The Baghdad Palace is shrouded in the scorching sun, and the outdoor temperature is as high as 45 degrees. However, the cafe on the ground floor is warm and comfortable due to the opening of the air conditioner. It is not a cool breeze blowing, but even makes people feel a bit chilly, as if they are two different places from outside.
A completely different world.
An Yi and Princess Ashraf sat across from each other. From where they were, the palace, which was built with a perfect fusion of Arabic and European styles, was a little distorted in the heat wave and looked shaky, like a mirage.
.
On both sides of the road facing the coffee shop, there are dense palm trees, continuous green space and various unnamed flowers, dying under the scorching sun.
Fortunately, various fountains surging like rivers throughout the palace brought a touch of coolness to the scorching sun, and the crystal water reflected the brilliance of diamonds in the sunlight.
"Your Excellency, are your two ladies still resting?" Princess Ashraf picked up the coffee in front of her, took a sip, and asked with a smile.
An Yi smiled: "I guess they are having lunch in the restaurant right now... In the afternoon they will watch a documentary film about the scenery of West Asia in the cinema hall of the palace. When the evening cools down, I will personally accompany them to visit the scenic spots in Baghdad. At the same time,
Buy some special products so that you can distribute them to your family when you go back."
Princess Ashraf said enviously: "Your Excellency, Chairman, you are so lucky. I heard that your wife is very virtuous and your children are also very obedient, right?"
"yes!"
An Yi said with emotion: "It is my greatest blessing to be able to get their love in this life. The princess and the consort must also have a harmonious relationship, right?"
Princess Ashraf's eyes turned red: "My husband, Ali, was influenced by his family and received British education since he was a child. He has always had close ties with the British. Now that our Kingdom of Persia has good relations with China, the interests of the British have been seriously damaged.
, Ali’s family has also been implicated, and both his influence in politics and business and the family’s assets have shrunk severely. Because of this, he is now very cold to me. If my father hadn’t firmly opposed it, I would have divorced him long ago.
Got it!"
An Yi knew that the prince-in-law Ali Gawam was born into a Persian comprador family. His family had been selling British goods for a long time and was very wealthy in Persia. In addition to running a trading company, the Gawam family also purchased a wide range of real estate, including estates around Tehran.
In more than 300 places, the Gawam family established a relationship of mutual trust with each other during their long-term interactions with the British. They became the spokesperson of British interests and silently influenced the political trend of Persia.
When Reza Khan chose a prince-in-law for his daughter, he also had the idea that he would be a good match. But no one thought that the British's all-pervasive power in Persia would be uprooted by the invasion of the Soviet Union and Japan, and the subsequent stationing of the Anjia Army.
.
The backer has arrived. The Gawam family has naturally declined. In addition, the status of women in the Islamic world is low, so they naturally have no good feelings towards Ashraf, the daughter-in-law.
An Yi comforted him: "Don't force yourself on emotional matters. Since it hurts to be together, let's separate! It's impossible for the British to come back. It's impossible for the Prince Consort's family to repeat its previous glory. If they still believe
I don’t know the reality. If I think I can make a comeback in the future with the help of the British, I’m afraid I will lose the whole family.”
Princess Ashraf felt a chill in her heart.
She knew that the British Embassy in Tehran had a close relationship with her husband's family, and that there were vague shadows of the British behind several demonstrations against the royal family. Recently, the Soviets had joined in, and their targets were all those currently in Persia.
Real interests of China.
An Yi's words may be a serious warning. If the Gawam family does not know how to restrain themselves and continues to engage in small tricks secretly, the whole family will be destroyed.
Thinking of this, Princess Ashraf decided to find her father who spent his old age peacefully in the Shiraz Manor after returning, and break away from the Gawam family as soon as possible. Otherwise, it may not affect the throne of her younger brother Pahlavi. This world has never
There is no shortage of careerists and politicians. Now that the Chinese actually control the Persian government and army, they really want to change Persia's masters. That's all An Yi said. This is the tragedy of a small country.
Princess Ashraf deliberately changed the subject: "Your Excellency, Chairman, I wonder what you think of the Yemen and Hijaz wars in the Arabian Peninsula?"
