a low voice about the latest intelligence from the front. His eyes betrayed a deep concern for the progress of the war. Despite his advancing years and his retreat from the political frontline, as a veteran who had dedicated his life to the military, his interest in the conflict had never waned. Upon learning that the forces led by Lieutenant General Kamio had encountered fierce resistance in Lan Province, his brow furrowed, and his mood darkened. The superior equipment and resolute defense of the Chengyun Army had prevented the Japanese forces from making a breakthrough, causing him great distress.

Hearing these unfavorable reports, Yamagata paused, his expression shifting to one of contemplation and displeasure. He took a deep breath, slowly set down his teacup, and a flicker of resolve flashed in his eyes. He gestured for the Minister of War to continue with the details, already calculating his next move.

The report turned to the Fengtian theater, where the 5th Combat Division and the 7th Army Group under Jiang Bai’s command had engaged in heavy fighting along the Biliu River line. Although the Imperial forces had valiantly crossed the river and captured enemy positions, the strategic withdrawal of the Chengyun Army had inflicted heavy losses upon them. Along the Lujiang defense line, combat continued, with the situation becoming increasingly disadvantageous.

After listening, Yamagata’s contemplative expression hardened into a grim scowl. His voice carried an unmistakable edge of anger: "On the eve of the war, did you not swear to me, and to the General Staff, that five combat divisions would be more than enough to defeat Jiang Bai’s 7th Army Group? The current unfavorable situation is a far cry from your promises!"

The Minister of War turned pale as a sheet, his heart filled with terror and regret. He knelt, pleading for mercy, his voice trembling as he admitted his fault: "Lord Yamagata, we truly underestimated the enemy. The Chengyun Army seems to have received powerful military support from abroad. Had it not been for their advanced equipment, we would have been entirely certain of victory."

The Chief of the General Staff followed, attempting to defuse the situation, his eyes flashing with anxiety: "Please, remain calm, Lord Yamagata. While the Chengyun Army possesses overwhelming firepower, our Imperial warriors far exceed the enemy in individual combat skills. It is only their heavy weaponry that proves so difficult to counter."

In this tense atmosphere, Taro Ryoyama, a veteran general, spoke calmly. Despite his deep concerns regarding the situation, he maintained a glimmer of hope: "Lord Yamagata, the 7th Army Group under Jiang Bai’s command has become the primary obstacle we face. We must commit all our efforts; only by decisively defeating them can we secure the future of the Empire."

The words of this veteran, who had achieved glorious victories on the battlefield, revealed both a thirst for triumph and trust in his soldiers, while also hinting at a grim foresight regarding the future of the campaign. Ryoyama’s firm words gave Yamagata a sliver of hope.

He took a deep breath, set his cup down heavily, and declared with a gaze sharp as a blade: "Once the battle has begun, there is no turning back. We must clear the obstacles before us. Otherwise, the Empire will face a crisis of unprecedented proportions, one that we, in our fragility, cannot afford to endure."

The Minister of War frowned, his face clouded with a worry that betrayed his inner conflict: "But, Lord Yamagata, I fear the current forces are insufficient to break through the enemy lines. To achieve a total breakthrough, we require more reinforcements. Yet, the Cabinet remains divided on the matter." His tone was filled with confusion and dissatisfaction toward the bureaucrats, coupled with a deep empathy for the sacrifices of the frontline soldiers.

In contrast, Yamagata’s attitude seemed more measured. His voice was steady and powerful, his expression revealing a calm composure: "We should not blame them too harshly; the state of the Empire’s economy makes it impossible for us to act rashly. However, if this offensive fails, the consequences will be unimaginable."

His eyes shone with a firm light. His resolve set, he announced in a low, commanding tone: "Notify the Ministry of War immediately. Mobilize the 6th, 7th, and 8th Divisions and prepare them for full deployment. As for the Cabinet, I will personally speak with the peers. I believe they will agree to the support for the sake of the greater good."

Under Yamagata’s firm directive, a flicker of hope appeared on the faces of the Minister of War and the Chief of the General Staff. Though still tense, they were filled with newfound confidence. The addition of these three divisions would undoubtedly bring new life to the frontline. Even in the face of a formidable enemy, they found fresh courage and determination.

However, Yamagata immediately dampened their spirits with a stern reminder, as if pouring cold water on their excessive optimism: "But do not forget, these three divisions are our final trump card. If this reinforcement fails to secure a breakthrough, we will have no strength left to commit further forces. Our future should not be staked entirely on a single battle. This time, you must maintain a firm grip on the situation, launch the offensive with precision, and achieve final victory."

Though Taro Ryoyama’s words were calm, their severity sent a chill through the Minister of War and the Chief of the General Staff. Their expressions instantly turned strained, and fear flickered in their eyes. They understood all too well: if they were to be defeated even with the use of three elite divisions, their fates would be sealed, and they might well pay with their lives.

Meanwhile, at the positions of the 64th Division in Lan Province, the silence of the deep night was occasionally illuminated by the faint flicker of torches. Soldiers in the trenches huddled tightly in their greatcoats, seeking a sliver of warmth against the biting wind. The icy night made everyone clutch their shoulders; were it not for their heavy coats, survival itself would have been in question. The sky was blanketed in dark clouds, leaving the battlefield so black that one could barely see a yard ahead. Exhausted by days of intense fighting, the soldiers huddled together in the darkness, seeking comfort. Although the 64th Division’s position appeared unguarded, Jiang Bai had long since issued orders for night watch, fully aware of the possibility of an enemy night raid.