Chapter 120

The Germans' high efficiency cannot be guaranteed. Just overnight, a special operations brigade and a heavy artillery regiment were transported into Jinan.

When the Beiyang Army started the artillery bombardment, the observers of the Heavy Artillery Regiment had been measuring the data. When the Beiyang Army's artillery preparations were completed and the infantry began to attack, the 24 105 howitzers of the Heavy Artillery Regiment began to show their power.

The first thing to hit was naturally the artillery position of the Beiyang Army. If you look closely, you will find that there are many Germans in technical units such as the heavy artillery regiment. There are Germans next to almost every gun. Yes, these Germans are

Through Bob's relationship, it was rented directly from the Qingdao German Army. Of course, these people asked for a high price, and the advantage was that they could allow the heavy artillery unit to form combat effectiveness in the shortest possible time.

The expressions of Chen Guangyuan and He Zonglian changed due to the sudden heavy artillery bombardment. The sounds of heavy artillery and 75 artillery were completely different. By the time they reacted from the shock, the heavy artillery regiment directed by the Germans had already

finished

Positioned and started firing rapidly. In less than five minutes from the beginning of the test firing, the Beiyang Army's artillery position turned into a sea of ​​fire. Clouds rose one after another, and the deafening sound of artillery exploded like thunder.

There were constant spectacular scenes of bombs exploding.

Also firing at the same time were the two artillery regiments equipped by the Self-Defense Forces themselves. Although it was an old-fashioned German artillery, it was a very effective weapon for suppressing infantry. The Beiyang Army's death squads screamed and rushed upward, and the artillery was fully opened fire.

The beating was horrific.

Chen Guangyuan and He Zonglian, who witnessed all this with their own eyes, looked ashen. The reason is very simple. Since the heavy artillery appeared, the opponent's reinforcements must have arrived. Where can the reinforcements come from? It doesn't take a brain to think of the Jiaoji Railway. The Germans are *

He stood naked on Fang Jianxiong’s side. This was the biggest blow!

Chen Guangyuan hurriedly ordered a retreat, but it was already too late. After cleaning up the Beiyang Army's artillery, the heavy artillery began to greet the infantry. They chased the infantry who pushed down. Along the way, bombs fell 200 meters near Chen Guangyuan's headquarters.

Fang Jianxiong received the support of the Germans. This discovery was like a thunderbolt for Beiyang.

"Quick, quick, tell the commander in chief! The Germans have intervened!" Chen Guangyuan shouted to the staff beside him as if he was crazy.

On this day, Jinan suddenly became quiet after a brief commotion. The Beiyang Army no longer launched attacks, and the National Defense Forces did not attack. On the Tai'an side, the fighting continued.

After Zhang Xiaohuai arrived at the front line, he immediately made new deployments. He concentrated all the heavy artillery and bombarded the 5th Division's defense line in front. Each unit took turns to attack, attacking day and night. At the end of the deployment task, Zhang Xiaohuai emphasized: "This is a critical moment.

The commanders of each unit should not consider casualties. Taking down the two main Beiyang divisions on the eastern front as soon as possible is the best result to reduce casualties."

After giving the order, all the troops took turns to take charge of the formation. They launched fierce attacks day and night. Relying on the absolute advantage of his troops, Zhang Xiaohuai moved his headquarters forward to within the range of the enemy's artillery fire. After this posture, the troops did not dare to

Neglect. The headquarters of the division commander and brigade commander all moved forward. The most ruthless ones were

Huyan Aobo didn't have much success outside the city of Xuzhou, so he was moved directly to the front line by the headquarters. Huyan Aobo said harshly, "Zhang Xun blocked Xuzhou City, allowing Li Yifeng to steal the limelight. This time he wants to

We can't be the first to break through the Tai'an defense line. I won't have the shame to see the commander-in-chief in the future."

The Sixth Division stormed the Fifth Division's defense line regardless of casualties. After a day and night of fierce fighting, it finally paid off and successfully tore open the opponent's defense line. Zhang Xiaohuai was overjoyed when he heard the news and immediately mobilized his troops to continue to expand the results.

Feng Guozhang, who was in Tai'an City, refused to run away this time. He ordered the troops to give up resistance, and he was neatly dressed and waiting at the headquarters. The first one to hit Tai'an City was naturally Huyan Aobo's command.

Seeing the white flag hanging on the headquarters, Feng Guozhang sent someone out to say that he could order the entire army to surrender, but he wanted to see the commander. The people below quickly reported it. Huyan Aobo quickly came here in person and saw the commander in full uniform.

Feng Guozhang.

"I am Huyan Aobo, commander of the Sixth Division. What do you have to say, General Feng?"

"Feng wants to meet Fang Fuguo. I wonder if I can make arrangements for him?" Feng Guozhang said. He couldn't do this, so he had to report it. When Zhang Xiaohuai saw this situation, he quickly telegraphed to Wuhan.

Fang Jianxiong quickly called back: Yes! Pay attention to General Feng’s safety along the way!

With Fang Jianxiong's reply, Zhang Xiaohuai went to see Feng Guozhang in person. After seeing the telegram, Feng Guozhang ordered the 3rd and 5th divisions of the Beiyang Army on the Eastern Front and other troops to stop resisting.

After receiving the order from Feng Guozhang, the Third Division in the south of Jinan City looked at the immovable Daqingshan position. Wu Peifu was silent for a long time. Cao Kun, who looked bitter, sighed and ordered to send people to follow the defenders on Daqingshan.

