The development of the war situation was worse than An Yi could have expected. When he was urgently recalled to the hall by Chiang Kai-shek, the two brigades of Lu Yixuan's 17th Division had been heavily surrounded by Lin Biao and Peng Dehuai. Nearly half of them had been lost in the battle.
, although the urgent telegram sent back by Chen Cheng clearly reported that three divisions were rushing to the east and north for reinforcements, it did not mention when they would arrive on the battlefield.
Some of the dozens of generals were sitting around the long table, discussing intensely, and some were following Chiang Kai-shek, staring at the large map. The staff of the first hall of the General Suppression and Staff Headquarters placed small triangular flags on the map based on the battle reports that were constantly sent back.
.
Chiang Kai-shek saw An Yi arriving quietly. He stood behind the generals and stared at the map with bright eyes. He shook his head slightly and whispered a few words to He Yingqin beside him. He Yingqin quickly walked to the confidential room at the back of the hall for Chen Cheng.
electricity.
When Wei Caier noticed An Yi's arrival, a hint of joy flashed across her face. She walked quickly to An Yi and asked in a low voice: "What problem did the general see?"
An Yi shook his head: "It's not sure yet... What happened to Lu Yixuan? Why did he command the two brigades in the encirclement to move eastward? The distance between the 52nd Division and them is at least eight kilometers, with the middle distance
With several small rivers and two canyons, even if we can rush out to join the 52nd Division, I am afraid that less than 30% of the officers and soldiers will be alive...Brother Kanhou, please lend me the battle report of the 17th Division."
Ge Jingen asked his assistant to send the battle report of the 17th Division to An Yi. An Yi walked to an empty place next to the pillar and read it quickly with the help of the light of the wall lamp. After finishing, he strode to the map and anxiously posted it and stretched out his hand.
His fingers moved back and forth on the two mountain paths west of Datong'an, and he suddenly shouted excitedly:
"Lu Yixuan is so blind, why didn't he pay attention to these two passages to the west? It seems that the territory is airtight with heavy troops, but the opportunity is here. Not long after Peng Dehuai's army arrived at the battlefield, they marched down in a hurry for dozens of miles.
They must be exhausted. Lin Biao's army will most likely move to both sides to make room for Peng Dehuai's troops. This is the time when the handover between the two armies will cause brief chaos. If they feign an attack all the way and then quickly gather their forces to suddenly attack all the way, at least they can
Escape half the troops! This idiot..."
Everyone looked at the excited An Yi in surprise. Cao Haosen asked kindly: "General An, if the two brigades of the 17th Division break out to the west with all their strength, the red bandits occupying the Datong'an position to the north of them will quickly attack and fight with the brigades to the west.
Peng Dehuai's troops and Lin Biao's troops from the south are attacking from three sides, what should we do?"
"Lin Biao's regiment in the south is separated by a small river. Even if he finds out that the 17th Division is trying to break through and press forward quickly, it will take at least ten minutes to complete the crossing. The 50th Brigade cannot abandon two battalions to desperately block it and gain half an hour for the main force.
Precious time? Also, more than 3,000 people from the 51st Brigade have fled back to Dayu County in the evening. Why don't they organize themselves again and continue to fight, storming the three regiments of red bandits at Datong'an pass from north to south? As long as Lu Yi
Xuan used all his strength, his attention had been attracted by the 52nd Division and he focused on guarding against the enemy in the east. He never imagined that the 51st Brigade, which had suffered heavy losses, was still capable of launching an attack. Even if it could not defeat Datong'an, it could still defeat this enemy.
With the three regiments of the enemy's main force tightly contained, wouldn't the 49 and 50 brigades in the encirclement be able to reduce a lot of pressure?" An Yi explained his idea in detail.
None of the generals believed that the 51st Brigade, which had finally escaped with all its light and heavy weapons, was still capable of fighting again. Chiang Kai-shek looked at An Yi thoughtfully, hesitated, and asked with concern: "Fifty-one Brigade"
Does the First Brigade really have such a strong spirit?"
