Chapter 9: Shocked to Discover Chu Yunfei Has a File in the Special Technology Bureau

Chu Yunfei shook his head. "Not all allied forces are like that. Under Officer Li’s command, the 61st Army fought fiercely against the Chahar Corps for nearly ten days. Even after running out of bullets, they used grenades and broadswords to hold the main Japanese forces at bay for so long."

"In fact, most of our comrades are like flowers grown in a greenhouse," he continued. "They can only win battles when conditions favor them. At the first sign of setback, their troops collapse."

"Their combat mindset remains stuck in the World War I era, relying on tactics long since outdated."

"Officer Yan expecting such an army to win a battle that is inherently unequal in strength is rather wishful thinking."

Was Officer Yan wrong?

It seemed that, according to the regiment commander’s reasoning, leveraging advantageous terrain to resist step by step and depleting the enemy’s manpower and supplies was the most effective strategy.

Fang Ligong’s expression remained impassive, but inside he was already in turmoil.

The entire Shanxi front was indeed developing exactly as the regiment commander had predicted.

Damn it, I actually doubted my old commander.

What am I thinking?

After pondering for a long while, Fang Ligong found no grounds to refute. He stammered, “Regiment Commander… perhaps Officer Yan believes that they have relatively more combat experience…”

“Treating outdated experience as a standard is the problem of the commanders.”

“From a tactical perspective, even the tactics taught at the Whampoa Military Academy are somewhat outdated, since many of its instructors graduated from the Japanese Army Officer School.”

At this, Chu Yunfei smiled slightly. “Of course, our opponents haven’t really updated their tactics either. The army’s offensive tactics are very rigid.”

“Artillery bombards, then infantry charges; if the infantry stalls, planes provide support and artillery resumes bombardment.”

“But don’t underestimate the enemy just because of what I say.”

“Ligong, look—those armored vehicles and tanks, when attacking our positions, can only serve as fixed gun platforms and fail to unleash their true power.”

“As far as I know, many Japanese armored officers have exchanged knowledge in Germany. They do possess advanced armored assault tactics, but on this battlefield, it’s simply not suitable for armored troops.”

Chu Yunfei paused, then calmly stated, “Now, to break through the Ruyue Pass front line, they must commit more troops.”

“And the Japanese army is currently most lacking in manpower.”

Fang Ligong nodded, suddenly enlightened.

The terrain of Ruyue Pass was unique.

It featured a narrow stretch about twenty kilometers long, a choke point the Japanese had no way to circumvent on their southward advance toward Fanzhi County.

It was the closest point to flank the Chinese defenders at Pingxingguan and Yanmen Pass.

Otherwise, they would have to fight all the way from northwest Shanxi, taking a large detour and breaking through at least two army lines of defense.

Suzuki Shigeyasu was willing, but naturally, the 5th Division commander Sakagaki would not be.

The pursuing troops did not extend too far.

After chasing two or three miles, they collected abandoned Japanese weapons and quickly withdrew back to their positions.

“Report, company commander! Estimated over a hundred enemy casualties inflicted, thirty rifles, three machine guns, one grenade launcher captured, along with ammunition, shells, and grenades!” Qian Bojun looked at the bloodied soldiers and loudly declared, “Brothers, you’ve done well. Tonight, I will personally commend you!”

Two consecutive defeats enraged the attacking Japanese troops immensely.

Led by a Japanese battalion commander, after a brief speech and rest, they launched another assault.

At this moment, Suzuki Shigeyasu also realized how troublesome the enemy defending Ruyue Pass was.

The timing and rhythm of the Chinese army’s offensive and defensive transitions were too clever.

They had never encountered an opponent like this before!

“Have we identified the designation of the enemy in front?” Suzuki turned to his adjutant and asked.

“Apologies, General, we have yet to find the enemy’s flag. Before the battle, there were no signs of any troops at the position. However, judging by their uniforms and equipment, they are likely the Jin-Sui Army.”

Suzuki fell silent for a moment, then ordered, “Send a telegram to the 5th Division headquarters. Inquire about the enemy in front, and try to get detailed information about their commander.”

“Yes, sir!”

As Suzuki’s adjutant, Lieutenant Colonel Kobayashi understood clearly.

This was the first formidable enemy encountered since their mixed brigade was formed.

Continuous defeats forced everyone to take it seriously.

Upon receiving the telegram, 5th Division commander Sakagaki Seishirō immediately ordered the intelligence department to investigate.

Eventually, they found some clues.

“Division commander, this individual actually has a dedicated file within the Tokkōka.”

“Read it!”

“Name: Chu Yunfei.”

“Rank: Colonel.”

“Current position: Commander of the 358th Regiment, Jin-Sui Army.”

“Place of origin: Wutai County, Shanxi.”

“Age: Approximately thirty years old.”

“Education: Graduated with honors from the 5th class of Whampoa Military Academy.”

“Comprehensive evaluation: This person has grassroots experience, stable psychology, command style unknown, but intercepted telegrams indicate he is deeply loved by his officers and soldiers and highly regarded by the Second War Zone Commander Yan Xishan.”

“According to pre-war intelligence, the 358th Regiment under the Jin-Sui Army has about five thousand troops and is formidable in combat.”

“General, it is worth noting that this unit was previously under Yang Aiyuan but reports directly to Yan Xishan.”

“Recent reports indicate it was reassigned as a direct unit under the Second War Zone, making it one of Yan Xishan’s rare elite units. They were originally the garrison troops stationed in the suburbs of Taiyuan…”

Sakagaki Seishirō did not underestimate Chu Yunfei because of his youth and background.

He was all too familiar with his unruly former disciple Yan Xishan.

After Yan was out of power, almost no one trusted him.

A Whampoa graduate, yet in such a critical position receiving Yan’s trust, Chu Yunfei’s talent and ability were evidently unquestionable.

“Looks like General Suzuki has met a true adversary,” Sakagaki said anxiously.

At present, he was firmly blocked outside Pingxingguan and Yanmen Pass by heavily armed forces, unable to break through.

He still hoped the Chahar Corps could perform a flanking maneuver.

Now it seemed even the Suzuki Brigade itself was in dire straits.

Otherwise, they would not have sent such a telegram.

Sakagaki, an old fox, had sufficient capability.

After some thought, he adjusted his battle plan:

“Order: halt the attack. The Shibuya Regiment will fully support the Suzuki Brigade to swiftly break through the enemy’s defensive line in front!”

“Yes, sir!”