Contact. Cao Kun said: "I have been fighting for so many years, and I have never seen such a stubborn opponent. I have to surrender to them even if I want to surrender."

The one who went up the mountain holding the white flag was Zhang Fulai. When he saw Liu Mianyue and Leng Yu who were looking at the smoke, he saluted unwillingly and said: "Taian Hua Shuai called and asked the third division to put down its weapons and surrender. I am here under the order of the division commander."

Come and get in touch.”

Liu Mianyue thought he heard wrongly, glanced at Leng Yu who was calm and said: "Leng Laosan, did we win?"

Leng Yu was not mentally prepared and nodded subconsciously: "It seems so, why did it fall?"

One night the north wind blew with snowflakes, and the city of Beijing turned into a world of white. Seas large and small were covered with thick ice, and ordinary children had more places to play.

In Yuan Shikai's opinion, this winter came too early and was too cold.

When the news came from Jinan, Yuan Shikai locked himself in his study for a long time. While all the important officials from Beiyang were waiting for the news, Yuan Shikai was in his study facing the scenery outside the window and remained silent for a long time.

"Why were we defeated?" Yuan Shikai has never understood this question. At this time, any struggle is superfluous. Yuan Shikai knows better than anyone what the Battle of Jinan means.

When there was a knock on the door, Yuan Shikai turned around and shouted angrily: "Didn't I tell you not to see anyone?"

The person who walked in through the door was Yuan Keding, who had a bleak look on his face. He winced when Old Yuan looked at him, and quickly explained: "The British Minister Zhu Erdian is here." Yuan Shikai was stunned, without any joy on his face, and nodded: "I know.

Already."

Foreigners have sharper noses than dogs. They have been paying close attention to the Battle of Jinan. Zhu Erdian knew about the German intervention immediately. Zhu Erdian was furious about the news. But there was nothing he could do. The Germans did not send troops, they just used the road.

That's all.

The powerful Beiyang Army was defeated this winter. Yuan Shikai, who had always been the key supporter of the British, suddenly devalued at this time. Naturally, Zhu Erdian could not give in. His supposed ally, the Japanese, was also ready to make a move. Japanese Minister Ijuin met with Zhu Erdian urgently and proposed that the two countries

jointly interfere in China’s affairs.

What Ijuin meant was that Britain took the lead and Japan sent troops to seek interests in China. The Japanese had a good plan, but in Zhu Erdian's eyes, Japan was just a dog raised by the British. If Yuan Shikai was allowed to step down, then the interests of Britain would inevitably

It is very clear that the British will be damaged. Therefore, British intervention is inevitable, but Japan wants to

It is also unacceptable to stretch your hand too long. After Zhu Erdian saw Yijuyuan, he urgently met with the French and Russian consuls and reached an agreement. He also met with the American consul, but this time he did not receive a positive response. The attitude of the Americans was very vague.

, stating that this is China's internal affairs, and once again emphasized that the open door policy is the consistent position of the United States.

Well, the Americans, whose military strength is mediocre, can be ignored. The key is the Germans. If they are not contained, the interests of the British Empire in China will suffer heavy losses.

"Old friend, I already know about the war in Jinan, and now I think you need help." Zhu Erdian spoke very directly. The British like to play balance, using Japan to contain Russia and France to contain Germany. Now the Germans are suddenly supporting China.

If a regime was powerful enough to defeat Beiyang, Zhu Erdian would naturally have to resolutely contain it.

"Thanks to my old friend for thinking of helping at this time. If it can lead to peace talks between the North and the South, that would be the best." Yuan Shikai gave Zhu Erdian an unexpected answer. Want peace talks again?

"Old friends, Britain, Japan, Russia, and France can all consider sending troops to contain the southern army from moving north." Zhu Erdian raised his eyebrows. This time, Zhu Erdian spoke more clearly, and his purpose was completely exposed. As long as Yuan Shikai lets go.

United States military intervention. If Yuan Shikai does not relent, the country can intervene, but that will anger Germany and the United States.

"Thanks to friends from all over the world for their help, but this is China's civil war after all. I am working hard to promote peace talks between the North and the South." Yuan Shikai once again gave an answer that stunned Zhu Erdian, China's civil war? Yes, it is China's civil war.

This is what Yuan Shikai thinks. It is certain that he will not be reconciled to failure, but now that the overall situation has been decided, Yuan Shikai is somewhat worried about the infamy behind him. In this time and space, Yuan Shikai's personal ambition has not yet expanded to the stage of becoming an emperor. Although he was pulled from the peak of power

I am very reluctant to come down, but the price to be paid by allowing the four countries to interfere is so huge that I am scared to think about it.

Yuan Shikai refused to let go, and Zhu Erdian left unwillingly. Before leaving, he left a message: "My promise is valid at any time."

Since Yuan Shikai did not agree to invite the Fourth Army to intervene, Zhu Erdian had to make other preparations. Hankou Consul Jensen soon received a call from Beijing, ordering him to see Fang Jianxiong urgently.

After sending Zhu Erdian away, when Yuan Shikai turned around and came back, an anxious Yuan Keding said: "Father, why don't you accept Zhu Erdian's interference?" Yuan Shikai looked at him speechlessly, his body swayed slightly, his voice was sweet, and he couldn't hold back his hot blood.

It overflowed and was about to fall. Yuan Keding quickly reached out to help him.

After sitting on the chair and relaxing for a while, Yuan Shikai, with a waxy face, waved his hands and said: "Go and call everyone outside."
Chapter completed!