You were tasked with guarding the Sihang Warehouse, and you ended up with a German-equipped division

Chapter 119 The Chairman's Reward, the Commander's Invitation

After saying that, he hung up the phone and looked at Commander Bai.

"Teng County was held, and Li Jianghe even defeated the Seya Detachment."

Commander Li said this because he knew very well that although the Sichuan Army fought bravely, their weapons and equipment were too poor.

The only unit capable of defeating the Japanese army head-on could be Li Jianghe's Third Detachment.

After all, this wasn't the first or second time Li Jianghe had done something like this.

This time it really was just a detachment.

Li Jianghe, who was in Nanjing, dared to lead his men to launch a surprise attack on the positions of two Japanese divisions on the front line.

Furthermore, Wang Mingzhang specifically mentioned that Li Jianghe's third detachment was the main attacking force, with the Sichuan Army serving as support, making the meaning all the clearer.

Commander Bai was also extremely surprised. He looked at the map and said:

"Incredible! But Li Jianghe is capable of fighting battles like this."

The more you think he can't win, the more determined he is to prove you wrong.

At this point, Commander Bai couldn't help but smile and say:

"Delin, why didn't the Chairman keep such a talented person?"

Commander Li chuckled and said:

"Chiang Kai-shek prefers graduates from the Whampoa Military Academy and fellow townsmen. Li Jianghe has none of these qualities, and he is even from a collateral branch of the Guangxi Army. No matter how capable such a person is, Chiang Kai-shek would not dare to use him."

After saying this, Commander Li said:

"Generate electricity for the Wuhan headquarters."

At the headquarters of the Japanese 10th Division, Isogai Rensuke looked at the telegram from the front lines, checked it twice, and then his gaze sharpened as he said:

"How interesting, how interesting! Li Jianghe, who once beat Yoshizumi Ryosuke so badly that he had to be hospitalized, has actually appeared on the North China battlefield."

Division Chief of Staff Atsuro Umemura also looked at the contents of the telegram and then said:

"Commander, the Setani Detachment has been routed, with a large number of artillery pieces lost, and the 10th Infantry Regiment almost completely wiped out. Akashiba Yaezo has also been killed in action. This doesn't sound very interesting."

Compared to Isogai Rensuke, Chief of Staff Umemura Atsuro was clearly more rigid and cold, with his pursed lips resembling a sharp knife.

Isogai Rensuke said coldly:

"It's already quite good that Seya Kei underestimated the enemy and advanced recklessly, and was not completely annihilated by Li Jianghe."

The strangest thing is, where did this so-called armored force come from?

Without this armored unit, Li Jianghe would be no match for the Seya Detachment.

As he said this, he then added:

"The offensive in the Linyi direction is also continuing, so our offensive cannot stop. I request that you, Commander, dispatch some more troops to provide support."

Atsuro Umemura remained deep in thought, his brow furrowed, before finally speaking:

"According to Kei Seya's report, this enemy armored force has a total of more than 10,000 people and is equipped with about 300 armored vehicles."

That armored vehicle was likely a modified version of some kind of armored personnel carrier; it didn't even have a roof.

Even a 37mm anti-tank gun would be sufficient to handle it; I think it's necessary to replenish targeted weapons and personnel.

Isogai Rensuke nodded and said:

"That's right. In Chinese terms, this is called 'a skilled craftsman must first have the right tools.'"

Atsuro Umemura pondered:

"It might take a couple of days, even if the commander agrees to transport the weapons, equipment and personnel, it will still take some time."

Rensuke Isogai said calmly:

"Draft a telegram now."

In Tengxian, this morning there was no roar of artillery, no clamor of machine guns; the dilapidated city welcomed a long-awaited peace.

Around 9 o'clock, at Tengxian Railway Station, a train slowly came to a stop amidst the sound of its whistle.

Commander Bai, as a representative of the war zone command, personally came here to express his condolences to the troops defending Teng County.

After bowing, Commander Bai, along with Li Jianghe and others, took a car to the command post.

He looked out the window at the ruined city and the large sections of collapsed city walls.

It is easy to imagine how fierce the battle in Teng County must have been.

"Gentlemen, this battle was fought very well. Both the command and the Wuhan side are extremely encouraged."

Commander Bai said this:

"The Chairman issued a commendation order overnight, awarding 10 silver dollars to Wang Mingzhang's 41st Army and 10 silver dollars to Li Jianghe's Independent Third Detachment as a reward."

At this point, he looked at Li Jianghe and added with a smile:

"Of course, Jiang He, after you broke through the Nanjing siege, the Wuhan authorities promised you 100,000 silver dollars, and that will be paid out this time as well."

Li Jianghe thought to himself, "I never expected that the empty promises made by the Chairman would actually come true one day."

Of course, this was achieved through real hard work.

Everyone in Teng County thought it was impossible to hold out, but when Li Jianghe's Third Detachment was sent over, they not only miraculously turned the tide, but also defeated the Japanese Seya Detachment and even killed a Japanese regimental commander.

This skill was unmatched within the entire National Revolutionary Army's combat order.

At this critical moment in the battle along the Jinpu Railway, even though the Chairman knew that Li Jianghe was not a direct subordinate, he dared not owe him any more debts.

"Thank you for the award, Chairman."

"Thank you for the award, Chairman."

Li Jianghe replied with thanks.

Commander Bai smiled and looked at him, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration.

"Everyone calls me a little Zhuge Liang, but now it seems that the warlord wars back then were just infighting. Compared to you, Jiang He, I'm really nothing."

"Sir, you are too modest. We juniors still have a lot to learn from you."

Li Jianghe flattered him.

Commander Bai smiled noncommittally, exchanged pleasantries with the others, and then chose to leave.

Upon arriving at the train station, just as they were about to board the train, Commander Bai waved to Li Jianghe, signaling him to come closer.

Li Jianghe jogged over a few steps and heard Commander Bai say to him:

"Jiang He, Commander Li wants you to go to headquarters to discuss the follow-up operations."

"Keteng County..."

Li Jianghe was somewhat worried.

Commander Bai chuckled and said:

"Don't worry, I'll be back before dawn tomorrow."

"Alright then."

Li Jianghe agreed, turned around and gave Long Wenzhang a few words of advice, then bid farewell to Wang Mingzhang, Zhao Weibin and others, and went together to the Fifth War Zone Command Headquarters.

After the Setani Detachment was defeated, it would be impossible for them to make a comeback in three or four days, so Li Jianghe wasn't too worried.

The Fifth Theater Command headquarters, along with several high-ranking commanders, were already waiting there.

The meeting had not yet started because a key figure had not yet arrived.

Li Jianghe is now a prominent figure in the entire Fifth War Zone.

After all, being able to defeat the Setani Detachment in one night, killing thousands of Japanese soldiers and a Japanese regimental commander, was a truly remarkable achievement.

This might be true for others, but it didn't surprise people as much when it happened to Li Jianghe.

After all, in the Battle of Nanjing, Li Jianghe killed even more Japanese soldiers, and even killed two Japanese division chiefs of staff in one night.

Tang Enbo glanced at his watch with some impatience, cleared his throat, and said:

"Sir, it seems the train is delayed."