Chapter 102: The Battle Begins!

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With resolute determination, Chief Minister Tian Zhong declared, “Then let us begin preparations for war.” The Minister of the Army stepped forward and announced in a grave tone, “Your Excellency, the Chief Minister, we have already formulated a detailed combat plan for the military operations.” “Lieutenant General Kamio will command the main forces, which include the 15th and 16th Divisions along with a heavy artillery brigade.” “With such military strength, even if Jiang Bai has reinforced Blue Island with three infantry divisions, they will not pose a match for our army!” The Minister of Justice nodded in agreement upon hearing this. Two infantry divisions plus a field heavy artillery brigade amount to approximately 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers, nearly equal to Jiang Bai’s 60,000 troops stationed on Blue Island. Based on past experiences, our forces have typically found it easy to defeat northern troops. Even when outnumbered three to one, we have confidence in securing an easy victory. Therefore, the Minister of the Army believed that with these 60,000 soldiers, breaking through Jiang Bai’s defenses was almost a foregone conclusion. After confirming the security of the Blue Island front, Chief Minister Tian Zhong inquired, “What is the status of preparations in Chengyun?” “Reporting, Your Excellency,” the Minister replied, “The Chengyun area is primarily defended by the elite 5th Division under Guan Chengyun’s command, supported by six independent railway guard battalions, with total troop strength nearing 30,000.” “Moreover, the garrison in Gaoli has been increased to four Class B combat divisions.” “The 2nd Division has been transferred to Guandong Province to reinforce the 5th Class A Division.” “Thus, the two Class A divisions in Guandong Province alone approach 50,000 troops.” “Counting the four Class B divisions in the second line, total strength reaches 200,000.” Although this seems to place us at a numerical disadvantage of 100,000 compared to the enemy’s 300,000, in terms of combat effectiveness, only the elite 1st Division under Wang is truly battle-ready, totaling roughly 100,000. Adding Jiang Bai’s main force of the 7th Field Army, total combat troops amount to approximately 150,000. The other 200,000 troops under Wang’s command, in the view of our General Staff, stand little chance against our elite forces. To directly defeat San Laodeng’s troops alone would be fortunate. To ensure victory, we have specially deployed the most formidable 2nd Division. It is worth noting that apart from the 1st Guards Division responsible for palace defense, the 2nd Division boasts the highest combat effectiveness among all units. In previous conflicts with the Northern Dynasty, despite significant numerical disadvantages, the 2nd Division not only routed the enemy but successfully counterattacked. Therefore, the Minister of the Army is exceedingly confident in the current troop deployments. Seeing the Minister’s strategic acumen, Chief Minister Tian Zhong nodded in approval without further comment.

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He then turned to the Minister of the Navy and inquired, “What is the Navy’s state of readiness?” The Minister of the Navy stepped forward and replied, “Your Excellency, the Navy will dispatch the Third Fleet to engage in battle.” Though the Army and Navy often compete during strategic meetings, once total war is decided upon, the Navy will fully support the Army’s operations. Otherwise, if the Army suffers severe losses, the entire dynasty’s interests will ultimately be harmed. “Deploying the Third Fleet—does that not seem somewhat underestimating the enemy?” Chief Minister Tian Zhong furrowed his brow and posed the question. “Intelligence reports indicate that Jiang Bai’s 7th Field Army has constructed massive fortresses and countless coastal artillery batteries on Blue Island!” “Do you believe the Third Fleet can withstand such pressure?” The Third Fleet is a newly formed unit, equipped mostly with outdated warships; most officers and men are freshly trained recruits, with only a small fraction of veteran combatants. In response to Chief Minister Tian Zhong’s concerns, the Minister of the Navy answered confidently, “Rest assured, Your Excellency! We will integrate four Kongō-class strategic cruisers into the Third Fleet, along with four of the latest Fusō-class super-dreadnought battleships!” “With such firepower, destroying Blue Island’s military fortifications will be a mere trifle!” Chief Minister Tian Zhong finally displayed a satisfied smile. Though the four Kongō-class ships were purchased from the Eagle Dynasty ten years prior, they remain the Navy’s core combat power, not to mention the newest Fusō-class battleships. This moment presents not only an opportunity to showcase the power of the new vessels but also a practical exercise in amphibious assault tactics, fully preparing for future territorial expansion. Once all was ready, Chief Minister Tian Zhong declared firmly, “Since we have resolved to attack Jiang Bai’s 7th Field Army,” “we must unite as one and dedicate ourselves to this campaign!” “No matter the cost, Blue Island must become our fortress at sea,” “and that province must fall under our Army’s control!” “Only then can we ensure complete mastery over Chengyun,” “marking the true rise of our dynasty!” These words made Chief Minister Tian Zhong appear like a hero bathed in the sunset’s glow. Inspired by this passion, the senior officials expressed their commitment to the future in unison: “Your Excellency, Chief Minister, for the dynasty’s tomorrow, we dedicate everything for Chengyun!” The Army commanders responded with fiery resolve, their eyes burning bright.

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“For His Majesty Tianhuang, onward!” Deeply influenced by the warrior spirit, the senior Army generals’ minds were filled not with hopes for the dynasty’s stability but ambitions for territorial expansion. On one hand, they aimed to strengthen national power through conquest; on the other, they sought to rapidly elevate their own status through military achievements. Within the strict military hierarchy, rapid promotion had two main paths: one through family connections, the other through accumulating battle merits to ascend socially. Although war was imminent, these generals felt no fear; instead, their morale soared as they regarded the enemy as inconsequential. They were confident of victory as in history, where they had defeated armies numbering hundreds of thousands and even faced formidable foes head-on. The current adversary was merely a regional warlord, and Jiang Bai’s army, having existed for less than a year, was underestimated in strength. These generals firmly believed that victory was within easy reach. Sensing their morale, the Minister of the Army nodded with satisfaction and asked if there were any questions. A lieutenant general raised a concern about the garrison troops, wondering if the railway guard battalions should withdraw to avoid encirclement. It was expected that the Minister might order a retreat, given that these troops numbered around 7,000. With minimal training, they could form a capable Class B combat brigade. However, the Minister of the Army shook his head and calmly replied, “These six railway guard battalions must not withdraw!” “A retreat would not only mean the loss of the strongholds painstakingly established in Chengyun,” “but might also alert the enemy prematurely to our surprise attack plans!” “For the dynasty, such a loss would far outweigh any possible gain!” “Therefore, I have expressly ordered these railway defense units to hold their positions until reinforcements arrive!” “If they survive this battle, they will become heroes of the dynasty,” “and a source of pride for every one of us!” “If they fall, I shall personally ensure they are buried in the shrine, to be revered by future generations!”