An Yi sighed softly: "Principal, the 51st Brigade was originally an elite brigade in the Nanchang garrison. The officers and soldiers were basically veterans who had participated in many wars. The brigade commander Zhang Zuying was originally a tough general who was rare in the Zhejiang Army.
, when they were stationed in Fengxin City, Zhang Zuying was just a small deputy company commander, but a company under his command blocked the six-hour attack of General Chen Chengyi's two battalions, causing the attacking troops to suffer heavy losses in the south of the city.
Returning with success, Zhang Zuying's perseverance and calm character can be seen. After the reorganization of the 51st Brigade, they have made great progress under the leadership of Zhang Zuying. Their training and the battles they have experienced are enough for them to have this spirit, and they should have this spirit.
Ability, what the students are worried about is that Senior Brother Lu Yixuan cannot see the potential strength of this at this time."
Chiang Kai-shek nodded regretfully: "I'm afraid it's too late. Half an hour ago, the resignation telegram said that Lu Yixuan had ordered two brigades to resist moving eastward and strive to join the 52nd Division rushing to the rescue. At this time, I'm afraid it's about 30 kilometers away from the west.
Peng Dehuai's troops are getting further and further away, and the fighter plane is fleeting. It will be even worse if it turns west again, alas..."
"Appointment, appointment, good news!"
He Yingqin came over excitedly with a copy of the long telegram, his fair and tender face flushed with excitement: "Lu Yixuan is amazing! He ordered the two brigades in the encirclement to feint to the east, giving the enemy the illusion of breaking through with all their strength.
The two brigades suddenly turned around and launched a fierce attack to the west. The 50th Brigade, led by Guo Peirong, took advantage of the enemy's movement and made an all-out effort. It was the first to break through the blockade line on the north side of the west crossing. Then it detached a regiment and went south to attack and encircle the 40th Brigade.
A division of Lin Biao's regiment from the Ninth Brigade assisted most of the Forty-ninth Brigade in breaking out of the encirclement and successfully escaping into the mountain roads and into the deep mountains and dense forests with complex terrain. The three thousand soldiers of the 51st Brigade, who had not yet recovered their breath, headed south at high speed with incomparable perseverance.
, launched a fierce attack on the enemy's position in Datong'an, forcing this powerful enemy closest to our army in the encirclement circle to be unable to help the enemy stop the two brigade soldiers who broke through. This battle was fought tenaciously and smartly!"
Everyone exclaimed, isn't this exactly the same strategy as An Yi had in mind? Chiang Kai-shek rubbed his hands together excitedly and praised repeatedly: "Well done by Lu Yixuan! Well done... and the 51st Brigade, so energetic.
Jia, your spirit is commendable!”
"Yes, Commissioner, the telegram said that Zhang Zuying, commander of the 51st Brigade, was injured in the head during the afternoon battle. His left arm was broken by an enemy machine gun when he was commanding the breakout. However, he still insisted on commanding the three thousand tired division.
Running at high speed and fighting continuously with superhuman courage and perseverance, such a spirit of steel is amazing!"
He Yingqin sincerely admired him. One of the important reasons was that the Seventeenth Division was the main division that He Yingqin was responsible for reorganizing. Lu Yixuan was also the division commander nominated by He Yingqin and Yang Yongtai. Lu Yixuan's unexpected resurrection made him feel proud.
Even more glorious.
The originally depressing atmosphere immediately became relaxed. Several foreign advisers frequently congratulated Chiang Kai-shek and praised his army's amazing combat effectiveness and fighting spirit. A smile appeared on Chiang Kai-shek's face and he politely said that even though he could break through the encirclement, he would probably suffer huge losses.
, from an overall perspective, this battle is still lost, but spiritually it deserves recognition.
Ge Jing'en saw An Yi's serious expression and whispered in his ear: "What? Are you unhappy?"
