novelAbuy Chapter 86 How can we say we have no clothes? We share the same robes.
Chapter 86 How can we say we have no clothes? We share the same robes.
But before he could finish speaking, the Chairman said in a deep voice:
"Support what? You should know how heavy the losses were in the Battle of Shanghai."
What's the point of sending troops to reinforce Nanjing now? Are they just going to send them to their deaths?
He Yingqin was somewhat taken aback, but still said:
"Yes, Chairman, your consideration is very thorough. We should not lose sight of the bigger picture for the sake of small gains."
The Chairman pondered for a moment and said:
"I think that if they all died in Nanjing, they could win more sympathy from the international community."
How about this: have the media publish a report saying that the remaining Nationalist troops in Nanjing fought bravely against the Japanese invaders to the last man, and then send a telegram to the whole country.
His intention was clear: he hoped that Li Jianghe and all the officers and soldiers of the Third Provisional Regiment would sacrifice their lives for their country.
This adds a final, tragic element to the battle, making it easier for him to gain the upper hand in public opinion at subsequent international conferences.
This is not a military consideration, but a political one.
This is a case of the ruler ordering his subject to die!
After listening, He Yingqin hesitated for a moment before whispering:
"Chairman, Yin Guo (Song Xilian's courtesy name) is also in Nanjing, guarding the Xiaguan Wharf."
Upon hearing that Song Xilian was also in the city, the Chairman suddenly stood up and said:
"Why is Yin Guo here too? Didn't he retreat to Jiangbei?"
The reason he was so emotional was because Song Xilian was his favorite general, his most trusted subordinate; otherwise, he wouldn't have been allowed to command the 36th Division, one of the few German-equipped divisions in the National Revolutionary Army.
"I just got the news from Xiao Shanling. He was maintaining order at Xiaguan Wharf and did not evacuate. When Japanese warships arrived, he held the river defense position to the death."
He Yingqin answered honestly.
The chairman pondered for a moment, seemingly considering the pros and cons.
"How about this, you send a separate telegram to Yin Guo, instructing him to lead his troops to cross the river quietly tonight. At that time, have Gu Zhutong on the north bank of the river use the remaining artillery to drive away the Japanese fleet and buy them time to cross the river."
The Chairman said this.
He was willing to let Li Jianghe die, and Xiao Shanling was not even among those he had to save.
However, a close associate like Song Xilian cannot die easily; we must find a way to rescue him.
"Okay, I'll send a telegram to Gu Zhutong and Yingguo right now."
After saying that, he turned and walked out of the office.
The battle raged from day to night, until the sun went down.
As evening approached, the Japanese fleet once again organized landing forces to launch a fierce attack on the river defense positions.
Under the barrage of naval gunfire and train fire, the remaining troops led by Song Xilian and Xiao Shanling were in dire straits, and their defensive line was on the verge of collapse.
Even with the support of the assault troops led by Wang Dayong, they couldn't withstand the excessive manpower losses and were at a significant disadvantage in terms of firepower.
The battle along the riverbank continued until 7 p.m. before finally coming to an end.
At this time, Song Xilian had only 1,300 soldiers left, while Chief of Staff Xiao Shen had only a little over 700.
The remaining soldiers were killed in action, either by Japanese naval bombardment or by the fierce attacks of the landing forces.
It is easy to imagine how powerful the Japanese naval guns were during the past few hours of fighting.
During the Battle of Shanghai, the area covered by Japanese naval artillery fire was so vast that a division entering the battlefield would often be completely decimated within just 24 hours.
Fortunately, they had pre-built river defenses that provided some cover; otherwise, they would probably have been completely wiped out long ago.
Just as Song Xilian was about to organize his troops to meet up with Li Jianghe, the division chief of staff suddenly ran over.
"Commander, a telegram has been sent from Wuhan saying that there are still some ships at Xiaguan Wharf. At 8 o'clock tonight, artillery fire will be launched from the north bank of the Yangtze River, which could tear a gap in our army."
"We don't have many soldiers, just over a thousand. A few boats can fill them up. Once we reach the other side, we'll be safe."