An Yi smiled half-heartedly: "Why, someone asked for the princess's name?"
Princess Ashraf blushed: "Anyway, we in Persia are also a member of the Arab League under the leadership of China, so naturally we pay more attention to news related to our vital interests."
An Yi said with regret:
"Yesterday at noon, I stated my position in front of the three kings Yusuf, Hamad and Bashir, supporting the independent establishment of Yemen and Hijaz. Yesterday afternoon, I met with representatives of Yemen in the small conference room of this palace.
Abdulwa and Hijaz representatives met with the two chiefs of Sani. Originally, I had great expectations for cooperation. Unfortunately, they asked too much and I didn’t want to pay anything, especially when we rented Aden and Jeddah.
There are huge differences on the Hong Kong issue. Under this circumstance, I have to interrupt the negotiations."
Princess Ashraf said:
"Early this morning, the two chiefs Abdulwa and Sani visited the palace where I was staying, hoping that we in Persia can promote cooperation. After the two chiefs returned yesterday, they repeatedly discussed with the elders and political leaders of the tribe and realized their mistakes.
, decided to fully accept the conditions of His Excellency the Chairman and hope to reopen negotiations."
An Yi pondered for a moment: "It is okay to resume negotiations, but I will not intervene in specific matters anymore. All matters will be left to the diplomatic department. I hope that a result can be produced as soon as possible so that I can negotiate with the British."
Princess Ashraf smiled and said: "That's good. I believe the two chiefs will make rational choices. After all, in this world, only China has the strength to fight against a behemoth like Britain. Without your support, the two countries'
**The great cause is far away.”
An Yi did not answer. He took a sip of coffee and slowly tasted the bitter taste. Nowadays, there are a large number of coffee plantations in Central and South China, the Malay Peninsula, the subcontinent and Ceylon Island, which can fully meet the needs of the army and ordinary citizens. An Yi
Although I'm not a big fan of this kind of drink, it's okay to try it occasionally.
At this time, Shen Fengdao walked into the coffee shop, came to the two of them, smiled apologetically at Princess Ashraf, and then whispered in An Yi's ear.
An Yi stood up calmly and said to Princess Ashraf: "Dear Princess Ashraf, I have to leave. I have urgent business waiting for me to handle."
Ashraf stood up quickly: "Your Excellency, you may go and be busy, I will sit here to escape the summer heat and enjoy the beautiful scenery."
An Yi and Shen Fengdao came to the corridor outside.
Leaving the protection of the air conditioner, a scorching heat wave suddenly hit. An Yi complained about "this damn weather" and asked as he walked: "When did you find out that the Japanese combined fleet disappeared?"
Shen Fengdao replied: "During the satellite scan yesterday afternoon, the main ships of the Japanese combined fleet were still in Darwin Port and Port Moresby. But in the satellite pictures taken this morning, the ports there were empty. The intelligence agency has mobilized other satellites in the hope of discovering the movements of the Japanese fleet."
An Yi frowned slightly: "How could the Japanese fleet think of doing it at night? Are they aware of our high-altitude monitoring?"
"not necessarily!"
Shen Fengdao analyzed: "I guess it's for the sake of confidentiality. After all, there are so many people at the port. No one can guarantee whether there are spies from various countries among them. It is completely understandable that the Japanese army is more cautious and takes operations in the middle of the night."
The two came to the temporary war room. The staff members were busy, and the sound of "tick-tick" of the radio station and the conversation of the operators could be heard in the room.
"Any latest telegram?"
The communications staff officer on duty, Captain Feng Yuanqing, who graduated from the Communications Corps Command Academy in 1939, stood at attention and saluted and replied: "The General Staff called, and the satellite is currently searching for the movement of the Japanese combined fleet, and the scope has been expanded to the entire Arafura Sea area. If nothing is found again, It will extend to the Timor Sea, Banda Sea and Coral Sea. Deputy Chief of Staff Yang said that due to the huge amount of information that needs to be processed, it is estimated that it will take some time to discover the movements of the Japanese combined fleet."
