Chapter 88: Encirclement and Killing Wei Jichen

It is said that thoughts can transcend time and space. Wei Jichen felt a little distracted these days. He suddenly thought of Su Zhiniang who was far away in Tianjin.

From the memories of the original owner of this body, Wei Jichen could feel that the original young scholar was deeply attached to Su Zhiniang and felt a little uncomfortable. What kind of woman was Su Zhiniang?

In his mind, she kept flashing the image of her carrying a bucket with her thin shoulders, leaning against the door and watching the young scholar read quietly, encouraging the young scholar to go to Beijing for the exam with soft words, and secretly stuffing a few taels of silver into the package before the young scholar was ready to join the army.

The original owner was really a conservative and useless man. Although he sometimes felt a little reluctant in his heart, the arrogant mentality of a scholar made him unwilling to lower himself to do some small things within his ability. Even Su Zhiniang's tofu business to make a living was criticized by him several times, thinking that it was a disgrace to the family and a lowly job.

No wonder the young scholar only sent some military pay back every month after joining the army, and each time he only sent a few words. Wei Jichen remembered that after receiving the food and pay from Yuan Shikai last time, he had asked someone to take all the silver back. Su Zhiniang should receive it soon.

It can be regarded as paying off the debt for the previous master. I hope that her life will improve after receiving the silver, and she will no longer have to work hard all day.

Wei Jichen thought of this and felt a little relieved. He would adjust his mood from time to time. The Japanese vanguard was only a few dozen miles away from Ximu City. The main force of the 5th Brigade led by Osako Naoto was not far away. The 6th Brigade led by Oshima Hisanao had also set off. The main force of the 3rd Division was out, and a big battle was inevitable.

Katsura Taro had a big plan this time. He must want to capture Ximu City in one fell swoop, and then pursue the victory to capture Haicheng in winter, and prepare for the attack on Liaoshen and Fengtian after the thaw in the spring of next year.

Wei Jichen could no longer sit still, and took several soldiers with him to check the construction of the fortifications.

The fortifications have been basically completed, but Li Yunfei and Cheng Buzhi did not relax, and still asked the soldiers to reinforce and deepen the trenches. On the battlefield, the soldiers were still sweating and busy without complaints.

Seeing Wei Jichen passing by, these soldiers stood aside and saluted continuously. Seeing the young faces, Wei Jichen couldn't help thinking that if it were in modern times, these soldiers might still be growing up carefree in school, and they were all treasures that their parents held in their mouths for fear of melting.

When Wei Jichen distributed food and wages last time, he personally supervised the process and strictly prohibited officers from deducting them. The soldiers received a lot of military pay in their hands. As a result, Wei Jichen's status in the minds of these soldiers became higher and higher.

In this way, he could lead himself and others to great victories and treat the soldiers well. Where can you find a general who can treat the soldiers well? Many soldiers sincerely submit to Wei Jichen from the bottom of their hearts.

Wei Jichen walked along the way, encouraging the soldiers from time to time and praising them from time to time. This move made the soldiers of the Weizi Army, who were already in high morale, even more motivated.

The artillery position was the top priority. Wei Jichen first went to the artillery position to inspect. Wang Shizhen's position was set up in Yushubao Village, which was just right to bomb the front of the infantry defense position. This could not only prevent the Japanese army from knocking down their own cannons with mountain artillery, but also effectively kill their infantry when the Japanese attacked.

"Sir." Wang Shizhen, who was directing the soldiers to carry the shells, saw Wei Jichen coming over and stopped his action and saluted.

Wei Jichen first looked at the setting of the position, nodded with satisfaction, and then joked: "Pinqing, this time you must use the good steel on the blade, don't bombard it like last time without any cost."

It is unknown how long this battle will last, so Wei Jichen said so.

Wang Shizhen was always serious, but when he heard Wei Jichen say this, he smiled and said, "I have seen your methods. It has not been long since the shells were replenished. There are many more. If I use them up this time, I believe there will be more next time."

"You are so good, Pinqing. So this is your idea. It seems that I will give you less shells next time." Wei Jichen replied with a smile.

"My lord, our army is alone in defending Yushubao this time. I am afraid that I can't do it alone." Wang Shizhen said softly with a hint of meaning.

Wei Jichen thought for a moment and replied with a smile: "Pinqing is afraid that the city will not support him. Don't worry, Yushu Fort can be attacked and defended. If it can't be resisted, I, Wei Jichen, will not joke with the lives of my brothers. Let Feng Sheng'a play with the Japanese alone."

Wei Jichen was in the situation and didn't know that his value in the eyes of the Japanese had long exceeded Ximu City. He didn't expect that the Japanese would leave Ximu City alone and set the main target on him.

Wang Shizhen also smiled when he heard Wei Jichen say this. Since the Weizi Army came here, it has been deliberately excluded by the army in the city. Naturally, he has been unhappy for a long time.

Then Wei Jichen walked through all the positions one by one, and then returned to his temporary command post with satisfaction.

In Ximu City, Feng Sheng'a and Nie Guilin were conspiring alone.