Song Xilian put away the telegram and said:
"Where are Commander Li and the others?"
The division chief of staff stammered:
"It was not mentioned in the telegram."
Song Xilian understood what the Chairman meant.
He's a loyal follower; he needs to be saved.
Li Jianghe is neither a graduate of the Whampoa Military Academy nor a fellow townsman of the principal. On the contrary, he is connected with Li Zongren's Guangxi clique, so there is no need to save him.
As Song Xilian gazed at the river and listened to its surging flow, memories flooded his mind.
He recalled that year at the Whampoa Military Academy, and the step he shouldn't have taken.
He recalled that bullet that should never have been fired in prison that year.
He remembered many things.
Finally, Song Xilian seemed to have made up his mind and turned around.
At seven o'clock in the evening, the night had completely enveloped the smoke-filled city of Nanjing.
In the dilapidated neighborhood, in Li Jianghe's makeshift command post, he was planning the route for this breakout operation.
At this moment, Wang Dayong entered the house with his face covered in blood.
"Commander, Chief of Staff Xiao Shen has arrived."
Li Jianghe was overjoyed, knowing that the fact that Chief of Staff Xiao Shen had come meant that the Japanese offensive along the river had slowed down, which would be beneficial for their subsequent breakout operation.
But why didn't Song Xilian come?
He was somewhat surprised. Could it be that something else had delayed him?
Upon entering the house, Li Jianghe discovered that Chief of Staff Xiao Shen looked as if he had been pulled out of a pool of blood, his entire body reeking of a strong stench of blood.
It is easy to imagine that the fighting on the riverbank was just as intense as that in the city.
"Jiang He, thank you. If it weren't for your reinforcements arriving this afternoon, my troops and Commander Song's troops would probably have been wiped out by the Japanese army on the riverbank long ago."
Chief of Staff Xiao Shen said this.
Li Jianghe was quite excited to see that Chief of Staff Xiao Shen was still alive.
It seems the ammunition sent over was useful; at least it prevented Chief of Staff Xiao Shen from dying due to running out of ammunition and supplies.
"Chief of Staff, this is all expected. Where is Division Commander Song? Didn't he come?"
Li Jianghe inquired.
Chief of Staff Xiao Shen cleared his throat and said:
"Commander Song has other plans. I'm here to deliver orders from my superiors."
"Orders from above?"
Li Jianghe was somewhat surprised.
"Yes, Chiang Kai-shek meant that he hoped we could defend Nanjing to the death, until the last soldier was killed."
After he finished speaking, he placed the telegram in front of everyone.
Upon seeing the telegram, everyone in the room immediately erupted in uproar.
The outspoken Hua Pinzhang was the first to protest.
"Hmph, they didn't care about our lives before, and now they're telling us to just wait to die?"
Long Wenzhang also said sarcastically:
"Tsk tsk tsk, this is a case of the ruler ordering his subject to die."
Xu Dingguo slammed his fist on the table and said to Chief of Staff Xiao Shen:
"Chief of Staff, I don't care what you choose, I'm definitely going to lead these brothers out of here."
As for orders from above, humph, we've disobeyed them more than once or twice.
"Hmph, without reinforcements, they expect us to hold out to the bitter end, all for their international image? Screw international image!!"
Yang Ruifu adjusted his glasses, a hint of disdain in his eyes.
This seemingly refined officer was never a refined person at all.
Li Jianghe said coldly:
"Don't speak yet, Chief of Staff. What do you mean?"
Chief Strategist Xiao Shen pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice:
"Soldiers are duty-bound to obey orders, but in the current situation, continuing to hold out will only increase casualties and serve no other purpose. I will go with you."
However, I will be responsible for covering the rear. If I die in battle, it will be a fulfillment of my duty to the Party and the country; if I fight my way out, it will be a fulfillment of my duty to my brothers.
"Alright, everyone."
Li Jianghe looked up at the crowd.
"How can we say we have no clothes? We share the same robes! Let's fight our way out together!!!"
After saying that, he stretched out his palm and placed it on the table.
The others placed their palms on it and roared in unison.
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