An Yi walked over and took a thick stack of messages from Captain Feng Yuanqing. After reading it, he went to the large world map hanging on the wall on the other side and murmured to himself:
"What do the Japanese want to do? Go west to reinforce their squadron in the West Indian Ocean, or go north to attack our South China Sea and Indian Ocean coastal areas? Or go southeast to clear out the US military's strongholds in the Southwest Pacific?"
...
In the Seychelles, the fighting continues.
As the fourth wave of troops landed, the Japanese counterattack at the landing point was completely repelled. The Marine Corps officers and soldiers launched a pursuit in the direction in which the Japanese troops fled.
At this time, carrier-based aircraft taking off from the aircraft carrier once again bombed the reinforced Central Port District Military Airport and Bell Ombre Military Airport in an attempt to make these two airports lose their combat effectiveness again.
After capturing the Southeast Airport, the Anjia Army Marine Corps officers and soldiers who continued to attack northward increasingly felt that the resistance of the Japanese army was increasing. There were even traces of fighter jets and bombers in the enemy's attack methods. During the reconnaissance in the morning Planes have repeatedly confirmed that the Japanese air power has been completely destroyed.
According to the feedback from high-altitude radar, the Japanese reinforcements flew from the southwest and southeast, and were judged to have come from the nearby Amirante Islands and Quitiwi Island. In previous reconnaissance, these two aircraft have not been found. There are traces of the existence of airports everywhere, and it seems that the Japanese army is deeply hidden.
Reinforcement aircraft landed at two military airports that had not yet been occupied by the Anjia Army. Mechanics and ground crews waited for the fighter jets and bombers to land and immediately refueled and loaded ammunition. Then the Japanese fighter jets took off in rapid formation to meet the Anjia Army navy. The Marine offensive force launched an indiscriminate bombardment.
The Japanese army was so arrogant that they once attacked the Anjiajun aircraft carrier task force at sea, but they were completely wiped out by the fighter jets taking off from the eight aircraft carriers and the anti-aircraft guns equipped by the fleet.
One and a half kilometers northwest of the Southeast Airport, Colonel Zhao Xing, commander of the 1st Marine Division, looked at the Japanese defensive positions on the hills beside the road ahead and shook his head repeatedly.
Mahe Island is full of mountains, and the central area is almost full of cliffs, covered by dense tropical rain forests. Although roads have been built in the coastal areas, the terrain is still not conducive to attack, and there are hills with a drop of nearly 100 meters everywhere.
After every artillery bombardment and aviation firepower preparation, when the infantry launched an attack, Japanese soldiers wearing steel helmets and holding Type 38 rifles, Type 97 sniper rifles, various light and heavy machine guns, and grenades would always appear on the Japanese positions.
, repelling three attacks by the Marines in succession.
The twenty-four 105mm howitzers that had been sent up through the second landing point were too close to the Japanese soldiers and the shells fell in an indiscriminate attack. They did not dare to accompany the infantry attack. Moreover,
Because the terrain is relatively steep, tanks cannot accompany the infantry.
The Japanese army was very cunning. Once they repelled the attack of the Anjia Army, they immediately disappeared from the trenches and waited for the next round of heavy artillery fire from the Anjia Army.
After discussing with the chief of staff, Lieutenant Colonel Chen Ziyu, Colonel Zhao Xing felt that it would not make much sense to continue fighting like this. In this narrow terrain, although the Anjiajun Marine Corps was equipped with tanks and heavy weapons, they were greatly affected in the mountainous terrain.
Due to the restrictions, and the roads being narrow and rugged, it was difficult for the Anjia Army's superior strength to deploy.
On the contrary, the Japanese army occupied a favorable terrain and could clearly see every move of the Anjia army. Therefore, when the Anjia army mobilized its troops to prepare for the attack, the Japanese army could pull the defensive troops out of the anti-artillery fortifications in time and attack the Anjia army.
Infantry attack.
As for the armed helicopters that the Marine Corps had high hopes for, they did not dare to get close to conduct hover attacks due to the threat of Japanese anti-aircraft guns, and the accuracy of the rockets fired was extremely limited.