Although Feng Sheng'a told the generals with certainty that the court reinforcements would arrive soon, he knew that it was unknown when this day would come.

"General, the Japanese are powerful, and we are left with only one city. What should we do?" Without outsiders, Nie Guilin could speak without restraint.

Feng Sheng'a's mouth twitched. He was more afraid of death than anyone else. He had finally climbed to such a high position, and before he could enjoy it properly, he fell like this. He felt that it was not worth it.

"Don't worry! As long as you resist for a day or two, give an explanation to the court, and then retreat to Haicheng, I believe the court will not blame you." Feng Sheng'a said calmly.

Nie Guilin thought for a while, nodded and said: "It's good to retreat to Haicheng, but we can't be chased by the Japanese like last time. Last time, we were lucky. If this time is like last time, can we?" It’s really hard to escape.”

Feng Sheng'a frowned and said after a moment: "When we escape this time, we will cut off the way for Wei Jichen. If he doesn't comply, he will be punished by military law. If he does, it is not in line with our wishes. Wei Zijun Isn't he very powerful? Let him fight to the death with the Japanese to buy some time for us to retreat."

"But I wonder if Wei Jichen will listen to the general. After all, if he intends to escape, there is nothing we can do against him for a while." Nie Guilin, who often regards military law as nothing, will of course judge a gentleman with a villain's heart. Belly.

Fengsheng'a touched his beard, and then said in a nonchalant manner: "This is a problem, but as long as I don't notify him when I retreat, it will be too late. Even if he doesn't want to be the one who breaks the road, he will have to do it. ”

Nie Guilin's face showed joy and he said with a smile: "General's brilliant plan."

The 7th Infantry Regiment of the Japanese 5th Brigade was temporarily stationed. As expected, Osako Shangtoshi had already taken the lead and arrived here according to his prior plan.

Colonel Miyoshi Noriyuki, captain of the 7th Regiment, looked at Osako Naotoshi, who had just given the order to rest on the spot, with a puzzled look on his face.

He has not yet learned the combat plan formulated by the 3rd Division Staff Headquarters. He only received the order to attack Ximu City.

"Your Excellency, Major General, it's still early in the day. Our army can still advance a few miles and then prepare for the siege tomorrow." Miyoshi Ningxing didn't know why Osako Shoatoshi was delaying time.

Osako Naotoshi shook his head and said calmly: "Colonel, if we advance a few miles further, we will be within the sphere of influence of the Chinese people. They can know the movements of our army at any time."

Miyoshi Chengxing was a little confused. When attacking Ximu City, it didn't matter even if the Chinese people learned about our army's movements.

Osako Naotoshi glanced at him lightly and continued: "Our goal is not Seki Castle, but Elm Castle. Now we will take a short rest. Our Imperial Japanese Army will march quickly at night to reach this place before the Chinese people understand their reaction. Then quickly build fortifications.”

Osako Naotoshi pointed to a point on the map on the road leading to Haicheng.

This cut off the escape route from Yushu Fort to Haicheng. Miyoshi Chengxing was shocked and said: "Your Majesty, Major General, in this case, our army will not have enough troops to attack Ximu City. What if the Chinese army in Ximu City comes out to support it? It’s good.”

Osako Shangtoshi smiled faintly and said: "Do you think the Chinese army in Seiki City is our Imperial Japanese Army? They don't have the courage yet."

If the 7th Infantry Regiment reaches its scheduled position tomorrow, it will be under pressure from both Ximucheng and Yushubao. If the armies from the two places move quickly, flanking the left and right, and defeat the 7th Regiment in one fell swoop before the Japanese follow-up troops arrive, Osako Naotoshi didn't even have a place to cry when the time came.

However, although Osako Shangmin was taking a bit of a risk, he had correctly calculated the timidity of Fengsheng'a in Ximu City and expected that Fengsheng'a would not dare to send troops. Now he would not let go of the great opportunity to encircle and annihilate Wei Jichen.

Osako Shangtoshi looked a little nervous when he saw Miyoshi Ningxing, so he couldn't help but comforted him: "Miyoshi-san, as long as the 7th Regiment can stand firm here and cut off Wei Jichen's retreat, when my follow-up army presses forward, Wei Jichen will not be able to escape. We will close the door and fight." Dog, it is important to annihilate the Wei Zijun. Miyoshi-kun, as a warrior of the Japanese Empire, have you lost the courage of a samurai? "

Speaking of this, Osako Naotoshi's expression became stern, and his eyes were like ice as he looked at Miyoshi Noriyuki.

"Your Excellency, I am too cowardly, please punish me." Miyoshi Ningxing quickly knelt down and bowed his head to apologize.

Osako Naotoshi waved his hand and said: "Go down and pretend that the army is temporarily advancing and resting to paralyze and confuse the Chinese army. After dark, our army will advance rapidly."

"Hi Yi!" Miyoshi Chengxing lowered his head and slowly backed away.

"Toyosho, I hope you won't disappoint me." After Miyoshi Nariyuki exited, Osako Naotonoshi murmured to himself.