"No, I am definitely happy that the 17th Division can escape from the siege, but I suddenly feel that it is too smooth. Think about it, with Lin Biao's military habits over the past few years, people can't help but develop a flexible and elegant but very stable attitude.
In his opinion, the troops usually looking for him cannot be found, but as soon as his troops appear, they can achieve greater results. They have set up large-scale ambushes several times and have never failed. This time, two brigades of the 17th Division were so easily defeated.
I was a little surprised to escape, so I thought, what was the reason that prevented him from mobilizing troops in time to surround the two brigades of the 17th Division? Is there some reason why we can't see it?" An Yi
Whisper your concerns.
Ge Jingen smiled slightly: "As the saying goes, a wise man will always make a mistake. No matter how smart and steady Lin Biao is, he can't win every battle without any flaws. Secondly, the equipment and training of the Seventeenth Division are replicas of the independent divisions, and the weapon configuration is in
Our Central Army ranks at the forefront, second only to the Independent Division and the First and Second Divisions. Compared with Yin Jinan's 16th Division, they are equally matched. Faced with their superior strike capabilities, the Red Bandits who are moving to take over the position are likely to lose their positions.
It is not that easy to rebuild the blocking line if it is suddenly defeated before it is determined. Again, the principle of burning down the boat and losing the army will win is very appropriate when applied to the 17th Division. When escaping, it can often burst out amazing potential, not to mention the training of the 17th Division
It is not too surprising that you have experienced soldiers and brave generals, excellent tactical qualities and a rare independent division style, and you can survive a desperate situation. I wonder if you are worrying too much?"
An Yi nodded calmly: "Maybe I really worry too much..."
"No! Don't smoke here, commissioner. If he sees it, he will frown again." Ge Jing'en pointed to the cigarette that An Yi took out.
"I'll go out and smoke a cigarette. I really can't hold it in anymore." An Yi glanced at Chiang Kai-shek, smiled bitterly, and stuffed the cigarette back into his jacket pocket.
"I think you are still thinking about the possible conspiracy, right?" Ge Jingen asked with a smile.
An Yi shook his head slightly and walked out of the hall. Ge Jing'en glanced around and returned to the long table, picked up the tea cup and drank silently.
The generals who were having a heated discussion before Chiang Kai-shek left the map went to the bathroom and sat down next to Ge Jing'en: "Marquis Kan, I just saw you and An Yi whispering. They seemed to have different opinions. What were they talking about?"
Ge Jingen answered truthfully: "That's right. General An felt that the two brigades of the 17th Division broke through the encirclement too smoothly. He suspected that Lin Biao was wrong for not being able to stop the attack in time at this time. The subordinates heard the other meaning in General An's words.
He was worried that Lin Biao was mobilizing the army for other purposes, which made the encirclement in the west weak, allowing the 17th Division to escape so smoothly. However, General An did not clearly point out Lin Biao's possible conspiracy. It is estimated that he was carefully outside at the moment.
Think about this."
Chiang Kai-shek hummed: "I'm afraid you're worried that I might have objections to An Yi's opposition, so you put An Yi's thoughts in such a tactful way, right?"
"Returning to the committee, General An is indeed a rare military genius with keen insight and foresight. However, he seems to be a bit younger and has not been able to express his unique ideas in a more appropriate method and tone.
But General An's loyalty and sense of responsibility cannot be doubted. Please forgive him for his abruptness." Ge Jing'en once again put in good words for An Yi.
Chiang Kai-shek laughed: "I know that you and An Yi have a close personal relationship. The two of you have cooperated closely and happily since working together. You have made up for his character deficiencies in many aspects. This is obvious to all the people in the Military Commission. As for me, I also understand that An Yi
Yi's loyalty, I understand his bad temper, but I'm just a little dissatisfied with his willfulness in the overall situation. I hope you can remind him of this more so that he can change his shortcomings and become more humble and gentle.
It's good for him growing up."