In this case, the best way is actually to cross these obstacles, carry out vertical attacks on the rear of the Japanese army, and then attack from the north and south to capture the Japanese defensive positions.
After discussing with Lieutenant Colonel Chen Ziyu, Colonel Zhao Xing reported this idea to the enemy headquarters in front of the Seychelles Islands Battle on the "Huashan" aircraft carrier.
At this time, Xia Jian was having a headache. He did not expect that the battle that was almost certain would turn out like this. The reason why the fleet did not choose to attack Victoria Harbor head-on was because the Japanese army had built many forts on the surrounding islands. If the fleet rushed in rashly, it would be attacked.
Attacked by artillery fire from all directions.
The original plan was to land in the southeast of Mahe Island. Then follow the road to capture two airports and port areas, and finally capture the Bel Ombre area in the northwest of Mahe Island, completing the attack on Mahe Island within one day.
of occupation.
As long as Mahe Island is taken, there will be nothing to worry about other Japanese troops on the surrounding islands. With the coordination of the army, navy and air force, there will be no problem in completely controlling the Seychelles Islands.
But no one expected that the road on the map, which was made from photos taken by satellites and high-altitude airships, would be so difficult to walk. Now the attacking troops are blocked in front of the Victoria Harbor area. If they don't find a way, they will have to wait until today.
I'm afraid there isn't much hope of taking Mahe Island.
What's especially critical is that the Japanese army and navy aviation forces that were originally destroyed actually resurrected. Judging from the fighter planes dispatched to fight, it was clear that there was an undiscovered field military airport nearby, and that the other parties had a relatively secret way of contacting each other.
Fighter reinforcements can be dispatched when communications fail.
The longer this battle lasts, the more detrimental it will be to the entire plan to conquer the central and southern Indian Ocean. After all, follow-up troops are continuously moving towards the Seychelles Islands. If Mahe Island is not captured before tonight and the army is allowed to go ashore to rest, the fleet will encounter Japanese submarines or
A sneak attack by a torpedo boat would be troublesome. The armor of those transport ships and landing ships is weak. The sinking of one ship may cause thousands of casualties. No one can bear such heavy losses.
After receiving the telegram from Zhao Xing and Chen Ziyu, Colonel Guan Zhonghao, the director of the operations department, thought for a moment and suggested: "I think we should just dispatch the transport helicopters carried in the hangar of the amphibious landing ship. They will carry our troops and land directly from
Point flew north, passed the top of the Seychelles Mountains, and landed on the edge of the port area.
"The Japanese military radar has been completely paralyzed by our jamming signal. We will transport it a few more times, then come to a center to bloom, take down the two airports in one fell swoop, and then launch a north-south pincer attack. The enemy's resistance will be eliminated quickly, and then everything will be over.
Everyone is alive!"
Xia Jian's eyes lit up: "This is a good idea... Zhao Lei, what's your opinion?"
Lieutenant General Zhao Lei, commander of the Anjiajun Indian Ocean Fleet's aircraft carrier task force, nodded heavily: "We can give it a try! But before that, we must completely disintegrate the Japanese air power, otherwise it will be troublesome if the other side's fighter jets discover and intercept our transport helicopters.
Big.
"In addition, I suggest opening a new landing site in the Bell Ombre area in the northwest. This can confuse the opponent, attract the Japanese army to draw troops from other places for support, and echo the other battlefields. Moreover, once we successfully land, we will
There’s an extra group of surprise soldiers!”
Xia Jian nodded repeatedly and said to Guan Zhonghao: "Immediately implement this idea. Tell the troops that I don't want their difficulties, I only want results!"
"yes!"
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ps: It’s time to select works of the year and authors of the year again at the end of the year!
I remember that in the first session, "Iron Bone" ranked among the top ten in both annual works and annual authors. Unfortunately, it lost its glory in the second session. Of course, it is not good if the data is too ugly. This time we focus on annual works.
Well, it seems that as long as you subscribe, brothers will have a lot of free votes to vote for. You might as well give it a try by voting for the annual works!
Thank you everyone! (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to (.) to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my biggest motivation.)
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