Chapter 49: The Battle Begins! Jiang Bai Oversees the Frontline!

Although the combined remnants of the 23rd and 24th Security Divisions still numbered over ten thousand, the 64th Brigade immediately adjusted its offensive deployment to encircle the remaining enemy. However, the enemy showed no intention of descending the mountain.

Confronted with the clear signs that the Jin Faction’s remnants were preparing for a stubborn defense, Chen Shan, commander of the 64th Brigade, did not rush to attack. Instead, he chose to set up camp, as though intending to wear down the enemy’s resolve. The situation thus fell into stalemate.

At this time, inside the mountain command post, after repeated blows from the Chengyun troops, none of the officers suggested a breakout. On one hand, the devastating losses made it impossible to muster enough forces to break through the 64th Infantry Brigade’s lines. On the other, they were thoroughly intimidated by the ferocity of the Chengyun troops, causing morale to plummet. If not for the officers’ strenuous efforts to prevent it, the lower ranks might have already surrendered en masse.

“Commander, we are no longer capable of fighting! We should ask the troops at Wangkou for help—there are at least twenty thousand there.”

“What good are those twenty thousand? They’re all reserve troops—perhaps skilled in logistics, maybe good at intimidating civilians, but when it comes to real combat, they’ll be the first to run!”

As the officers argued, Bai Xinyou, already under immense strain, could barely contain his anger.

“Enough! Be silent! When I push you to the front, you all shrink back like turtles; now you all have opinions to offer!”

“I have already requested reinforcements from Officer Yan. Whether we survive depends on him!”

“But from what we can see, there’s no unit nearby that could reach us in time.”

One officer hesitated, “If there’s any reinforcement at all, it would have to be those foreign troops of the ‘Little Devils’ stationed for rest in Xuanhua.”

The mention of the foreign troops in Xuanhua made the officers exchange uneasy glances. Would they really need to rely on outsiders for rescue? If the foreign troops did not come, their only options would be surrender or waiting for death. If they surrendered, given their commander’s character, their families might not escape disaster. Yet if they called for foreign aid, those troops’ combat strength could easily save them. However, that would brand them as traitors after the war.

For soldiers lacking dynastic loyalty, this might not matter. In such chaotic times, whoever fed them was their master. But for the educated officers, especially those from military academies, such a stigma would be a heavy psychological burden.

Just as the officers of the joint command of the 23rd and 24th Security Divisions wrestled with this dilemma, a new development suddenly changed the course of events.

On September 28th, Jiang Bai, Wang Xiao, Li Jian, and others, closely escorted by the reconnaissance battalion, finally arrived at the strategic stronghold of Wangkou. Their arrival not only served to bolster the front-line troops, but also signaled that the coming operations would be even fiercer.

After a night of tight defensive preparations, every route from the 23rd and 24th Security Divisions to Wangkou was sealed by the Chengyun forces. Their ironclad defenses ensured that no enemy could escape.

Although Li Yunlong’s Independent Regiment had attempted a probing assault on Wangkou, they found that, despite the large garrison, the defenders were generally of poor fighting quality—mainly local security forces on secondary duties. If not for their excellent equipment and the city’s fortifications, taking it quickly would have been difficult.

After collecting all relevant intelligence, the senior staff of the 7th Reinforced Division convened an emergency military conference.

Li Jian, commander of the 63rd Brigade, reported solemnly, “Commander, the Jin Faction’s remnants stranded on the mountain still number over ten thousand and are entirely surrounded. With one or two more attacks, we can completely crush them.” His tone was decisive, but also laced with deep concern for the coming battle.

Chief of Staff Wang Xiao nodded in agreement, then addressed the group: “Though the 23rd and 24th Security Divisions now resemble stray dogs, they are still regular troops seasoned by war. If, while we are attacking Wangkou, they were to strike from our rear, we would immediately be caught between two fronts.”

Wang Xiao’s analysis was both rigorous and insightful, reflecting a strategist’s mind. The others all nodded in agreement; his plan was clearly the best given the current circumstances, especially with Tang Yu’s forces yet to arrive and the 7th Reinforced Division relatively isolated.

Just as the group prepared to proceed according to this cautious plan, Jiang Bai put forth a different perspective, his voice calm but confident: “Do you all remember our original objective?”

The room fell silent as everyone pondered his question.

Li Jian replied quickly and firmly, “Of course—it’s to seize Wangkou and capture the abundant supplies in the city.” Determination and courage were written on his face.

Jiang Bai nodded. “But have you considered that Wangkou has at least twenty thousand troops inside, and with the enemy at Xuanhua, their total is easily over thirty thousand? If, before launching our main assault, we can first weaken a portion of the enemy’s strength, the subsequent offensive will be much easier.” His gaze was resolute, revealing his unwavering confidence in the plan.

The officers looked at each other in astonishment, clearly shaken by Jiang Bai’s idea. Even Wang Xiao, usually adept at strategy, fell into deep thought, a hint of doubt and contemplation crossing his face. Only Long Mei, who had remained silent, showed a flash of understanding in his eyes. He tentatively asked, “Commander Jiang, are you suggesting we use Yan Chun’s remnant forces to lure out the Wangkou garrison, then counterattack and destroy the relief force?” His expression was full of admiration and anticipation.

Jiang Bai’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Exactly. That is my plan,” he confirmed, his words brimming with wisdom and courage. “In our history, this was known as ‘Besiege Wei to Rescue Zhao,’ but I prefer to call it ‘Encircle the Stronghold and Strike the Relief!’”

Jiang Bai’s voice was filled with passion and resolve, as if he could already see the outcome.

After carefully considering Jiang Bai’s proposal, Chief of Staff Wang Xiao paused, his brow furrowed. “Commander, what if the Wangkou garrison refuses to send troops to relieve them?” There was a note of concern in his tone as he keenly observed Jiang Bai’s reaction.

To raise such a point in front of foreign officers—was that overstepping his bounds toward the commander?