Chapter 22: A Small Victory Is Still a Great Defeat—Polish Your Guns! Fight!

In the dense forests of the Funiu Mountains, a unit advanced cautiously. A young officer wiped the sweat from his brow.

“Make sure the scouts have cleared the path ahead. This woodland is concealed and complex—we must not fall into the bandits’ ambush.”

“All personnel, hold position and stay alert. First squad, clear any debris from the shooting lines at our temporary encampment. Start the campfire, take off your raincoats and dry your clothes!”

It was the height of July, the hottest days of summer. The weather in the mountains was unpredictable; one moment the sun blazed fiercely, the next, torrential rain swept through.

“Captain, rest assured. We’ve already dispatched our best scouts. If those bandits think they can ambush us, they’re dreaming,” replied another officer confidently.

They belonged to the Reconnaissance Company of the 25th Regiment, 7th Reinforced Division of the Chengyun Army.

The company commander was Tang Mengxiao, a young man of twenty-two. He had graduated from the Military Academy and was selected for the 7th Reinforced Division upon completion.

At his side was the deputy company commander, Dong Changan, also from the Military Academy, an exemplary graduate.

“Still, caution above all. Commander Jiang and Staff Officer Wang attach great importance to this operation. It’s the first battle since our division was formed. There mustn’t be any mistakes,” Tang Mengxiao said grimly.

“We’re the most advanced reconnaissance company in the Chengyun Army, equipped with German gear. Dealing with these bandits is a breeze,” Dong Changan remarked, relaxed.

“That’s no excuse for carelessness. With so many in the army’s conservative and reformist factions waiting to see our commander fail, even a minor victory could spell disaster. Tell the men to polish their guns until they shine like their teeth. If anyone’s weapon jams and misses a shot in battle, they’ll face the military tribunal!”

“Yes, sir.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than a burst of gunfire shattered the forest silence, echoing far and wide.

“Something’s happened!”

Tang Mengxiao and Dong Changan instantly tensed. It was clearly a warning from the scouts.

“All squads, defensive positions. Prepare for battle!” Tang Mengxiao ordered loudly.

“Move to that hillside. The terrain is open—better for defense!” Dong Changan pointed quickly.

“Good, relocate to that hill at once. Set up the two MG08 heavy machine guns and the 37mm quick-fire cannons together. Our firepower for this first battle must be overwhelming. Let those bandits taste our strength!”

Tang Mengxiao issued his orders resolutely.

The soldiers of the reconnaissance company, though somewhat flustered, quickly formed into combat teams and moved toward the designated hill.

The two MG08 heavy machine guns were swiftly positioned, forming pivotal points for the coming engagement.

Meanwhile, the two 37mm quick-fire cannons were hauled up, ready to unleash their firepower.

At the same time, Black Eagle was seething with rage, roaring, “Who leaked our movements? If I find out who did it, they’ll regret it!”

He had intended to ambush the Chengyun Army in a hidden ravine, but had not anticipated their scouts discovering him.

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“Boss, what do we do now? The government troops are prepared—our ambush plan won’t work,” a subordinate asked anxiously.

“Hmph! So what if they’re ready? I command over two thousand men, while they have barely two hundred. Grabbing a chicken from their pants—easy as pie, we hold the advantage,” Black Eagle refused to r