"I obey my orders!" Ge Jing'en replied in a low voice.
Chiang Kai-shek nodded with satisfaction. When he saw He Yingqin hurriedly approaching again, he stood up and returned to his seat. He took the urgent telegram from He Yingqin and looked down. He quickly raised his head and asked sternly: "Make the same mistake again and again, Chen Cixiu."
How are you prepared to respond?”
He Yingqin's face was extremely ugly: "Zhou Zhirou's 14th Division is currently in the southeast separated by a mountain. Even though he knew that Li Ming's 52nd Division was surrounded, there was nothing he could do. It's dark now and it's raining lightly. The mountain road is narrow and wet.
They couldn't find any of them, and it was difficult to cross the mountain shortcut to support the 52nd Division. However, Chen Shiji's 59th Division, which was ten kilometers behind the 52nd Division, has accelerated southward to relieve the siege. The 43rd Division led by Liu Shaoxian also rushed southward, striving to
If Lin Biao and Zhu De break through the blocking line before launching a general offensive, as long as they enter one more division, it will be difficult for the Red Bandits to have such a big appetite to eat two divisions."
Chiang Kai-shek shook his head sadly: "This Lin Biao has one plan after another. The conspiracies are endless and interlocking. It is impossible to figure out. This guy has become a serious problem for us!"
"Commissioner, would you like to call everyone together to discuss and come up with countermeasures?" He Yingqin asked.
Chiang Kai-shek hesitated for a moment: "No, it's already late at night. Let's adjourn the meeting and let the chief officers of the General Suppressor and Kanhou of the General Staff stay."
He Yingqin nodded and went to inform several key people. Ge Jingen was shocked when he heard the news. After thinking for a while, he quickly walked to Chiang Kai-shek and suggested in a low voice: "Commissioner, let General An Yi stay with him. His eyes are on the current situation of our army."
There is no one like it.”
Chiang Kai-shek shook his head: "No, let him rush to Bengbu tomorrow. In the name of the Chief of General Staff of the General Headquarters for Suppressing the Former Enemy, he will temporarily act as the Commander-in-Chief and assist the armies of the Hubei and Henan battlefields in launching clearing operations against Xu Xiang's front. Here
As long as I respect you and take responsibility."
"But……"
"Kanhou, please prepare yourself. You have to think about the overall situation. If An Yi says a few more depressing words at this time, I'm afraid the remaining morale will be crushed by him. Although the current situation is not very optimistic, it will not have any impact.
The overall situation is irreversible. Even if Li Ming's 52nd Division suffered heavy losses, the main force of the Red Bandits is still surrounded by our army's heavy troops. The most important thing now is to order Yu Hanmou, Xiang Hanping, and Li Hanhun's divisions to quickly advance northward.
From the south of Yu to the line of Xinfeng, they blocked the Red Bandits' southward route. Zhu Shaoliang and Zhang Fakui's two armies would be able to converge in a few hours, and the force in the west would become thicker. The Red Bandits would not be able to escape westward if they wanted to.
It's so easy." Chiang Kai-shek was unwilling to let Ge Jing'en say good things for An Yi anymore.
Ge Jing'en was silent for a moment, but couldn't help but said: "Commissioner, I remember when we started the discussion, you asked General An what he thought. General An truthfully told him that he had doubts. After everyone asked, he bluntly said that the main force of the Red Bandits was in that area.
, and proposed to postpone the action and observe carefully. Now it seems that General An is right. If our army holds firm after the encirclement, and urgently orders all the armies to rush to the predetermined location to strengthen the encirclement force, how can the main force of the Red Bandits get through?
Where is the gap?"
Chiang Kai-shek stared into Ge Jingen's eyes and warned in a low voice: "Kanhou, military is a continuation of politics. Every battle is fought based on political needs. There is no need for me to remind you of the serious consequences of prolonged banditry.
All you need to remember is that time waits for no one!"
Ge Jingen was stunned for a moment, then lowered his head: "I will remember..."